Holiday meals are all about the sides that bring everything together and keep guests reaching for seconds. These 17 recipes are flavorful, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to make your table shine. Whether you're serving classics or something with a twist, these dishes are the kind people will want to replicate. Get ready to share your secrets because everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
This vibrant salad features beets, potatoes, carrots, and pickles tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It's earthy, slightly sweet, and balanced by the tart dressing. Ready in about 40 minutes, it's a colorful addition to any holiday spread. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Fresh asparagus spears are crisped in the air fryer with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This quick dish takes only 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday meals. The asparagus is tender with a slight char, adding depth to its flavor. It's an easy and elegant side for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Layers of roasted eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs create a light yet flavorful dish. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil, it's savory and slightly smoky. This elegant side takes about 30 minutes to prepare and works well with any main course. The simple ingredients let the natural flavors shine.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
Tender cauliflower is baked with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a satisfying side. This dish takes about 40 minutes and pairs beautifully with holiday mains. The cheese brings richness, while the cauliflower keeps it light enough for any table. It's a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils
This salad combines fresh arugula with sweet berries, crunchy nuts, and tart pomegranate seeds for a bold mix of flavors. The red onions add a savory edge, balancing the sweetness. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a bright, refreshing option for any holiday table. The mix of textures makes it a standout choice.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils
Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese
Sweet plantains are baked with creamy cheese and guava paste for a unique mix of sweet and savory flavors. This dish takes about 35 minutes to prepare and offers a tropical twist on traditional sides. The plantains are tender, and the melted cheese adds richness. It's a delightful option for something different.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese
Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Flaky puff pastry is filled with a savory mix of mushrooms and onions for a rich, buttery bite. These take about 45 minutes and work as a side or appetizer. The earthy mushroom filling contrasts perfectly with the crisp pastry layers. They're a satisfying addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Tabbouleh Salad With Feta
Bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, and tangy feta cheese combine in this refreshing Middle Eastern-inspired dish. With hints of lemon and olive oil, it's bright and flavorful. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a versatile side for any spread. The combination of textures and bold flavors keeps it light and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad With Feta
Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Mashed sweet potatoes are baked with dried cranberries and crunchy almonds for a holiday-ready side. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and nutty almonds. This dish takes about 50 minutes and brings festive flavors to any table. It's a warm and comforting casserole with a hint of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
Lemon adds brightness to this mix of roasted potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers for a side that's light yet flavorful. The vegetables are tender with crisp edges, offering a mix of textures. Ready in about 40 minutes, it's a simple, wholesome dish for any gathering. The citrus flavor ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Brussels sprouts are air-fried until crispy and topped with crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, and a balsamic glaze. This dish takes about 25 minutes and offers a mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The sprouts are caramelized on the outside and tender inside. It's a modern twist on a classic holiday vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Sliced cucumbers are tossed with fresh dill, sour cream, and a touch of garlic for a creamy, tangy side. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a light option to balance heavier holiday dishes. The dill adds a fresh herbal note, while the garlic keeps it savory. It's simple yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Asparagus And Ricotta Tart
A flaky crust holds a creamy ricotta base topped with tender asparagus spears for a savory tart that's perfect for the holidays. This dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare and adds an elegant touch to any table. The ricotta is smooth and mild, complementing the fresh asparagus. It's a visually striking and delicious side.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus And Ricotta Tart
Colombian Cheese Arepas
These soft, cheesy arepas are made with cornmeal and melty cheese, offering a rich, comforting side dish. Ready in about 30 minutes, they're versatile enough to pair with any main course. The cheese gives them a gooey texture, while the cornmeal keeps them hearty. They're a festive and flavorful addition to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Roasted butternut squash, wild rice, and dried cranberries are combined in this earthy, slightly sweet side dish. This dish takes about 50 minutes and works well with roasted meats or vegetarian mains. The squash adds a tender bite, while the cranberries provide tartness. It's a colorful and satisfying addition to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Sliced beets and cucumbers are tossed in a light vinegar dressing for a tangy, refreshing salad. This dish takes about 20 minutes and brings vibrant flavors to any spread. The beets are slightly sweet, while the cucumbers add crunch. It's a great option for balancing rich holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
Creamy potatoes, carrots, peas, and pickles are mixed in a light mayonnaise dressing for a classic Russian side. This salad takes about 40 minutes and offers a mix of savory and tangy flavors. The potatoes are tender, while the pickles add a bit of crunch. It's a hearty side that's perfect for festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
