Side dish ideas

[Csara]

I need some ideas for side dishes. I am sick of mashed potatoes, rice, or just a plain green veggie.

Also, what would you suggest to serve with a piece of salmon??

[CC21]

Homemade mac-n-cheese (or even out of the box)
Stuffing (We eat stove top a lot - but more so in the cold months)
Red or black beans and rice
Coleslaw - I really like the Oriental coleslaw with uncooked ramen noodles and almonds
French fries or tater tots

For salmon - I saw this on Paula Deen's show. It's actually from when her Jamie and Bobby were having a family cook off. This was Bobby's recipe. He seasoned the salmon on both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder then squeezed the juice of a lemon over it, dotted it with butter and baked it. For the side, he cooked cous cous according to the package directions using chicken broth for the liquid. When the cous cous is still warm add feta cheese so it melts a little bit. Then add in chopped tomato and green onion. I fixed this and it is so good. And easy too. And pretty light, perfect for a summer meal.

[meliz]

Wild rice would be delish w/ salmon!

Ever do quinoa? It's a lovely (and very healthy) rice-replacement.

Baked sweet potato?

I do a similar couscous dish, Joni. I just grill some veggies, and add them and some feta and a shot of lemon juice and some spices to couscous. Also tastey!

[Deana]

I like wild rice w/salmon too. I have done an Asian flavored salmon and served potstickers with them.

Some other ideas for sides (I do 'boxed' sides usually b/c I just don't have a ton of time to cook these days):
couscous (sp)
stuffing
orzo (I saute w/some onion, then add chicken broth instead of water - 2 parts liquid to one part orzo and just let it absorb instead of boil and drain)
pasta salad
pierogies (frozen section)
roasted potatoes (again, I buy them frozen)
baked acorn squash (I know it is very 'autumn-ish' but it is great and SOOO healthy)
black bean and corn salad (I take can of rinsed black beans, a can of drained corn and pre-made pico from the produce section, mix it all together and voila)
grilled or toasted pita bread

[Csara]

great ideas, thank you!!!