Caribbean Holiday Sides Collection: 12 Flavor-Packed Dishes for Festive Cooking

The holidays hit differently in a Caribbean kitchen, and I mean that in a delicious way. We don’t do bland. We don’t do boring. We do colorful, herby, savory, and bright. If you’re building your Christmas or New Year’s menu and want flavors that sing louder than a Haitian Konpa band, this collection is for you.

I pulled together 12 of the best Caribbean-inspired side dishes from our recipe index section. They are the dishes that hold up on any holiday table, whether you’re serving turkey, ham, roast chicken, duck, seafood, or bringing a platter to the family potluck.

Let’s dive in. Your guests will thank you.

Caribbean Holiday Sides Collection

Below are 12 sides that shine during the holiday season.

1. Breadfruit Salad with Lime Dressing

A bright, creamy, citrusy salad that plays well with roasted meats. Breadfruit is comfort food, Caribbean-style, and this version feels fresh and festive.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/breadfruit-salad-with-lime-dressing/

Breadfruit with Shallots and Parsley Vinaigrette

This creamy breadfruit provides a tender base in this light and tangy vinaigrette, Parsley and shallots add depth of flavor, while olive oil and champagne vinegar pull it all together. A delicious, healthful addition to your dinner meal

Check out this recipe

2. Avocado and Tomato Salad with Citrus Dressing

Simple, gorgeous, and perfect for balancing heavy holiday plates.
Ripe avocados + citrus = instant refreshment.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/avocado-and-tomato-salad-with-citrus-dressing/

Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Avocado and Tomato Salad, a quick meal

Avocado and Tomato salad recipe is the perfect combination for the grilled shrimp. Chunks of avocado mixed with tomatoes, red onion, salt, pepper, grapeseed oil and a splash of lemon juice

Check out this recipe

3. Green Plantain and Turkey Meal (Side Option!)

Surprisingly versatile — a hearty plantain-and-veggie base that pairs well with ham, pork, or roasted poultry.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/green-plantains-ground-turkey-meal/

Green Plantains and Ground Turkey One-Pot Meal

Green Plantains and Ground Turkey One-Pot Meal a one dish meal, prepared with mashed green plantains and spicy tomato ground turkey and baked.

Check out this recipe

4. Farro Salad with Roasted Squash and Turkey

Warm, nutty farro meets fall flavors. Squash makes it seasonal; herbs make it Caribbean.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/farro-salad-with-turkey-and-roasted-squash/

Farro Salad with Turkey and Roasted Squash

This hearty and flavorful farro salad is perfect for a fall lunch or side dish.

Check out this recipe

5. Roasted Potatoes with Leeks

Perfectly caramelized leeks and golden potatoes—honestly, everyone fights over these.
A true holiday staple.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/oven-roasted-potatoes-with-leeks/

Oven Roasted Potatoes with Leeks and Lemon Zest

Oven Roasted Potatoes with Leeks and with a hint of Lemon Zest. Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, an earthy and delicious combination of flavor from the leeks and lemon zest, a side dish that will complement any meal!

Check out this recipe

6. Sautéed Mushrooms, Purple Carrots & Scallions

Earthy mushrooms, sweet purple carrots, bright scallions, and the perfect trio. It’s festive, colorful, and cooks quickly.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/carrot-and-parsnip-mash/

Sauteed Mushrooms, Purple Carrots and Scallions

Sauteed Mushrooms, Purple Carrots, and Scallions is the perfect side dish for dinner. Crunchy, tasty, and flavorful. Cooked in Truffle Olive Oil and Noubess Hot and Spicy Mango Sauce.

Check out this recipe

7. Green Banana Salad

A Haitian classic that belongs on every island holiday table. Creamy, savory, and satisfying.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/green-banana-salad/

Green Bananas with Garlic and Onions

This simple Caribbean side dish brings together tender boiled green bananas and a savory mix of sautéed garlic and onions. Light, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free, it’s a comforting island classic that pairs beautifully with fish, chicken, legumes, or Creole-style dishes. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this recipe transforms humble green bananas into a delicious, wholesome plate of home-cooked goodness.

Check out this recipe

8. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Herbs

Light, easy, and vibrant. Fresh spinach brings balance to richer meats like pork roast or ham.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/spinach-with-herbs/

Easy Sautéed Baby Spinach with Garlic

Sauteed Baby Spinach is an easy side dish absolutely full of flavor! Fresh baby spinach leaves are sauteed with fresh garlic and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. 

Check out this recipe

9. Chayote au Gratin (Mirliton Gratin)

A must-have in Haitian and French Caribbean homes during the holidays. Creamy, cheesy, herby, and pure comfort.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/chayote-au-gratin/

Chayote au Gratin

Chayote au Gratin is a delicious and versatile dish featuring tender chayote, ham, and Asiago cheese baked in a rich béchamel sauce. This flavorful Caribbean recipe is perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Serve with bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Check out this recipe

10. Quick and Easy Beet Salad

Colorful, earthy, sweet, and impossible not to love. This dish looks stunning on a holiday spread.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/beet-salad/

Crunchy Beets Salad

Learn how to make a nutritious and satisfying Crunchy Roasted Beets Salad. This easy-to-follow recipe features roasted beets, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Check out this recipe

11. Haitian Pikliz (Spicy Cabbage Slaw)

No holiday is complete without pikliz. Adds brightness and heat to everything — turkey, pork, fish, you name it.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/creole-pikliz-spicy-cabbage-slaw/

How to make Haitian Pikliz

Haitian Pikliz: A Spicy, Tangy, and Flavorful Condiment

Check out this recipe

12. Chickpea Salad with Cucumbers & Roasted Bell Peppers

Light, crunchy, and full of fresh veggie flavor. Beautiful alongside roasted turkey, ham, or grilled seafood.

Recipe: https://www.caribbeangreenliving.com/chickpea-salad-with-cucumber-and-roasted-bell-peppers/

Chickpea, Cucumber, and Roasted Bell Peppers Salad

An easy and delicious Garbanzo Bean or Chickpea Salad seasoned with an aromatic and perfectly flavored balanced vinaigrette.

Check out this recipe

How to Build a Caribbean Holiday Menu with These Sides

Here’s a quick guide for planning your scrumptious holiday menu:

Choose One Creamy Side

• Chayote au Gratin
• Carrot & Parsnip Mash
• Breadfruit Salad

Add One Fresh + Bright Dish

• Beet Salad
• Avocado & Tomato Citrus Salad
• Black Bean & Corn Salad

Bring in the Greens

• Sautéed Spinach
• Green Banana Salad

Add a Hearty Vegetable or Grain

• Farro Salad
• Roasted Potatoes with Leeks

Finish with Heat and Crunch

• Pikliz — always pikliz.

Conclusion

Your holiday table deserves some island sparkle, and each one of these dishes brings flavor, color, and a whole lot of Caribbean heart. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner or keeping it cozy with a few loved ones, these sides will bring warmth and joy straight from the Caribbean to your home.

Cook with bold flavors. Use your herbs generously. Practice Zero-Waste. And enjoy every bite of your holiday feast.