Side Dish

Cauliflower, fried rice style

Some food bloggers call it cauliflower fried rice although there is no rice in this dish. Instead, chopped or grated cauliflower is substituted for rice for a low-carb side dish.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 4 people

I love macaroni salad especially when it has so much in it — celery, carrot, pickle relish, crushed pineapple, meat, cheese… I have to admit though that there are times when I want more — more color, more texture and more flavor. Bacon is the answer.

Cook time: 15

Servings: 4 people

Corn, avocado and bean salad

Creamy, crunchy, tangy, sweet, hot and herb-y, this corn and bean salad (it has avocado, pineapple and chili too!) has it all. The perfect side dish for meat, poultry or seafood.

Cook time: 0

Servings: 3 people

Pan-grilled eggplant with sweet chili sauce

Sweet, spicy and salty with the incomparable rich flavor of fermented fish sauce, this eggplant dish can be served as a side to meat, poultry or seafood, or as a main dish for non-meat eaters.

Cook time: 7

Servings: 1 person

Grilled skewered shiitake, bell pepper and tomato

Whole caps of shiitake, chunks of bell pepper and diced tomatoes are tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper (yes, essentially a salad dressing), skewered and grilled over charcoal.

Too plain? The smoky flavor and aroma will surprise you.

Cook time: 5

Servings: 3 people