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19 Budget Side Dishes That Help You Host the Holidays With Ease

19 Budget Side Dishes That Help You Host the Holidays With Ease

Holiday hosting feels easier when the side dishes come together without draining your time or budget. These 19 options rely on simple ingredients and steady flavors that support any main dish without much effort. Each recipe keeps costs low while still offering something fresh or comforting at the table. If you want sides that make hosting feel manageable, this list delivers dependable choices.

19 Budget Side Dishes That Help You Host the Holidays With Ease
Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cucumber Dill Salad

Sliced cucumber salad with creamy dressing, fresh dill, and lemon wedges on a white plate with a fork.
Cucumber Dill Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cucumber Dill Salad blends cucumbers, dill, yogurt or sour cream and simple seasonings for a dish that tastes cool, creamy and bright. It comes together in about 15 minutes. The cucumbers stay crunchy and the dill adds a clean herbal note. It is a budget-friendly side that pairs easily with holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Dill Salad

Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey

Roasted turkey pieces and stuffing in dishes on a marble surface with herbs nearby.
Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms combines gluten free bread, mushrooms, onions and herbs for a side that tastes savory and comforting. It takes about 45 minutes to bake. The mushrooms add depth while keeping the ingredient list affordable. It is a practical stuffing option that works for mixed-diet gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey

Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato fries topped with a creamy white sauce, herbs, and sesame seeds on a baking tray.
Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes use sweet potatoes, tahini and maple syrup for a dish that tastes warm, lightly sweet and earthy. It takes around 35 minutes in the oven. The ingredients stay simple and affordable. It is a cozy side that adds richness without much cost or effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes

Aruk, Iraqi Style Latkes

A plate of golden-brown fritters topped with creamy dip and chopped green onions, with more dip in the background.
Aruk, Iraqi Style Latkes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Aruk, Iraqi Style Latkes blend potatoes, herbs and onions for patties that taste crispy, savory and aromatic. They take about 30 minutes to cook. The ingredients are basic but create strong flavor when combined. It is a budget-conscious side that brings something unique to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Aruk, Iraqi Style Latkes

Pickled Cauliflower

Jar of pickled cauliflower with spices.
Pickled Cauliflower. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Cauliflower uses cauliflower, vinegar, garlic and spices for a side that tastes tangy, bright and firm. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare plus pickling time. The cauliflower absorbs flavor without losing its crunch. It is an inexpensive option that adds variety to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Cauliflower

Quick Pickled Eggplant

A bowl of pickled eggplant slices with garlic and spices.
Quick Pickled Eggplant. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Quick Pickled Eggplant mixes eggplant, vinegar, garlic and spices for a dish that tastes tangy, tender and slightly savory. It takes about 20 minutes to make. The eggplant softens while still holding shape. It is a practical, low-cost side that adds something unexpected to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Eggplant

Air Fryer Eggplant

Sliced roasted eggplant garnished with fresh parsley on a white plate.
Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Air Fryer Eggplant blends eggplant, oil and seasonings for a side that tastes soft inside with crisp edges. It takes around 15 minutes in the air fryer. The ingredients stay minimal and inexpensive. It is an easy side when you want something warm without using the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Pickle Pasta Salad

A bowl of rotini pasta salad with cucumbers, carrots, and herbs, with a fork inside.
Pickle Pasta Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickle Pasta Salad combines pasta, pickles, mayo and simple seasonings for a dish that tastes tangy, creamy and playful. It takes about 20 minutes to put together. The pasta keeps it filling while the pickles add brightness. It is a budget-friendly choice that guests often return to.
Get the Recipe: Pickle Pasta Salad

Middle Eastern Pickled Turnips

A plate of pink pickled vegetable sticks next to a jar of pink liquid on a marble surface.
Middle Eastern Pickled Turnips. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Middle Eastern Pickled Turnips use turnips, vinegar, garlic and beets for a side that tastes crisp, vibrant and tangy. It takes about 15 minutes to prep plus pickling time. The beets give the turnips a bright color and mild sweetness. It adds a lively, low-cost option to the table.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Pickled Turnips

Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

A roasted cabbage steak is served on a pink plate. It is topped with a creamy sauce, pumpkin seeds, and chopped green onions. The cabbage is browned and slightly charred at the edges.
Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks with Tahini combine cabbage, spices and tahini for a side that tastes warm, nutty and slightly smoky. They cook in about 20 minutes. The cabbage becomes tender while the edges crisp. It is a simple side that feels substantial without being expensive.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

My Grandma’s Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes

A white plate filled with cooked sliced carrots and prunes, with a fork on the side.
My Grandma’s Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

My Grandma’s Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes mixes carrots, dried fruit and honey for a side that tastes sweet, soft and comforting. It takes about an hour to cook. The carrots absorb the sweetness and soften into a warm texture. It is a nostalgic, budget-friendly dish that stretches easily for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: My Grandma’s Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

A close-up of a dish featuring rice, sliced cucumbers, herbs, and pieces of a pink ingredient, possibly grapefruit. A spoon is lifting a portion from the plate. The background shows a small bowl with a yellow interior.
Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad blends cucumbers, crispy rice, herbs and a simple dressing for a dish that tastes bright, crunchy and fresh. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare. The crispy rice adds texture without raising the cost. It is an easy side that feels modern while staying affordable.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

The Perfect Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf in copper saucepan.
The Perfect Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Perfect Rice Pilaf uses rice, onions, broth and spices for a side that tastes warm, savory and steady. It takes about 30 minutes on the stovetop. The rice stays fluffy while the broth builds flavor. It is a low-cost dish that fits any holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves.
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad) blends potatoes, peas, carrots, eggs and mayo for a side that tastes creamy, mild and familiar. It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. The vegetables soften while the dressing brings everything together. It is a budget-friendly salad often found at large gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

A plate of roasted asparagus topped with almond slices, capers, and parsley. Two lemon wedges are placed on either side of the asparagus. The dish is presented on an oval white plate.
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus uses asparagus, oil and seasoning for a side that tastes bright, tender and lightly crisp. It takes about 10 minutes to cook. The ingredients stay simple and inexpensive. It is a quick side that brings a fresh element to the table.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

A baked dish with a large serving of cheesy cauliflower in a glass baking dish is next to a white plate holding a portion of the same dish. The background is a light wooden surface. A fork is visible beside the plate.
Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole mixes cauliflower, cheese and cream for a side that tastes mild, warm and creamy. It takes around 40 minutes to bake. The cauliflower absorbs the sauce and becomes soft without falling apart. It is an affordable casserole that works with nearly any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

Authentic Rice and Lentil

A white dish filled with cooked lentils and rice, topped with chopped cilantro and caramelized onions. A wooden spoon rests on a patterned napkin next to the dish.
Authentic Rice and Lentil. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Authentic Rice and Lentil blends rice, lentils, onions and spices for a dish that tastes hearty, earthy and comforting. It takes about 35 minutes to cook. The lentils add substance while the rice keeps it budget-friendly. It is a reliable side when you need something filling at low cost.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Rice and Lentil

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant Tomato Stacks layer eggplant, tomatoes and herbs for a side that tastes fresh, soft and slightly tangy. They take about 25 minutes to cook. The tomatoes add moisture while the eggplant offers structure. It is a simple dish that feels elegant without being expensive.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino)

19 Budget Side Dishes That Help You Host the Holidays With Ease
Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mexican Cucumber Salad mixes cucumbers, lime, chili and salt for a side dish that tastes crisp, tangy and refreshing. It takes about 10 minutes to assemble. The ingredients stay inexpensive while still offering bold flavor. It is an easy dish to stretch your budget without sacrificing freshness.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino)

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