When it’s time for holiday meals, the main dish usually gets the spotlight—but the side dishes really help bring it all together. These Christmas sides add crunch, creaminess, color, and fresh flavor just when you need it.
From warm casseroles to fresh salads, there’s a little of everything here.
They’re easy to make, taste great, and add something special to the table without being a lot of work.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry Balsamic Reduction
This dish brings together crispy roasted Brussels sprouts and a tangy cranberry balsamic glaze. The sprouts stay tender in the middle with just enough char on the edges. The sweet-tart reduction adds a fresh layer without overpowering. It’s a simple side that tastes like more than the sum of its parts.
Try this roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberry balsamic recipe
2. Broccoli Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This chilled pasta salad has a mix of broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing. The noodles hold everything together, making each bite a mix of crunchy and soft. It works well for a potluck or buffet table and holds up nicely if made ahead.
Here’s how to make this broccoli bacon ranch pasta salad
3. Cranberry Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Salad
Sweet potatoes and creamy goat cheese come together in this colorful salad, along with crunchy nuts and dried cranberries. The mix of warm and cool, soft and crisp, makes each forkful feel balanced and interesting. It’s hearty enough to be filling but still fresh.
See the full cranberry sweet potato salad recipe here
4. Crockpot Ham Green Beans Potatoes
This one-pot side is warm and cozy, with soft potatoes, green beans, and bits of ham all slow-cooked together. It’s a classic comfort dish that fits right in with the holiday meal. Just set it up in the morning and let it simmer until dinnertime.
Make this easy crockpot ham, green beans, and potatoes side
5. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Toasted Sunflower Seeds
This coleslaw has a crisp crunch from cabbage and apples, plus a little chew from dried cranberries. Toasted sunflower seeds add a nutty bite. The light dressing ties it all together without being heavy. It’s fresh, colorful, and fits right in with other holiday sides.
Here’s the apple cranberry coleslaw recipe
6. Classic Waldorf Salad
This is a simple mix of apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s cool, crunchy, and a little sweet. The textures work really well together, and it brings a refreshing break between rich bites of stuffing and gravy.
Try this classic Waldorf salad for a fresh side
7. Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
This green bean casserole adds smoky bacon to the creamy sauce and crispy topping. The bacon gives it a savory depth without changing what makes it comforting. It’s a small twist on a holiday staple that still feels familiar.
See how to make green bean casserole with bacon
8. Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad
This salad has sweet strawberries, salty feta, and baby spinach leaves. A light vinaigrette ties it all together, making it bright and simple. It works well next to heavier dishes and adds a welcome bit of color to the table.
Here’s the strawberry feta spinach salad recipe
9. Christmas Beet Citrus Honey Dijon Salad
This salad brings together sweet roasted beets, juicy citrus slices, and a honey Dijon dressing. It’s light but flavorful, with a little bite and sweetness in every forkful. It looks bright on the plate and pairs well with roasts or ham.
Make this beet and citrus salad with honey Dijon dressing
10. Sausage Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls pack everything you love about stuffing into single-serve bites. The mix of sausage, turkey, and cranberry gives them a rich, savory taste with just a touch of sweetness. They’re easy to serve and even easier to eat.
Get the sausage turkey cranberry stuffing balls recipe here
11. Colorful No Lettuce Christmas Salad
This no-lettuce salad uses a mix of crunchy veggies and fruit for a bright, crisp bite. It’s a break from traditional greens but still brings a lot of freshness to the table. The textures stand out and it holds up well even after sitting.
Try this colorful no-lettuce salad for something different
12. No Mushroom Green Bean Casserole
If you’re not into mushrooms, this green bean casserole skips them completely but keeps the creamy comfort. It’s made with simple ingredients and still gives you the classic feel. Great for picky eaters or anyone wanting a lighter version.
Make this no mushroom green bean casserole
13. Cranberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
This tangy dressing uses cranberries to bring a pop of flavor to any salad. It’s tart, a little sweet, and perfect for winter greens. You can make it ahead and drizzle it over almost anything for a holiday-ready touch.
Here’s how to make cranberry vinaigrette dressing
14. Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
This salad has firm beans, diced vegetables, and a simple dressing that soaks in the flavor. It’s filling without being heavy and works as a protein-rich option on the side. It’s also easy to prep a day ahead.
Try this Mediterranean-style dense bean salad
15. Whipped Cranberry Honey Butter with Sea Salt
This whipped butter blends sweet cranberry with honey and just a bit of sea salt. It spreads easily on warm rolls or biscuits and brings a hint of flavor without being overpowering. It’s a small touch that feels festive.
See the cranberry honey butter recipe here
16. Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad
This salad combines baby spinach with dried cranberries, nuts, and a light dressing. It’s simple but has just enough texture and flavor to round out the plate. It adds a clean, refreshing bite in the middle of a hearty meal.
Try this Christmas cranberry spinach salad
17. Velveeta Green Bean Casserole
This version of green bean casserole uses Velveeta for an extra creamy finish. It’s cheesy, smooth, and still has that crunchy topping. It’s great for anyone who wants a little more richness with their holiday veggies.
Make this Velveeta green bean casserole
18. Christmas Arugula Pear Goat Cheese Salad
Peppery arugula, sweet pear slices, and soft goat cheese make this salad feel fresh but still seasonal. A light dressing brings it together, and every bite has a little bit of everything. It’s a nice mix of bold and soft flavors.
Get the Christmas arugula, pear, and goat cheese salad recipe
19. Pomegranate Feta Christmas Salad
This salad uses pomegranate seeds for juicy pops of flavor, paired with creamy feta and fresh greens. It’s bright, tangy, and adds a burst of color to the table. It’s simple to put together but always looks festive.
Here’s how to make the pomegranate feta Christmas salad
20. Broccoli Salad with Apples and Cranberries
This salad mixes raw broccoli with sweet apples and dried cranberries for a crunchy bite. A light dressing keeps it fresh and balanced. It holds up well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead with no trouble.
See the recipe for broccoli salad with apples and cranberries
21. Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This holiday salad combines seasonal greens, fruit, and a creamy honey mustard dressing. It’s the kind of side that adds a gentle sweetness and crunch without being too bold. Great as a fresh bite alongside your main meal.
Try the Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing
8. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with chunks of ham and baked in a creamy sauce until golden. It’s a filling side or even a full meal depending on your spread. The top gets golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft and cheesy.
Try this classic scalloped potatoes with ham from this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Holiday meals aren’t just about the centerpiece—they’re about the little sides that bring everything together.
Whether you lean into crisp salads, warm casseroles, or bold dressings, each dish on this list offers something that fits easily into your Christmas table.
They’re simple, colorful, and easy to prep without much stress—just the kind of food that helps the whole meal feel complete.