Planning Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd can be a lot of work. You need recipes that don’t take too long to make, especially when you’re cooking several dishes. You want easy recipes that everyone will enjoy without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
Here are 20 of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, including pasta salads, potato dishes, veggie sides, and casseroles.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Salad
This creamy Parmesan pasta salad is made with fusilli pasta, fresh veggies, Parmesan, and a creamy yogurt dressing with garlic, oregano, and chili flakes. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, so it’s a good option for Thanksgiving, parties, or casual get-togethers. It goes well with turkey, ham, or roast beef.
Japanese-Style Long Fries
These Japanese-style long fries are made with potatoes and Parmesan, then seasoned with garlic and black pepper. They turn crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. They’re great as a Thanksgiving side or party snack, and they also go well with burgers or turkey.
Sun-Dried Tomato Olive Pasta Salad
This sun-dried tomato olive pasta salad is made with al dente pasta, olives, veggies, and sun-dried tomato pesto. It takes less than 20 minutes to make, so it’s an easy addition to the holiday table.
Crispy Potato Roses
These crispy potato roses look pretty on a Thanksgiving table. They’re made with thinly sliced potatoes layered with Parmesan and garlic butter. They look fancy, but they’re actually quite easy to make.
Dijon Mozzarella Pasta Salad
This Dijon mozzarella pasta salad has Dijon mustard, mozzarella, and a creamy dressing. It’s a simple side for the holiday table. It takes just 20 minutes to make and is also easy to pack and serve.
Lemony Greek Potato Salad
This lemony Greek potato salad is a simple choice for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. It’s made with potatoes, fresh herbs, feta, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve it with grilled meats, ham, or crispy fried chicken.
Chili Crisp Pasta Salad
This chili crisp pasta salad gets its crunch from pasta that’s crisped up in the air fryer. It takes about 30 minutes to make and travels well, making it a good choice for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or holiday dinners.
Mediterranean Halloumi Chickpea Salad
This Mediterranean halloumi chickpea salad is made with grilled halloumi, chickpeas, veggies, and a simple lemon dressing. It’s a simple Thanksgiving side with a fresh, tangy lemon dressing.
Crispy Korean Potato Balls
These Korean potato balls are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. They take less than 40 minutes to make and don’t need many ingredients. Garlic, soy sauce, and chili flakes add plenty of flavor. Serve them as a Thanksgiving side, appetizer, or snack.
Baked Broccoli Potato Cups
These baked broccoli potato cups are made with boiled potatoes, broccoli, and cheese. They’re ready in under 30 minutes, so they’re great for family dinners, holiday parties, or other gatherings.
Cucumber Silk Salad
Thin cucumber slices are rolled into rose shapes and topped with a spicy, tangy dressing to make this Cucumber Silk Salad. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Feta-Dipped Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots and whipped feta make a great combination in this simple Thanksgiving side dish. Smoky paprika adds flavor to the carrots, while the feta makes a creamy dip.
Asian Garden Glow Salad
Made with fresh cucumber, guava, carrots, and a spicy dressing, this Asian Garden Glow Salad adds crunch to your Thanksgiving spread. Make a bigger batch if you’re serving a crowd.
Crispy Mashed Potato Salad
This Crispy Mashed Potato Salad combines roasted potatoes, a curd-mayo dressing, and fresh vegetables. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and puts a different spin on a classic potato side.
Italian Garden Potato Salad
Roasted baby potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, roasted peppers, red onion, and fresh herbs come together in this Italian-inspired potato salad.
Korean Crunch Cucumber Salad
This Korean Crunch Cucumber Salad brings the spicy kimchi flavors without requiring any cooking or fermenting. Serve it with ham, roast beef, or turkey for a fresh, crunchy side.
Herby Roasted Potato Salad
Roasted potatoes, fresh herbs, and a dijon-lemon infused yogurt dressing make this Herby Roasted Potato Salad both light and filling. If you’re making it ahead, prepare the dressing, roast the potatoes, and chop the herbs in advance. Toss everything together before serving so the roasted potatoes retain their crispiness.
Baked Zucchini Bites
These Baked Zucchini Bites combine tender zucchini with smoky scamorza cheese and roasted ham. Serve them as a side dish or an appetizer.
Creamy Cucumber Boats
These crunchy cucumber boats are filled with cottage cheese, cream cheese, and fresh herbs. You can fill them in advance and keep them in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
Beet Hummus with Spiced Chickpeas
Serve spiced chickpeas over beet hummus, then finish with pomegranate seeds, fresh coriander, and sesame seeds.