12 Quick Holiday Sides to Try

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and rinse in cold water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add green beans and toss to coat with garlic and oil, cooking for about 5 minutes until tender.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Cranberry Walnut Quinoa Salad

This refreshing Cranberry Walnut Quinoa Salad combines sweet and nutty flavors to brighten up your holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water; bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
3. Fluff quinoa with a fork, then add cranberries, walnuts, and parsley.
4. Whisk together olive oil and lemon juice; pour over salad and toss.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Maple Roasted Carrots

Maple Roasted Carrots are a sweet and savory delight that brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots with a hint of maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread carrots on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Sprinkle with thyme leaves and serve warm.

Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf

This Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf is aromatic and earthy, making it a perfect accompaniment to any holiday main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil; add wild rice blend and reduce to a simmer.
2. Cook covered for 40-45 minutes or until rice is tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet; sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
4. Stir in cooked rice, sage, and parsley; mix well and serve.

Pomegranate Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These Pomegranate Balsamic Brussels Sprouts add a burst of flavor and color to your holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds before serving.

Butternut Squash Gratin

Rich and creamy, Butternut Squash Gratin is a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer squash slices in a baking dish; pour over heavy cream.
3. Mix cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper; sprinkle over squash.
4. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Citrus and Herb Couscous

Citrus and Herb Couscous is a zesty and fragrant side dish that complements a variety of holiday mains.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Place couscous in a bowl; cover with boiling water, then cover bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff couscous with a fork; add lemon zest, mint, cilantro, and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper, toss to combine, and serve.

Roasted Parsnips and Apples

Roasted Parsnips and Apples offer a sweet and savory combination that's both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss parsnips and apples with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms

These Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms are bite-sized delights that are perfect for any festive gathering.

Ingredients:

• 15 large button mushrooms, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet; sauté spinach and garlic until wilted.
3. Mix in feta cheese, then stuff mixture into mushroom caps.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges

Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with a warm, spicy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden.