Healthy Ham Side Dishes to Complete Your Meal
When planning a meal with ham as the star, healthy ham side dishes can bring a delightful balance of flavors and textures to the table. From refreshing salads to creamy casseroles, these sides add nutritional value and delicious variety, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any time you’re craving something wholesome.
Dive into these side dish ideas, each with its own unique twist to complement your ham dinner.
Vegetarian Olivier Salad
This hearty and creamy Vegetarian Olivier Salad brings a classic Russian flair to your table. It’s a fantastic choice for potlucks or holiday feasts, pairing well with ham’s savory flavors. Filled with veggies and a rich dressing, it’s a healthier take on the traditional salad, perfect for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Broccoli Potato Cups
Broccoli Potato Cups are a fun and nutritious option for ham dinners. These savory cups combine the earthy taste of potatoes with the nutritional boost of broccoli, making them both kid-friendly and satisfying. Serve these warm as a side that everyone will enjoy, and consider adding a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
Simple Creamy Mushroom Sauce
For a decadent touch, this Simple Creamy Mushroom Sauce is ideal for drizzling over ham. Its creamy, savory richness from mushrooms creates a beautiful contrast with the salty notes of ham. It’s quick to make, so you can whip it up while your ham is cooking and keep everyone at the table happy.
Cucumber Salad with Radish
For a lighter, refreshing addition, try Cucumber Salad with Radish. The crunch of cucumber and radish paired with a light dressing makes it an ideal counterbalance to the richness of ham. This salad is perfect for spring dinners or Easter gatherings when you want something cool and fresh.
Deviled Eggs with Pickles
Add a little zing with Deviled Eggs with Pickles! The creamy yolk mixture combined with the tang of pickles brings a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with ham. These eggs are easy to make, great for parties, and add a fun, retro twist to your dinner spread.
Healthy Watercress Salad
This Healthy Watercress Salad brings a peppery, refreshing taste to your plate. The lightness of watercress combined with a simple vinaigrette complements ham well, creating a nutritious side that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Refreshing Purslane Salad with Eggs
Purslane Salad with Eggs is a great choice for a healthy, nutrient-packed side. With the bright green flavor of purslane and the protein boost from eggs, this salad is filling yet light, making it perfect for accompanying a ham entrée.
High Protein Mac and Cheese
Who says you can’t have comfort food with your ham dinner? High Protein Mac and Cheese offers a creamy, cheesy texture with added protein to keep it nutritious. This dish can satisfy any cheese lover without compromising on health, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Cherry Tomato Feta Pasta Bake with Spinach
This Cherry Tomato Feta Pasta Bake combines tomatoes, feta, and spinach for a colorful, nutritious side. It adds a Mediterranean twist that’s both creamy and flavorful, pairing excellently with ham’s savory richness. This dish is also great for meal-prepping or serving a crowd.
Simple Cottage Cheese Salad
For a protein-packed side, Simple Cottage Cheese Salad is light, refreshing, and easy to prepare. It’s a cool contrast to ham’s warmth and richness, perfect for hot summer dinners or a fresh addition to any holiday meal.
Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
Roasted Carrots and Asparagus make a colorful, nutritious side that complements ham with their natural sweetness. Roast them with a hint of lemon and Parmesan for an elegant, flavorful dish that’s easy to make yet special enough for holiday gatherings.
Sweet Potato Salad
A Sweet Potato Salad brings a touch of sweetness and color to the table. With roasted sweet potatoes, crisp greens, cranberries, and feta, this salad offers a satisfying balance of sweet and savory that pairs beautifully with ham, making it a hit at any gathering.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
For a crispy, cheesy delight, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans add both texture and flavor. These green beans are quick to prepare and bring a crunchy, savory element that complements the juicy flavors of ham perfectly.
Italian Cold Green Bean Salad
A refreshing twist on the classic, Italian Cold Green Bean Salad features marinated green beans with a tangy dressing. This dish is ideal for warmer months or when you want a light, cool side that doesn’t require oven space.
Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
Homemade Scalloped Potatoes are a classic and comforting addition to any ham dinner. With a creamy, layered texture, this dish brings a comforting richness that pairs wonderfully with ham. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these scalloped potatoes are sure to impress.
Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini, Squash, and Tomatoes
For a light and flavorful side, try Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini, Squash, and Tomatoes. This veggie medley is quick to prepare, and roasting brings out a depth of flavor that complements ham’s savoriness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet
For a heartier side, the Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet offers a rich blend of flavors with a hint of southwestern spice. This dish is filling, nutritious, and perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of spice to their ham dinner.
Easy Roasted Broccoli
For an easy, nutritious addition, Roasted Broccoli is a perfect choice. It’s a simple yet flavorful side that’s ideal for any occasion, bringing out broccoli’s natural flavor with just a hint of seasoning. Serve it warm for a comforting addition to your meal.
Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
This vibrant Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower offers both color and health benefits. With a warm, earthy flavor from turmeric, this dish brings a unique twist to your ham dinner. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for all dietary needs.
Greek Potato Salad
This Greek Potato Salad is a mayo-free version of a classic side. With fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil, it’s light yet flavorful and complements ham beautifully. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or family-style dinners.
Parmesan Orzo and Peas
For a lighter pasta option, Parmesan Orzo and Peas brings a touch of creaminess with the bright flavor of sweet peas. This dish pairs perfectly with ham’s richness and is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday prep.
Dill Potato Salad
With its fresh dill and protein-rich chickpeas, Dill Potato Salad is a healthy, vegan alternative that complements ham’s flavor. It’s a refreshing side that adds both color and a burst of flavor to any meal.
Asian Cabbage Salad
For a unique twist, this Asian Cabbage Salad features crunchy cabbage, carrots, and almonds topped with a ginger peanut dressing. The nutty, tangy flavor adds an interesting contrast to ham and offers a refreshing, light side that’s perfect for any occasion.
Thank you to the talented recipe creators for sharing these flavorful and nutritious side dishes. Their creativity and passion for healthy cooking bring delicious inspiration to our tables. Happy cooking, and enjoy these delightful dishes!
