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Healthy Eats: Sides for Grilling Season

By Trish Coffman

Springtime hails the start of grilling time. While those chicken breasts or burger patties are doing their thing on the grill, you can be whipping up a few healthful dishes to serve alongside all that protein.

Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad

You will need:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, washed, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • ¼ C trimmed and chopped scallions (green onions), both white and green parts
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with the olive oil, cumin seeds, paprika, lemon zest, and a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, until fork-tender and golden, stirring partway through cooking.

While the sweet potatoes roast, put the scallions and basil in a serving bowl. When cooked, add the sweet potatoes to the bowl, and top with the avocado and lemon juice. Toss the mixture and add a little more salt and pepper as needed.

Edamame and Fresh Corn Salad

You will need:

  • 1 10- to 12-oz package frozen shelled edamame
  • 2 ears of corn on the cob, husked
  • ½ C diced red onion
  • 1 red bell pepper, washed and diced
  • 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ C fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook edamame according to package directions and place in a serving bowl. Use a knife to cut the fresh corn off the cob and add it to the bowl, along with the red onion and red bell pepper. Add the rice vinegar, lime juice, canola oil, soy sauce and cilantro, and toss until all ingredients are combined. Season with salt (because the soy sauce is salty, you may not need any salt) and pepper to taste.

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