What to serve with Lima Beans-12 Easy Ideas to Try

It can be difficult to know what to serve with lima beans because of their delicate flavor, texture, and color (for those particular about visual appeal). I have scoured the internet and experimented with various foods to arrive at some of the best sides for Lima beans.

Lima beans are great for their nutritional value and versatility. They can be used as a main course, in soups or salads, or as a side dish. In this article, we will focus on the latter.

When it comes to choosing the perfect side dish, there are many factors to consider. The most important, in my opinion, is compatibility. You want a dish that will complement the flavors and textures of the lima beans, without overwhelming them.

Keep reading to discover 12 delicious side dishes that are perfect for Lima beans.

Side Dishes For Lima Beans

1. Bacon-wrapped chicken
2. Bacon & potato salad
3. Potato & avocado
4. Broccoli & chickpea salad
5. Spicy chorizo scramble
6. Cheesy sweet potato fries
7. Cornbread tartlets
8. Sausage & bell peppers
9. Italian breaded mushrooms
10. Grilled Zucchini with parmesan
11. Bacon sage butternut squash
12. Sugar snap peas with jalapeno

Bacon wrapped chicken

Bacon-wrapped chicken is a great side dish for Lima beans. It’s easy to make and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, take some chicken breasts and wrap them in bacon. Make sure the bacon is tight so it doesn’t come undone while cooking.

However, before the chicken is wrapped with the bacon and cooked, you need to season it so it comes out full of flavor. To season the chicken I rub in brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then I wrap it in bacon and cook for about 30 minutes.

The result is a delicious, juicy, and slightly crispy chicken that pairs perfectly with Lima beans.

Bacon & potato salad

This dish is a great option if you’re looking for something hearty and filling. It’s also perfect if you’re entertaining because it can be made ahead of time.

I like to use Yukon or red potatoes for this salad because they both hold their shape well and have a nice flavor. I also add in some diced onion, celery, pickles, and bacon. For the dressing, I use a simple mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and sugar.

This dish pairs well with lima beans because the creamy dressing complements the beans nicely. The potatoes and bacon also add a nice contrast in texture.

Potato & avocado

If you haven’t tried it, this is an amazing combination. When pairing potatoes with avocado, it’s important to consider the textures of both ingredients.

For a cohesive side dish, look for potatoes that are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly. Likewise, select an avocado that is ripe but still firm so it doesn’t turn to mush when cooked.

To prepare, start by cooking the potatoes in salted boiling water until fork-tender. Drain and add them to a large bowl. Then, cut the avocado into small cubes and add it to the bowl with the potatoes.

You can serve it with dressing, but I find that the creamy texture of the avocado is enough. This dish is a great side for Lima beans because it has similar textures and flavors.

Broccoli & chickpea salad

This dish is a great side for Lima beans because the flavors are bright and fresh. The chickpeas also add a nice contrast in texture. I like to use broccoli because it’s crunchy and pairs well with soft yet firm chickpeas.

To prepare, start by cooking the broccoli in salted boiling water for about two minutes. I use salted boiling water because it helps to keep the broccoli bright green.

After two minutes, drain the broccoli and add it to a large bowl. Then, add in cooked chickpeas, diced onion, diced celery, and crumbled feta cheese.

To cook your chickpeas, start by rinsing them well under cold water. Then, cover them with about two inches of water and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour, or until the chickpeas are tender. Finally, for the dressing, I use a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.

Spicy chorizo scramble

If you’re looking for something with a little bit of spice, this is the perfect dish. The spiciness of this dish is a perfect accompaniment to the mild-flavored lima beans.

To make this dish you will need:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. chorizo, casing removed
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chorizo, onion, and red pepper in butter until the chorizo is browned.

Then in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, chili powder, and black pepper. Pour the mixture into the skillet and scramble until cooked through. Serve hot.

Cheesy sweet potato fries

These are a great side for Lima beans because they have a similar texture and the sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the beans.

I like to use sweet potatoes because they’re slightly less starchy than regular potatoes and they have a natural sweetness that is enhanced when cooked.

As for cheese of choice, I recommend using one with a sharp taste like cheddar or Parmesan.

To prepare, start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into thin fry shapes. Then, toss them in a bowl with olive oil and salt. Next, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. The cheese is then melted over the top. alternatively, you can grate the cheese over the top after they’ve been baked.

Cornbread tartlets

These cornbread tartlets are the perfect side dish for Lima beans. They are savory and flavorful, with a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.

In addition, the savory cornbread pairs well with salty and earthy lima beans.

To make the tartlets, start by mixing the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter.

Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Spoon the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown. This dish can be served warm or cool, either way, it tastes great.

Sausage & bell peppers

I like to use bell peppers because they’re crunchy and pair well with any sausage. My favorite sausage to use is kielbasa, but you can use any sausage that you like.

To prepare, start by cooking the sausage in olive oil or vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once it’s browned, add in the bell peppers and cook until they’re tender.

The savory juice from this dish can also serve as a sauce for the lima beans, which makes it even more flavorful.

Italian breaded mushrooms

Breaded mushrooms are a delicious side dish to add to any meal. They are easy to make and can be tailored to fit any taste. In this recipe, we will be using Italian bread crumbs for a bit of extra flavor.

To get started, you will need:

Ingredients

• 1 quart of sliced white mushrooms
• 1 cup of Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the mushrooms and toss until they are evenly coated.

Spread the mushrooms out on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20- 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

You can use your breaded mushroom to scoop up your lima beans or simply enjoy them as is.

Grilled zucchini with parmesan

Grilled zucchini is a great way to get your vegetables in while still enjoying Lima beans. The two pair well together and the grilled zucchini adds a bit of smoky flavor to the dish.

To prepare, start by slicing the zucchini into thin slices. Then, toss it in a bowl with olive oil and salt. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and then grill the zucchini for about two minutes per side.

Once it’s grilled, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. If you want to put some kick in it, you can also add red pepper flakes.

Bacon sage butternut squash

This is a side dish rich in flavors and textures, and I am sure it will be a hit with family and friends. Butternut squash is known for its sweetness and creaminess, which makes it the perfect candidate for this dish.

The bacon adds a slight crunchiness and saltiness to the dish, while the sage brings a savory and earthy flavor. If you do not want to use sage or you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with thyme or rosemary.

To prepare, start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Next, add the butternut squash and sage to the bacon fat and cook until the squash is tender about 15 minutes. Once it’s cooked, stir in the bacon and serve.

Sugar snap peas with jalapeno

Sugar snap peas with jalapeno is a perfect side dish for Lima beans. The sweetness of the sugar snaps peas pairs perfectly with the heat of the jalapeno, creating a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

To prepare this dish, start by heating some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sugar snap peas and jalapeno, and cook until the peas are tender and the jalapeno is slightly charred.

In addition, you can garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

FAQ

What are lima beans good with?

There are a variety of dishes that go well with Lima beans. Some examples include grilled zucchini, breaded mushrooms, sugar snap peas with jalapeno, and bacon sage butternut squash.

How do you cook dried lima beans?

To cook dried Lima beans, start by soaking them in water overnight. Then, drain the water and add the beans to a pot with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for about an hour or until the beans are tender.

What can I use instead of Lima beans?

If you do not have Lima beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bean you use.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a variety of side dishes that go well with Lima beans. These are just a few of the many side dishes you can enjoy with Lima beans. Which of these will you be trying first? Thanks for reading!