Side dishes can be the real stars of any holiday meal, adding variety and flavor that keep everyone reaching for seconds. These 15 recipes bring a mix of traditional favorites and fresh twists that go well with any main course. Each side is easy to make, packed with flavor, and satisfying enough to stand on its own. With sides this good, you might just find it hard to remember they’re meant for sharing.
Rice with Grapes
This rice dish features fluffy grains mixed with juicy grapes, pine nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, ready in about 30 minutes. The grapes add bursts of sweetness, while the pine nuts bring a rich crunch that complements the fragrant spices. Each bite is a blend of savory and sweet, making it a unique and memorable side. Perfect for special gatherings, this rice dish stands out without overpowering the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Rice with Grapes
Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
Combining fresh fennel, crisp pears, apples, and a tangy mustard dressing, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes. The fennel adds a refreshing crunch, while the fruit brings a natural sweetness that balances the sharpness of the mustard. Each bite is light, crisp, and full of contrasting flavors that keep it interesting. It’s an easy, refreshing side that pairs well with any hearty main course.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus
This asparagus dish cooks in just 10 minutes, with air-fried spears that turn out perfectly crispy and lightly seasoned. The asparagus retains a slight tenderness while the air fryer gives it a golden, crunchy finish. It’s a quick and easy way to add a green side that feels a little more special than steamed veggies. Ideal for gatherings, it’s a healthy yet flavorful addition that’s hard to resist.
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Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
This recipe brings roasted carrots together with toasted hazelnuts and fresh herbs for a warm, satisfying side dish in just 25 minutes. The carrots are roasted until tender with slightly crisp edges, while the hazelnuts add a rich, earthy crunch. Fresh herbs tie it all together, creating a balance of sweet and nutty flavors that feel cozy and inviting. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to the Thanksgiving table that pairs well with any main course.
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Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
This quick, colorful chard dish comes together in about 15 minutes, featuring vibrant greens sautéed with garlic and a touch of lemon. The chard is tender with a slight bite, and the garlic brings out its natural earthiness. A squeeze of lemon adds a hint of brightness to balance the flavors. It’s a light, fresh side that offers a break from richer holiday dishes.
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Tofu in Creamy Zucchini and Mushroom Sauce
This tofu dish, ready in 30 minutes, combines tofu with a creamy zucchini and mushroom sauce that’s both hearty and satisfying. The tofu soaks up the rich flavors of the zucchini and mushrooms, creating a savory, comforting bite. The sauce is smooth and flavorful, adding a bit of indulgence to the dish. It’s a versatile, protein-packed side that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Tofu in creamy zucchini and mushroom sauce
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks on Spicy Sweet Potato Puree
This dish features thick cauliflower steaks roasted to golden perfection, served over a spicy sweet potato purée, ready in about 40 minutes. The cauliflower is tender yet slightly crisp, while the purée adds a creamy and slightly spicy contrast. Each bite is a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that feels hearty without being heavy. It’s a unique, plant-based side that complements any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted cauliflower steaks on spicy sweet potato puree
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
These glazed carrots are cooked with red wine and a blend of spices, creating a sweet and slightly spicy side in about 20 minutes. The carrots are tender and coated in a rich, glossy glaze that’s both savory and sweet. The red wine adds depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the carrots. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic side that will stand out on any table.
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Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
This Indian okra curry, ready in about 35 minutes, combines tender okra with a spiced tomato-based gravy for a bold, flavorful side. The okra is cooked until soft, and the spices add warmth and depth without being overpowering. The tomato gravy is rich and complements the okra’s subtle flavor perfectly. It’s a comforting dish that brings a taste of India to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens
This mashed potato dish, ready in 25 minutes, incorporates Greek-style garlic beet greens for a savory, garlicky twist. The potatoes are creamy and fluffy, while the beet greens add a slight earthiness and vibrant green color. Garlic enhances the flavor, making each bite both rich and satisfying. It’s a comforting yet unique take on traditional mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Mashed potatoes with Greek garlic beet greens
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
These eggplant and tomato stacks, ready in 30 minutes, feature roasted eggplant slices layered with juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs. The eggplant is tender with a slight smokiness, while the tomatoes add brightness and acidity. Each layer is seasoned for a flavorful bite that’s light yet satisfying. It’s an easy, visually appealing side that complements any main dish.
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Russian Piroshki
These piroshki, taking about 45 minutes, are filled with a savory vegetable mixture and wrapped in a soft, golden crust. Each bite is a mix of tender dough and flavorful filling that’s satisfying without being too heavy. The vegetables inside are seasoned just right, adding a comforting depth to every mouthful. They’re an ideal, crowd-pleasing side or snack that brings a bit of Russian tradition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki
Spinach Colcannon Recipe
This spinach colcannon, ready in 20 minutes, is a creamy mash of potatoes and spinach, giving a twist to the traditional Irish dish. The potatoes are smooth and buttery, while the spinach adds a subtle earthy note. Each bite is warm and comforting, making it an ideal side for cooler weather. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that pairs well with nearly any main course.
Get the Recipe: Spinach colcannon recipe
Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers
This cabbage and pepper side, ready in 15 minutes, combines tender cabbage with sweet bell peppers for a light, colorful dish. The cabbage is sautéed until soft but not mushy, while the peppers add a hint of sweetness and crunch. A touch of seasoning ties everything together for a balanced flavor. It’s a fresh, easy side that complements any heavier main meal.
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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
These Brussels sprouts, made in the air fryer in just 15 minutes, are tossed with crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, and a balsamic drizzle. The sprouts turn out crispy and golden, while the feta adds a creamy contrast and the pomegranate a burst of sweetness. The balsamic glaze ties it all together for a flavor-packed bite. It’s a festive side that’s both simple and impressive, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
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