Whether you’re whipping up one of your favorite turkey tenderloin recipes, turkey breast, or cooking a whole turkey in the oven for your Thanksgiving table, side dishes will certainly take your turkey dinner to the next level. Here are some delicious turkey side dishes that will have everyone at the table coming back for more.
Turkey tenderloin is a lean, flavorful cut of meat that makes for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. Though quick to prepare, finding the perfect side dishes to serve alongside the roasted or baked tenderloin is key to creating a mouthwatering meal. Whether you are cooking for a small family or large gathering, complementing the turkey with savory, colorful sides will take your dinner to the next level.
Below are 15 of my favorite side dish ideas to serve with succulent turkey tenderloin. With options ranging from classic Thanksgiving flavors to fresh veggie recipes, you are sure to find a combination that suits your taste
Classic Thanksgiving Sides
For those craving a taste of Thanksgiving any time of year, pairing your turkey tenderloin with these classic holiday favorites is sure to satisfy.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are a quintessential Thanksgiving side. Their rich creaminess makes the perfect accompaniment to sliced turkey tenderloin. For an extra luxe potato dish, mix in roasted garlic or stir in crispy fried shallots on top.
Savory Stuffing
What Thanksgiving spread would be complete without a hearty stuffing? To complement the turkey, make a classic bread stuffing amped up with sausage, cranberries, pecans, or other mix-ins. Baked in the oven until crispy on the outside, stuffing is a warm, familiar addition.
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
The bright tartness of cranberry sauce balances the savory flavors of the turkey tenderloin wonderfully. Whip up your own homemade sauce for the best flavor Cook fresh cranberries with orange juice and zest for a natural sweetness
Hot Gravy
A rich turkey gravy ties the whole meal together. Simmer turkey drippings with chicken or turkey stock, herbs, and thickening agents like flour or cornstarch for an easy, flavorful gravy to ladle over your turkey and sides.
Veggie Sides
If you are looking for lighter, yet still delicious veggie-focused sides, these options add nutrition and color.
Roasted Green Beans
For a twist on classic green beans, roast them in the oven. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper they become caramelized and crisp. Add slivered almonds or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots coated in a honey glaze are perfectly sweet yet subtle. Toss peeled baby carrots in olive oil, salt, pepper and dried thyme then roast until tender before drizzling with honey.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For those who love Brussels sprouts, roasting brings out their sweet, nutty flavor. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and shreds of bacon for texture and roast in the oven until browned and crispy.
Slow Roasted Tomatoes
Plum or grape tomatoes roasted low and slow turn wonderfully sweet and juicy. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and add minced garlic and fresh basil for depth of flavor.
Comforting Casseroles
Casseroles make convenient, comforting side dishes for turkey tenderloin. Assemble one of these hearty creations ahead of time for easy oven-to-table service.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For the ultimate creamy potato side, a scalloped potato gratin is sure to satisfy. Layer thin slices of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes with a cheesy béchamel sauce and bake until bubbly and crisp.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This Thanksgiving favorite combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan streusel topping. For an extra layer of sweetness, top with mini marshmallows just before serving.
Zucchini and Corn Casserole
Shredded zucchini and corn come together in a cheesy, lightly spiced casserole baked to golden brown perfection. Mix in diced peppers or swap different cheeses to customize the flavor.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Elbow macaroni smothered in gooey, melted cheese sauce makes for classic comfort food. For variety, use fun pasta shapes like cavatappi or try mixing cheese varieties like sharp cheddar with Gruyère.
Easy Vegetable Sides
Round out your turkey tenderloin meal with these simple veggie sides ready in a flash.
Sauteed Kale with Raisins and Pine Nuts
Sautéed kale turns tender with a toasty, nutty flavor from the pine nuts and touch of sweetness from raisins. Massage the kale with oil and salt before cooking until just wilted.
Roasted Sheet Pan Veggies
Toss your choice of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, squash, Brussels sprouts or carrots onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with oil and seasonings and roast in a hot oven for quick roasted veggies.
Garlic Sauteed Spinach
Fresh spinach cooks down into an easy, healthy side in minutes. Cook in olive oil and garlic until just wilted then season with a squeeze of lemon.
Green Salad with Vinaigrette
A simple green salad with a homemade vinaigrette is a fast, fresh accompaniment for turkey tenderloin. Top crisp lettuce or mixed greens with mandarin orange slices, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts.
Hearty Grains
Hearty whole grains like rice, farro, or quinoa pair nicely with turkey tenderoion too. Their pleasant chew and nutty flavors complement the tender meat.
Quinoa with Herbs
Protein-packed quinoa makes a fast and healthy side dish. Cook according to package directions then stir in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, mint, or cilantro and lemon juice for brightness.
Brown Rice Pilaf
For a simple pilaf, sauté minced onion and seasonings like garlic powder, cumin or curry powder in oil before adding rice and broth. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds.
Freekeh with Roasted Butternut Squash
Nutty, ancient farro is delicious paired with roasted butternut squash. Top with feta cheese and fresh mint for contrasting flavor and texture.
Wild Rice with Mushrooms
Cook wild rice until tender while sautéing cremini mushrooms in butter and olive oil. Mix the earthy mushrooms and nutty rice together for an easy, complimentary side.
Whether preparing for a small dinner or large holiday gathering, serving flavorful, fresh sides really makes a turkey tenderloin meal complete. With so many options for colorful vegetables, hearty casseroles, wholesome grains and more, it is easy to find the perfect combination of complementary side dishes for your taste. Now turn your simple turkey tenderloin into a spectacular centerpiece meal by pairing it with one or more of these sensational sides.
Best side dishes for turkey dinner
Our list of side dish ideas includes sweet and savory recipes that are easy to make at home.
Many of these recipes can be made with simple ingredients, such as cheese, veggies, and common household spices.
Next time you’re serving turkey, be sure to try out one of these recipes! Tasty side dishes have the power to turn a good meal into a great one, and to make any regular dinner feel like a special occasion.
Turkey and stuffing make the perfect pairing for a holiday meal or cozy dinner. Made with a few simple ingredients, this stuffing recipe starts on the stovetop then moves to the oven until golden.
One of the best things about this delicious savory stuffing is that it can be prepared up to 2 days in advance!
Mash up some sweet potatoes and mix them up with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for one of the best side dishes. We love how easy it is to customize this recipe with either sweet or savory variations.
To make it sweeter, add some maple syrup or bake it in the oven with marshmallows. You can make a savory version by stirring in some parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Here’s one of our favorite turkey side dishes: classic mashed potatoes! Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes will take your meal to the next level.
The key to making the best mashed potatoes is cutting up your potatoes before boiling them. This will allow all the pieces to cook evenly. Be sure not to overmix your mash, as your potatoes can lose their fluffy consistency and turn gummy if stirred too much.
Ready in 15 minutes, this easy cranberry sauce will add just the right amount of sweetness to your savory turkey meal. Each bite is infused with the flavors of cinnamon and orange juice, resulting in a delightful sweet and tart balance.
A warm and creamy spinach casserole is so satisfying and delicious with turkey. This baked spinach dish is loaded with plenty of flavor from mustard and Worcestershire sauce, and the addition of cayenne pepper gives it a kick of spice.
You can make this casserole in just 45 minutes, using frozen spinach to keep the process simple. Enjoy this dish as a side or use it as a dip with bread or crackers!
Acorn squash is an absolute treat during the Fall and Winter seasons. We’re a huge fan of squash not only because of how tasty it is, but also because of how many nutrients it contains.
Our all-time favorite way to cook acorn squash is in the air fryer –– you’ll have a delicious mess-free side ready in just 30 minutes. Season your squash with oil, salt, and pepper to make it savory, or butter, cinnamon, and sugar to keep it sweet.
Crispy fried onions, fresh green beans, and a creamy garlic butter sauce come together to create a cozy, savory casserole. This side dish is sure to be a favorite at your next holiday dinner.
For best results, use fresh green beans instead of canned green beans for this green bean casserole recipe.
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s one of the best side dishes for family dinner.
Velveeta and shredded cheese make this tasty pasta dish extra creamy, but the secret ingredient that makes this recipe unique is nutmeg!
Preparing butternut squash is as easy as can be. All you’ll need to do is peel, cut, season, and bake! Simple seasonings will bring out so much flavor from this savory, healthy squash.
Butternut squash is a healthy side dish that will make a great addition to your meal prep rotation. You can prepare it in advance and enjoy it with multiple meals throughout the week, including turkey.
You can roast frozen Brussels sprouts to perfection in the air fryer in just 15 minutes! The air fryer is one of the best methods for cooking Brussels sprouts, as it will cook all of the sprouts evenly and leave them nice and crispy.
This is one of our favorite healthy turkey side dishes because of how easy it is to make –– not to mention it’s also great for meal prep!
Potato salad is a creamy and satisfying side that is best served cold. This dish will taste incredible with turkey as it’s simultaneously light and refreshing, but also filling.
Check out the step-by-step instructions in the post for some helpful tips for making the best potato salad ever.
This copycat version of the Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole is even better than the original. Featuring creamy sweet potatoes and a scrumptious pecan sugar crumble topping, this rich casserole will practically melt in your mouth.
Southern corn pudding is a sweet and creamy casserole dish that gets its name because of its creamy texture. Simply mix your ingredients together and bake until the casserole reaches a beautiful golden brown color.
Pair your turkey dinner with a portion of these savory Southern-style collard greens. Cooked with bacon, garlic, and onion, these greens are rich in nutrients and are also loaded with so much flavor.
While it takes about an hour from start to finish to prepare this side dish, the results will certainly be worth it! Your collard greens will be tender and juicy after having enough time to soften.
Sweet turkey side dishes add something special to the meal. This fruity salad is made with raspberry Jello, pineapple, cranberry sauce, and a creamy layer of Cool Whip.
A few simple ingredients are all you need to make this delicious potato casserole. Party potatoes are creamy and cheesy, topped with a layer of cornflakes to add a crunch to every bite.
As the recipe name implies, this potato casserole is perfect to share at parties or to whip up for an easy weeknight dinner. The whole dish comes together in just over 45 minutes.
Buttery dinner rolls are one of the best side dishes to go with any meal! Making these rolls from scratch is simple, and you’ll only need to let the dough rise for an hour.
Not only are these light and fluffy rolls so comforting, they’re also beautifully golden. Brush a thin layer of egg wash over the rolls before popping them in the oven to help them achieve a nice shine and color.
You simply can’t go wrong with buttered noodles! This is one of our favorite turkey side dishes because of how easy it is –– a one-pan meal that only takes 10 minutes to prepare.
Egg noodles are the key ingredient that make this dish top tier. Simply cook your noodles in broth and butter, and they’ll soak up all of the flavor and liquid quickly. Garnish with some fresh herbs to make this recipe complete.
This copycat hash brown casserole is even better than the original from Cracker Barrel! Loaded with cheese and flavored with a savory beef broth, this casserole is creamy and oh-so-comforting.
We love how easy it is to personalize this recipe with different add-ons. Try mixing in some veggies, adding meat, or topping with sour cream, jalapeños, or salsa!
Wild rice with veggies is a tasty side dish that will taste phenomenal with turkey. The key to getting perfect, fluffy rice is toasting the rice with veggies and oil first before bringing it to a simmer.
While this recipe is already packed with so much flavor, feel free to get creative and add more ingredients. Fresh herbs, cranberries, or even chopped nuts will make a great addition.
Add some color and nutrients to your meal by serving up this gorgeous kale apple salad! The apple and pomegranate add the perfect amount of sweetness, while the radicchio and pepita seeds add a nice crunchy texture.
Toss with feta crumbles and a delicious apple cider vinegar dressing to bring out some tangy flavors that will complement the sweetness of the fruits.
Cornbread and traditional stuffing come together in this delicious, savory casserole that’s perfect for the holiday season. Crispy on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside, this comforting casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Fresh herbs, veggies, and honey are just a few of the ingredients that give this side dish its incredible flavor.
Potatoes au gratin is a cheesy potato dish that will warm you up and make your taste buds happy. A variety of cheeses with bold flavors will give you the most flavorful results. Gruyere, parmesan, sharp cheddar, provolone, and Swiss are some of the best options.
Pop your potatoes in the oven until they’re golden and oozing with cheese. This is a great recipe for parties or holidays because you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance.
Save the drippings from your turkey and turn it into a rich, creamy gravy sauce! This easy gravy recipe is made with chicken broth and a cornstarch slurry, and takes only 15 minutes to prepare.
You can enhance this simple gravy recipe by incorporating some of the turkey fat into the mixture. Use a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps if needed.
Roasted carrots are one of the best turkey side dishes. The high temperature in the oven will help your carrots caramelize and soften.
Carrots have a natural sweetness, but you can prepare sweet or savory versions of this side depending on what you prefer! Make them sweet by adding honey and cinnamon butter, or make them savory by seasoning with oil and fresh herbs.
Making twice baked potatoes is simple! Start by baking your potatoes until soft, then scoop out the insides. Once you’ve created a cheesy mashed potato mixture, add it back into the potato skin base.
These potatoes will bake until melty and warm, with the insides staying soft while the skins reach a delightful crispy texture.
Here’s a great substitute for mashed potatoes, made from rutabaga –– a root vegetable that’s similar to both a turnip and cabbage. Mashed rutabaga is a lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, and it’s also loaded with healthy fiber and potassium.
A crockpot will make it so easy to prepare this cheesy corn recipe. Simply add your 5 ingredients –– canned corn, butter, cream cheese, Pepper Jack, and Colby Jack –– and let everything cook to perfection.
Browned butter, garlic, and thyme are simple ingredients that will add so much flavor to this mushroom side dish. It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish to make this easy recipe.
We love turkey side dishes that add a splash of color to the dinner table! This healthy veggie recipe brings together roasted brussel sprouts, butternut squash, pecans, and cranberries. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also healthy and packed with fiber.
With a soft interior and crispy edges, these roasted potatoes are absolutely heavenly. Our favorite thing about this recipe is the dehydrated onions that add so much flavor and texture to the dish.
What is your favorite side dish for turkey? Let me know in the comments below.
The Best Way To Make A Juicy Turkey Tenderloin
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