Christmas dinners and potlucks always need a few good side dishes. They add variety to the table and give everyone a little more to choose from. Crispy potatoes, creamy pasta salads, fresh salads, and cheesy bites can all find a place on the Christmas table.
Since your entire focus should be on making the dinner, the sides don’t have to be complicated. I usually look for recipes that are simple to prepare and don’t keep me engaged for too long.
I enjoy making side dishes just as much as the main course, and they’re always a hit at my gatherings. I’ve collected quite a few recipes over the years, so I put together 30 of my favorites here. You’ll find salads, potato dishes, pasta salads, and bite-sized sides to choose from.
Hopefully, you’ll find a few that you’d like to make this Christmas.
Italian Garden Potato Salad
The roasted potatoes make it filling enough to serve alongside Christmas dinner, and you can have the salad ready in under 30 minutes.
Korean Crunch Cucumber Salad
I like serving this Korean crunch cucumber salad when the rest of the Christmas menu is on the heavier side. Crisp vegetables are tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy dressing, and there’s very little prep involved. Just chop, mix, and toss everything together.
Feta-Dipped Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are served with a creamy feta dip in this simple side. Olive oil and paprika add a smoky flavor, which works especially well with the sweetness of the roasted carrots.
Cucumber Silk Salad
If you like cucumber, the thin ribbons in this Cucumber Silk Salad make it especially light and easy to eat. The spicy, tangy dressing gives the cucumber ribbons a little kick without making the salad feel heavy.
Herby Roasted Potato Salad
Dijon mustard and lemon juice add a nice tang to the creamy yogurt dressing, and the fresh herbs pair well with the crispy roasted potatoes. The salad takes about 35–40 minutes to make from start to finish.
Baked Zucchini Bites
These zucchini bites are a fun change from regular vegetable sides. Thin zucchini slices are layered with ham and smoky scamorza cheese, coated in panko, and baked until golden and crispy. The cheesy filling makes them a suitable option for a Christmas appetizer too.
Sun-Dried Tomato Olive Pasta Salad
I’d make this pasta salad ahead of time and keep it chilled until dinner. Pasta, olives, fresh vegetables, and sun-dried tomato pesto come together in under 20 minutes.
Crispy Mashed Potato Salad
For something a little more substantial, try this crispy potato salad. Roasted potatoes are paired with a creamy curd and mayo dressing and fresh vegetables. It makes a hearty addition to the Christmas table and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Creamy Cucumber Boats
These little cucumber boats are easy to pick up and eat, making them great for parties. Crisp cucumbers are filled with cottage cheese, cream cheese, and fresh herbs. They take less than 15 minutes to make, so you can put them together even when guests are on their way.
Cheesy Rice Pops
Have some leftover rice in the fridge? Use it to make these cheesy rice pops instead of letting it go to waste. The outside turns crisp while the cheese in the center melts, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Serve them with a dip or add them to the snack table.
Crispy Potato Bites
These bite-sized appetizers are made with boiled potatoes and sandwich bread as the main ingredients. They are infused with a few spices to add flavor, and cooked until crisp. You can serve them with a dip and let your guests indulge in their amazing flavors while you get the dinner ready.
Potato Rice Crunchers
These potato rice crunchers are a simple way to use up leftover rice and potatoes. The rice and potatoes are mixed with spices, shaped into small bites, and cooked until golden and crispy. They take about 40 minutes to make.
Lemony Greek Potato Salad
Lemon juice and fresh herbs add a fresh taste to this Greek-style potato salad. The feta makes it creamy and adds a little saltiness. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Creamy Tuna Cucumber Canoes
These cucumber canoes are filled with a creamy tuna mixture and make a fresh alternative to heavier party food. They can be prepared in under 20 minutes and made ahead for a gathering. They’re also a low-carb option for the table.
Crispy Corn and Cheese Pops
Corn and cheese make these little fried pops simple and tasty. They turn golden and crispy on the outside while staying cheesy inside. You can serve them with your regular dipping sauces like BBQ sauce or ketchup.
Beet Hummus with Spiced Chickpeas
The bright color makes this beetroot hummus stand out on a Christmas table. Creamy hummus is topped with crispy chickpeas seasoned with spices, adding a crunchy contrast. You can serve it with your main dish, crackers, or veggies, or enjoy it on its own for a light lunch.
Asian Garden Glow Salad
Cucumber, carrot, and guava give this crunchy salad plenty of colors and flavors. The dressing is sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, but doesn’t overpower the vegetables. It takes less than 20 minutes to make and goes well with roasted and grilled dishes.
Mediterranean Halloumi Chickpea Salad
Halloumi and chickpeas make this salad more filling than a typical green salad. Fresh vegetables and lemon dressing keep things bright and fresh. It also travels well, so it’s easy to take along to a Christmas potluck.
Dijon Mozzarella Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is quick to make with mozzarella balls, fresh vegetables, and a creamy yogurt and Dijon dressing. You can make it a few hours ahead, so there’s no need to take time away from dinner preparations.
Crispy Korean Potato Balls
These potato balls have a crispy coating and a soft center. Garlic and soy sauce give them a Korean-inspired flavor. They take about 40 minutes to make and can be served with dinner or as an appetizer.
Baked Broccoli Potato Cups
A mixture of boiled potatoes, broccoli, and cheese is baked in small portions to make these potato cups. They’re easy to serve individually and take less than 30 minutes. Add them to the dinner plate or put out a few as a small holiday snack.
Japanese-Style Long Fries
These aren’t your usual fries. Potatoes are combined with Parmesan and cooked until the outside is crisp while the middle stays soft. Their long shape makes them fun to serve as finger food, especially at a Christmas party.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Salad
This delicious pasta salad is an easy make-ahead option when you don’t want to go through the stress of ‘What to prepare?’ at the last minute. Pasta, vegetables, Parmesan, and a creamy yogurt dressing come together to make this creamy salad. You can simply refrigerate it until it’s time to serve.
Crispy Potato Roses
Thin potato slices are arranged in a muffin tin to form little roses. They’re brushed with butter, sprinkled with Parmesan, and baked in the oven until golden. The edges are crisp while the centres stay soft. They look extremely elegant on a Christmas dinner table without being difficult to make.
Chili Crisp Pasta Salad
Crispy pasta gives this salad an amazing crunch, while the creamy chili dressing is what brings a little heat. The vegetables add some freshness and keep this salad from feeling too rich. You can make it ahead, chill it, and bring it out when you’re ready to serve.