Easy, Fast, Delicious: Simple Vegetable Sides with Just 3 Ingredients

Vegetables don’t need complicated recipes to shine. With just three ingredients, these sides prove that fresh produce can be quick, flavorful, and satisfying.

From buttery carrots to crispy Brussels sprouts, each dish highlights vegetables at their best; easy enough for weeknights, but delicious enough for any table.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Chicken,Shish,Kebab,And,Grilled,Corn — Shutterstock

Sweet corn gets smoky and tender on the grill with nothing more than butter and a pinch of salt. Wrap in foil for easy cleanup and enjoy as a classic side that never disappoints.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted,Brussels,Sprouts,,With,Bacon,,Vegetarian,Food,,Homemade,,No,People, — Shutterstock

A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt are all you need to transform sprouts into crispy, caramelized bites. The edges brown beautifully, while the centers stay tender.

3. Buttery Cooked Carrots

Buttery Dinner Carrots — Illustration/MGDK

Carrots simmer in butter and a touch of brown sugar until glossy, soft, and slightly sweet. A simple dish that converts even the carrot skeptics at the table.

4. Quick Garlic Green Beans

Green,Bean,-,Fried,Yard,Long,Bean — Shutterstock

Fresh green beans sautéed in olive oil with sliced garlic make a bright, flavorful side. Crisp-tender and fragrant, they pair with everything from chicken to fish.

5. Creamy Polenta

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Cornmeal, butter, and Parmesan cheese come together in a creamy, rich bowl of polenta. It’s comfort food that shines next to saucy mains like braised meats.

6. Roasted Red Potatoes

Roasted,Red,Potatoes,With,Herbs,And,Butter — Shutterstock

Halved red potatoes roast with butter until golden and tender inside. Add your favorite herb and enjoy the simple, earthy flavor that works with nearly any meal.

7. Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms

Mushrooms sautéed in balsamic vinegar and butter turn savory and slightly sweet. Their meaty flavor makes them a perfect match for steak or chicken.

8. Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Caprese,Salad:,A,Fresh,Italian,Salad,Of,Ripe,Tomatoes,,Creamy — Shutterstock

Juicy tomatoes layered with fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil make a refreshing, quick side. Add a sprinkle of salt and you’ve got summer on a plate.

9. Butter-Roasted Cauliflower

Roast,Turmeric,Cauliflower,,Bright,Vegetarian,Snack,,Delicious,Food — Shutterstock

Cauliflower florets roasted with butter come out golden and surprisingly rich. The simple preparation lets the vegetable’s nutty flavor shine.

10. Honey-Glazed Parsnips

Honey-glazed Turnips — Illustration/MGDK

Parsnips roasted with honey and a touch of butter caramelize into sweet, earthy bites. An underrated veggie that pairs well with roasted meats or hearty stews.