When it comes to Christmas dinner, it’s the side dishes that truly complete the meal! From cranberry sauce to green bean and sweet potato casserole, there are so many different sides to perfectly compliment your main dish. When it comes time to prepare your sides this holiday season, be sure to reference Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Path to the Plate’s articles on each fruit, vegetable, or meat you’re using to gain a full understanding of its nutritional value.
Green beans are used in a variety of sides, but during the holiday season, they’re most often found in green bean casserole. According to USDA, this tasty green is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Green beans are also only 30 calories per can, leading them to be a healthy addition to your meal. It is important to not overcook green beans or they will lose their bright green color and become mushy, according to Aggie Horticulture.
Cranberries are the perfect sweet addition to your meal. With just 46 calories per cup, this juicy fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. According to USDA, cranberries can also reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. During the holiday season, cans of cranberry sauce are often flying on the shelves to be used as a side. While cranberry sauce does have some added sugar, it is still packed full of Vitamin C and fiber!
Sweet potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates to incorporate into your holiday dinner. They provide multiple health benefits while being an excellent source of beta-carotene and Vitamin A, according to Aggie Horticulture. There are many different ways to prepare sweet potatoes, but during the Christmas season, they are often used in sweet potato casserole. In just one sweet potato casserole, there can be up to 5 sweet potatoes used in the recipe! This orange vegetable is popular among all ages and is the perfect touch of sweetness to add to your meal!
When you’re preparing your Christmas dinner sides, head over to dinnertonight.tamu.edu to explore a wide variety of recipes and tips to make your meal delicious!
