10 Easter Side Dishes That Deserve a Spot Next to the Ham

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Let’s be honest – the ham usually steals the spotlight at Easter dinner. But what’s a star without a great supporting cast? The right side dishes can totally make the meal, and honestly, they’re often what people go back for seconds of. Whether you’re all about the creamy potatoes, fresh spring veggies, or something with a little extra color and crunch, these Easter sides are here to round out your holiday table in the best way. They’re light, flavorful, and easy enough to pull off without a kitchen meltdown – because you’ve got enough going on already!

Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash

grilled zucchini and summer squash on a dish.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

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These marinated veggies are lightly charred and full of flavor – perfect when you want something fresh and colorful on the table. They come together fast and look beautiful next to just about any Easter main (especially ham). Full recipe: Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash

Sautéed Carrots

picking up sauteed carrots with a fork
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

These buttery carrots are steamed and sautéed in the same pan with maple syrup and a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. They’re quick, easy, and such a classic spring side – especially when there’s ham on the table. Full recipe: Sautéed Carrots

Harissa Potatoes

A bowl of roasted harissa potatoes garnished with a lemon wedge.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

These oven-roasted potatoes are tossed in harissa paste and lemon juice for a spicy, flavorful twist on the classic side. They’ve got just the right amount of heat and crispiness – great if you want something a little unexpected next to your Easter ham. Full recipe: Harissa Potatoes

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Overhead view of a bowl of strawberry salad with goat cheese.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

Sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, crunchy candied walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette – that’s basically spring in salad form. It’s fresh, colorful, and makes a perfect Easter side when you want something a little fancy that doesn’t take much effort. Full recipe: Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes

Overhead view of roasted potatoes and asparagus on a plate.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

Asparagus and baby potatoes are basically spring essentials – and roasting them with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan takes them over the top. This easy sheet pan side is crisp-tender, flavorful, and made to sit happily next to your Easter ham. Full recipe: Roasted Asparagus & Potatoes

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Glazed baby carrots in a serving bowl with a sprig of thyme
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

These glazed carrots are buttery, perfectly sweet, and have a little extra something thanks to orange juice and thyme. They’re made on the stovetop (so no fighting for oven space), and come together quickly – exactly what you want in a holiday side. Full recipe: Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Broccoli Crunch Salad

A serving bowl of fresh broccoli salad with serving utensils in it and seasonings on the side.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This salad is a crunchy, tangy-sweet mix of raw broccoli, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and creamy Manchego, all tossed in a lemony dressing. It’s super fresh and holds up really well, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead and pulling out at Easter dinner. Full recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin and Coriander

Roasted cauliflower florets on a foil-lined baking sheet
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This isn’t your average cauliflower side – it’s roasted until golden and tossed in a warm, spiced blend of cumin, coriander, and a little cayenne for kick. It’s easy, flavorful, and makes a great balance to richer dishes on your Easter plate. Full recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin and Coriander

Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

a serving of Mediterranean couscous salad in a bowl with the serving bowl in the background.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This salad is light, fresh, and full of flavor—basically everything you want in a spring side. It’s loaded with cherry tomatoes, herbs, pomegranate seeds, olives, and a zippy lemon dressing. You can make it ahead, serve it cold or at room temp, and it adds a beautiful pop of color to your Easter table. Full recipe: Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

Mashed Potatoes with Leeks

A bowl of mashed potatoes with butter on top and garnished with a thyme sprig with a spoon in it.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

These aren’t your average mashed potatoes. Sautéed leeks bring a sweet, buttery depth that takes this side to a whole new level. They’re creamy, cozy, and still simple enough to fit right in on your Easter table. Full recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Leeks

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