Summer is an excellent time to turkey. The hot weather and the days are long, so you have plenty of time to prepare a nice supper.
However, if you’re not sure what to serve with your turkey in the summer, don’t worry. There are a ton of amazing side dishes that go well with turkey. Here are 20 of the best I personally prefer.
What to serve with turkey in the summer
1. Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a traditional side dish that goes well with almost any main course.
Try roasting some seasonal vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant or choose your favorite veggies, such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and browned.
The natural sweetness of the vegetables will complement the turkey perfectly.
2. Corn on the cob
This classic summer dish is a great side for turkey. Corn on the cob is a summertime classic that goes great with turkey.
Simply steam or boil the corn, and then slather it with butter and salt. Corn on the cob is also one of the best side dishes for Jambalaya.
3. Fresh fruit salad
A fresh fruit salad is a light and refreshing option that goes well with turkey. Choose fruits that are in season for the best flavor.
A crisp salad is a refreshing side dish that helps balance out the richness of turkey.
4. Potato salad
A chilled potato salad is the perfect side dish for a hot summer day. Add some diced onion, celery, and pickles for extra flavor.
5. Pasta salad
A pasta salad is a hearty side dish that can be made ahead of time. Add some chopped vegetables and a flavorful dressing for a complete meal.
6. Green beans
Green beans are a traditional side dish that goes well with turkey in hot summer. Add some diced bacon or almonds for extra flavor. You may cook them differently, including steaming, boiling, and stir-frying.
7. Cucumber salad
This refreshing salad is ideal for a hot summer day.
Simply slice some cucumbers and onions, and dress with vinegar and oil.
8. Watermelon
Watermelon is not only a tasty fruit, but it also goes well with turkey. The sweetness of the watermelon will balance out the richness of the meat.
9. Macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort meal that pairs well with turkey. You can make it from scratch or use a boxed mix; either way, it’s sure to be delicious.
This creamy dish is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect comfort food to enjoy on a hot summer day.
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10. Baked beans
Baked beans are another classic side dish that goes well with turkey. Add chopped onions or barbecue sauce to the beans for extra flavor before baking.
11. Mashed potatoes:
Mashed potatoes are a traditional side dish that’s perfect for sopping up gravy or sauce from your turkey. They’re also great for hiding veggies if you have picky eaters at the table!
12. Stuffing:
Stuffing is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish, but it’s equally excellent when served alongside turkey any time of year. Choose your favorite recipe or use a packaged mix to save time.
13. Cranberry sauce:
Cranberry sauce is another Thanksgiving staple that pairs perfectly with turkey. You can purchase it canned or make it from scratch; either way, it will add sweetness and acidity to your meal.
14. Sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-packed side dish that goes well with turkey. They can be roasted, mashed, or baked into chips; no matter how you prepare them, they’ll be delicious.
15. Roasted Brussels sprouts:
Brussels sprouts might not be everyone’s favorite vegetable, but they’re worth trying if you haven’t had them in a while. They pair especially well with turkey.
16. Carrots:
Another vegetable that’s often overlooked, carrots are actually quite tasty. They can be roasted whole or shredded and added to salads.
17. Peas:
Peas are versatile side dishes that can be boiled, sauteed, or mixed into rice dishes. Try frozen peas for summer turkey.
18. Quinoa and Cauliflower
Those two are low in calories but high in nutrients, and you can be prepared in various ways.
Try roasting it, pureeing it into soup, or even making cauliflower pizza crust makes an excellent side dish for turkey dinner.
19. Brown rice
Brown rice is another healthy grain option that goes well with almost any main course.
20. Asparagus
Last but not least, asparagus rounds out our list of sides that go well with Turkey. These crisp green stalks can be boiled, roasted, or grilled, making them a delicious addition to any meal.
No matter what sides you choose to serve with your Turkey dinner this summer. I hope you enjoy every minute of it!
Side dishes for turkey, not Thanksgiving
While turkey is the traditional dish for Thanksgiving, there are plenty of other delicious options to choose from.
1. For a twist on traditional mashed potatoes, try serving roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The rich flavor of roasted garlic perfectly complements the savory taste of turkey.
2. For a lighter option, roasted chicken or fish can be served. For a heartier meal, beef or lamb are excellent choices.
3. For a vegetarian entree, look no further than stuffed squash or mushrooms.
4. For a unique and colorful dish, try making roasted sweet potatoes with cranberry sauce. This dish is not only beautiful to look at, but it also packs a powerful flavor punch.
5. For something truly decadent, try making creamy green beans with crispy shallots. This rich and creamy side dish will surely be a hit with everyone at the table.
What is the best wine with turkey dinner?
When it comes to pairing wine with turkey, there is no shortage of opinions. Another of the best parts about the Thanksgiving meal is how well it goes with wine.
From rich and hearty reds to crisp and refreshing whites, many different types of wine can complement the traditional turkey dinner.
A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can help to bring out the flavor of the turkey, while a lighter white like Chardonnay can help balance the heavy dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Sparkling wine- The light, effervescent bubbles help to cut through the richness of the turkey meat, making it easier to appreciate the subtle flavors of the dish.
Sparkling wines also tend to have a lower alcohol content, which can be helpful when you’re serving a large group of people.
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What do you serve before Thanksgiving dinner?
My family enjoys a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings every year. However, before we dive into the main meal, we always like to whet our appetites with a few light snacks.
One of our favorites is a simple plate of sliced fruit, which provides a refreshing and healthy start to the meal.
We also like to enjoy some homemade dips and spreads, along with a variety of crackers and bread.
And, of course, no Thanksgiving gathering would be complete without a platter of turkey-shaped sugar cookies!
These light snacks help to tide us over until dinner is ready, and they always leave us feeling thankful for all the fantastic food we are about to enjoy.
While there are many options, one classic starter is roasted pumpkin soup. This rich and creamy soup is both flavorful and filling, making it the perfect way to whet your appetite before digging into the turkey and all the fixings.
Roasted pumpkin soup can be easily made ahead of time, freeing up valuable time on Thanksgiving Day.
Simply reheat the soup before serving, and add a dollop of cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a finishing touch.
FAQs
What should You serve with a turkey breast?
When it comes to holiday dinners, turkey is often the star of the show. However, preparing a whole turkey can be time-consuming and expensive.
Turkey breast is a great alternative that is just as delicious but much easier to prepare. However, one question often arises: what side dishes to serve with a turkey breast?
There are many options, but some of our favorites include mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
Another great option is stuffing, which can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
However, if you’re feeling daring, why not try something new?
Try sweet potato casserole, kale salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
What is the most popular side dish?
There are virtually limitless options for side dishes.
From simple salads and steamed vegetables to hearty baked potatoes and complex rice dishes, there is something to suit every taste.
In general, however, a few side dishes are popular among a wide range of people.
Potatoes are frequently served as a side dish and can be prepared in various ways to suit any palate.
Another popular option is rice, which can also be flavored in various ways.
In addition, vegetables such as peas and carrots are often served as side dishes, as they are healthy and versatile.
Other famous sides include corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw.
With so many delicious choices, it’s no wonder that side dishes are often considered the best part of the meal.
