Pumpkin Grape Relish
New Media PublishingTradition typically determines what side dishes are served with the bird on Thanksgiving (Uncle Fred will have an absolute fit if Brussels sprouts aren't on the table, and you'd rather choose your battles), but sometimes it's about color, too. Thanksgiving is such a brown meal -- brown turkey, brown stuffing, brown gravy -- that's it's nice to add some vibrancy to the mix.

So if you have the freedom and flexibility to pick and choose some side dishes this year (while still satisfying popular demand), try choosing by color: Already serving orange squash or sweet potatoes? Then maybe you need some green or red on the plate. Don't want to compete with ruby cranberry sauce? Then go for a dash of yellow.

Click on the gallery tab (above) for a veritable painter's palette of choices...

More Thanksgiving Recipes and Tips:


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A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Caramelized Scallion Mashed Potatoes
These potatoes are crazy delicious. The bright creamy white potatoes are beautifully flecked with golden bits of green, dressed up for the holiday table.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Red Pepper Polenta

This is a delicious alternative to a potato dish, with a brighter, warmer color. That it's studded with roasted red peppers only adds to the flavor and visual appeal.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Madras Cauliflower

Though the name sounds exotic, this is a pretty simple dish that has a sunny jolt of yellow (thanks to curry powder and turmeric) and brings heady flavor to the holiday table.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

White Wine Poached Pears
Nope, they're not dessert -- fruits and relishes have always been welcome to help cut the richness of grand holiday feasts. These are more topaz gold than yellow, but the dish adds a jewel-like elegance to the table.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Tangy Sweet Yellow Corn Relish
This is a really easy way to add zing to the harvest table. Making it ahead not only improves the flavor, but cuts down on the day-of preparations.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Pan Roasted Apples with Maple and Pecans

Apples and nuts are a classic seasonal combo, and this is a simple preparation in a delicious glaze. We guarantee you'll be asked to make this chic side dish for years to come.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Corn Pudding

This will easily become a holiday favorite. Look for sweet corn, the flavor is brighter and the end result less starchy. The chili powder and touch of cinnamon give this dish a complex flavor with very little effort.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Copper Carrots

The cherry juice or pomegranate juice tints the carrots a beautiful copper color -- it will look like you're serving a plate of newly minted pennies. And brown sugar, coriander, and a little tomato paste make them taste like a million bucks, too.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Red Pepper Aioli

This is a whole new take on sweet potatoes. We let the potatoes themselves do all the sweet talking -- the aioli with roasted red pepper has a bit of its own sweetness but brings a layer of complex flavor.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Butternut Squash Flan

The parmesan cheese balances out the sweetness of butternut squash in this unique recipe.

A Rainbow of Thanksgiving Side Dishes