11 old-fashioned sides for a taste of Grandma’s kitchen

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Enjoy the comforting embrace of nostalgia with our collection of 11 sides that’ll whisk you straight into Grandma’s kitchen. These are the recipes passed down on well-worn index cards, and perfected over generations of family gatherings.

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Grandma knew what was up with this Pea Salad, tossing together peas, creamy dressing, and a pinch of sweetness for a side that’s stood the test of time. It’s the kind of salad that’s always the first to disappear at family gatherings, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With a name as mysterious as its origins, Watergate Salad is that fluffy, pistachio-packed dessert-salad hybrid that grandma always managed to sneak onto the table. Just five ingredients and you’ve got a side dish that’s as easy as it is whimsical.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Refrigerator Pickled Beets

Top view of a jar of pickled beets on a wooden cutting board.
Refrigerator Pickled Beets. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Refrigerator Pickled Beets are a sweet nod to summer that’ll light up your taste buds and your dinner spread. Grandma’s secret to adding some zing to salads was always a jar of these beauties, ready to go after just a few hours in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Pickled Beets

Utica Greens

Top view of Utica Greens in a skillet with breadcrumbs and cherry peppers.
Utica Greens. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into Utica Greens and you’ll be channeling grandma’s kitchen with every garlicky, spicy bite of this Italian-American classic. This dish is a love letter to escarole, transforming it into a side that’s bold, flavorful, and unapologetically greens-forward.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes topped with cheese, bacon bits and chives.
Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Twice Baked Potatoes are what happens when comfort food gets a promotion – stuffed with all the good stuff, topped with bacon, and ready to impress. This classic is a crispy, gooey masterpiece that’s a testament to grandma’s culinary wisdom.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Macaroni Salad is the creamy, sweet, and tangy sidekick that brings a little Pennsylvania Dutch flair to your table. It’s the kind of salad that’s always ready to feed a crowd, with simple ingredients that come together in a symphony of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Top view of a jar of bread and butter pickles.
Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet, tangy, and crisp, these Bread and Butter Pickles are a throwback to the days of root cellars and ice boxes. Grandma’s fridge was never without a jar of these pickles, ready to add a zesty crunch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Lime Jello Salad is a blast from the past that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, with its jiggly green charm. It’s the dessert that masquerades as a salad, bringing a sweet and tangy punch to picnics and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Salt Potatoes are the simple, buttery delight that hails from upstate New York and brings back memories of family dinners. They’re the comfort food staple that proves sometimes grandma’s way is the best way.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Amish Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with eggs and mayonnaise.
Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Potato Salad is the creamy concoction that’s a staple at any summer cookout, just like grandma used to make. It’s got that classic taste, with mustard, sugar, and celery seed bringing the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Texas Caviar Dip

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Grandma’s Texas Caviar Dip was always the life of the party, with its colorful mix of black-eyed peas, beans, and veggies. This dip is a sweet and tangy crowd-pleaser that’s as hearty as it is vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip

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