Hey, we all have those beloved holiday traditions—the big roast in the center of the table, side dishes passed down for generations and that timeless plate of something sweet or starchy that’s been served every year since who-knows-when. But as tastes evolve and we become more mindful of what we eat, there’s room to tweak the script just a bit. Now, you don’t need to toss out grandma’s traditions entirely. Instead, consider sprucing up the spread by bringing in more color, flavor, and nutrients.
So, if you’re looking to modernize your holiday menu while keeping the essence of your classic meal intact, we’ve got some ideas. We’ve taken your go-to main courses—ham, turkey, roasted chicken or brisket, and prime rib—and paired them with fresh, veggie-forward sides. These are dishes that balance tradition with a healthier spin, turning your familiar feast into something just a bit more exciting (and maybe even impressing some picky relatives).
Old Tradition: Ham With Brown Sugar Carrots and Mashed Potatoes
New Tradition: Same Succulent Ham, But Try a Trio of Sides That Offer More Variety, Color, and Depth of Flavor
Instead of plain mashed potatoes, think of these quaint little squash cups as your creamy, cheesy, and equally comforting replacement. They’re baked to perfection, creating individual servings that feel special. Plus, the cauliflower and squash combination adds a subtle sweetness and a welcome nutritional boost. You’ll still get that satisfying “stick-to-your-ribs” comfort but with extra nutrients and a festive presentation that beats a lump of mashed spuds on a plate on any holiday.
Beets are your new best friend for a burst of color and earthy sweetness. Paired with our Broccoli Crunch Chopped Kit and roasted garlic, the deep reds and greens of this dish pop next to that rosy ham, and the savory-garlicky note perfectly complements the rich flavors of the meat. No thank you card required, but a holiday postcard would be nice.
Okay, so we kept the brown sugar carrots, but this time, they come with a deliciously innovative twist. Adding feta and pistachios transforms a simple sweet side into something far more complex and crave-worthy. The salty feta and crunchy nuts contrast beautifully with the tender, caramelized carrots. It’s a small change that brings a big payoff, and everyone will love it.
Old Tradition: Turkey with Mac ‘n Cheese and Bland Brussels Sprouts
New Tradition: Turkey Remains the Star, but Complement It with Sides That’ll Make Guests Say, “Wait, I Actually Like Brussels Sprouts Now”
We’re not telling you to abandon mac ‘n cheese. Instead, we’re making it a bit lighter—though you’d never guess from the flavor. By swapping out pasta for cauliflower, you get the same gooey, cheesy goodness, plus a smoky bacon infusion. It’s comfort food with a veggie-forward twist. This dish is rich enough to stand up to the turkey but feels lighter on the stomach (so you’ll have more room for dessert).
If your idea of Brussels sprouts is a bitter, overcooked pile of blah, prepare to be amazed. Air-fried sprouts become crispy and caramelized, and when you top them with creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, and crunchy pistachios, they turn into addictive little flavor bombs. This side dish can and will easily convert any sprouts-denier into a devoted fan.
Old Tradition: Roasted Chicken or Brisket with Basic Sides
New Tradition: Keep the Roasted Chicken or Brisket, but Surprise Everyone with Sides That Deliver Brightness, Complexity, and Freshness
Classic? Yes. But also a significant upgrade from the usual mushy veggie medley. These roasted vegetables, seasoned with sage and perhaps a squeeze of lemon, are simple yet elegant. The sage aroma pairs particularly well with hearty proteins like chicken or brisket. It’s the kind of side that feels both comforting and fresh at the same time.
Add some crunch and tang with this cool, crisp salad. Beets and cucumber bring in subtle sweetness with a satisfying snap, while a green goddess dressing ties it all together with herby creaminess. This salad adds that much-needed respite on a table often loaded with heavy, rich dishes.
Roasted grapes. Yes, trust us. They offer a hint of natural sweetness that plays beautifully against savory cauliflower florets. This unexpected combo definitely adds intrigue to the table. Pairing this with roast chicken or brisket creates a harmonious mix of flavors—sweet, savory, and a little tangy. It’s the kind of dish that makes your guests ask, “Wait, what’s in this?” in the best possible way.
Old Tradition: Prime Rib with Potatoes
New Tradition: Prime Rib Still Takes Center Stage, but Swap Out Your Starchy Sides for Something Lighter and Greener
The creaminess of mashed potatoes is undeniably comforting, but mashed cauliflower offers a similar texture with a fraction of the carbs—and a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs very well with prime rib. Add a (generous) hint of garlic, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing this all along instead.
Soup as a side dish? Absolutely. A small cup of this roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts soup can act as a warm, savory element that compliments the richness of prime rib. Its velvety texture and depth of flavor can help balance your plate, offering something spoonable and soothing amid so many hearty dishes.
If You Change Nothing Else, Try a Spectacular Salad
So, maybe you’re not ready to overhaul your entire holiday spread. That’s okay. Even adding one exceptional salad can lift your meal from predictable to memorable. Consider these salads as the “easy wins” of your holiday table. Just one could give your guests something fresh and exciting to talk about—beyond the family gossip.
This salad has it all: sweet pomegranate seeds, creamy avocado, crisp apples, and tangy feta. It’s a burst of flavors and textures that can refresh the palate before or after a heavy main dish. The colors alone make it festive—reds, greens, and whites, all reminiscent of the holiday season.
Green goddess dressing is that friend who always knows how to keep things interesting. Drizzled over roasted cauliflower and fresh greens, it transforms a simple salad into something sophisticated but still laid-back. It’s herby, creamy, and downright delicious.
Bright citrus segments, creamy avocado, and maybe a handful of toasted nuts—this salad is a zingy, zesty way to cut through the richness of your main course. See? Holiday meals don’t have to weigh you down. In fact, they can lift you up with clean, vibrant flavors.
Embrace New (Delicious) Traditions
Whether you try one new side dish or completely refresh the lineup, the goal is to strike a balance between comforting nostalgia and a healthier, more vibrant approach. By infusing your holiday table with colorful produce, innovative salads, and veggie-centric alternatives to heavy starches, you’re giving everyone at the table something fresh to look forward to—without losing the heart and soul of the holiday meal.
So go ahead: serve that ham, turkey, or prime rib. Just make sure to invite a few of these fresh faces to the party. Who knows, they might become the new family favorites everyone talks about next year.
Happy Holidays from Taylor Farms! As always, use our handy store locator to find the nearest Taylor Farms products in stock for your holiday occasions.