Our Favorite Vegetable Side Dishes for the Holidays

Don’t look now, but the holidays are here. For many of us, that means plenty of entertaining and cooking lots of different dishes for family, friends, and perhaps some distinguished guests—such as the significant others your kids might have met in college and are bringing over for a trial run. For many, the holidays tend to involve coming up with dishes everyone will appreciate. 

Whatever your reasons for celebrating, we know it can be difficult to decide what culinary direction to go in, especially if you are looking to save yourself a little time in the kitchen. 

We’re happy to help! Below, you’ll find some picks of our favorite Taylor Farms products and recipes that are perfect for your holiday cooking. Whether you need something straight out of the bag, you’re looking for a shortcut or two, or simply require some inspiration to get away from the same old dishes each year, we have something for everyone. 

Happy Holidays from Taylor Farms!

For Easy Entertaining

Having company over? Need something to tide the family over until the meal is ready? This classic snack tray has all you need. Fresh grape tomatoes, carrots, celery, and broccoli are served alongside filling proteins like cubed Colby jack cheese and snackable turkey sticks, with a creamy Hidden Valley Ranch ready for dipping. And the best part? No washing, cutting, or prepping necessary—just pop the top off the tray and you’re all set.

If you’re looking for a no-prep, all-veggie snack tray to entertain with, grab yourself a few of these with sweet mini peppers, sugar snap peas, carrots, celery, broccoli, and, of course, the most perfect dipping option on the planet: Hidden Valley Ranch. It may be the only fresh vegetables you see on the buffet table, so dig in!

(Take a look at our full lineup of veggie-based trays here.)

Taylor Farms vegetable tray package with vegetables arranged on a plate

Ready-To-Eat Chopped Salad Kits

The Taylor Farms Apple Bourbon Chopped Salad Kit package, showing romaine lettuce, diced apples, pieces of smoked gouda, shredded carrots, red cabbage, pieces of uncured smoky bacon, golden honey almonds, and maple bourbon vinaigrette.

Apples and bourbon are one of those unexpected combinations that works perfectly together. This delicious salad kit features romaine lettuce, fresh diced apples, smoked gouda, carrots, red cabbage, uncured smoky bacon, golden honey almonds, and our renowned maple bourbon vinaigrette. Is it proper to pair a glass of your finest barrel-aged whiskey of choice with a salad? We’re certainly not going to stop you.

The Taylor Farms Cheddar Ale Chopped Salad Kit package, showing green leaf lettuce, broccoli stalks, red and savoy cabbage, cheddar cheese pretzel bits, carrots, green onion, ale seasoning, and smokey ranch dressing.

Who doesn’t love beer and cheese? In keeping with the holiday spirit, we’ve infused these two savory German flavors into a salad kit with fresh green leaf lettuce, crisp broccoli stalks, and a harmonious mix of red and savoy cabbage. Top it off with crunchy cheddar cheese pretzel bits, shredded carrots, green onion, and ale beer seasoning with dried mustard, hops, and malted barley mixed in. The creamy, smoky ranch dressing adds the finishing touch for a truly festive experience.

Taylor Farms Broccoli Crunch Chopped Salad Kit

Our Broccoli Crunch Chopped Kit is packed with familiar veggie favorites like broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage, and carrots, and tops it off with a winning combination of sunflower kernels, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, and our slaw-inspired dressing. This versatile salad kit is right at home alongside any holiday meal and is sure to win your crowd over. Feel free to take credit when your guests compliment it—we won’t tell. Besides, you were the one to put it all together, so that counts, right?

Traditional Salad Kits

For those looking for something a little more traditional, check out these timeless salad recipes:

Do you have your own salad ideas and holiday recipes, but just want to cut down on the prep time? Check out our other Taylor Farms ready-to-go favorites, like our classic salad blends and vegetable blends.

Taylor Farms vegetable medley package with roasted vegetables arranged on a plate

Fall, Winter, and Holiday-Inspired Recipes

This list of innovative seasonal recipes all feature our super-easy chopped salad kits. They call for some additional ingredients and prep work, but all of these easy recipes are ready in under an hour or less.

Recipes with Apples and Seasonal Fruit

Seasonal fruits like apples and pomegranates are an excellent surprise that can instantly level up a dish and provide a satisfying balance to savory flavors. These recipes have something for everyone and are all ready in a short amount of time.

pomegranate, avocado, and apple feta salad in a bowl

Recipes with Squash

If you’re looking for some new ways to use what is arguably the trademark produce of the fall season, these tasty and innovative squash recipes have you covered! 

pearl couscous delicata squash kale salad

Recipes with Sweet Potatoes

It’s just not quite the holidays without sweet potatoes, but it may be time for some strategic updates to your annual dishes. Tired of the same old casserole every year? Give one of these delicious recipes a try. 

Other Seasonal Favorites

Dust off the chef’s hat because these unique recipes are sure to earn you some culinary points at your next potluck.

Bowl of Harvest Salad with Persimmon and Burrata

About Those Leftovers...

The holidays are certainly a time of leftovers. Check out these recipes for some ideas on what to do with all the food still left in the fridge after everyone’s had their seconds (and their post-meal naps). All you need is a Taylor Farms salad and some leftovers!

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