# Quick-Cooking Side Dishes The New Signature Sidekicks Help Families Cut Down on Meal Prep Time By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-12-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signature-sidekicks References: [preparedfoods](http://www.preparedfoods.com/articles/119075-new-signature-sidekicks-line-available-at-walmart) & [robertirvinefoods](http://robertirvinefoods.com/sidekicks) In an effort to help families eat more nutritionally balanced meals without the hassle of extra prep time, chef Robert Irvine has created a line of quick-cooking vegetable side dishes called Signature Sidekicks. Not only are the refrigerated veggie blends ultra-convenient, they are also sold at a budget-friendly price that makes them an affordable option for families. The new line of Signature Sidekicks are refrigerated vegetable side dishes that are sold exclusively at [Walmart](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chef-boyardee-frozen-skillet-meals). The side dishes require minimal prep time and can be cooked in less than 10 minutes for a speedy dinnertime solution. The side dishes are also high in beneficial nutrients and come in flavors that pair well with a variety of dishes. Chef Irvine has even crafted a number of recipes that use the side dishes for busy families in need of [quick and creative meal ideas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irritable-parent-syndrome). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Convenient Meal Solutions:** The creation of quick-cooking vegetable side dishes offers a convenient solution for busy families looking to save time on meal prep. - **Affordable Healthy Eating:** The budget-friendly price of Signature Sidekicks provides an opportunity for families to incorporate more nutritious meals into their diets without breaking the bank. - **Creative Recipe Innovation:** Chef Robert Irvine's recipes using Signature Sidekicks showcase the potential for creative meal ideas that utilize convenient and healthy side dish options. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The quick-cooking side dishes market caters to the evolving needs of time-strapped consumers seeking healthy, convenient meal options. - **Grocery Retail:** Supermarkets and grocery stores can capitalize on the demand for quick and affordable vegetable side dishes by stocking and promoting Signature Sidekicks. - **Meal Preparation Services:** Meal kit companies and meal preparation services can incorporate Signature Sidekicks into their offerings to provide customers with easier and faster meal prep options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flavor-Forward Carrot Sides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-side-dish-sizzlers.md) - [Ready-to-Enjoy Side Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charlie-bighams-side-dishes.md) - [Frozen Multi-Serving Sides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stouffers-sides.md) - [Quick-Cooking Stir-Fry Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stirfry-kits.md) - [Ready-Made Rice Sides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rice-sides.md) - [International Cuisine Side Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tilda-tasty-sides.md) - [Mix-and-Match Frozen Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signature-select-mix-match.md) - [Pairable Frozen Dinner Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/albertsons-1.md) - [Sheet Pan Meal Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sheet-pan-meal.md)