The turkey may take center stage, but you can’t go wrong with these 40 ideas Healthy Thanksgiving Sides to complete the feast! Everything from sweet potatoes to cranberry sauce…I’ve got you covered.
This list of healthy Thanksgiving sides is just what you need for the big feast! I know what you’re thinking. Thanksgiving is only once a year, so why not dive into all of the buttery, cream-laden goodness with abandon? I hear you! But…what if the healthy Thanksgiving side dishes tasted just as good as the not-so-healthy options? And what if you’re craving mashed sweet potatoes or dressed-up green beans on any other day of the year?
And chances that there will be at least someone at your holiday table with dietary restrictions. There are quite a few options for special diets in this list, whether that’s gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, paleo or low fat. Keeping all of the guests happy in one fell swoop!
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Tips for making healthy Thanksgiving sides
1. PREPARATION IS KEY
Plan your menu in advance, and make a shopping list to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients.
Consider preparing some dishes a day or two ahead to ease the workload on Thanksgiving day. I usually make a batch of crockpot applesauce, a loaf or two of zucchini bread, a saucepan of homemade cranberry sauce and the herb butter for the turkey at least one day in advance. It makes Thanksgiving Day far less busy!
2. HEALTHY COOKING TECHNIQUES
It’s amazing how much calorie- and fat-cutting you can get away with – without your family noticing a thing. My Rosemary Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Stuffing, Shredded Brussels Sprouts and XX Green Beans are all great options for lightening up your feast.
Experiment with herbs, spices, and citrus to enhance flavors without relying on excessive salt or butter.
Serve a fall salad and fresh veggies, like green beans, to balance out the more decadent foods.
3. INGREDIENT SWAPS
Substitute whole grains for refined ones, like brown rice instead of white, or whole wheat bread instead of white bread in stuffing.
Choose Greek yogurt over sour cream for a healthier alternative in dips and dressings.
4. HYDRATION STATION
Keep guests hydrated with infused water or fruit sparklers. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also helps balance out the richness of holiday dishes.
5. ALLERGIES & DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Clearly label dishes with common allergens to help guests with dietary restrictions navigate the feast safely.
Ask guests in advance about any specific dietary needs to ensure everyone has a variety of delicious options.
If you make any of these recipes, I’d love to see them on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK or tag me @cookincanuck in your stories, and I’ll be sure to find your photos.
Healthy Thanksgiving Sides:
Vegetable Sides:
Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios, Cranberries & Parmesan
Shredded Brussels sprouts are an easy and colorful side dish for Thanksgiving. Tons of flavor from the pistachios, dried cranberries & Parmesan!
Cinnamon Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Almonds
Put aside all of those childhood memories of Brussels sprouts. These roasted ones, with dried cranberries and toasted almonds, will knock your socks off!
Sautéed Green Beans and Mushrooms
Sautéed green beans and mushrooms are quick and easy to make. Serve them as a fresh holiday side dish or with a weeknight meal. Light, vegan side dish that everyone will love!
Spiced Pumpkin Puree with Carrot {Masala Herb}
Cranberry Glazed Carrots {With Food & Love}
Roasted Butternut Squash with Apples, Tart Cherries & Walnuts {Allergy Free Alaska}
Easy Greens Beans with Prosciutto & Pistachios
These Easy Green Beans with Prosciutto and Pistachios are a fantastic side dish for your holiday meal!
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts {Recipes From a Pantry}
Za’atar Roasted Carrots {A Cedar Spoon}
Sweet potatoes/yams Recipes:
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole (Vegan)
Baked sweet potato casserole just got a makeover with an amazing chipotle maple pecan topping. Don’t miss out on this one! It also happens to be vegan (with non-vegan options included).
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
Savor the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and carrots, balanced with the richness of maple syrup and a medley of savory herbs.
Autumn Sweet Potato Noodles with Prosciutto & Cranberries
Sweet potato noodles are spruced up with crispy prosciutto, dried cranberries and creamy goat cheese. The perfect autumn side dish!
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Topping
Ditch the marshmallows and top your holiday sweet potatoes with a lightened-up pecan streusel topping that’s sweetened with maple syrup. 240 calories and 10 Weight Watchers SP
Coconut Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These vegan Coconut Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes are going to blow your mind! So much flavor with only 4 ingredients.
Tart Cherry Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables Recipe
Tart Cherry Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables…Amazing flavors in this side dish! You won’t be able to stop eating them.
Maple Sweet Potato Casserole {Amy’s Healthy Baking}
Paleo Scalloped Sweet Potato with Maple Orange Glaze {Noshtastic}
Sweet & Salty Roasted Sweet Potatoes {Julie Blanner}
Potatoes:
Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
Step up your potato game with these creamy rosemary mashed potatoes. Infused with garlic and fresh rosemary, these lightened-up potatoes are holiday-worthy.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon & Caramelized Onions
This loaded mashed potato casserole with bacon and caramelized onions just might steal the show on feast day! It’s fantastic for as a Sunday dinner side dish, too. 141 calories and 4 Weight Watchers SP
Roasted Mini Potatoes
Roasted mini potatoes are pretty much the perfect side dish. Golden brown and tender, these ones are seasoned with Chinese 5-spice powder, but almost any herbs and spices can be used.
Light Mashed Potatoes with Kale & Goat Cheese
This rustic, but light mashed potato recipe elevates Creamer potatoes with caramelized shallots, fresh kale and tangy goat cheese.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
These Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are studded with savory roasted peppers and caramelized onions. Serve them with a holiday meal or at a regular weeknight dinner. Instructions for a vegan version are included.
Easy New Potatoes Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes {Eating Richly}
Healthy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Healthy Seasonal Recipes}
Hummus Mashed Potatoes {Gimme Some Oven}
Stuffing Recipes:
Homemade Sausage Stuffing
This is, quite simply, the best sausage stuffing recipe! Rich with fresh herbs, chicken Italian sausage and tender cubes of bread, it’s my family’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish. And a bonus – it can be made ahead of time!
Cauliflower Low Carb Paleo Vegan Stuffing {Food Faith Fitness}
Keto Spicy Sausage & Cheddar Stuffing {All Day I Dream About Food}
Butternut Squash & Leek Stuffing {Love & Lemons}
Best Ever Wild Rice Stuffing {Iowa Girl Eats}
Vegan Stuffing with Mushrooms {Veggie Inspired}
Salad Recipes:
Autumn Salad with Apple & Pecans
The ultimate fall salad! This apple pecans salad makes salad eating irresistibly good. Sweet apples, creamy goat cheese and maple pecans are tossed with fresh greens and an easy apple cider vinaigrette.
Sweet Potato Arugula Salad
This sweet potato arugula salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Serve it as a healthy weeknight side dish or save it for a special holiday meal.
Maple Pear Salad with Goat Cheese
The ultimate fall salad! My boys adore pears, so this maple pear salad with goat cheese gets rave reviews every time I serve it.
Farro Salad with Goat Cheese & Cranberries
This farro salad is mixed with creamy goat cheese, sweet-tart cranberries and a simple balsamic dressing. Serve it for a weeknight meal or during the holidays.
Apple and Brussels Sprouts Slaw
The ultimate fall salad! This Apple & Brussels Sprouts Slaw is a breeze to make, and is packed with nutty, sweet and savory flavors.
Barley Butternut Squash Salad {Running to the Kitchen}
Brussels Sprouts Kale Salad {Foolproof Living}
Roasted Winter Vegetable Quinoa Salad with Cider Vinaigrette {The Roasted Root}
Sauces:
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon
15 minutes is all you need for homemade cranberry sauce! This recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Stovetop Apple Butter
Stovetop apple butter is everything that’s right with autumn. Richly flavored with fall spices. Spread it on sandwiches, use it as a side dish or incorporate into baking dishes.
Dried Cherry & Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Fresh cranberry sauce is a must-have at any Thanksgiving feast. This one is made with plump dried cherries and orange juice in less than 20 minutes.
Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe
Whip up a batch of this Instant Pot Applesauce in about 30 minutes. Serve it with roast chicken or on top of ice cream.
How to Make Turkey Gravy: Recipe & Troubleshooting
This turkey gravy has been a no-fail recipe for our family for years. But if you run into any troubles, there are plenty of tips for fixing your gravy.
Crockpot Pear & Ginger Applesauce
This easy crockpot pear applesauce with ginger takes very little effort when made in the slow cooker. Eat it on its own or scoop it onto ice cream.
The Best Instant Pot Applesauce with Apple Brandy {Healthy Slow Cooking}
Bread Recipes:
Mushroom Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
You won’t be able to stop eating this savory Mushroom Rosemary Olive Oil Bread. It is really easy to make and is a fantastic side for soups!
Gluten-Free Vegan Teff Oat Rolls {Healthy Slow Cooking}
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