Colorful Roasted Vegetables

One of my favorite healthy side dishes to serve with ham is a medley of colorful roasted vegetables. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavors. In addition, the variety of colors adds a visual appeal to the meal, making it even more inviting. To make this dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Choose a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cut them into evenly sized pieces.
3. Toss the vegetables in a large bowl with a small amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the vegetables out on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
5. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving alongside the ham.

Delicious Garlic Green Beans

Another healthy and flavorful side dish to serve with ham is garlic green beans. The combination of tender green beans and aromatic garlic is a classic pairing that complements the rich taste of ham. To make this dish:

1. Begin by trimming the ends off of fresh green beans and rinsing them in cold water.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender.
3. Drain the beans and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
4. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Add the drained green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the garlic and oil.
7. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and tender-crisp.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving with the ham.

Sweet and Tangy Apple Slaw

A refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs well with ham is a sweet and tangy apple slaw. The combination of crisp apples, tangy dressing, and crunchy cabbage provides a nice contrast to the savory ham. To make this dish:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, thinly sliced apples, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create a tangy dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, tossing to evenly coat the ingredients.
4. Cover and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Before serving, toss the slaw again and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and serve alongside the ham.

Herb-Roasted Baby Potatoes

Herb-roasted baby potatoes make a simple yet satisfying side dish for ham. The earthy taste of the potatoes, combined with the fragrant herbs, creates a delicious and comforting accompaniment. To make this dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and halve baby potatoes, placing them in a large bowl.
3. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, and a mixture of your favorite fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
4. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet, cut side down, making sure they are not touching.
6. Roast the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Serve the herb-roasted baby potatoes alongside the ham for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Light and Creamy Cauliflower Mash

For a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, try making a creamy cauliflower mash to serve with your ham. This dish has a similar texture to mashed potatoes but with fewer calories and carbohydrates. To make this dish:

1. Cut a head of cauliflower into small florets and steam them until they are very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked cauliflower, a small amount of milk or cream, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
3. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding more liquid if needed.
4. Season the cauliflower mash with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to taste.
5. Serve the cauliflower mash alongside the ham for a light and delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Refreshing Cucumber Salad

A cool and crisp cucumber salad is a great side dish to serve with ham, especially during the warmer months. The refreshing flavors of cucumber, dill, and tangy dressing create a delightful contrast to the rich taste of ham. To make this dish:

1. Thinly slice one or two cucumbers and place them in a large bowl.
2. Add thinly sliced red onion and chopped fresh dill to the bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a tangy dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture, tossing to evenly coat the ingredients.
5. Cover and refrigerate the cucumber salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve the refreshing cucumber salad alongside the ham for a perfect summer meal.