25+ Healthy Instant Pot Side Dishes
Find the very best easy and healthy Instant Pot side dishes in this recipe round-up. All of these recipes are made with real food ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, potluck, barbecue, or holiday gathering, you’re sure to find a delicious recipe made in your pressure cooker.
No matter what type of diet you’re on, if you’re looking for real food, easy side dishes, then you are in the right place. The Instant Pot is particularly great for making side dishes, as you can set it and forget it.
No more worrying about running out of room in your oven. The pressure cooker is here to the rescue!
I share recipes such as Instant Pot Corn and Instant Pot Potato Salad that you probably never thought about making in the pressure cooker.
If you haven’t yet jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon, I recommend getting a 6-quart Duo. In my opinion, this is the easiest model for getting started.
You might also want to check out my post on how to use the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Tips
- As with any Instant Pot dish, you always need 1 cup of liquid to make sure the pot can come up to pressure. That’s because a pressure cooker works by trapping the steam made by heating up the liquid.
- So, even when you are making a side dish, it’s important to have liquid which can come from water, broth, canned tomatoes, or other liquid ingredients.
- You might also benefit from getting a few Instant Pot accessories. A steamer basket is great for cooking vegetables. A second insert for your Instant Pot can help with meal prep.
Now, let’s get to the round-up of the best healthy Instant Pot sides!
Whether you’re going to a potluck, barbecue, or a holiday gathering, there is certainly a recipe here in this list of easy Instant Pot side dishes that will make your life easier.
Best Instant Pot Side Dishes
Here are my favorite delicious recipes that make the best side dish recipes for any holiday or dinner main course.
Be sure to click on the recipe to get step-by-step instructions on how to make your perfect side dish.
Instant Pot Cabbage (Low-Fat)
This recipe for Instant Pot Cabbage is so easy and delicious. Cooked cabbage makes a great side dish with no fat.
Instant Pot Carrots
This recipe for Instant Pot Carrots is so easy and delicious. It makes the perfect healthy side dish for a holiday meal or for an ordinary weeknight. This 20-minute vegetarian recipe is made without sugar.
Instant Pot Yellow Rice
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Instant Pot Yellow Rice. Ground turmeric adds a beautiful yellow color with anti-inflammatory properties. Everyone loves this savory side dish.
Instant Pot Red Potatoes (Perfect Texture)
You’re going to love how fast it is to cook Instant Pot Red Potatoes that have the perfect texture. This easy recipe is a healthy side dish that has so much flavor and is ready in just over 20 minutes.
Instant Pot Whole Butternut Squash
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to cook Instant Pot Butternut Squash. Cook the squash whole and then slice it easily and safely. Serve the squash puree in a variety of ways.
Potato Salad Without Eggs
This simple Potato Salad made without eggs is perfect for a quick summer side dish that is tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Cooked Whole
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to cook a whole Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with no poking or cutting. This is the easiest way to cook a squash without worrying about the potential danger of cutting yourself. Serve your cooked spaghetti squash in a variety of delicious ways.
Instant Pot Kabocha Squash Cooked Whole
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to cook Instant Pot Kabocha Squash, also known as Japanese Pumpkin. Cook the squash whole and then slice it easily and safely. Serve the delicious squash puree in a variety of ways.
Instant Pot Whole Sweet Potatoes
You are going to love this no-fuss, foolproof method for cooking Instant Pot Whole Sweet Potatoes. They’re an easy and nutritious food that everyone loves. This article also includes some delicious serving ideas.
Instant Pot Quinoa Salad
Learn how to make this Instant Pot Lemon Quinoa Salad that is a one-pot dish full of flavor. The simple lemon dressing brightens the quinoa and vegetables that come together into a delicious dish. This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
Instant Pot Basmati Rice
This recipe for Instant Pot Basmati Rice is so easy! Say goodbye to overcooked, undercooked, or mushy rice. This pressure cooker method results in perfectly cooked, fluffy white rice every single time with no burning or sticking. Serve your aromatic rice with almost any main dish.
Instant Pot Artichokes with Creamy Dip
This Instant Pot Artichokes recipe is so easy and healthy. You’ll love how fast it is to make them in a pressure cooker. Serve your cooked whole artichokes with a simple lemon mayo dip. This gluten-free and dairy-free recipe is also vegan-friendly.
Instant Pot Wild Rice
Learn how to make Instant Pot Wild Rice for a quick and easy side dish. Wild rice is a healthy food that can be incorporated into many different types of recipes including soups and salads. Wild rice is naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Instant Pot Sausage Stuffing
This Instant Pot Sausage Stuffing is an easy and satisfying recipe that you can make for your Thanksgiving table. With a gluten-free option, this is a recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash (Low-Carb)
This recipe for Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash is so easy. It is a delicious, one-pot side dish that is low-carb and healthy. Make this keto-friendly recipe in less than 30 minutes.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
If you need a quick and easy side dish that is ready in just about 20 minutes, try this Instant Pot Mexican Rice with green chiles and tomato paste. It’s flavorful without being too spicy. This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Here’s how to make Instant Pot Baked Potatoes that are cooked through with the perfect texture. This recipe is so easy and great for busy weeknights. Serve your baked potatoes as a side dish or even as a main dish. Baked potatoes are naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots
When you need an easy and satisfying side dish that goes with almost any main dish, try this recipe for Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots. It’s budget-friendly and simple. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe for Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes is healthy and easy, and takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish. This gluten-free and dairy-free recipe includes vegan and paleo options. This is such a delicious side dish that goes with so many main dish recipes.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (No Drain)
When you need an easy side dish, try this recipe for No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. This is a one-pot recipe that is perfect for holidays or just a casual dinner. This healthier version of a classic recipe has dairy-free and vegan options.
Instant Pot Steamed Cauliflower
Here’s how to make Instant Pot Cauliflower Florets for an easy, healthy side dish. Serve the cooked cauliflower with almost any main dish. This recipe takes only 20 minutes.
Instant Pot Zucchini with Tomatoes
This Instant Pot Zucchini with Tomatoes and Garlic is an easy summer side dish that everyone loves. This recipe uses seasonal produce and is so flavorful. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
Pressure Cooker Corn on the Cob
Here’s how to make super simple Pressure Cooker Corn on the Cob that you can serve for a quick side dish. Cooked corn is naturally sweet, gluten-free, and so delicious. You only need 3 minutes of cooking time!
Instant Pot Beets (Mess-Free!)
You’re going to love how easy it is to make Instant Pot Beets. Cook them whole and then remove the skins. Slice the beets for an easy salad or side dish. This method is mess-free!
Instant Pot Candied Yams
If you love candied yams, then you’ve got to try this easy version. Instant Pot Candied Yams has classic flavors, but gets made in the pressure cooker. This healthy holiday recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce (3-Ingredients)
This Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce recipe is made with three simple ingredients. It’s a delicious and wholesome side dish. Make this easy recipe for your holiday table.
Instant Pot Coconut Rice
This easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice recipe is delicious and versatile, with a delicate coconut flavor and no added sugar. Serve it with a spicy curry, sautéed vegetables, or your favorite main dish. This flavorful side dish can be made in less than 30 minutes.
3-Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup
You only need three main ingredients to make a comforting and delicious 3-Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup. This low-fat vegan recipe is perfect for a simple lunch on a cold day. Make it on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot.
Recipe FAQs
Most recipes are written for a 6-quart Instant Pot, but can be adapted to using the 3-quart. It might take some tinkering. You can start by cutting the ingredients in half. Just always remember to include 1 cup of liquid to ensure your pot comes up to pressure.
Since you need to liquid to do pressure cooking, it’s best to choose recipes that include liquid. So, side dishes that do not include liquid are generally not appropriate for the electric pressure cooker. This can includes foods like dinner rolls or pies. For some dishes like green bean casserole, you can cook the “filling” in the Instant Pot and then finish the casserole in the oven.
Otherwise, the Instant Pot is a game changers for making the perfect side dish and is a great way to streamline your cooking process.
Don’t Miss These Instant Pot Resources!
I hope you found this round-up of Instant Pot Side Dish recipes helpful.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or you’re cooking side dishes for Sunday dinner, you should have plenty of recipes to choose from. I think you’ll find that a pressure cooker cuts down on the work, but still produces side dishes that are healthy, easy, and delicious!
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest is the author of the best-selling Instant Pot-authorized cookbook, The Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook. She has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and receives nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.
