When planning your holiday meal, the side dishes can make all the difference. These 13 holiday side dish recipes offer a mix of flavors and textures that complement any main course. From roasted vegetables to refreshing salads, these sides bring something special to the table. Whether you're hosting or contributing to a potluck, these dishes are sure to impress.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks on Spicy Sweet Potato Puree
This dish features roasted cauliflower steaks served over a spicy sweet potato puree, combining a balance of savory and sweet flavors. It takes about 40 minutes to make, with the cauliflower turning golden and crisp while the puree adds a creamy, spiced contrast. The sweet potatoes bring warmth to the dish, complemented by a hint of heat from spices. This is a flavorful and hearty side that pairs well with any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted cauliflower steaks on spicy sweet potato puree
Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers
This sautéed cabbage dish is a simple yet flavorful combination of tender cabbage and sweet bell peppers. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, offering a slightly sweet and savory side with a bit of crunch. The bell peppers add brightness and color, while the cabbage becomes soft and slightly caramelized. It's a great side to balance out richer dishes on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed cabbage with peppers
My Grandma's Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes
This traditional carrot tzimmes is a slow-cooked dish of carrots and dried fruit, offering a naturally sweet and comforting flavor. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, with ingredients like honey and prunes adding richness to the soft, tender carrots. The sweetness is balanced by a subtle earthiness, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. A nostalgic and hearty addition to any festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: My grandma's Russian Jewish carrot tzimmes
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
This sautéed Swiss rainbow chard is a vibrant and nutritious side dish, combining tender greens with a light garlic flavor. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with the rainbow chard becoming wilted and tender while still retaining its bright color. The garlic adds a subtle, savory note that enhances the greens. This dish is a quick and easy way to add a healthy element to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
These eggplant tomato stacks are layered with juicy tomatoes and tender roasted eggplant, creating a simple and fresh side dish. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with the eggplant becoming soft and slightly smoky. The tomatoes add a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the eggplant. This dish is a light yet satisfying option for any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
This side dish features roasted carrots topped with crunchy hazelnuts, combining sweetness and nuttiness for a balanced flavor. It takes about 35 minutes to make, with the carrots becoming tender and caramelized as they roast. The hazelnuts add a crunchy contrast and a rich, earthy flavor. This is a great side for adding texture and flavor to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Jerusalem Kugel Recipe
This Jerusalem kugel is a savory and sweet noodle dish made with caramelized sugar and black pepper, offering a unique flavor profile. It takes about 1 hour to bake, with the noodles becoming soft and slightly sticky. The caramelized sugar gives the kugel a sweet, rich taste, while the pepper adds a surprising kick. It's a traditional and flavorful side that stands out on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel Recipe
Russian Piroshki
These Russian piroshki are fluffy, golden pastries filled with a savory mixture of vegetables. They take about 1 hour to prepare, with the dough becoming light and airy while the filling remains flavorful and hearty. The combination of cabbage, onions, and mushrooms offers a rich, satisfying taste. Perfect as a side or snack for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
This dish features crispy Brussels sprouts tossed with tangy feta, sweet pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It takes about 15 minutes to make in the air fryer, resulting in perfectly crisp sprouts. The feta adds a salty creaminess, while the pomegranate brings a burst of sweetness. This is a vibrant and flavorful side that will brighten up any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Tofu in Creamy Zucchini and Mushroom Sauce
This side dish combines tofu with a creamy zucchini and mushroom sauce for a hearty, plant-based option. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare, with the tofu absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. The zucchini adds a light, fresh element, while the mushrooms provide a deep, earthy taste. It's a satisfying dish that pairs well with a variety of holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Tofu in creamy zucchini and mushroom sauce
Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
This fresh fennel salad features sweet pears and apples with a tangy mustard dressing for a light and flavorful side. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, offering a crunchy and refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes. The fennel adds a slight licorice flavor, while the fruit brings natural sweetness. A great way to add balance and freshness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
These glazed carrots are cooked with red wine and a blend of sweet and spicy flavors for a rich and complex taste. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with the carrots becoming tender and coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze. The red wine adds depth, while the spices provide a warm kick. This side dish adds a touch of elegance and bold flavor to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus
This air fryer asparagus dish is a crispy, savory side that's quick and easy to prepare. It takes about 10 minutes to cook, with the asparagus becoming tender-crisp while maintaining a slight bite. The air fryer gives it a lightly charred, crispy texture. Perfect for adding a healthy, flavorful side to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus
