Not sure what to pair with your favorite entree? Here are four three-ingredient sides that go well with any meal.

Herbed orzo

This side dish goes well with seared or baked fish and roasted vegetables.

Serves 4

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook 1 cup orzo until al dente. Drain orzo and transfer to a medium bowl. Add 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, chives, cilantro or parsley, and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice. Toss to combine. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper.

Nutritional information per serving: 169 calories, 1 gram fat (trace saturated fat), 6 grams protein, 35 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 5 percent of calories from fat.

Sautéed Swiss chard with orange

This side dish goes well with roasted pork, dark-meat chicken or seared steak.

Serves 4

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 bunches Swiss chard (large stems removed, leaves cut into 1-inch strips) and wide strips of zest from 1 orange. Cook, tossing frequently, until chard wilts, about 4 minutes. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper, then add juice of the orange; toss to coat.

Nutritional information per serving: 101 calories, 4 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 6 grams protein, 15 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 36 percent of calories from fat.

Apple-parsnip mash

Instead of mashed potatoes, try this sweet, lower-calorie puree, which needs only a bit of butter. This dish pairs nicely with roasted pork, turkey or chicken.

Serves 4

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, 1 pound apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and 1 cup water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, covered, until parsnips are completely tender, about 25 minutes to 30 minutes. Transfer mixture to a food processor, add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and process until smooth. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper.

Nutritional information per serving: 156 calories, 3 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 2 grams protein, 33 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 17 percent of calories from fat.

Old Bay-roasted sweet potatoes

This dish goes well with roasted chicken or pork, seared steak or sautéed shrimp.

Serves 4

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds total), scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces, with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning. Bake until potatoes are deep golden brown on all sides, about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutritional information per serving: 178 calories, 4 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 3 grams protein, 34 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 20 percent of calories from fat.

Everyday Food magazine offers quick, healthy solutions for everyday meals, from the kitchens of Martha Stewart Living.