Here are some of our favorite side dish recipes that pair well with turkey—there are so many to choose from, it’s mind-boggling! Here’s a list of the best vegetable recipes to serve with turkey. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But with so many dishes to prepare, it can be hard to decide which vegetables to serve with your turkey.
Fear not, fellow Thanksgiving enthusiasts! I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best vegetables that go with turkey, drawing inspiration from two fantastic resources: Studio Delicious and Good Housekeeping.
Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food or something with a bit more flair, this guide has you covered. So grab your apron crank up the tunes, and get ready to create a Thanksgiving feast that will leave your guests saying “gobble gobble!”
A Feast for the Senses: Vegetables that Complement Your Turkey
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the turkey is undoubtedly the star of the show. But even the most succulent bird needs a supporting cast of delicious sides to truly shine. That’s where these fantastic vegetables come in.
From Studio Delicious:
- Green Bean and Pea Salad: This vibrant salad is a refreshing change from the usual heavy Thanksgiving fare. Fresh green beans, peas, and crunchy walnuts are tossed in a light lemony vinaigrette, making it a perfect accompaniment to your turkey.
- Roasted Vegetables with Vinaigrette: This simple yet elegant dish transforms everyday vegetables like asparagus, fennel, and radish into something truly special. Roasted to perfection and drizzled with a light vinaigrette, these veggies will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Slow Cooker Asparagus: This recipe is a lifesaver for busy cooks. Simply toss your asparagus in the slow cooker with a few simple ingredients and let it do its magic. The result is perfectly cooked asparagus that’s both tender and flavorful.
- Broccoli Salad Without Bacon: This classic Thanksgiving side gets a lighter makeover with the omission of bacon. But don’t worry, it’s still packed with flavor thanks to the creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables.
- Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt Sauce: These sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection and then topped with a cool and creamy yogurt sauce. The addition of spices gives them a kick of heat that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Sauce: This dish proves that cauliflower can be just as delicious as any other Thanksgiving vegetable. Roasted with Parmesan cheese and topped with a flavorful yogurt sauce, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.
- Baked Potatoes and Broccoli: These twice-baked potatoes are loaded with cheesy goodness and topped with tender broccoli florets. They’re the perfect comfort food for a chilly Thanksgiving evening.
- Maple Roasted Squash: This dish is a celebration of all things autumnal. Butternut squash is roasted with maple syrup and olive oil, then finished with a crumble of creamy goat cheese. It’s the perfect side dish for those who love the flavors of fall.
- Italian Green Bean Salad: This fresh and flavorful salad is another great option for those who prefer lighter fare. Green beans, tomatoes, and olives are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, making it a refreshing addition to your Thanksgiving table.
- Carrots with Almonds: This classic side dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Sweet carrots are topped with crunchy almonds for a satisfying textural contrast.
From Good Housekeeping:
- Vegetarian Antipasto Salad: This vibrant salad is packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables like peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts. It’s the perfect way to add some color and variety to your Thanksgiving table.
- Spice-Roasted Cauliflower with Green Beans: This dish combines the earthy flavors of cauliflower with the bright, fresh taste of green beans. The addition of garam masala, brown sugar, and cayenne gives it a warm and inviting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- Herbed Bulgur Salad: This simple salad is packed with fresh, flavorful herbs. Fluffy bulgur makes for a satisfying salad that’s perfect for those who are looking for a lighter option.
- Roasted Beet and Orange Salad: This stunning salad is almost too pretty to eat. But trust us, the combination of roasted beets, oranges, and shaved ricotta salata is simply irresistible.
- Butter Bean Salad with Herby Vinaigrette: This easy salad is packed with flavor and can be prepped ahead of time, freeing up your time on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, it’s substantial enough to be a main dish for anyone who’s skipping the turkey.
- Roasted Carrots and Chickpeas with Marinated Feta: This dish is a flavor explosion. Roasted carrots and chickpeas are tossed with marinated feta, shallots, and chilies for a combination of sweet, salty, and spicy notes.
- Roasted Asparagus with Anchovy Breadcrumbs: This elegant side dish is sure to impress your guests. Perfectly roasted asparagus is topped with toasty, salty breadcrumbs for a flavor that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
- Rosemary Roasted Carrot Salad: This simple yet flavorful salad is perfect for those who love the taste of roasted vegetables. Cozy roasted carrots and peppery arugula come together in a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
- Air Fryer Squash Soup: This cozy soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly Thanksgiving Day. It’s made with butternut squash, apples, and spices, and can be easily prepared in the air fryer.
- Charred Broccolini: This simple grilled side dish is a great way to add some smoky flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Even if you don’t have a grill, you can easily achieve that beautiful char using a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: These crispy smashed potatoes are the perfect blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Load them up with herbs, cheese, or even gravy for a Thanksgiving side that’s both delicious and versatile.
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Almond-Thyme Gremolata: This elegant soup is sure to impress your guests. Creamy cauliflower, heavy cream, and plenty of vegetables come together in a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and flavorful.
- Old Bay–Spiced Potato Salad: This flavorful potato salad is a departure from the usual mayonnaise-based versions. Old Bay seasoning gives it a unique and addictive flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Balsamic Roasted Red Onions: This simple side dish is a great way to add some sweetness and acidity to your Thanksgiving table. Roasted red onions are tossed with balsamic vinegar for a flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
- Glazed Green Beans: This classic Thanksgiving side gets a sweet and sour upgrade with the addition of sherry vinegar and brown sugar. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your turkey and mashed potatoes.
- Vanilla Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection and then infused with the warm flavors of vanilla and fresh red chile. It’s a unique and delicious side dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Hasselback Butternut Squash with Maple Brown Butter: This stunning side dish is a work of art. Butternut squash is sliced and roasted with maple brown butter for a flavor that’s both sweet and nutty.
- Colcannon: This traditional Irish dish is a great way to add some green to your Thanksgiving table. Mashed potatoes are combined with kale, onions, and butter for a hearty and flavorful side dish.
- Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots: These carrots are roasted to perfection and then glazed with a mixture of maple syrup, lime juice, and coriander. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Vegetable Torte: This impressive dish is a great way to showcase a variety of vegetables. Squash, kale, potato, and tomato are layered in a savory pie crust for a Thanksgiving side that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect vegetables to complement your Thanksgiving turkey. So get cooking, and get ready to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast that will be remembered for years to come!
Additional Tips for Choosing the Perfect Vegetables:
- Consider your guests’ preferences. Do you have any vegetarians or vegans coming to Thanksgiving? If so, be sure to choose vegetables that they can enjoy.
- Think about the other dishes you’re serving. If you’re already serving a lot of heavy dishes, like mashed potatoes and stuffing, you might want to choose some lighter vegetables, like roasted asparagus or a green salad.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! There are endless possibilities when it comes to Thanksgiving vegetables. So get creative and try something new this year.
No matter what vegetables you choose, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with delicious food, good company, and plenty of laughter!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
Like a lot of you, I absolutely love and cherish side dishes far more than the main course. And although we always look forward to some classic side dishes, we’re willing to try some new recipes to up our game for the celebration table.
I’ve pulled together a few favorites all in one spot:
- Vegetables that have been roasted are always a hit; you can find some of my best recipes here.
- There’s even a recipe for potatoes—but only because it’s a cheesy, vegetable-packed masterpiece.
- Here are some of my best recipes for sweet potatoes and squash!
Baked Potatoes and Broccoli
These cheesy twice-baked potatoes are always a good idea..
- Broccoli and Baked Potatoes: These potatoes are a delicious side dish any time of year because they are twice baked and packed with cheese and broccoli.
This is a side dish you’ll make all winter..
- Maple Roasted Squash: After chopping and roasting the squash in olive oil and maple syrup, a crumble of creamy goat cheese is added. Fabulous! If there’s leftovers, make this incredibly good squash crostini.
Vegetable Dish to go With Turkey
FAQ
What vegetables to eat for Thanksgiving?
What is a popular accompaniment for turkey?
What is traditionally served with turkey?
What vegetables should I serve with a roasted turkey?
If you’re serving a roasted turkey, you might want to choose vegetables that have a similar flavor profile, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. If you’re serving a smoked turkey, you might want to choose vegetables that have a more assertive flavor, such as grilled vegetables or roasted Brussels sprouts.
What vegetables go well with celery?
Celery is a vegetable with several therapeutic properties and can be used in salads, soups or even eaten on its own. It can be prepared alone or accompanied by onions, nettles, parsley or cabbage.
What vegetables should I serve with a smoked turkey?
If you’re serving a smoked turkey, you might want to choose vegetables that have a more assertive flavor, such as grilled vegetables or roasted Brussels sprouts. * Choose vegetables that are in season and fresh. Seasonal vegetables are typically more flavorful and nutritious than vegetables that are out of season.
How do you eat vegetables with a Turkey?
* Serve vegetables as a side dish. This is the traditional way to serve vegetables with turkey. * Add vegetables to your stuffing. This is a great way to get your vegetables in without having to make a separate side dish. * Grill vegetables. Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy way to serve them with turkey. * Roast vegetables.