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Inspiration Winning winter vegetablesWinning winter vegetables
When the winter months roll in, there’s nothing better than a comforting, home-cooked meal featuring high-quality New Zealand beef or lamb. But no hearty dish is complete without the perfect vegetable side. Nutritious, delicious, and budget-friendly, winter vegetables add warmth, flavour, and colour to your plate while ensuring a balanced meal for the whole family. Whether you’re serving a roast, a slow-cooked stew, or grilled meat, these vegetable side dishes are the perfect complement.
The benefits of seasonal winter vegetables
Winter vegetables are not only packed with flavour but also come with plenty of benefits:
- Rich in nutrients – Root vegetables, brassicas, and leafy greens are full of vitamins and minerals, supporting your family’s immune system during the colder months.
- Budget-friendly – Seasonal produce is often more affordable and fresher than out-of-season options, helping to keep grocery costs down.
- Great for batch cooking – Many winter vegetable sides can be roasted, mashed, or slow-cooked in bulk, saving time on busy weeknights.
- Versatile and delicious – From creamy mash to crispy roasted veggies, winter produce pairs beautifully with the rich flavours of New Zealand beef and lamb.
We’ve gathered our favourite vegetable sides dishes as the perfect match to your New Zealand beef and lamb.
Roasted pear and parsnips with ginger and honey
For a twist on classic roasted veg, try this roasted pear and parsnip with ginger and honey side dish. The natural earthiness of parsnips pairs beautifully with the juicy sweetness of roasted pears, while a drizzle of honey and a hint of fresh ginger add warmth and depth.
Chinese potato salad
Even the biggest fan can get a little tired of roasties after a while, so let us introduce the Chinese potato salad. Quick and easy, the dressing is simple but delivers big flavours.
Colourful cabbage slaw
Vibrant food isn’t just restrained to summer, you can have big bold salads in the winter months too. This colourful slaw will brighten up your table and match your New Zealand beef and lamb.
Roasted mushrooms with smoked garlic
These mushrooms themselves are simple, it’s the dressing that is next level with this dish. Make a jar and keep it in the fridge, you’ll love it on everything!
Apple, cranberry and spinach
This salad can be pulled together year-round and it’s great for versatility. Plus, the kids love the sweet burst of cranberries, making it a true family favourite.
Vegetable and couscous salad
This is the easiest side dish to conjure up on a whim – we love it with a vinaigrette over the top, but at a pinch, a drizzle of olive oil and a glug of red wine vinegar works beautifully too.
Quinoa carrot salad
Rich in plant-based protein, it’s a nutritious and satisfying option for any time of day. For a complete meal, pair it with your favourite cuts of New Zealand beef or lamb.
Roast cauliflower salad
Cauliflower gets a bad rap, and we think this humble veggie just needs the right treatment and this salad gives it that. Lightly roasted to bring out the sweetness, it’s the perfect friend to your New Zealand beef and lamb.
Posted by Beef + Lamb New Zealand
