10 Healthy Side Dishes To Serve With Ham

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Brussels sprouts are a fantastic source of vitamins K and C, making them a nutritious side dish that pairs beautifully with ham. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy depth of flavor.

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Instructions:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat until it thickens slightly.
• Drizzle the glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving.

2. Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

This vibrant quinoa salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome addition to your holiday meal. The cranberries add a sweet tartness that complements the savory flavors of ham.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Instructions:
• In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add quinoa. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for 15 minutes.
• Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
• In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cranberries, pecans, red onion, and parsley.
• Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper; then pour over the salad and toss to combine.

3. Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins A and C. This creamy mash is a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes and provides a lovely contrast to the salty ham.

• Ingredients:
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Instructions:
• Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Drain and return to the pot. Add almond milk, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
• Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.

4. Garlic Green Beans

Green beans are a classic side dish that adds color and crunch to your plate. This quick and easy garlic recipe enhances their natural flavor while keeping them healthy and light.

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Instructions:
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add green beans, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

5. Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a fantastic option. This pilaf is not only healthy but also bursting with flavor from herbs and vegetables, making it a perfect accompaniment to ham.

• Ingredients:
• 1 head of cauliflower, riced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Instructions:
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, cooking until soft.
• Add garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
• Stir in the riced cauliflower, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.

6. Spinach and Strawberry Salad

This fresh salad combines the nutrition of spinach with the sweetness of strawberries, creating a light and refreshing side dish. The vibrant colors and flavors make it a delightful contrast to rich ham.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
• Instructions:
• In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, feta, and walnuts.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

7. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This hearty chickpea salad is packed with protein, fiber, and Mediterranean flavors. It’s vibrant, filling, and pairs perfectly with the savory taste of ham.

• Ingredients:
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Instructions:
• In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, onion, and parsley.
• Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; pour over the salad and mix well.

8. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles are a fun and healthy alternative to pasta. Tossed with a homemade or store-bought pesto, they make a light and flavorful side that complements ham wonderfully.

• Ingredients:
• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Instructions:
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
• Remove from heat, toss with pesto, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

9. Cucumber and Avocado Salad

This refreshing cucumber and avocado salad is light and hydrating, making it a perfect side dish for a heavier main course like ham. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the crisp cucumbers.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Instructions:
• In a large bowl, gently combine cucumbers, avocado, and red onion.
• Drizzle with lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.

10. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon

Asparagus is a springtime favorite that is both delicious and nutritious. Grilling enhances its natural flavor, and the addition of lemon brightens the dish, making it a perfect side for ham.

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Instructions:
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
• Remove from grill, drizzle with lemon juice and zest before serving.

Bonus: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a tasty side dish that add a delightful crunch to your meal. The balsamic glaze gives them a tangy sweetness that pairs excellently with ham.

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey; bring to a simmer until slightly thickened.
• Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving.

More Tips for Healthy Side Dishes

When planning your side dishes, consider these additional tips to keep them healthy and tasty:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh, seasonal vegetables. They not only taste better but also provide more nutrients.
• Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs and spices can elevate your dishes without adding extra calories. Consider basil, cilantro, or rosemary for added flavor.
• Focus on Cooking Methods: Grilling, steaming, and roasting are healthier cooking methods compared to frying. These methods preserve the nutrients in your vegetables.
• Balance Flavors: Pair sweet and savory elements to create a more complex flavor profile. For example, combining sweet roasted carrots with tangy feta cheese can enhance the overall taste of your meal.
• Prep Ahead: Many of these side dishes can be prepped in advance, allowing you to save time on the day of your meal. Chop vegetables or mix dressings the day before.

Final Thoughts

Choosing healthy side dishes to go with ham not only enhances your meal’s flavor but also ensures that you and your guests enjoy a balanced and nutritious dining experience. From vibrant salads to savory roasted vegetables, these options will complement your ham perfectly while keeping health in mind. Experiment with the recipes, mix and match sides, and enjoy a delicious, wholesome feast!

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Delicious Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious complement to ham. The colorful vegetables and tangy dressing bring freshness to your plate.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Instructions:
• In a saucepan, combine quinoa and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and parsley.
• Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper; pour over salad and toss to combine.

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

This creamy garlic mashed cauliflower is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s smooth, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with ham.

• Ingredients:
• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
• Instructions:
• Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• In a food processor, combine steamed cauliflower, sautéed garlic, almond milk, salt, and pepper; blend until smooth.

Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato wedges are a nutritious and flavorful side that adds a touch of sweetness to your meal. They’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Ingredients:
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a bowl, toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden.

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