No more sad winter sides with these 15 exciting recipes

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Winter meals receive a much-needed refresh with 15 side dishes that are set to chase away the chill with their lively flavor. Each recipe introduces a new spin on an old favorite, ensuring that your winter dinners are anything but dreary.

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table.
Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Empanadas

Hands ripping apart an Argentinian empanada.
Cheese argentinian empanadas. Photo Credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Empanadas bring the vibrant flavors of South America to your table in just 40 minutes. Filled with a choice of mushrooms, spinach, or corn, these empanadas have a flaky crust and a hearty filling. They taste of a blend of earthy and savory notes, with a hint of sweetness from the corn variety. This dish transforms your side options with a touch of Argentinian tradition.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf is a warm, inviting dish that takes about an hour to prepare. The nutty taste of wild rice pairs beautifully with the sweet, roasted butternut squash. With added cranberries and pecans, it’s a side dish that offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. It’s a substantial choice that will brighten any winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Classic mushroom bourekas recipe

Stuffed mushrooms on a wooden cutting board.
Classic mushroom bourekas recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Classic mushroom bourekas recipe is a delightful twist on traditional pastries, ready in 35 minutes. These bourekas are stuffed with a savory mushroom and onion filling, encased in puff pastry. They offer a satisfying umami taste with a buttery, flaky texture. Perfect for those seeking a comforting and savory side dish.
Get the Recipe: Classic mushroom bourekas recipe

Colombian Cheese Arepas

Cheese arepa on a plate with toppings.
Colombian Cheese Arepas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Cheese Arepas, ready in just 20 minutes, are a quick way to bring Colombian street food right to your dining table. These arepas are made with cornmeal and filled with melty cheese, resulting in a warm and comforting taste. They offer a crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy interior. It’s a simple yet delicious side that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic can be created in 15 minutes. This dish combines the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with the tang of feta and the sweetness of pomegranate. A drizzle of balsamic adds a zesty finish. It’s a quick, flavorful way to upgrade your greens.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

easy gluten free samosas

Gluten free samosas on white background.
easy gluten free samosas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy gluten-free samosas, ready in 40 minutes, are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Indian snack without the wheat. Filled with potatoes and peas and seasoned with traditional spices, they boast a spicy and savory flavor. These samosas have a crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. They’re a delightful gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: easy gluten free samosas

Fried Halloumi Salad

Large plate of fried halloumi salad with wine glass.
Fried Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fried Halloumi Salad takes about 20 minutes to put together and is a Mediterranean-inspired dish. It combines the salty, chewy texture of fried halloumi with the freshness of greens and tomatoes. A lemony dressing adds a bright, citrusy note. This salad is a flavorful, protein-rich side that’s far from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table.
Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy) is a rich, aromatic dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It features okra in a thick, spicy tomato-based sauce. The taste is a complex mix of tangy and warm spices, giving it a deep flavor profile. This curry is a hearty and comforting side that adds a burst of Indian cuisine to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table.
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh and crunchy side ready in just 15 minutes. The bitterness of kale and the sweetness of apples complement each other perfectly. The creamy poppy seed dressing adds a slight tang and richness. It’s a quick and healthy option that’s full of texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill.
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad is a vibrant side dish that can be made in just 10 minutes. It combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the crispness of cucumber. A pickling of vinegar and herbs lends a tangy taste. This salad is a refreshing and colorful addition to any winter table.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Russian Piroshki

Three piroshki on a plate with tea.
Russian Piroshki. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Piroshki are a delightful baked treat, taking about 2 hours to create. These hand pies are filled with a savory mixture of cabbage, eggs, and onions. They offer a soft, doughy exterior with a comforting, hearty filling. It’s a traditional Russian side that’s sure to warm you up.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki

Root Vegetable Salad

Overhead view of hand lifting a spoon of salad.
Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Root Vegetable Salad is a rustic, flavorful dish that’s ready in about 45 minutes. It features a mix of beets, carrots, and potatoes, offering a sweet and earthy taste. The addition of sauerkraut gives it a tangy kick. This salad is a hearty and healthy choice for winter dining.
Get the Recipe: Root Vegetable Salad

Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers

A baking pan full of vegetables and a spoon.
Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and bell peppers ( ). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli, and peppers take about 50 minutes to prepare. This dish offers a zesty lemon flavor that brightens the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s a colorful and nutritious side that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers

Tabbouleh Salad with Feta

Close up overhead of tabbouleh salad with feta.
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tabbouleh Salad with Feta is a light and refreshing side that’s ready in 25 minutes. The combination of bulgur, fresh herbs, and lemon juice creates a zesty base, while feta adds a creamy, salty dimension. It’s a Mediterranean classic that provides a burst of freshness to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Overhead view of cucumber salad.
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad is a simple and quick side, ready in just 15 minutes. It’s made with crisp cucumbers and a creamy dressing, seasoned with dill. The salad has a refreshing and light taste. It’s a perfect palate cleanser or complement to heavier winter dishes.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

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