Easy Holiday Side Dish – Dairy Free/Gluten Free, Paleo Side Dish

BY Bridget Kilpatrick

When choosing an easy holiday side dish I use the following criteria: contains only a few ingredients, adds color to the table, flavorful, and nourishes the soul.

One of my favorite side dishes to prepare is Roasted Vegetables because they are gorgeous on the table, delicious, easy to prep, and most importantly full of nutrients.

Colorful Organic Roasted Vegetables

The key to making this side dish is fresh colorful vegetables, ideally organic from your local farmers market. However, any vegetables will do and your guests will not be disappointed! Choose a variety of root vegetables that all your family and friends enjoy.  Have fun picking out the colorful seasonal vegetables at your local market and try something new.

Easy Preparation and A Flavorful Dish

In this dish, I included my weekly vegetable share from my local organic farm, which included watermelon radishes, rounded radishes, beets, carrots, onions, and turnips. I quickly chopped them up, placed the vegetables on a cooking sheet with a silicone baking mat, tossed them in avocado oil,  then seasoned them with Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning from Trader Joes (Salt and pepper work perfectly too). Put it in a preheated oven to 400 degrees and cook for 40-60 minutes (ovens vary).  Dish it on a stunning serving platter and you’re done! A gorgeous, colorful, flavorful dish that all guests can enjoy! If you want a touch of savory or sweet; add fresh rosemary, thyme, or maple syrup. Added bonus, if you have leftovers, throw them on a salad the next day.

Cooking Tips to Enjoy the Holiday Season

Take the stress out of cooking! Find easy healthy holiday dishes that only have 4 to 6 ingredients. Keep it simple. Cook in advance. Make the more complicated dishes such as stuffing the weekend before and freeze. Prep the dishes that require chopping and peeling the night before. Reduce cooking time the day of the event to better enjoy the holiday.  Double recipes to ensure leftovers and a night off cooking. With any dinner party or holiday, plan dishes you can prepare in advance or simple to create. Spend more time with your family and friends than in the kitchen. 

This holiday season challenge yourself to find joy in cooking and relish time with your loved ones. Grace and peace!