What to Serve With Turnip Greens: 15 Best Side Dishes

Turnip greens are a nutritious delight that can be paired with a variety of enticing side dishes. Cornbread, with its buttery texture, is a Southern favorite that pairs seamlessly. For a protein-rich option, panko-crusted chicken provides a delightful crunch. Creamy pepper sauce adds a rich and slightly spicy complement, enhancing the flavor profile. Apple slaw, with its invigorating vinaigrette dressing, offers a rejuvenating crunch and can be customized with nuts or dried fruits. Smoked turkey is another wonderful choice, offering savory richness that complements the earthy notes of turnip greens. Explore more pairings to complete your meal perfectly!

Cornbread

warm crumbly cornbread squares

Cornbread, a quintessential Southern side dish, pairs seamlessly with the earthy flavor of turnip greens.

This cornbread recipe is easy to make, featuring a crumbly, buttery texture that complements the greens perfectly. For a unique twist, consider adding jalapenos or cheese.

As a comforting Southern side, cornbread enhances dishes like neck bones or potlikker soup, making it a traditional favorite for any meal.

Panko-Crusted Chicken

deliciously crispy breaded chicken

Panko-crusted chicken strips provide a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the earthy tones of turnip greens.

These side dishes offer a light, protein-rich option to balance the hearty greens.

The crispy texture of the panko-crusted chicken adds a satisfying contrast, making the meal more enjoyable.

For added variety, consider serving with a flavorful dip, enhancing both taste and presentation.

Creamy Pepper Sauce

deliciously spiced creamy sauce

Enhancing the flavor profile of turnip greens, a creamy pepper sauce offers a rich and slightly spicy complement to the dish. This delectable side adds a luxurious creaminess and a touch of heat, creating a delightful contrast with the earthy greens.

For an easy preparation, the recipe can be found on Simply Delicious, making it a perfect addition to your meal.

Apple Slaw

crisp apple salad recipe

After enjoying the creamy pepper sauce, another delightful accompaniment to turnip greens is a invigorating apple slaw.

This invigorating side dish, prepared in less than 20 minutes, features a light vinaigrette dressing that cuts through the richness of the turnip greens.

The crisp texture of the apples adds a delightful crunch, making it a balanced and satisfying combination.

Customize with nuts or dried fruits for added flavor.

Smoked Turkey

delicious thanksgiving main course

Smoked turkey, with its rich and savory flavor, serves as an ideal protein pairing for the slightly bitter taste of turnip greens.

The juicy and smoky essence of smoked turkey complements the earthy notes of turnip greens, creating a satisfying meal.

Enhance the turkey with homemade smoked rubs for added spice, and pair with your favorite wine to elevate the dining experience.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

creamy mashed potatoes recipe

Complementing the savory richness of smoked turkey, garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy and flavorful side that harmonizes beautifully with the slightly bitter notes of turnip greens.

The garlic-infused mashed potatoes provide a delightful kick, contrasting the earthy taste of the greens.

Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, this classic dish adds a comforting balance to any Southern-inspired meal featuring turnip greens.

Cheesy Lasagna

lasagna recipe with ricotta

Why not elevate your meal with a comforting and satisfying cheesy lasagna that pairs wonderfully with the slightly bitter notes of turnip greens?

This hearty dish is a warm and cozy option, sure to please a crowd.

The rich, cheesy layers of lasagna complement the fresh, healthy flavors of turnip greens seamlessly, creating a balanced and flavorful dinner experience.

Rosemary Turnip Fries

delicious and healthy alternative

Rosemary turnip fries provide a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, making them an excellent accompaniment to turnip greens.

This unique side dish features crispy turnip sticks enhanced with fragrant rosemary, offering a savory twist.

Customizable with seasonings like cayenne pepper for added spice, these fries complement the earthy flavors of turnip greens, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Pork Chops

tender and juicy meat

Pork chops serve as a savory and satisfying main dish that pairs wonderfully with the slight bitterness of turnip greens. The juicy and flavorful pork complements the earthy flavors of the greens, making for a hearty and comforting meal.

Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, pork chops offer versatility. Adding a creamy mushroom sauce can enhance the dish, creating an extra layer of deliciousness.

Maple Candied Bacon

savory and sweet treat

Maple candied bacon, with its sweet and savory crunch, elevates the humble turnip greens into a gourmet side dish.

The combination of smoked, crispy bacon and maple syrup offers a delightful texture contrast.

This simple recipe, featuring a touch of spice, not only enhances the greens but also serves as an irresistible snack or versatile ingredient in various dishes.

Green Bean Salad

fresh crunchy green beans

Following the indulgence of maple candied bacon, a invigorating green bean salad offers a vibrant and light companion to the earthy turnip greens.

This rejuvenating side dish combines kidney, garbanzo, and green beans with a tangy dressing, enhancing the meal with diverse textures and colors.

The zesty dressing cuts through the richness of turnip greens, making it a quick, delicious addition.

Cheesy Scrambled Eggs

delicious breakfast with cheese

Cheesy scrambled eggs provide a savory and satisfying breakfast option that pairs remarkably well with turnip greens.

The addition of shredded cheese enhances the flavor, making the scrambled eggs rich and creamy.

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, offering a great flavor profile with minimal effort.

Enjoying fluffy, cheesy scrambled eggs alongside nutritious turnip greens creates a balanced and delicious meal.

BBQ Ribs

finger licking bbq ribs

After enjoying a savory breakfast of cheesy scrambled eggs, consider elevating your meal with the robust flavors of BBQ ribs. These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, often slow-cooked and coated with a sticky sweet glaze, pair beautifully with the earthy bitterness of turnip greens.

Add a side of smoked ham and Southern cornbread, and you have a delightful, balanced meal perfect for any occasion.

Brussels Sprouts

healthy green mini cabbages

Brussels sprouts, a nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetable, offer a delightful complement to turnip greens with their distinct nutty flavor and versatility in preparation.

This low-calorie, high-fiber side dish can be roasted, sautéed, or steamed.

Pairing Brussels sprouts with bacon, balsamic glaze, or Parmesan cheese adds depth, creating a delicious and healthy addition to your meal alongside turnip greens.

Can the Same Side Dishes Be Served with Turnip Greens and Green Onion Pancakes?

When it comes to the best side dishes for green onion pancakes, turnip greens can be a surprisingly delicious choice. Their slightly bitter and peppery flavor complements the savory and crispy texture of the pancakes, creating a well-balanced meal. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find the perfect combination.

Black-Eyed Pea Salad

refreshing summer side dish

Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with turnip greens. This Southern classic combines black-eyed peas, bell peppers, and onions with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this salad offers a satisfying texture and burst of fresh flavors. Customize it with herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your taste preferences.