Russian Food

21 Holiday Side Dishes People Go Back For

21 Holiday Side Dishes People Go Back For

Holiday side dishes often do more than fill space on the table. They are the plates people circle back to, scoop again, and quietly compare to everything else being served. These recipes lean on familiar ingredients, steady flavors, and textures that hold up from first serving to leftovers. Each one earns repeat visits without needing much explanation.

21 Holiday Side Dishes People Go Back For
Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Cauliflower

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

Pickled Cauliflower is a crisp, tangy side made with cauliflower florets, vinegar, garlic, and spices. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus resting time for the flavors to settle. The taste is bright, slightly sharp, and clean. It cuts through richer holiday foods and keeps people coming back for another forkful.
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 is a bold side dish made with tender eggplant, vinegar, garlic, and herbs. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare with minimal cooking. The flavor is savory, tangy, and lightly garlicky. It holds up well on the table and pairs easily with meats and grains.
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 is a warm side made with sliced eggplant, olive oil, and simple seasoning. It takes about 25 minutes to cook using an air fryer. The taste is mild, savory, and lightly caramelized. Its soft texture and familiar flavor make it easy to revisit during the meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Dill Pickle Bread

Two slices of savory bread with visible pieces of pickles on a white plate, served on a wooden board.
Dill Pickle Bread. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Dill Pickle Bread is a savory loaf made with chopped pickles, fresh dill, and flour. It takes about 75 minutes to bake from start to finish. The flavor is tangy, salty, and unexpectedly comforting. Sliced on the table, it keeps drawing attention as the meal goes on.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Bread

Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino)

Sliced avocado and red onion salad topped with herbs and spices on a white plate.
Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mexican Cucumber Salad is a fresh side made with cucumbers, lime juice, chili, and salt. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare with no cooking required. The flavor is crisp, tangy, and lightly spicy. It refreshes the plate and gets revisited between heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pepino)

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 is a creamy side made with cucumbers, dill, yogurt, and lemon. It takes about 15 minutes to mix together. The taste is cool, lightly tangy, and herb-forward. It offers balance and keeps showing up on plates long after serving.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Dill Salad

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 are roasted slices coated in maple syrup, tahini, and warm seasoning. They take about 40 minutes to roast and finish. The flavor is sweet, nutty, and softly savory. This combination keeps people reaching back for more.
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 are herb-packed fritters made with potatoes, scallions, and spices. They take about 30 minutes to cook from start to finish. The flavor is savory, fragrant, and familiar. Crisp edges and soft centers make them hard to pass up twice.
Get the Recipe: Aruk, Iraqi Style Latkes

Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad

A black bowl filled with creamy cucumber salad, garnished with fresh dill and cracked black pepper, with sliced cucumbers and onions visible. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl.
Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad is a chilled side made with cucumbers, sour cream, paprika, and vinegar. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and chill slightly. The taste is tangy, creamy, and gently spiced. It stands out quietly and keeps drawing return bites.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hungarian Cucumber Salad

Labneh Dip with Olives

A bowl of whipped labneh topped with green olives, olive oil, slivered almonds, and herbs, surrounded by fresh parsley leaves.
Labneh Dip with Olives. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Labneh Dip with Olives is a thick, creamy side made with strained yogurt, olive oil, and briny olives. It takes about 10 minutes to assemble once labneh is ready. The flavor is tangy, salty, and smooth. Served alongside mains, it keeps getting revisited with bread or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Labneh Dip with Olives

Tomato and Smashed Cucumber Salad

A black bowl filled with a salad made of sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes in various colors, fresh herbs, and a fork resting on the side. A white cloth with blue stripes is partially visible in the background.
Tomato and Smashed Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tomato and Smashed Cucumber Salad is a fresh side made with juicy tomatoes, smashed cucumbers, garlic, and oil. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The flavor is bright, savory, and lightly garlicky. It refreshes the plate and invites repeat scoops.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Smashed Cucumber Salad

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 is a creamy, tangy side made with pasta, chopped pickles, herbs, and dressing. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare once pasta is cooked. The taste is salty, creamy, and familiar. It stays popular long after the first serving.
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 are crisp slices preserved with vinegar, salt, and beet juice. They take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus resting time. The flavor is tangy, slightly sweet, and sharp. They cut through rich dishes and keep plates interesting.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Pickled Turnips

Quinoa Cucumber Salad

A white plate with a serving of quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers, chopped herbs, red onions, nuts, and feta cheese. A gold fork is resting on the plate. The background is a light, textured surface.
Quinoa Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Quinoa Cucumber Salad is a hearty side made with cooked quinoa, cucumbers, herbs, and lemon. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare once quinoa is cooked. The taste is light, fresh, and mildly nutty. It holds up well and stays appealing throughout the meal.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Cucumber Salad

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 are thick cabbage slices cooked until tender and topped with sauce. They take about 30 minutes to cook using an air fryer. The flavor is savory, slightly spicy, and nutty. The contrast keeps people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé

A slice of sweet potato casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar is served on a black and white plate. A gold spoon rests beside it. In the background is a casserole dish with more of the dessert and a white and blue towel.
Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé is a baked side made with carrots, eggs, sugar, and warm spices. It takes about 60 minutes to bake until set. The flavor is lightly sweet and soft. Its familiar texture makes it easy to revisit during the meal.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé

My Grandma’s Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon

A slice of brown bread topped with three pieces of cured fish and three small white onions on a round, dark plate. The plate is placed on a wooden surface.
My Grandma’s Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

My Grandma’s Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon is a chilled side made with salmon, salt, sugar, and herbs. It takes about 24 hours to cure, with minimal active time. The taste is silky, savory, and clean. Thin slices keep guests returning again and again.
Get the Recipe: My Grandma’s Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon

Spinach Colcannon Recipe

A bowl of colcannon, a traditional Irish dish and a good choice for sides, features mashed potatoes mixed with green leafy vegetables and topped with chopped scallions.
Spinach Colcannon Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spinach Colcannon is a mashed potato side mixed with spinach, butter, and dairy. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare. The flavor is rich, mild, and comforting. It pairs well with everything on the table and gets revisited easily.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

A dish with roasted cauliflower slices on a bed of reddish-brown puree, garnished with thyme and pumpkin seeds.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks on Spicy Sweet Potato Puree is a plated side made with roasted cauliflower and smooth puree. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare. The flavor is savory with gentle heat and sweetness. The contrast keeps it appealing through multiple servings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

Jerusalem Kugel

A hand scoops baked kugel from a round dish on marble, beside an empty plate, fork, orange napkin, and cinnamon sticks.
Jerusalem Kugel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Jerusalem Kugel is a baked noodle dish made with thin noodles, sugar, oil, and black pepper. It takes about 90 minutes to bake and set. The taste is sweet, peppery, and deeply familiar. Small slices often lead to second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel

Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey

21 Holiday Side Dishes People Go Back For
Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms is a savory side made with gluten-free bread, mushrooms, herbs, and broth. It takes about 60 minutes to prepare and bake. The flavor is earthy, savory, and comforting. It holds its place as a repeat favorite on the table.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Stuffing with Mushrooms for Turkey

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