15 Easy Cold Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Cranberry Orange Relish

This tangy Cranberry Orange Relish is a refreshing burst of flavor, perfect for balancing out the richness of Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest

Cooking Method:

1. In a food processor, combine cranberries, orange segments, sugar, and orange zest.
2. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
3. Transfer to a bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Green Bean Almondine

Green Bean Almondine is a simple yet sophisticated side dish that adds a crunchy texture with a hint of nuttiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transfer to ice water.
2. In a pan, melt butter and toast almonds until golden.
3. Add drained green beans, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then toss to combine.

Maple Roasted Carrots

These sweet and savory Maple Roasted Carrots caramelize in the oven to create a delectable side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Apple Fennel Slaw

Apple Fennel Slaw is a crisp and refreshing salad that provides a contrast to heavier Thanksgiving fare.

Ingredients:

• 2 Granny Smith apples, julienned
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Combine apples and fennel in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over apple-fennel mixture and toss to coat.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs are a timeless appetizer that adds a creamy and tangy flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Hard boil eggs, peel, and slice in half lengthwise.
2. Remove yolks and mash with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika.

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This Beet and Goat Cheese Salad combines earthy beets with creamy goat cheese for a sophisticated side.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, boiled and sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Arrange sliced beets on a platter.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with goat cheese, salt, and pepper before serving.

Herb Quinoa Salad

Herb Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and vibrant dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped mint
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Cook quinoa in 2 cups of water until water is absorbed.
2. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
3. Mix with parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans bring a delightful nutty crunch that's perfect for the holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup pecan halves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, adding pecans in the last 5 minutes.

Cucumber Dill Salad

This Cucumber Dill Salad is a refreshing and light side that adds a touch of coolness to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Combine cucumber slices in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss to coat.

Caprese Skewers

Turn the classic Caprese salad into fun and portable Caprese Skewers that offer a burst of Italian flavor.

Ingredients:

• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 20 small mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Cooking Method:

1. Thread a cherry tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf onto each skewer.
2. Repeat to fill skewers.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.