Whatever your family meal – you can’t go wrong with a lovely, light side salad or a side dish that’s packed full of flavour.

But your imagination can only stretch so far, especially when it comes to sides which most people leave as an afterthought. However, all is not lost – we’ve done the thinking so you don’t have to.

Here are 3 new, innovative ideas to bring to your family table:

1. Kale, chickpea and avocado salad

Source: https://www.pinterest.se/pin/200199145914331324/

Not only is this salad filled with superfoods that are incredibly healthy for the whole family – but the delicate flavourings mixed with smooth and crunchy textures is what gives this side salad that added appeal.

For this dish, all you need is:

• Lemon juice
• Garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Curly kale
• Chickpeas
• Ripe avocado

This recipe is also great because it is next to no fuss to make. Simply mince the garlic and mix everything else together. Why not serve this salad with a main course of salmon or chicken?

Top tip: if you have leftovers, for lunch the next day why not add a meaty twist by sprinkling some salmon flakes so that you and your kids are getting the best nutrients from this light dish.

 

2. Black bean quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes

Source: http://appetiteforchina.com/recipes/black-bean-quinoa-salad-cherry-tomatoes

The interesting thing about this nutritious dish is its countless contradicting textures and flavours – yet when combined, they make for a truly unique salad experience.

Here’s what you need:

• Quinoa
• Olive oil
• Sliced shallots
• Ground cumin
• Black beans
• Cherry tomatoes
• Black pepper

From the slightly crunchy quinoa to the soft black beans; from the juicy cherry tomatoes to the earthy cumin spice – this is surely a dish to tick everyone’s preferences.

Top tip: why not try adding some fresh mint to add further contradiction whilst still complimenting the sweeter flavours? Trust me, it’s definitely worth a try!

 

3. Sesame noodles with chopped peanuts and Thai basil

Source: https://www.edamam.com/recipe/spicy-sesame-noodles-with-chopped-peanuts-and-thai-basil-5ec02c111ad7b613621412371cd7510e/rigatoni+isabella

This may not be your average salad, but choose this interesting side when you’re in the mood for something exotic but refuse to buy a takeaway. Especially if your kids pester for that Chinese – give them something like this and they’ll not even notice the difference.

Much like the two previous recipes, you don’t need very much to make these super tasty sides.

For this one, all you need is:

• Chinese egg noodles
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh ginger
• Roasted peanuts
• Thai basil leaves
• And simply mix with a couple of tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil

For ideas on what to serve with as your main, why not try some Asian-infused chicken, duck or prawns?

Top tip: if you’re a family who love a bit of spice, add a dash of chili oil to give this dish a kick.

Whatever you choose for your next family meal, hopefully these suggestions have given you some inspiration to impress.

Remember, you can always cater these specifically to your family by dropping or even adding some extra ingredients. Good luck!