Ham Sides: 15 Light and Easy Recipes for Your Ham Dinner

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Published 11/18/2025
In This Article
Ham Sides: 15 Light and Easy Recipes for Your Ham Dinner
Photo Credit: iStock

Whether you’re serving a holiday ham or baking a Sunday ham dinner, side dishes can make a more memorable meal for your guests. The best ham sides complement the rich, savory flavor of a slice of ham while adding color, fresh nutrients and, perhaps, a little sweetness to your plate. From creamy casseroles to roasted vegetables, potatoes and slaws, these healthy side dish recipes from our Test Kitchen show you how to make your favorite comfort food side dishes healthier.

Healthy ham sides start with smart swaps. Using fresh vegetables, low fat dairy and heart healthy oils will help you retain the creamy, comforting flavor of ham side dishes, but with lower sodium and less saturated fat. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a simple family dinner, lighter recipes for traditional ham side dishes will help everyone enjoy a balanced meal that compliments their diet, whether it’s low sodium, low calorie or part of a weight loss plan.

These heart healthy sides from Health eCooks are lighter takes on crowd pleasing dishes such as a sweet corn pudding casserole, scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese casserole and roasted vegetables. Each of these ham side dishes is made with wholesome ingredients and developed by our dietitians, who understand that good health starts in the kitchen.

What Makes a Great Side for Ham

Ham side dishes should complement the saltiness and richness of ham, bring contrast in texture (creamy, crunchy, sweet, savory), and ideally add nutritional value (fiber, vitamins and lower sodium). Here are 15 revamped classic side dishes that play beautifully next to ham. They’re satisfying, fresh and healthy recipes you’ll feel good about.

Healthy Ham Side Dishes Made Lighter

No ham dinner feels complete without creamy and comforting sides. Traditional casseroles and mashed potatoes can often be heavy, but lighter versions using low fat milk, reduced fat cheese and fresh herbs provide big flavor with less fat and no added salt. These side dishes are rich and satisfying while staying good to your heart because they use smarter ingredient choices and baking techniques that lock in flavor without extra calories.

  • Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Casserole

    Heart Healthy Mac and Cheese Casserole
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    75 mins

    This gluten free mac and cheese delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with a heart-smart twist. Made with skim milk, nonfat sour cream, and reduced fat cheeses, it is a complimentary ham side with low saturated fat. A crispy panko topping adds a satisfying texture, making this a cozy side dish that fits into a heart healthy diet.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Scalloped Potatoes

    Heart Healthy Scalloped Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    120 mins

    These heart healthy scalloped potatoes for ham feature thinly sliced Yukon golds layered with sweet caramelized onions and a blend of fresh herbs. Instead of heavy cream, they’re baked in unsalted vegetable stock with a touch of olive oil and butter to bring out rich, savory flavor while keeping this dish light.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Mashed Potatoes

    Healthy Mashed Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    These rustic mashed potatoes are lightened up with low sodium broth and just a touch of butter, no heavy cream needed. Made with red potatoes (keep skins for extra fiber and nutrients), this heart healthy side delivers the creamy comfort you expect while supporting a healthy diet.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Cheddar Bacon Muffins

    Heart Healthy Cheddar Bacon Muffins
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    These savory muffins bring big flavor with smart, heart-conscious ingredients. Made with whole wheat flour, reduced fat cheddar and lean turkey bacon, they deliver cheesy, smoky satisfaction as a ham side. Jalapeños and scallions add a bold kick, making these a fun and flavorful side for ham.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Ranch Roasted Potatoes

    Ranch Roasted Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing
    45 mins

    These crispy roasted potatoes are tossed in a bold, homemade ranch style seasoning—without the excess sodium or additives found in store bought mixes. Made with red potatoes, olive oil, and real herbs and spices, this gluten free side delivers big flavor and a satisfying texture.

    View Recipe

Veggie-Packed Ham Sides Everyone Will Love

Vegetables bring color, crunch and freshness to the dinner table. Roasted carrots and green beans add natural sweetness that balances salty ham perfectly. When you roast vegetables in olive oil and sprinkle them with herbs instead of butter, you enhance flavor while keeping the dinner heart healthy. Even traditional dishes like green bean casserole can be lightened up with homemade sauce and fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup.

  • Healthy Roasted Vegetables

    Heart Healthy Roasted Vegetables
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    This colorful medley of root vegetables and hearty greens is roasted with olive oil and dried herbs for maximum flavor without added sodium. It’s a fiber rich, heart healthy side for ham that’s perfect for holidays or everyday meals.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Green Bean Casserole

    Healthy Green Bean Casserole (No Mushroom Soup)
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    45 mins

    This fresh take on green bean casserole skips the canned soup and sodium overload. Instead, crisp green beans are tossed with a creamy, herb seasoned sauce thickened with almond flour and olive oil. Topped with gluten free corn flakes and reduced fat cheese, it’s a healthy vegetarian dish that brings classic flavor with a lighter feel.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Honey Carrots

    Heart Healthy Honey Carrots
    Photo Credit: Getty Images
    30 mins

    Glazed carrots are transformed by using a modest amount of honey and letting the natural sweetness shine. These honey carrots are a bright, tender and light ham side dish that brings color and natural sweetness to your plate.

    View Recipe

Ham Sides With a Sweet and Savory Balance

The best ham side dishes combine sweet and savory flavors to balance the saltiness of the main course. Dishes like corn pudding or sweet potato bake offer a touch of natural sweetness without needing extra sugar. Using apples and raisins in ham side dishes also make delicious accompaniments that bring out ham’s smoky undertones. These lighter versions use fruit and spices to add depth while keeping added sugar and fat to a minimum.

  • Healthy Corn Pudding Casserole

    Corn Pudding
    Photo Credit: Adam Fisher, Baldwin Publishing
    30 mins

    This sweet corn pudding recipe for ham swaps boxed mixes for simple ingredients like egg whites, no salt corn, and skim milk to reduce saturated fat and sodium. It offers a creamy custardlike texture that’s comforting yet lighter. The balance of soft, sweet corn flavor and custard richness makes it a warm, crowd pleasing ham side that’s naturally gluten free and low in calories.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Sweet Potato Bake

    Heart Healthy Sweet Potato Bake
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    120 mins

    This lightened up sweet potato casserole blends naturally sweet roasted potatoes with warm spices, vanilla and a buttery pecan topping. This sweet potato recipe is healthier than the classic because it limits added fats and sugars. You get that cozy sweetness to compliment the salty flavor of ham.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Homemade Applesauce

    Heart Healthy Homemade Applesauce
    Photo Credit: iStock
    45 mins

    A lightly sweetened applesauce is a classic side for ham. This homemade recipe emphasizes natural fruit flavor while reducing added sugar. It brings moisture, fruity flavor and a palate cleanser between richer bites on your plate.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Butternut Squash and Apple

    Heart Healthy Butternut Squash and Apple
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    30 mins

    This warm, naturally sweet side dish combines tender butternut squash with unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon and dried cranberries. With just a touch of brown sugar and salt, it’s a lighter, heart healthy alternative to sugary casseroles. The blend of fruity and savory elements makes it a cozy, warming ham side full of color, contrast and fiber.

    View Recipe

Fresh Salads and Slaws for Lighter Ham Side Dishes

If you’re looking to brighten your ham dinner, fresh salads and slaws are an easy way to do it. A crisp slaw or sweet and savory salad adds fiber and crunch, helping round out the meal with freshness. Using light dressings or vinaigrettes instead of creamy ones cuts calories and fat while still delivering bold flavor.

  • Healthy Broccoli Slaw

    Heart Healthy Broccoli Slaw
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    This creamy broccoli slaw delivers a sweet crunch with a heart-smart upgrade. Made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and tossed with raisins, sunflower seeds, red onion and a hint of lime, it’s bright, tangy, and satisfying. Turkey bacon adds a savory punch—perfect for enjoying alongside a ham dinner.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Carrot and Raisin Salad

    Heart Healthy Carrot and Raisin Salad
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    This colorful and healthy salad blends shredded carrots with juicy pineapple and plump raisins for a naturally sweet bite. The perfect cold side dish for ham, the salad is sweet, slightly chewy and very vegetable-forward.

    View Recipe

  • Healthy Escarole Salad with Apples

    Heart Healthy Escarole Salad with Apples
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    This refreshing salad balances crisp escarole and tart green apples with sweet dried cranberries and nutty toasted walnuts. Tossed in a light vinaigrette with Dijon mustard and topped with shaved Parmesan, it’s a heart-smart side that adds crunch fiber, and contrast to other ham side dishes.

    View Recipe

FAQs About Healthy Ham Sides

  • What are the best healthy sides to serve with ham?

    The best ham sides balance the meal with lighter, more nutritious ingredients. Try roasted vegetables, heart healthy casseroles, fresh salads, or fruit-based dishes like applesauce or sweet potatoes. These recipes add flavor, fiber and color without being heavy or salty.

  • How can I make traditional ham sides healthier?

    You can make classic side dishes for ham healthier by swapping butter for olive oil, choosing low fat dairy, and seasoning with herbs and spices instead of salt. Simple changes like using whole grains, fresh vegetables and low sodium broths help reduce fat and sodium while keeping taste.

  • What vegetables go best with ham?

    Roasted carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts and butternut squash pair perfectly with ham. These vegetable sides for ham add a natural sweetness that complements ham’s savory flavor while providing essential nutrients and fiber.

  • Are sweet sides good with ham?

    Yes, sweet sides are good with ham. Dishes like corn pudding, sweet potato bake or homemade applesauce balance ham’s saltiness beautifully. Using natural ingredients like fruit, honey, or cinnamon instead of added sugar creates a satisfying sweet and savory mix that feels comforting yet healthy.

  • What are some make-ahead healthy sides for ham?

    Casseroles, mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables can be prepped in advance and reheated before serving. Many of these healthy ham sides—like mac and cheese casserole or green bean casserole—taste even better the next day as flavors have time to blend.

Healthy Ham Sides That Don’t Skimp on Flavor

Choosing lighter ham sides is one of the easiest ways to make your holiday meal or family dinner healthier. By using fresh, whole ingredients and simple cooking methods, you can turn classic comfort foods into dishes that nourish your body and please your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing for Easter, Christmas, New Years, or a weekend gathering, these healthy ham side dishes let you celebrate flavor—and good health—with every bite.

Here are more side dish recipes to help make meals healthier:

Latest Blog Articles