Planning a special dinner featuring a magnificent prime rib roast? The star of the show deserves equally delicious accompaniments! While the prime rib itself is a culinary masterpiece, perfectly chosen side dishes are what truly elevate the entire dining experience. This post offers several easy recipes, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs, to create a memorable holiday feast or a stunning Sunday supper. These healthy and delicious dishes will complement the richness of the prime rib beautifully.
Creamy Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
This simple yet elegant side dish is quick to prepare and adds a vibrant green pop of color to your plate. The Parmesan cheese provides a delightful salty and savory counterpoint to the rich prime rib.
Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve immediately.
Cooking Tip: For extra flavor, add a minced clove of garlic to the asparagus while tossing with olive oil.
Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that always pleases. The simple garlic and herb seasoning allows the natural potato flavor to shine through.
Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds small red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.
- Serve warm.
Cooking Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, toss them with a little cornstarch before roasting.
Simple Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds
This refreshing salad offers a lovely contrast in texture and temperature to the rich prime rib. The toasted almonds add a delightful crunch.
Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the green beans and pat them dry.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
- Add the green beans and toss to coat.
- Stir in toasted almonds, salt, and pepper.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Variations: Add crumbled feta cheese or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Creamy Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Calories: 80-100, Fat: 6-8g, Protein: 3-4g
- Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes: Calories: 200-250, Fat: 12-15g, Protein: 3-4g
- Simple Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds: Calories: 100-120, Fat: 8-10g, Protein: 3-4g
These delicious side dishes are sure to make your prime rib dinner unforgettable. Enjoy!