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Home » Recipe Collections

29 Quick and Easy Vegetable Sides for Busy Holiday Evenings

Published: Dec 5, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Quick and easy vegetable sides are the secret weapon for busy holiday evenings when you need something fast, simple, and great-tasting to round out the table. These recipes are perfect for keeping things stress-free without skimping on flavor or freshness. Whether you're throwing together a last-minute meal or balancing a packed holiday schedule, these sides bring ease and variety to your menu. With minimal prep and big results, they’ll fit seamlessly into your busiest days while still impressing everyone at the table.

Italian chopped salad in a bowl next to dressing.
Italian Chopped Salad. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Spinach Avocado Salad

An overhead image of spinach avocado salad in a wooden bowl with lemon in the background.
Spinach Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spinach and avocado summer salad combines cherry tomatoes, radishes, cotija cheese, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. This quick and easy vegetable side is perfect for adding fresh, vibrant flavors to summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Caesar Salad

Vegan caesar salad in a bowl drizzled with caesar salad dressing.
Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Caesar salad features crisp lettuce paired with a creamy plant-based dressing and seasoned croutons or chickpeas. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick and easy vegetable side works well for both holiday meals and light lunches.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Daikon Salad

Overhead image of daikon salad served in a plate.
Daikon Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Daikon and carrot salad is a crisp, refreshing dish with a sweet and sour dressing that comes together in under 10 minutes. This quick and easy vegetable side adds a light, tangy touch to any table.
Get the Recipe: Daikon Salad

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side.
Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cranberry pecan salad combines tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a simple dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, this quick and easy vegetable side is great for festive gatherings or weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

A close up image of roasted oyster mushrooms placed in a plate over a napkin.
Roasted Oyster Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted oyster mushrooms bring out their natural, earthy flavors with just a few simple ingredients. This quick and easy vegetable side is ready in 30 minutes and complements salads, tacos, or any main course.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

Easy Cabbage Curry

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate.
Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Easy cabbage curry brings bold spices and tender cabbage together in a one-pot dish, ready in less than 30 minutes. This quick and easy vegetable side pairs beautifully with rice or bread for a satisfying addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Italian Chopped Salad

Italian chopped salad in a bowl next to dressing.
Italian Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Italian chopped salad is loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light champagne vinaigrette. This quick and easy vegetable side is great for a healthy lunch or dinner and can be easily customized to suit any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad

Creamed Spinach

An overhead image of creamy spinach in a pot.
Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamed spinach blends rich cheeses and bold flavors for a creamy, comforting dish that comes together in 30 minutes. This quick and easy vegetable side pairs perfectly with roasts and other holiday main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Kale Harvest Salad

An overhead image of kale salad in a large serving bowl.
Kale Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fall kale salad features crisp kale, sweet carrots, and dates for a balanced mix of textures and flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick and easy vegetable side is a perfect addition to seasonal meals.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta, feta, and pomegranate combine savory, tangy, and sweet flavors in one dish. This quick and easy vegetable side adds a vibrant and festive touch to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

Jalapeno Corn

An image of jalapeno corn in a wooden bowl with tortilla chips on the side.
Jalapeno Corn. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Jalapeño corn combines sweet corn, a creamy sauce, and a spicy kick for a bold, flavorful dish. Ready in 10 minutes, this quick and easy vegetable side adds excitement to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Corn

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

A close up photo of instant pot spinach artichoke dip placed in a white bowl with wooden spoon in the side.
Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot spinach artichoke dip is a creamy and flavorful option that’s ready with minimal effort. This quick and easy vegetable side is a convenient choice for holiday parties or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Mexican Corn Salad

An overhead image of Mexican corn salad with the ingredients fully mixed together.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mexican corn salad is packed with sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a tangy lime dressing, making it a vibrant dish. This quick and easy vegetable side adds bold flavors to tacos, grilled dishes, or festive spreads.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Close-up of Grilled Beetroot Goat Cheese Salad in a bowl.
Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Beet and goat cheese salad blends earthy beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts for a visually stunning dish. This quick and easy vegetable side is perfect for holiday meals or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Panzanella Salad

An overhead image of panzanella salad served on a white plate with dressing on top of it.
Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Panzanella salad combines crusty bread, fresh veggies, and herbs with a tangy red wine vinaigrette. This quick and easy vegetable side is ready in just 10 minutes and works well as a side or light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli salad mixes crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing for a flavorful side. This quick and easy vegetable side is a hit for potlucks, holiday meals, or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Roasted Pear Salad

An overhead image of roasted pear salad on a serving plate.
Roasted Pear Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted pear salad pairs crunchy greens with juicy pears and a tangy lemon vinaigrette for a festive dish. This quick and easy vegetable side is ready in 25 minutes and perfect for fall and holiday menus.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlic Parmesan roasted carrots are tender and crispy, seasoned to perfection on a sheet pan. This quick and easy vegetable side is simple to prepare and a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Kale Salad With Cranberries

A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries.
Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale salad with cranberries, nuts, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette is colorful and full of fresh flavors. This quick and easy vegetable side is a healthy option for holiday tables or everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

An overhead view of gomen wat in a white bowl.
Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gomen Wat, a traditional Ethiopian dish, combines collard greens with bold spices for a rich, flavorful option. This quick and easy vegetable side brings authentic global flavors to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter.
Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic-infused green beans inspired by Din Tai Fung deliver a restaurant-quality crunch with minimal effort. This quick and easy vegetable side is perfect for weeknight meals or holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

A close up image of air fryer brussels sprouts.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts become perfectly crispy and golden in under 20 minutes with minimal oil. This quick and easy vegetable side adds crunch and flavor to any meal with ease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed baked potatoes are filled with mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a hearty and flavorful option. This quick and easy vegetable side is a satisfying complement to festive or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Close-up of green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese in a black plate.
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese offer a dynamic mix of flavors and textures. This quick and easy vegetable side is a festive addition to holiday meals or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Simple Chopped Salad

An overhead image of vegan chopped salad in a bowl with a serving spoon in the middle.
Simple Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan chopped salad is filled with fresh, vibrant vegetables and tossed in a light dressing. This quick and easy vegetable side is a healthy and colorful choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chopped Salad

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

An overhead image of air fried spaghetti squash.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer spaghetti squash turns into tender, golden strands in under 30 minutes, making it a simple and healthy choice. This quick and easy vegetable side is perfect for those looking for a lighter alternative to traditional pasta.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Beet Salad with Feta

Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beet salad with feta pairs earthy beets with tangy cheese for a side dish that’s as flavorful as it is eye-catching. This quick and easy vegetable side is perfect for holidays or everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl.
Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Classic Caprese salad uses fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a simple yet bold option. This quick and easy vegetable side brings fresh garden flavors to your summer table.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet with lemon slice.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Grilled asparagus is lightly seasoned and perfectly charred for a quick and easy vegetable side. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with cookout favorites or holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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