I need a side dish to take to a family gathering. Something simple, Any suggestions?

[Tap]

I will be cooking in a hotel suite so a small kitchen with basic appliances/pans.  

 

I am already making yams in one crock pot and gravy in another (hosts request).  I am taking rolls but would like to bring one more side dish item.  Any suggestions?  

 

Host is providing Ham, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes.

Guests are al bringing sides.  

 

There are about 20 guests and 5 of them are my crew. 

[JudoMom]

http://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/vegetables/sunny-broccoli-salad/

 

This broccoli salad is delicious.

[ktgrok]

fruit salad? My mom did one where she tossed the fruit in some lemon curd and it was yummy!

 

Waldorf salad is another favorite.

 

cranberry jello mold?

 

 

[Lori D.]

I always yearn for unadorned or barely adorned veggies at holiday meals, because everything is always so heavy and carb-y or sweet. And because green bean casserole is absolutely gross  ;) . Hence my suggestions:

 

Buy a big bag of salad (or 2-3 smaller ones) that comes with the dressing and "fixings". Put into a big Dollar Store plastic bowl (so you don't have to bring you own). Serve.

 

Buy a platter of cut-up veggies that comes with a dip at the grocery store. Uncover. Serve.

 

A few bags of frozen peas or corn or even mixed vegetables. Defrost in a Dollar Store plastic bowl in the microwave, pat dry with a paper towel or napkins, add some slices of butter, microwave till very warm, stir/toss with the now-melted butter. Serve.

Edited December 21, 2017 by Lori D.

[ThisIsTheDay]

Fresh cranberry sauce? (Which is nothing remotely similar to canned.)

 

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/9111/cranberry-sauce/

 

I cut down on the sugar to 2/3 - 3/4 c.

 

The leftovers are great with cream cheese on crackers or bagels. Or even with turkey sandwiches. 

[Alessandra]

I always yearn for unadorned or barely adorned veggies at holiday meals, because everything is always so heavy and carb-y or sweet. And because green bean casserole is absolutely gross ;) . Hence my suggestions:

 

Buy a big bag of salad (or 2-3 smaller ones) that comes with the dressing and "fixings". Put into a big Dollar Store plastic bowl (so you don't have to bring you own). Serve.

 

Buy a platter of cut-up veggies that comes with a dip at the grocery store. Uncover. Serve.

 

A few bags of frozen peas or corn or even mixed vegetables. Defrost in a Dollar Store plastic bowl in the microwave, pat dry with a paper towel or napkins, add some slices of butter, microwave till very warm, stir/toss with the now-melted butter. Serve.

This.

 

Some holiday meals look like the proverbial heart attack on a plate. For me, a simple vegetable dressed or cooked with olive oil (light on the salt) would be most welcome.

 

Or, a Middle Eastern salad I love is sliced naval oranges, red onion, and black olives in a vinaigrette dressing.

 

Another salad I like is baby arugula, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts. Lemon poppyseed dressing is nice. My recipe includes shaved Parmesan too, but you probably don't have a grater....

[plansrme]

I sauté or roast butternut squash a lot. Sauté in a little olive oil and butter, with salt, pepper and chili powder. Roasting works pretty much the same way. Just taste until you like it.

 

You also could roast Brussels sprouts or a mixture of root veggies—cubed turnips, rutabaga, sweet potato, carrots, etc. It would be especially easy if you can peel and dice everything at home.

 

Stewed apples also, light on the sugar, might be appealing.

[SparklyUnicorn]

Maybe something with corn? 

 

 

[plansrme]

I also make a rice casserole that is very popular. It would be easy to make the ingredients in advance and assemble and bake in the hotel. White rice, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, chilis. Not fancy but easy to feed a crowd and just different enough from mashed potatoes.

[marbel]

I love a salad or crudite plate as part of a big feast.  Something raw and fresh is a nice counterpoint to all the rich dishes.

[marbel]

I love a salad or crudite plate as part of a big feast.  Something raw and fresh is a nice counterpoint to all the rich dishes.

[merry gardens]

Pineapple. It is delicious with ham, and fruit would help balance out the menu. Fresh is better, but canned works too.

Edited December 21, 2017 by merry gardens

[Rachel]

.

 

Or, a Middle Eastern salad I love is sliced naval oranges, red onion, and black olives in a vinaigrette dressing.

 

...

What proportions do you use? Is it mostly oranges? This sounds interesting, I’d like to try it.

[Alessandra]

What proportions do you use? Is it mostly oranges? This sounds interesting, I’d like to try it.

No actual recipe. Maybe one one to several large oranges? Olives (kalamata type) scar reread about.

 

This would be very close. I didn't use the extra spices, but they sound good. The lime juice vinaigrette works for Moslems who do not want alcohol (vinegar being made from wine). I find this salad very refreshing, a nice antidote to heavy food.

 

https://cooking-spree.com/2011/05/15/moroccan-orange-salad-with-red-onions-black-olives/

Edited December 21, 2017 by Alessandra

[KungFuPanda]

I’d do a chopped salad. It’s fresh and trasports easier than leafy salads. It also has all the reds and greens so it looks festive :-) I’ve even added corn and green beans to them at thanksgiving.