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What to Serve With Cold Ham: 15 Best Side Dishes

When serving cold ham, consider pairing it with a variety of delightful side dishes to create a perfect meal. Potato salad offers a creamy and versatile touch, while coleslaw provides a tangy crunch. Deviled eggs add a savory, visually appealing complement. For something elegant, try green bean almondine with its nutty crunch. Macaroni and cheese brings rich, comforting flavors. Baked beans and cornbread deliver heartiness, while fruit salad offers a invigorating burst of sweetness. Each side dish, from Caesar salad to roasted vegetables, enhances the cold ham, making it even more enjoyable. Explore further to find new favorites for your table.

Potato Salad

recipe for delicious salad

Potato salad, with its creamy texture and versatile flavor profile, is a classic and complementary side dish for cold ham. It can be prepared with different dressings, from tangy vinegar-based to rich mayonnaise, offering unique variations to suit any palate.

Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or an inventive twist, potato salad always brings a comforting and invigorating touch to your meal.

Coleslaw

creamy cabbage salad recipe

Coleslaw, with its invigorating texture and tangy flavor, serves as an excellent side dish to accompany cold ham.

Coleslaw variations range from classic cabbage and carrots to more adventurous mixes like apple and fennel.

Common coleslaw ingredients include mayonnaise, vinegar, and a touch of sugar for balance.

This revitalizing dish provides a delightful contrast to the savory richness of cold ham.

Deviled Eggs

egg dish for parties

Complementing the invigorating crunch of coleslaw, deviled eggs offer a creamy and savory side that pairs wonderfully with cold ham.

A classic recipe blends egg yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices for a delightfully rich flavor.

For serving tips, garnish with paprika or chives for added color and taste.

These bite-sized treats are both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Green Bean Almondine

delicious green bean dish

Green Bean Almondine is a sophisticated and flavorful side dish that pairs seamlessly with the savory taste of cold ham.

The nutty crunch of toasted almonds, combined with tender green beans, offers a delightful contrast to the ham. Light seasoning enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming the palate.

This elegant dish adds both texture and taste, making it a perfect accompaniment.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food in winter

Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that provides a creamy, rich contrast to the savory flavors of cold ham.

This beloved dish can be elevated with different cheese varieties, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, or gruyère, enhancing its depth.

Its smooth texture and cheesy goodness make it a delightful side, perfect for balancing the taste profile of your meal.

Caesar Salad

healthy and popular dish

A new Caesar Salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons, provides an invigorating and textural contrast to cold ham.

The homemade croutons add a delightful crunch, while the anchovy dressing brings a savory richness that complements the ham's flavor.

This classic salad is a balanced and revitalizing choice, making it a perfect companion to any cold ham dish.

Quinoa Salad

healthy and refreshing dish

Combining the nutty flavor of quinoa with a medley of fresh vegetables, a quinoa salad offers a nutritious and vibrant side dish to accompany cold ham.

This dish leverages the superfood benefits of quinoa, packed with protein and fiber, along with versatile ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

It's a colorful, healthful option for any meal, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy flavorful oven baked veggies

Building on the nutritious theme, roasted vegetables serve as a perfect complement to cold ham, offering a warm and hearty counterpart to the meal.

Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes bring earthy flavors, while Mediterranean vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant add a touch of vibrant color and taste.

Roasting enhances their natural sweetness, creating a delightful balance.

Baked Beans

baked beans and onions

Baked beans provide a rich, savory element that pairs exceptionally well with the subtle flavors of cold ham. Their tender texture and sweet, smoky taste create delightful flavor combinations.

Various cooking methods, such as slow-cooking or using a pressure cooker, can enhance the beans' depth of flavor.

This side dish's hearty profile complements the ham, making it a satisfying addition to any meal.

Fruit Salad

delicious fruit salad recipe

A vibrant fruit salad introduces an invigorating burst of sweetness that perfectly contrasts the savory notes of cold ham.

Ideal fruit pairings include juicy melons, crisp apples, and tart berries, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Enhance your salad with light salad dressings, such as a honey-lime vinaigrette, to elevate the natural fruit flavors while adding a delightful, rejuvenating touch to your meal.

Garlic Bread

delicious garlic bread recipe

As a classic accompaniment, garlic bread brings a delightful crunch and robust, savory flavor that pairs exceptionally well with cold ham.

Made with a garlic butter spread, this side dish can be crafted using any breadsticks recipe.

The irresistible aroma and satisfying texture of garlic bread make it a favorite, enhancing the overall dining experience and complementing the flavors of the ham.

Cornbread

southern comfort food classic

Cornbread offers a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that complements the savory richness of cold ham. Originating from Native American cuisine, cornbread has many delightful variations.

Some prefer it with a touch of honey, while others enjoy adding jalapeños for a spicy kick. This versatile bread is easy to prepare and serves as a comforting side dish, making any meal complete.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer side dish

Cucumber salad, with its rejuvenating and crisp texture, frequently serves as a light and invigorating complement to cold ham.

Dressing options can vary from a simple vinaigrette to a creamy dill sauce, catering to diverse palates.

Preparation tips include slicing cucumbers thinly and adding red onions for extra zest.

This revitalizing side dish enhances the overall meal, offering a balanced and delightful experience.

Scalloped Potatoes

creamy cheesy comforting dish

Scalloped potatoes, with their layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich and creamy sauce, provide a hearty and comforting side dish that pairs seamlessly with cold ham.

The cheese mixture enhances the dish's creamy texture, creating a luxurious experience.

Perfectly balanced, these scalloped potatoes offer a savory contrast to the ham, making every bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Cold Salmon Also Suitable for Cold Ham?

When deciding on the best side dishes for salmon, it’s important to consider if they would also pair well with cold ham. Items like roasted vegetables, couscous salad, and fruit salsa are versatile options that can complement both cold salmon and ham. These dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures to enhance your meal.

Pasta Salad

easy to make summer dish

Bringing a burst of color and energy to the table, pasta salad serves as a versatile and invigorating complement to cold ham.

With a variety of pasta shapes to choose from, such as rotini or penne, you can customize your dish.

Explore different dressing options, like tangy vinaigrettes or creamy mayonnaise-based dressings, to add flavor and texture, making each bite delightful.