food

27 Sides That Make Mac and Cheese a Meal

By Heath Goldman

| Sep. 11, 2018

Whether you’ve DIYed mac and cheese or simply popped some in the microwave (hey, no judgment), you’ve committed to something gloriously cheesy for dinner. Here, 27 sides that will transform it into a full meal.

Coconuts and Kettlebells

Strawberry Cobb Salad with Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

We heart toppings.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Korean-Style Popcorn Cauliflower

These sweet and tangy flavors pair miraculously with gooey cheese.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Keto Guacamole Burger Bites

Finger food is the best food.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak

Now this is what we call balanced.

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Helen Cathcart/Tuscany

Zucchini & Tomato Ragù

Saucy.

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Aubrie Pick/Great Tastes

Lemon-Tahini Salad with Lentils, Beets and Carrots

Like a breath of fresh air.

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The Minimalist Kitchen

Family Style Chicken Caesar Salad

A match made in heaven.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

We can’t get over these cuties.

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Power Plates

Quick Guacamole Quinoa Salad

Basically a giant bowl of guac masquerading as a salad.

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Yuki Sugiura/Lagom

Swedish ‘Pizzasallad’ Cabbage Slaw

This sharp, vinegary dressing was literally created to complement melty cheese.

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Weeknight Society

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quinoa

It’s ready in just 30 minutes.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Sheet-Pan Chicken and Rainbow Veggies

Not today, dishes.

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Cook Beautiful

Delicata Squash Agrodolce

We love a good high-low pairing.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

One-Pan Eggs with Asparagus and Tomatoes

So easy.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Easy Zucchini Chips

Move over, potato chips.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Avocado Rice

Instant upgrade.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Light and Tangy Coleslaw

We love pairing pasta with something crunchy.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Asparagus Caesar Salad

Plus, you can totally make it in advance.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

The Best Damn Tomato Soup

Naturally.

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Eggs Baked in Tomatoes

You probably have all of the ingredients already.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Chilled Cucumber Salad

We love no-cook recipes.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Crispy Mushrooms

Cremini + garlic + salt + vinegar = bliss.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Beef Empanadas

Bonus: They can be frozen for three months.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Coconut Creamed Spinach

Even the kids will want seconds.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

You can’t go wrong.

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Onion Rings and Things

Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

Simple, nourishing.

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Julia's Album

Creamy Pea, Bacon and Pecan Salad

All of our favorite foods, combined.

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27 Sides That Make Mac and Cheese a Meal

Strawberry Cobb Salad with Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

Korean-Style Popcorn Cauliflower

Keto Guacamole Burger Bites

15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak

Zucchini & Tomato Ragù

Lemon-Tahini Salad with Lentils, Beets and Carrots

Family Style Chicken Caesar Salad

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

Quick Guacamole Quinoa Salad

Swedish ‘Pizzasallad’ Cabbage Slaw

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quinoa

Sheet-Pan Chicken and Rainbow Veggies

Delicata Squash Agrodolce

One-Pan Eggs with Asparagus and Tomatoes

Easy Zucchini Chips

Avocado Rice

Light and Tangy Coleslaw

Asparagus Caesar Salad

The Best Damn Tomato Soup

Eggs Baked in Tomatoes

Chilled Cucumber Salad

Crispy Mushrooms

Beef Empanadas

Coconut Creamed Spinach

Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

Creamy Pea, Bacon and Pecan Salad

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27 Sides That Make Mac and Cheese a Meal

Strawberry Cobb Salad with Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

Korean-Style Popcorn Cauliflower

Keto Guacamole Burger Bites

15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak

Zucchini & Tomato Ragù

Lemon-Tahini Salad with Lentils, Beets and Carrots

Family Style Chicken Caesar Salad

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

Quick Guacamole Quinoa Salad

Swedish ‘Pizzasallad’ Cabbage Slaw

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quinoa

Sheet-Pan Chicken and Rainbow Veggies

Delicata Squash Agrodolce

One-Pan Eggs with Asparagus and Tomatoes

Easy Zucchini Chips

Avocado Rice

Light and Tangy Coleslaw

Asparagus Caesar Salad

The Best Damn Tomato Soup

Eggs Baked in Tomatoes

Chilled Cucumber Salad

Crispy Mushrooms

Beef Empanadas

Coconut Creamed Spinach

Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

Creamy Pea, Bacon and Pecan Salad

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