Potato salad and ham make a delicious combination, and pairing them with perfect side dishes elevates the meal. Grilled asparagus adds smoky, tender flavors, while baked beans contribute a hearty, tangy touch. Coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast, and roasted Brussels sprouts bring savory depth. Macaroni and cheese provides creamy comfort, enhancing the meal's richness. For lighter options, consider steamed broccoli or a invigorating fruit salad. Spinach dip and stuffed mushrooms add interest with their unique flavors. Each of these sides complements potato salad and ham beautifully. Discover these delightful dishes to complete your meal experience.
Grilled Asparagus
Why not complement your potato salad and ham with the smoky, tender flavors of grilled asparagus? Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, asparagus nutrition is impressive.
Grilling techniques are simple: toss the asparagus in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
The result is a delicious, healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with your meal.
Baked Beans
Adding baked beans to your potato salad and ham ensemble introduces a hearty, savory element that complements the meal's flavors seamlessly.
Various cooking methods, such as slow-cooking or baking, enhance the beans' robust flavor profiles.
The sweet and tangy sauce melds perfectly with the creamy potato salad and savory ham, creating a balanced and satisfying side dish.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw offers an invigorating, crunchy contrast to the creamy potato salad and savory ham, making it an ideal side dish for this meal combination.
The blend of shredded cabbage and carrots, coated in a tangy and creamy dressing, provides a rejuvenating bite.
This classic side dish not only enhances the flavors on your plate but also adds a delightful texture.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Moving away from the invigorating crunch of coleslaw, roasted Brussels sprouts bring a savory depth and crisp texture to complement the meal's overall profile.
Not only are they delicious, but they also offer numerous health benefits. Simple cooking techniques like tossing in olive oil and roasting at high heat make them easy to prepare, ensuring a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
Macaroni and Cheese
Why not elevate your meal with the creamy, comforting allure of macaroni and cheese? This classic dish pairs wonderfully with potato salad and ham.
Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella to enhance flavor. Additionally, consider using various pasta types—whether it's traditional elbow macaroni or shell pasta—to create a delightful, textural experience that everyone will love.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs offer a tangy and savory complement to potato salad and ham, making them an excellent addition to your meal.
This classic recipe combines creamy yolks with mustard and mayonnaise for a delightful taste.
For presentation tips, consider garnishing with paprika or fresh herbs. Arrange them on a platter for an appealing visual that enhances your dining experience.
Cornbread
Cornbread, with its slightly sweet and crumbly texture, pairs beautifully with potato salad and ham, adding a comforting and hearty element to the meal.
Explore flavor variations by incorporating ingredients like jalapeños, cheddar cheese, or honey.
For serving suggestions, try cornbread muffins for individual portions or a cast-iron skillet version for a rustic touch.
This versatile side dish complements the main course perfectly.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that brings a creamy and savory element to a meal featuring potato salad and ham.
This beloved dish combines tender green beans with a rich, creamy sauce, topped with french onions for a crispy topping.
The delightful contrast between the creamy base and the crunchy onions makes it a perfect, comforting addition to your meal.
Cucumber Salad
An invigorating cucumber salad offers a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors of potato salad and ham.
Featuring the revitalizing taste of Greek tzatziki, this salad can be enhanced with thinly sliced dill pickles for an extra zing.
The cool, crunchy texture of cucumbers, combined with the creamy yogurt and garlic from tzatziki, creates a delightful, balanced side dish.
Garlic Bread
To complement the savory notes of potato salad and ham, garlic bread offers a warm, flavorful addition to the meal.
Bread variations, such as French baguette or ciabatta, can be used to create the perfect side.
For seasoning tips, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley to enhance the garlic butter spread, making each bite delightful.
Caprese Salad
Complementing the hearty flavors of potato salad and ham, a Caprese salad adds a revitalizing, tangy contrast with its combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Drizzled with a balsamic glaze, this simple yet elegant dish brings a burst of freshness and color to your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience with its crisp textures and balanced flavors.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli often serves as a nutritious and vibrant side dish that pairs well with both potato salad and ham. Known for its health benefits, including high levels of vitamins C and K, broccoli is also easy to prepare.
For best flavor and texture, steam the broccoli until tender yet crisp. Adding a touch of lemon juice or garlic can enhance its natural taste.
Fruit Salad
An invigorating fruit salad offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it an ideal accompaniment to both potato salad and ham.
By incorporating a variety of fresh fruits like berries, melons, and citrus, you can create a visually appealing and tasty side dish.
Complement these fruit varieties with light salad dressings, such as a honey-lime glaze, for an added burst of flavor.
Spinach Dip
Spinach dip, a creamy and savory side, pairs exceptionally well with both potato salad and ham, adding a rich and flavorful dimension to the meal.
This party appetizer, with its creamy texture and delightful taste, complements the hearty flavors of ham and the comforting notes of potato salad.
Serve it with fresh vegetables or bread for dipping to create a balanced and inviting spread.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Ham and Au Gratin Potatoes the Same as for Potato Salad and Ham?
When it comes to the best side dishes for ham, the options can vary depending on the main dish. For ham and au gratin potatoes, classic choices like green beans, glazed carrots, or a Caesar salad complement the meal perfectly. In contrast, potato salad and ham pair well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh fruit salad.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Another delectable option to accompany potato salad and ham is stuffed mushrooms, which offer a savory bite filled with rich, complementary flavors.
Using various mushroom varieties, these treats can be filled with a delightful cheese filling, enhancing their taste.
Whether you choose button mushrooms or portobellos, the combination of creamy cheese and tender mushrooms is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.