Discovering the perfect side dishes to serve with ham during the summer can elevate your dining experience. Grilled asparagus, with its delightful taste and health benefits, is an ideal choice. Try a watermelon feta salad for a invigorating mix of sweet and savory flavors. Classic coleslaw offers a satisfying crunch, while corn on the cob brings nostalgic warmth. Caprese skewers add a fresh, Mediterranean flair to your meal. Don't forget about dishes like macaroni salad, mango avocado salsa, green bean almondine, and garlic butter mushrooms. Each dish complements ham beautifully, enhancing your summer gatherings. Explore more delightful options for your next meal.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a popular choice due to its simplicity and delicious taste. It pairs exceptionally well with ham.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, asparagus offers various health benefits, such as improved digestion and heart health.
To achieve the best results when grilling asparagus, choose firm stalks. Lightly coat them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally until they are tender and have a slight char.
Watermelon Feta Salad
For an invigorating and vibrant companion to ham, consider the delightful combination of watermelon and feta in a summer salad. This revitalizing combination of juicy watermelon and tangy feta cheese embodies summer flavors, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The crispness of watermelon pairs beautifully with the creaminess of feta, making it an ideal side dish for your summer gatherings.
Classic Coleslaw
A quintessential side dish for ham, classic coleslaw offers an exhilarating crunch and a tangy flavor that complements the rich, savory notes of the main course.
This picnic favorite combines shredded cabbage and carrots, delivering an invigorating, crunchy texture.
The creamy dressing, often a blend of mayonnaise and vinegar, ties it all together, making it a delightful addition to any summer meal.
Corn on the Cob
Nothing quite captures the essence of a summer meal like the sweet and juicy kernels of corn on the cob, perfectly complementing the savory flavors of ham.
With simple cooking techniques, such as boiling or grilling, you can enhance its taste with a dash of butter seasoning.
This delightful side dish brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any summer gathering.
Caprese Skewers
Following the delightful sweetness of corn on the cob, Caprese skewers offer a fresh and vibrant contrast with their combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
The Mediterranean flavors bring a light, summery touch to the table. Skewer variations can include cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and even a drizzle of balsamic glaze, making them a versatile and visually appealing side dish.
Potato Salad
Potato salad, a quintessential side dish, pairs perfectly with ham, offering a creamy and hearty complement to the main course.
This picnic favorite can be made with a tangy vinegar dressing, adding an invigorating twist to the classic.
The combination of tender potatoes and savory ham creates a delightful balance, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings and outdoor meals.
Cucumber Dill Salad
With its invigorating and revitalizing flavors, cucumber dill salad serves as a light and vibrant side dish to accompany ham.
The rejuvenating flavors of crisp cucumbers combined with fragrant dill make for a perfect summer pairing.
Best of all, the easy preparation guarantees you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.
Grilled Pineapple
Complementing the invigorating cucumber dill salad, grilled pineapple offers a sweet and smoky contrast that enhances the savory goodness of ham.
The tropical taste of the pineapple, combined with a caramelized glaze from the grill, creates a delectable pairing.
This simple yet flavorful side dish brings a touch of summer to your meal, making it both revitalizing and satisfying for your guests.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Tomato basil bruschetta consistently proves to be a delightful and invigorating side dish that pairs exquisitely with ham. This dish combines fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Its easy preparation makes it a perfect choice for summer gatherings. Simply toast some bread, top with the mixture, and you have a rejuvenating, flavorful complement to your ham.
Deviled Eggs
Another classic and crowd-pleasing side dish to accompany ham is deviled eggs. These delightful treats can be made with various stuffed variations to suit different palates.
For an added twist, try incorporating ingredients like avocado or bacon.
Serving tips include arranging them on a platter with colorful garnishes, ensuring they stay chilled, and presenting them in an appealing manner to enhance your summer spread.
Quinoa Tabbouleh
Quinoa tabbouleh offers an invigorating and flavorful side dish option that pairs beautifully with ham. Rich in protein and fiber, quinoa brings numerous health benefits.
This invigorating salad can be customized with various herbs, vegetables, and dressings, creating delightful tabbouleh variations. Its light and zesty taste complements the savory flavors of ham, making it a perfect summer choice.
Macaroni Salad
Combining creamy textures and tangy flavors, macaroni salad serves as a classic and crowd-pleasing side dish for ham. Ingredients variations like adding diced vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, or different types of cheese can elevate its appeal.
For serving suggestions, pair it with fresh greens or fruit salads to create a balanced meal. This versatile dish complements ham beautifully, making summer gatherings delightful.
Mango Avocado Salsa
While macaroni salad offers a creamy and tangy accompaniment to ham, mango avocado salsa introduces a vibrant and invigorating counterpoint with its blend of sweet and savory flavors.
This tropical-flavored dish combines juicy mangoes, creamy avocados, and zesty lime, creating a perfect summer pairing.
The salsa's freshness complements ham wonderfully, adding a burst of color and a delightful mix of textures to your meal.
Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine offers an elegant and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with ham. It features tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon. The nutty flavor from the almonds adds depth, while the lemon provides an invigorating zest.
This combination creates an elegant presentation that is sure to impress guests, enhancing the overall dining experience with its delightful taste and appearance.
Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Both Ham and Standing Rib Roast?
Yes, the best side dishes for standing rib roast can also be served with ham. Classic options like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and creamy spinach can complement both meats beautifully. The rich and savory flavors of the standing rib roast and ham can be paired with the same delicious sides.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Following the elegant flavors of Green Bean Almondine, Garlic Butter Mushrooms offer a rich and savory complement to ham. They feature succulent mushrooms sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Adding these to your meal not only enhances taste but also provides health benefits.
Experiment with seasoning variations like thyme or rosemary to create a dish that is both delightful and nutritious.