17 Timeless Side Dishes Your Grandparents Loved

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These 17 side dishes are classics that have stood the test of time because they’re simply delicious. These aren’t fancy, fussy creations; they’re comfort food, made with love and simple ingredients.

Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with eggs and mayonnaise.
Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Potato Salad brings back the cherished flavors of your grandparents’ cookouts, with its creamy texture and a tangy kick from mustard and celery seed. It’s a comforting side that’s perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Cherry Salad

bowls of pink fluff on a table
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cherry Salad, a nostalgic dish often seen at family reunions, combines a handful of ingredients to create a refreshing side that’s been enjoyed for generations. Its simplicity and quick prep make it a go-to classic.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Refrigerator Pickled Beets

Top view of a jar of pickled beets on a wooden cutting board.
Refrigerator Pickled Beets. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Refrigerator Pickled Beets capture the essence of summer in a jar, offering a sweet and tangy addition to salads. These quick-pickled beets are a vibrant nod to the time-honored preservation methods cherished by past generations.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Pickled Beets

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Salt Potatoes, a regional favorite, are a timeless side dish that boasts a creamy interior with a hint of butter. This simple recipe has been passed down through the years, gracing dinner tables with its straightforward charm.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Pea Salad

blue bowl with old fashioned pea salad.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The classic Pea Salad, with its mix of creaminess and sweetness, is a side dish that has been relished at countless family functions. Its make-ahead convenience helps it remain a beloved tradition.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Cowboy Caviar

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cowboy Caviar is a colorful medley of beans and vegetables, dressed in a sweet and tangy sauce. This cherished recipe has graced family tables for decades, offering a fresh and hearty side that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Watergate Salad, known for its fluffy pistachio goodness, is easy to make and serves as a sweet reminder of the effortless sides our grandparents adored. It is a welcome addition to any family meal.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Amish Butter Noodles

A fork twirling a serving of amish noodles.
Amish Butter Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Butter Noodles, with just four ingredients, are a testament to the simple, rich flavors enjoyed in times past. This dish is a comforting staple that’s both kid-friendly and perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Amish Butter Noodles

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Classic Campbell's Green Bean casserole topped with fried onions.
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a classic that has stood the test of time. This side dish is all about family traditions, and deserves to be made more often than just at Thanksgiving!
Get the Recipe: Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Quick and simple to prepare, Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles are a sweet and tangy treat that bring back memories of summer days in your grandparents’ kitchens. They’re the perfect addition to any sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Utica Greens

Top view of Utica Greens in a skillet with breadcrumbs and cherry peppers.
Utica Greens. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Utica Greens, a dish steeped in Italian-American heritage, combines escarole with hot peppers and garlic. It is a side that has been savored through the generations for its robust and comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lime Jello Salad is a whimsical green salad that has been a family favorite for decades. Its jiggly fun and fruity flavor make it a playful addition to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

Peanut Butter Bread

Slice peanut butter bread on a cutting board with a jar of raspberry jam and knife.
Peanut Butter Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Peanut Butter Bread is an easy-to-make alternative to traditional quick breads and has been enjoyed as a simple, satisfying treat for generations. It’s a no-yeast bread that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Bread

Dilly Beans

Holding a jar of pickled green beans with garlic and dill.
Dilly Beans. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dilly Beans are a crunchy, tangy treat that brings back the refrigerator pickling traditions of our grandparents. These pickled delights are a timeless side dish that adds a punch of flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Dilly Beans

Amish Macaroni Salad

Closeup of a spoonful of Amish macaroni salad.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Macaroni Salad is a creamy, sweet side that’s been a staple at family gatherings for generations. It’s a simple yet delicious side dish that always draws a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Holding a deviled egg sprinkled with paprika.
Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Deviled Eggs are a classic side that features the subtle tang of pickles. They’ve been a staple at social events for generations, turning any appetizer spread into a nostalgic treat.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Five Ingredient Banana Bread

Loaf of banana bread sliced to show the insides with a piece laying on a wooden cutting board.
Five Ingredient Banana Bread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Five Ingredient Banana Bread is a moist and hearty bread that harkens back to simpler times. Its ease of preparation and wholesome ingredients make it a timeless treat that’s been enjoyed by families for generations.
Get the Recipe: Five Ingredient Banana Bread

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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