Cold Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Cold Thanksgiving side dishes are one of the easiest ways to simplify your holiday meal.
You can prepare them ahead of time, keep them in the refrigerator and serve them without taking up any precious oven space.
This collection includes colorful salads, deviled eggs, cranberry dishes, marinated vegetables and other easy cold dishes.
They add something fresh to the table and pair especially well with rich favorites like turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.
If you’re still planning your menu, take a look at all of my Thanksgiving recipes for more ideas.
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What Is a Cold Thanksgiving Dish?
A cold Thanksgiving dish is a side, salad or appetizer that is served chilled or at room temperature. Some are completely no-cook, while others contain ingredients that are cooked first and refrigerated before serving.
Cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, fruit salad, marinated vegetables, kale salad and wild rice salad are all good examples. These dishes are especially helpful when your oven and stovetop are already being used for the turkey and traditional hot sides.
Why Add Cold Dishes to Your Thanksgiving Menu?
A plate filled entirely with hot, rich foods can feel heavy. Cold Thanksgiving dishes add fresh flavors, crisp textures and a little balance to the meal.
They’re also practical because they:
- Can usually be prepared in advance
- Save valuable oven and stovetop space
- Travel well for a Thanksgiving potluck
- Require little or no work before serving
- Add more color and texture to the table
Tips for Making Cold Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Prepare what you can ahead of time. Many cold sides can be made one or two days before Thanksgiving. Check the individual recipe for specific storage instructions.
- Wait to dress leafy salads. Wash and prepare the ingredients ahead, but keep the dressing separate until shortly before serving so the greens stay crisp.
- Use seasonal ingredients. Apples, pears, cranberries, pecans, Brussels sprouts, squash and fresh herbs make cold dishes feel right at home on a Thanksgiving table.
- Pack garnishes separately. Nuts, herbs, cheese and other toppings can lose their texture in the refrigerator. Add them right before the dish goes on the table.
- Choose dishes that travel well. Marinated vegetables, grain salads, cranberry sauce and sturdy kale salads are good choices when you’re bringing a side to someone else’s home.
- Keep perishable foods properly chilled. Refrigerate cold dishes until you’re ready to serve them. Perishable food should not sit at room temperature for longer than two hours.
- If you need even more ways to work around a crowded kitchen, these no-cook Thanksgiving side dishes are another helpful option.
Mikasa Italian Countryside Thanksgiving Turkey Large Serving Platter, 18 Inch
FOBSME Maple Leaf Wooden Serving Tray Fall Leaf Wooden Platter Thanksgiving Wood Charcuterie Board Decorative Wooden Cheese Cookie Snack Dish Plate for Autumn Housewarming Present,14.37×14.17×0.59LIFVER Extra Large Serving Platters, 16Darware Complete Serving Spoon & Utensil Set (6-Piece Set, Gold); w/Pasta Server, Fork, Spoon, Slotted Spoon, Ladle, & Cake/Casserole ServerThanksgiving Turkey Lifter Serving Set, Roaster Poultry Forks,Set of 2 by i KitoWhaline 4Pcs Fall Spoon Rest Maple Leaves Ceramic Spoon Holder Fall Color Leaves Sauce Dishes Autumn Thanksgiving Coffee Spoon Holder Ring Dish for Stove Top Cooking Utensil Kitchen Office Decor
I’ve got some other Thanksgiving favorites you’ll want to check out too.
- If you want your holiday table to truly stand out, these Thanksgiving side dishes to impress are packed with flavor and presentation-worthy charm.
Cranberry sauce, cranberry fluff, pickled vegetables, marinated green beans, deviled eggs and grain salads are all good make-ahead choices. Leafy salads can also be prepped early, but wait to add the dressing and crunchy toppings until serving time.
Many cold side dishes can be made one or two days ahead, although the exact timing depends on the recipe. Store each dish in a covered container in the refrigerator and add fresh garnishes just before serving.
Wild rice salad, marinated vegetables, cranberry sauce and kale salad travel especially well. Pack the dish in a covered container inside an insulated cooler with ice packs, then refrigerate it when you arrive.
Perishable cold dishes should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. Keep them at 40°F or colder until serving, and place the serving bowl over ice if it will remain on a buffet for an extended period.
Cranberry sauce, apple salad, kale salad, marinated green beans, pickled beets and fruit salad all pair well with turkey. Their tart, fresh or crisp flavors help balance the richer foods on a traditional Thanksgiving plate.
What Are Good Cold Side Dishes for Thanksgiving?
Cold Thanksgiving Salads
Cold Vegetable Side Dishes
Cranberry and Fruit Side Dishes
Cold Thanksgiving Appetizers
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