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Home Trending MSN

Bright, Fresh, and Full of Flavor: 5 Must-Try Side Dishes

Polly Conner
By: Polly ConnerPosted: 6/12/25Updated: 6/7/25

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Fresh, crisp, and full of seasonal goodness—these sides are everything you want on your plate this time of year. Perfect with grilled meats or on their own, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Table of Contents
  • Classic Fruit Salad
  • How to Grill Asparagus
  • Italian House Chopped Salad
  • Lemon Feta Orzo
  • Mandarin Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

Classic Fruit Salad

this …
Image Credit: Thriving Home


 

We’re taking fruit salad to the next level with the perfect combination of fresh fruit and our simple fruit salad dressing. Make this classic side dish at your next gathering or simply munch on it throughout the week.

GET THE RECIPE➡ The ONLY Fruit Salad You’ll Ever Need!

How to Grill Asparagus

Image Credit: Thriving Home

Wondering how to grill asparagus? Use this simple, grilled asparagus recipe that yields crispy, slightly charred, and perfectly seasoned asparagus. In less than 10 minutes, you can serve up one of nature’s healthiest foods to your family all summer long.

GET THE RECIPE➡ The ONLY Grilled Asparagus You’ll Ever Need!

Italian House Chopped Salad

Image Credit: Thriving Home

Our Italian House Chopped Salad is a copycat version of the Midwest-famous Pasta House Co salad. This light, crowd-pleasing salad consists of Romaine and iceberg lettuce tossed with artichokes, sliced red onions, pimentos (in the dressing), croutons, and our amazing Italian Parmesan Dressing.

GET THE RECIPE➡ The ONLY Chopped Salad You’ll Ever Need!

Lemon Feta Orzo

Orzo pasta in a bowl with chopped herbs, feta, and some lemon slices with a small bowl of lemons nearby.
Image Credit: Thriving Home

This Lemon Feta Orzo is a fast, flavorful side dish made with tender orzo pasta, lemon, fresh herbs, and crumbled feta. It comes together in just 15 minutes and goes with all kinds of meals—from grilled chicken to meatballs. Serve it warm, at room temp, or even cold.

GET THE RECIPE➡ The ONLY Lemon Feta Orzo You’ll Ever Need!

Mandarin Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing

Mandarin orange salad served on a white platter sitting on top of a wooden cutting board with wooden salad tongs next to it.
Image Credit: Thriving Home

This light, flavorful Mandarin Orange Salad includes spinach, dried cranberries, almonds, feta or goat cheese, and mandarin oranges and pairs perfectly with our creamy Citrus Salad Dressing. Serve on special occasions or on any weeknight!

GET THE RECIPE➡ The ONLY Mandarin Orange Salad You’ll Ever Need!

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Polly Conner

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.

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