16 Easy Diabetes-Friendly Veggie Sides You'll Want to Make Forever

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Published on November 1, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia

roasted garlic parmesan cabbage — Photo: Ali Redmond

If you have diabetes, it’s only natural to wonder what foods are the best fit for you, even when it comes to vegetables. All veggies—from cabbage, carrots and mushrooms to higher-carb options like sweet potatoes and potatoes—are healthy, fiber-rich choices that are great picks for folks living with diabetes. The fiber in vegetables helps slow down digestion, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer after a meal and to keep your blood sugar levels stable. These veggie side recipes feature not only fiber-rich veggies but also heart-healthy fats and protein for well-rounded, diabetes-friendly dishes. Easy, highly rated recipes like our Quick & Easy Sautéed Broccolini or our Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cabbage are delicious sides you can make in under 30 minutes.

Related: Can People With Diabetes Eat Potatoes?

01 of 16

Quick & Easy Sautéed Broccolini Recipe

a recipe photo of the Sauteed Broccolini — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

You can have this veggie side on the table in just 15 minutes. Cooked in heart-healthy olive oil and seasoned with lemon, garlic and a touch of crushed pepper, it goes with everything from roast turkey to steak. Not to mention, you can apply this cooking technique to almost any vegetable—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

02 of 16

Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cabbage

roasted garlic parmesan cabbage — Ali Redmond

Roasting cabbage brings out its natural sweetness, and a sprinkle of garlic and Parmesan adds a savory element without being overly salty. Plus, this cruciferous vegetable offers anti-inflammatory benefits and gut-healthy fiber.

03 of 16

Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Balsamic & Parmesan

Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Balsamic and Parmesan — Brie Passano

Before roasting these broccoli florets, they’re flattened to increase their surface area which helps get them nice and crispy. A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving adds tangy sweetness without added sugar.

04 of 16

Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes Recipe

a recipe photo of the Oven Roasted Potatoes — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

These oven-roasted potatoes are roasted, then broiled for quick, evenly browned potatoes that remain tender and fluffy on the inside. Since they’re flavored with whole-grain mustard, onion powder, garlic powder and fresh dill, you only need to use a little salt to finish off this simple side. Potatoes deliver fiber, vitamin C and potassium—potent nutrients that can help decrease inflammation in the body.

05 of 16

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

This is the classic casserole you know and love, updated with a healthy twist. We reduced the saturated fat by creating a mushroom-packed “cream” sauce made with broth and almond milk. The result is a green bean casserole that’s rich and delicious. And, don’t worry, we didn’t forget the crispy onions to seal the deal.

06 of 16

Sautéed Mushrooms with Balsamic & Parmesan

SautÃ©ed Mushrooms with Balsamic & Parmesan

Tender cremini mushrooms soak up the tart-sweet flavor of balsamic vinegar, while nutty Parmesan cheese adds a savory note. This easy technique works well with other mushrooms too, like oyster mushrooms or shiitakes, so feel free to mix it up. Ready in just 15 minutes, it doesn't get easier than this simple sautéed mushroom side.

07 of 16

Balsamic Oven-Roasted Carrots

Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Grab a rainbow of carrots and roast them with a tangy balsamic and maple glaze to enhance their natural sweetness. Not only do these carrots make a mouthwatering side to pair with any protein, but they’re also rich in carotenoids, a type of vitamin A that can help the body fight inflammation and improve heart health.

08 of 16

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, Red Onion & Avocado

wilted spinach salad with hot vinaigrette — Jillian Atkinson

Here we pair fiber-rich spinach with antioxidant-rich avocado and onion for a crowd-pleasing salad everyone will ask for more of. A judicious amount of bacon in the warm vinaigrette adds a savory note, without the need for added salt.

09 of 16

Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

a recipe photo of the Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole — Diana Chistruga

If you’re trying to reduce your added sugar intake but think Thanksgiving isn’t complete without sweet potato casserole, this recipe is for you. Here we’ve leaned into the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes (and added just a touch of sugar to the mash), then topped the casserole with a modest amount of mini marshmallows. A sprinkle of pecans adds crunch.

10 of 16

Quick & Easy Green Beans Recipe

Quick and Easy Green Beans — Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Preparing green beans doesn’t get any easier than this. Just one pan and some salt, pepper and oil help you get this simple side on the table in minutes. Plus, green beans are rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, like vitamin C and beta carotene.

11 of 16

Spicy Black-Eyed Pea & Collard Green Salad

a recipe photo of the Peri Peri Black Eyed Pea Salad — Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman

Harissa, peri-peri sauce and preserved lemon combine in a super-flavorful and tangy dressing for this fiber-packed salad. Though you can enjoy this mix as a vegetarian main, you can also serve it as a showstopping side dish that pairs deliciously with ham or roast chicken.

12 of 16

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic & Shallots

mr-Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots Image — Jen Causey; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Sautéed with bacon, shallots and garlic, these Brussels sprouts are simply delicious. Brussels sprouts are not only rich in fiber but also are packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Not to mention, this dish is on the table in just 15 minutes.

13 of 16

Cranberry-Almond Broccoli Salad Recipe

Cranberry Almond Broccoli Salad — Iain Bagwell Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Typical broccoli salads can seem more about the creamy dressing and bacon than the broccoli itself. Mixing Greek yogurt with mayonnaise to make the dressing and using a reasonable amount of bacon all help to keep the saturated fat in check while letting the broccoli shine. The best part of this salad? It tastes even better if you make it ahead and allow the flavors some time to meld together.

14 of 16

Air-Fryer Beets with Feta

air fryer beets with feta — Jacob Fox

Naturally sweet and with a slightly earthy flavor, beets pair perfectly with tangy feta in this high-fiber side. The antioxidant properties that give beets their vibrant color may also help reduce your LDL cholesterol—an important consideration when you’re managing diabetes.

15 of 16

Arugula & Fennel Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Arugula & Fennel Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette — Victor Protasio

This simple salad features peppery arugula, crunchy fennel and just enough shaved Parmesan to be flavorful. A generous drizzle of olive oil helps you absorb arugula’s vitamin K—a fat-soluble nutrient that can protect your heart. This quick-to-prepare dish is sure to become a staple.

16 of 16

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Some might view this creamy cauliflower mash as a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, but we just think it’s a delicious way to eat one of our favorite veggies. Made with a touch of butter and a good splash of buttermilk, it’s a welcome addition to any meal. Added bonus: It has twice the fiber per serving of mashed potatoes.

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