A side salad? Seriously?
As the pandemic continues to shape our lives, Thanksgiving will look different for many families this year. Regardless of the guest list, most people have their go-to dishes that make the holiday special. While turkey takes center stage on every Thanksgiving table, it’s really the side dishes that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Unless, of course, you’re in Maine.
Career site Zippia created a map showcasing the most popular Thanksgiving sides in each state, using Google trends to identify favorites. While most states proudly embrace carb-heavy delights, Maine has taken a surprising turn with… a side salad?
Honestly, given the current health crisis, please don’t come to my house at all. But in a normal year, if you show up at my Thanksgiving gathering with just a side salad, you might as well turn around. This isn’t the day for leafy greens—unless it’s Watergate salad, which is a holiday staple in my family, featuring Cool Whip, canned pineapple, and pistachio pudding mixed together. That’s the only acceptable “salad” on Thanksgiving!
Fortunately, the rest of the nation seems to be on the right track for the holiday. Mashed potatoes are the clear winner, topping the list in ten states. Hot on their heels is mac n’ cheese, which seven states consider essential to their Thanksgiving meal. After all, who could resist pasta and cheese topped with breadcrumbs?
Other popular choices include green bean casserole (or any casserole, really), stuffing (also known as dressing, depending on where you’re from), and a variety of bread options—whether it’s biscuits, rolls, or crescent rolls. Anything that can soak up gravy is a solid pick.
Speaking of gravy, Zippia counted it as a side dish, which is slightly controversial since gravy is practically synonymous with Thanksgiving. “Since it’s not a main dish and hopefully isn’t being consumed as a beverage, our hands were tied,” they explained. “Sorry if your family has some unusual tradition involving shrimp cocktails or Red Lobster Cheddar biscuits. Your family is unique, and we didn’t capture that in our data. Still, this should reflect what most of us enjoy on Thanksgiving.”
Interestingly, New Hampshire stood out with its love for cranberry sauce, and a few states opted for corn, both of which are acceptable Thanksgiving sides. At least they didn’t go for salads on a day meant for stretchy pants!
Come on, Maine. What were you thinking?
This article was originally published on November 10, 2020.
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Summary:
A recent map by Zippia reveals the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in every state, highlighting an unexpected favorite in Maine—a side salad. While states across the country favor traditional dishes like mashed potatoes and mac n’ cheese, Maine’s choice raises eyebrows. Overall, the majority embrace hearty sides, making Thanksgiving a feast of comfort food.