The holiday season is officially upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about your menu!
For me, holiday meals are all about the sides. I think most vegetarians out there will agree with me! I like to stick with the tried-and-true family favorites, and the traditional side items that we all know and love. The best part is, they’re all vegetarian friendly! Whether you’re a meat-eater or not, you can use these ideas alongside your turkey or ham as some easy and delicious options for your vegetarian friends and relatives.
Think about what you want your plate to look like – full of a variety of different colors, textures, and flavors! I also like a mix of healthy and a little less healthy on my plate – balance is key!
This menu is meant to feed 6-8 people, adjusting serving sizes as needed. Every recipe is either linked or provided below:
Appetizer: Honeyed Fig and Cream Cheese Bites
It doesn’t get much better than fig and cream cheese (really anything!) wrapped up in crescent roll dough. Make these early so your guests can have a snack before the main meal is ready!
Salad: Field Greens with Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Dump a bag of fresh mixed field greens into your salad bowl. Top with toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Then shake up this quick, homemade dressing in a mason jar, pour as needed, and toss. It’s so easy and the perfect fall salad!
Homemade Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp dried italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
Add everything to a mason jar and secure the lid. Shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds. Use immediately or keep covered in fridge for a week!
Side 1: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
The hardest part about making a holiday meal is coordinating the cook times of everything to be ready at the same time. The best way to do this is to use your resources – aka your slow cooker! Or really, multiple slow cookers. They help free up the stove and oven for other dishes, and you can tuck them away on the counter all day. Plus, you can set it to WARM to keep food hot while the rest finishes up!
Side 2: Healthier Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Casseroles are always a hit, and it’s nice to have a lighter version so your stomach won’t hate you the next day. This cheesy broccoli casserole is healthier and made from REAL ingredients – without skimping on flavor!
Side 3: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Another fan favorite that is requested year after year. Plus, you just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it go all afternoon!
Side 4: Fresh Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes
A quick, stove-top dish that can be whipped up right before the dinner bell rings. This recipe adds a touch of freshness to your dinner plate!
Gravy: 3-Ingredient Vegetarian Gravy
I mean, you always need gravy! It’s so easy to whip up in just a few minutes, and only a few ingredients.
Cranberries: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
I know the canned stuff is easy, but so is making it yourself! And it tastes SO much better. I’ve used a basic cranberry sauce recipe for a few years now, and we always eat it all up. Put it on your leftover cheesecake the next day!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- 2 8-oz bags fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1/2 orange
Add all of the ingredients to a medium pot, reserving 1/2 cup of the cranberries for later. Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve sugar. Continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cranberries burst. Add the reserved cranberries, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Bread: Super Simple Skillet Cornbread
You could easily buy some store-bought dinner rolls, but why when it’s just as easy to jazz up some boxed cornbread mix?
Best wishes this holiday season!
Enjoy!
