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    Home » Recipe Collections

    Best Christmas Side Dishes

    Published: Dec 5, 2022 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    30 shares
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    Best Christmas side dish recipes.

    Here are our best Christmas side dishes with Persian and Mediterranean twists that you can enjoy this season. From roasted vegetables to comforting sides and festive salads, we've got you covered. These sides go with just about any Christmas main dish you might have in mind.

    Best Christmas side dish recipes.

    Whether you're planning to make braised lamb shanks, spiced roasted turkey or glazed cornish hen, these sides will complete your Christmas (or Christmas Eve) dinner table.

    Table Of Contents:
    • Christmas side dishes
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More recipe collections
    • Step-by-Step Recipe
    • Best Christmas Side Dishes

    Christmas side dishes

    Middle Eastern Eggplant

    Middle Eastern Eggplant Recipe
    This is a great Middle Eastern eggplant recipe to always keep on hand. Perfectly roasted eggplant is served with a stunning tahini yogurt sauce and pomegranate arils. It's perfect as a side dish or an impressive appetizer!
    Check out this recipe
    This is a great Middle Eastern eggplant recipe to always keep on hand. Perfectly roasted eggplant is served with a stunning tahini yogurt sauce and pomegranate arils. It's perfect as a side dish or an impressive appetizer!

    Roasted Butternut Squash with Honey and Lemon

    Best Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe with Honey and Lemon
    Roasted butternut squash makes an elegant side dish for any occasion. Butternut squash cubes are tossed with olive oil and warm spices and roasted until caramelized, then topped with honey, lemon and cilantro.
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted butternut squash makes an elegant side dish for any occasion. Butternut squash cubes are tossed with olive oil and warm spices and roasted until caramelized, then topped with honey, lemon and cilantro.

    Briam (Greek Roasted Vegetables)

    Briam Greek Roasted Vegetables
    Briam is a Greek roasted vegetables dish cooked in olive oil. This easy and delicious recipe is made with just a few ingredients and is vegan, low carb and gluten free.
    Check out this recipe
    Briam is a Greek roasted vegetables dish cooked in olive oil. This easy and delicious recipe is made with just a few ingredients and is vegan, low carb and gluten free.

    Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary and Pomegranate

    Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary and Pomegranate
    Roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish. They're made with spices and olive oil, then roasted to perfection until caramelized.
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish. They're made with spices and olive oil, then roasted to perfection until caramelized.

    Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower Salad

    Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower Salad
    Roasted cauliflower salad with Mediterranean spices is so flavorful and easy to make. The cauliflower is seasoned with warm spices and roasted to perfection, then topped with a zesty yogurt dressing, making every bite extra delicious.
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted cauliflower salad with Mediterranean spices is so flavorful and easy to make. The cauliflower is seasoned with warm spices and roasted to perfection, then topped with a zesty yogurt dressing, making every bite extra delicious.

    Eggplant Caponata Recipe

    Eggplant Caponata Recipe
    Eggplant caponata is an easy recipe that's full of flavor. This vegetarian eggplant recipe is made with fresh vegetables and is very simple to make. 
    Check out this recipe
    Eggplant caponata is an easy recipe that's full of flavor. This vegetarian eggplant recipe is made with fresh vegetables and is very simple to make.

    Garlic Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts

    Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe with Garlic and Lemon
    This roasted brussel sprouts recipe is easy and ready in 20 minutes. They're crispy and seasoned with lemon and garlic, making a delicious side dish that everyone loves.
    Check out this recipe
    Oven roasted brussel sprouts are easy and ready in 20 minutes. Crispy brussel sprouts roasted in the oven with lemon and garlic make a great side dish.

    Fasolakia (Greek Green Beans)

    Fasolakia (Greek Green Beans)
    Fasolakia is a Greek green bean recipe that proves that green beans need not be bland. Tender green beans braised in olive oil and tomato make this a mouthwatering vegetarian and gluten free main or side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Fasolakia is a Greek green bean recipe that proves that green beans need not be bland. Tender green beans braised in olive oil and tomato make this a mouthwatering vegetarian and gluten free main or side dish.

    Turkish Zucchini Stew Recipe

    Turkish Zucchini Stew Recipe
    This Turkish zucchini stew is hearty, healthy and so easy to make. It's made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    This Turkish zucchini stew is hearty, healthy and so easy to make. It's made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes.

    Easy Ratatouille Recipe

    Easy Ratatouille Recipe
    Ratatouille is a hearty and healthy French dish that's packed with flavor. This recipe is made with hearty summer vegetables that you may already have on hand.
    Check out this recipe
    Ratatouille is a hearty and healthy French dish that's packed with flavor. This recipe is made with hearty summer vegetables that you may already have on hand.

    Fried Eggplant with Tomatoes

    Fried Eggplant Recipe with Tomatoes
    Fried eggplant with tomatoes are the easiest side dish. Fresh eggplant and tomatoes fried to perfection and are topped with crispy garlic.
    Check out this recipe
    Fried eggplant with tomatoes are the easiest side dish. Fresh eggplant and tomatoes fried to perfection and are topped with crispy garlic.

    Salad Shirazi (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)

    Salad Shirazi (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)
    Salad Shirazi is a Persian cucumber tomato salad that's easy to prepare and packed with flavors. This classic Persian salad can be served with any main dish. 
    Check out this recipe
    Salad Shirazi is a Persian cucumber tomato salad that's easy to prepare and packed with flavors. This classic Persian salad can be served with any main dish.

    Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata and Grapes

    Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata and Grapes
    Roasted butternut squash salad is a great fall salad recipe. With burrata, grapes, and a balsamic based vinaigrette, this salad will excite your taste buds!
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted butternut squash salad is a great fall salad recipe. With burrata, grapes, and a balsamic based vinaigrette, this salad will excite your taste buds!

    Greek Potatoes Recipe

    Greek Potatoes Recipe
    These Greek potatoes are probably going to be the best roasted potatoes you've ever had. Give roasted potatoes a Mediterranean twist by making them Greek style with garlic, herbs and lots of lemon!
    Check out this recipe
    These Greek potatoes are probably going to be the best roasted potatoes you've ever had. Give roasted potatoes a Mediterranean twist by making them Greek style with garlic, herbs and lots of lemon!

    Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

    Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes
    Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes will be your next go-to side dish. This easy and simple recipe is buttery, creamy and bursting with roasted garlic flavor!
    Check out this recipe
    Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes will be your next go-to side dish. This easy and simple recipe is buttery, creamy and bursting with roasted garlic flavor!

    Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)

    Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)
    Batata harra is a spicy Middle Eastern potato side dish. It calls for just a few ingredients and is easy to make. Crispy and tender potatoes are tossed in a spicy garlic and cilantro sauce and finished with a squeeze of lemon.
    Check out this recipe
    Batata harra is a spicy Middle Eastern potato side dish. It calls for just a few ingredients and is easy to make. Crispy and tender potatoes are tossed in a spicy garlic and cilantro sauce and finished with a squeeze of lemon.

    The Best Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

    The Best Homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
    This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is a keeper. It's rich and creamy, with so much flavor and makes any meal so much better!
    Check out this recipe
    This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is a keeper. It's rich and creamy, with so much flavor and makes any meal so much better!

    Mediterranean Potato Salad

    Mediterranean Potato Salad
    Mediterranean potato salad is so easy and simple. It's made with only a few ingredients and is packed with flavor thanks to a homemade zaatar dressing. 
    Check out this recipe
    Mediterranean potato salad is so easy and simple. It's made with only a few ingredients and is packed with flavor thanks to a homemade zaatar dressing.

    Turkish Rice Pilaf with Orzo Recipe

    Turkish Rice Pilaf with Orzo Recipe
    Turkish rice pilaf with orzo is a simple side dish you can serve with almost anything. It calls for only 4 ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes. 
    Check out this recipe
    Christmas side dishes Turkish rice pilaf with orzo is a simple side dish you can serve with almost anything. It calls for only 4 ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes.

    Turkish Bulgur Pilaf Recipe

    Turkish Bulgur Pilaf Recipe
    Turkish style bulgur pilaf is a classic hearty and healthy side dish dish that is very easy to make. It's a great alternative to rice and can be served with many dishes. 
    Check out this recipe
    Turkish style bulgur pilaf is a classic hearty and healthy side dish dish that is very easy to make. It's a great alternative to rice and can be served with many dishes.

    Spanakorizo Greek Spinach Rice Recipe

    Spanakorizo Greek Spinach Rice Recipe
    Spanakorizo is a classic Greek spinach rice that's easy and comforting. You only need a few ingredients to make this delicious vegetarian recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Spanakorizo is a classic Greek spinach rice that's easy and comforting. You only need a few ingredients to make this delicious vegetarian recipe.

    Persian One Pot Tomato Rice – Dami Gojeh Farangi

    Persian One Pot Tomato Rice – Dami Gojeh Farangi
    Persian tomato rice is an easy vegetarian dish full of amazing flavors. This one pot rice recipe uses very few ingredients and can be prepared in no time!
    Check out this recipe
    Persian tomato rice is an easy vegetarian dish full of amazing flavors. This one pot rice recipe uses very few ingredients and can be prepared in no time!

    Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe

    Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe
    Instant pot brown rice is easy and absolutely no-fail. It includes less than 5 minutes of preparation and you will end up with delicious and fluffy brown rice every time. 
    Check out this recipe
    Instant pot brown rice is easy and absolutely no-fail. It includes less than 5 minutes of preparation and you will end up with delicious and fluffy brown rice every time.

    Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

    Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
    This Greek lemon rice is ready in 30 minutes. The lemon and garlic add a lot of flavor to this Greek-inspired dish, which can be served on the side or as the main meal!
    Check out this recipe
    This Greek lemon rice is ready in 30 minutes. The lemon and garlic add a lot of flavor to this Greek-inspired dish, which can be served on the side or as the main meal!

    Instant Pot White Rice Recipe

    Instant Pot White Rice Recipe
    Instant pot white rice comes out perfectly every time. Learn how to make white rice in instant pot, the cooking time is only 5 minutes. 

    Check out this recipe
    Christmas side dishes Instant pot white rice comes out perfectly every time. Learn how to make white rice in instant pot, the cooking time is only 5 minutes.

    Persian Steamed White Rice - Chelow

    Persian Steamed White Rice - Chelow
    Persian rice is the key element of Persian cuisine. This post will help you master the essential Persian rice with a crispy golden crust, known as tahdig.
    Check out this recipe
    Persian rice is the key element of Persian cuisine. This post will help you master the essential Persian rice with a crispy golden crust, known as tahdig.

    Easy Lebanese Rice and Vermicelli

    Easy Lebanese Rice and Vermicelli
    Lebanese rice with vermicelli is a classic Middle Eastern side dish made with only three ingredients. This is a simple and easy recipe that goes well with many dishes!
    Check out this recipe
    Lebanese rice with vermicelli is a delicious Middle Eastern side dish. It's made with only three ingredients and makes the perfect side dish for any main dish.

    Persian Dill Rice with Peas

    Persian Dill Rice with Peas
    Dill rice with peas is a vegan Persian recipe that is made in one pot with only 5 ingredients. This simple, aromatic side dish is ready in 30 minutes and is perfect for any occasion and you can serve it with chicken, beef or seafood.
    Check out this recipe
    Dill rice with peas is a vegan Persian recipe that is made in one pot with only 5 ingredients. This simple, aromatic side dish is ready in 30 minutes and is perfect for any occasion and you can serve it with chicken, beef or seafood.

    Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)

    Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice)
    Sabzi Polo is a delicious Persian Herb Rice that is usually served with fish for the new year. Sabzi Polo has a crispy lettuce Tahdig that's hard to resist! 
    Sabzi Polo is a delicious Persian Herb Rice that is usually served with fish for the new year. Sabzi Polo has a crispy lettuce Tahdig that's hard to resist!

    How To Make Saffron Rice

    How To Make Saffron Rice
    Learn how to make the best saffron rice. This is an easy rice recipe with delicious tahdig that you can make at home. 
    Check out this recipe
    Learn how to make the best saffron rice. This is an easy rice recipe with delicious tahdig that you can make at home.

    Persian Savory Saffron Cake - Tahchin

    Persian Savory Saffron Cake - Tahchin
    Persian Savory Saffron Cake - Tahchin is a very delicious traditional Persian rice dish full of saffron and other great flavors. Usually served with chicken, this tahchin recipe is surprisingly easy to make!
    Check out this recipe
    Christmas side dishes Persian Savory Saffron Cake - Tahchin is a very delicious traditional Persian rice dish full of saffron and other great flavors. Usually served with chicken, this tahchin recipe is surprisingly easy to make!

    Fried Potatoes and Onions Persian Style (Do Piazeh Aloo)

    Fried Potatoes and Onions Persian Style (Do Piazeh Aloo)
    An easy recipe for fried potatoes and onions with a Persian twist. Do piazeh aloo is an Iranian vegan dish that you can make in no time with just a few ingredients. It's packed with so much flavor thanks to turmeric and spices. 
    Check out this recipe
    An easy recipe for fried potatoes and onions with a Persian twist. Do piazeh aloo is an Iranian vegan dish that you can make in no time with just a few ingredients. It's packed with so much flavor thanks to turmeric and spices.

    Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)

    Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)
    Kashke bademjan is a simple Persian eggplant dip that is made with a handful of ingredients. This tasty vegetarian dip is full of amazing flavors and makes for a perfect appetizer!
    Check out this recipe
    Kashke bademjan is a simple Persian eggplant dip that is made with a handful of ingredients. This tasty vegetarian dip is full of amazing flavors and makes for a perfect appetizer!

    Easy Patatas Bravas Recipe

    Easy Patatas Bravas Recipe
    Patatas bravas is a classic Spanish tapas dish. Crispy potatoes topped with spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli makes a simple but tasty recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    Patatas bravas is a classic Spanish tapas dish. Crispy potatoes topped with spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli makes a simple but tasty recipe!

    Skordalia (Greek Potato and Garlic Dip)

    Skordalia Greek Potato and Garlic Dip
    Skordalia is a popular Greek potato and garlic dip that's creamy and so tasty. Watch the video to learn how to make this traditional Greek dip with just a few ingredients. 

    Check out this recipe
    Skordalia is a popular Greek potato and garlic dip that's creamy and so tasty. Watch the video to learn how to make this traditional Greek dip with just a few ingredients.

    Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes Recipe
    This oven roasted potatoes recipe is easy and makes the perfect side dish. Flavored with garlic and roasted to perfection, these potatoes are irresistible. These potatoes are crispy on the inside and tender on the inside, and are the perfect addition to your dinner table. 

    Check out this recipe
    Christmas side dishes This oven roasted potatoes recipe is easy and makes the perfect side dish. Flavored with garlic and roasted to perfection, these potatoes are irresistible. These potatoes are crispy on the inside and tender on the inside, and are the perfect addition to your dinner table.

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans
    This classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have for Thanksgiving. It's easy, fluffy and perfectly sweet. And, pecans add just the right amount of crunch! 
    Check out this recipe
    This classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have for Thanksgiving. It's easy, fluffy and perfectly sweet. And, pecans add just the right amount of crunch!

    Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

    Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
    Maple pecan sweet potatoes are simple to make and bring sweet and warm flavor to your fall dinner table. With a little bit of crunch, this comforting dish is hard to resist!
    Check out this recipe
    Maple pecan sweet potatoes are simple to make and bring sweet and warm flavor to your fall dinner table. With a little bit of crunch, this comforting dish is hard to resist!

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

    Depending on the recipe, you can either prepare parts of a dish or all of it in advance. Check out each recipe for complete instructions.

    How many side dishes do I make for Christmas dinner?

    I usually make 2 to 4 side dishes for Christmas dinner and try to have a combination of light and hearty side dishes for a balanced meal.

    More recipe collections

    • Best Holiday Recipes: Main Dishes
    • 45 Fall Dinners You'll Love
    • 25 Best Dip Recipes
    • 40+ Easy Appetizer Recipes

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Best Christmas Side Dishes

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    Here are our best Christmas side dishes with Persian and Mediterranean twists that you can enjoy this season. From roasted vegetables to comforting sides and festive salads, we've got you covered. These sides go with any Christmas main dishes you have in mind and everyone enjoys them.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mediterranean, middle eastern, Persian
    Servings 6
    Calories 220 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • Check out each recipe for the complete list of ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Refer to each recipe for the complete instructions.
    • Make ahead: Depending on the Christmas side dish recipe, you can either prepare parts or all of it ahead of time.
    • Store and reheat: Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 250 degrees F for 20 minutes or until heated through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcal
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!
    « Persian Yogurt Beet Dip (Borani Laboo)
    Beet Salad Recipe With Feta And Zaatar »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brandi

      December 08, 2022 at 11:25 am

      5 stars
      These all look delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipes!

      Reply
    2. Justine

      December 08, 2022 at 11:08 am

      5 stars
      So many great recipes to try here! The roasted butternut squash and the brussel sprouts are definitely on my list of ones to try! thank you!

      Reply
    3. Katherine

      December 06, 2022 at 3:37 am

      5 stars
      There are so many incredible sides here! I can't wait to test a few out.

      Reply
    4. Jill

      December 05, 2022 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      It's all so pretty, colorful and healthy! I can't decide which one I want to try first!

      Reply
    5. MacKenzie

      December 05, 2022 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Saving this! I can’t wait to try a few of these beautiful recipes.

      Reply
    6. Nicolette

      December 05, 2022 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, this is an amazing collection of recipes!! I am so glad so many of them are vegetarian and healthy! I can't wait to make a few of these.

      Reply
    7. Irena

      December 05, 2022 at 6:30 pm

      5 stars
      So many good ideas in this roundup. The butternut squash with honey and lemon is going on our menu this year! Thanks

      Reply

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    Welcome to Unicorns in the Kitchen, where we share delicious recipes from our kitchen to yours. You’re in for a delicious adventure and collection of unique and tasty recipes.

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    30 shares