Side Dishes

Radicchio is a type of chicory with an alluring bittersweet flavor. The variety called Treviso, so named for its growing region in Italy, has tapering, wine-colored leaves. Its charm increases exponentially when it's cooked—in this case, broiled—and tossed with a sweet balsamic dressing. Fresh basil and a dollop of creamy ricotta round everything out.

The cabbage in this dish, which is flavored with ginger, should be sliced thinly into shreds, as for coleslaw. 

The weather is warm, but our own growing season has just begun. Many fruits and vegetables in our markets now were picked before they turned fully ripe (to make shipping easier), so they taste disappointing. One lackluster fruit is tomatoes. To intensify their flavor, roast them in a hot oven with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Toss the charred tomatoes with penne, serve them as a side dish with roast chicken or grilled salmon, or spoon them onto crusty bread.

Inspired by a Lebanese pasta dish, we toss steamed green beans with garlicky yogurt for an easy side dish. Try it with roast lamb. 

This tasty salsa is just right as an appetizer served with tortilla chips but you can also try it over grilled chicken or as a side dish. 

This healthy side dish will add a whole lot of flavor to your next meal. Try it tonight with grilled fish, chicken or steak. 

This is one of my most requested recipes. Using equal amounts of rice vinegar and sugar, you can make a simple, quick carrot, cucumber, or daikon radish pickle. Or try this same method with zucchini or summer squash. Make it spicy by adding 1 teaspoon of crushed, dried chili peppers. The cool, tart vegetables nicely complement hot or room temperature grilled foods. 

At Le Cordon Bleu’s teaching restaurant, Technique, these pancakes are served with grilled salmon. 

"Simple and quick to prepare. Sugar snap peas are quickly fried with green onion and garlic, and tossed with fresh mint leaves. Wonderful use for spring garden vegetables. Serve hot or at room temperature." 

"Our Test Kitchen staff created this mouth-watering side dish that comes together quickly in the microwave. A sweet and tangy glaze complements the crisp peas and onion in this made-in-moments recipe."