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I can hear the groans from the other side of the room, across the hallway, next to the water cooler and down the steps.
I hear you. Who wants to eat healthy during the holidays?
Afterall isn’t the point of living in the moment during the festive season about letting it all go? And I mean it when I say letting it ALL go.
Well yes sometimes it is. And sometimes its not. So what do I mean by that? I think its appropriate to eat the things that you truly enjoy in moderation. Life is short and we should do things that make us happy. So if food makes you happy (it makes me tremendously happy), enjoy to your heart’s content.
But for those people out there who would like to indulge here and there, and maybe not throughout the ENTIRE holiday season, I thought it would be nice to offer some suggestions on what healthy side dishes could look like for thanksgiving at least.
We can worry about the month of December when we actually cross that bridge. In the meantime, have a look at some of the recipes that I’ve been able to gather up that fit the bill of ‘healthy.’
Also remember to enjoy this time with family, friends, loved ones, strangers, neighbors, acquaintances, anyone around us with the hope that everyone remains healthy (body, mind, and soul) and happy this holiday season!
Table of Contents
Top 20 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
1) Roasted Green Beans with Balsamic Browned Butter Via Two Healthy Kitchens
There’s no dupe here. You read that title correctly. The green beans have been roasted and are then combined with a balsamic vinaigrette containing 1 ½ tbs of butter and reduced sodium soya sauce. To make this recipe even healthier make sure to substitute with either ghee (clarified butter) or unsalted pure butter and to use coconut aminos instead of soya sauce. This not only takes less than 30 mins to make but looks delicious too!
2) Charred Green Beans with Pomegranate Seeds via The Healthy Maven
Do you have 10 mins to spare? Well this recipe is for you then! Or anyone who doesn’t want to exhaust themselves only preparing food for one particular holiday. Green beans, some garlic, pomegranate seeds and salt and pepper to taste and voila! You have a quick, healthy, yet tasty side dish this thanksgiving weekend.
3) Green Beans with Cranberries, Goat Cheese and Bacon via Running To The Kitchen
This recipe is still on the healthier side (despite the bacon) when you compare it to a traditional green bean casserole dish. Feel free to substitute out any of the ingredients for other options as well. For example, use feta instead of goat cheese if you are not a fan and tempeh or tofu instead of the bacon for a better alternative.
4) Harvest Maple Carrots + Apples via The Heritage Cook
I could not resist the fact that this carrot side dish contains pure maple syrup. Tart apples add a side of tanginess to an otherwise sweet dish and enhance the already rich flavor of autumn.
5) Honey Roasted Carrots via Joyful Healthy Eats
You cannot go wrong with a 3 ingredient side dish during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a random Tuesday night. Carrots, olive oil and raw honey come together beautifully to form a gluten free, paleo and vegetarian dish!
6) Carrot + Roasted Almond Salad via Frugal Living Mom
A side dish that takes under 5 mins to prepare is perfect for the already busy holiday season. Take advantage of this healthy dish and serve it along side other not so healthy sides for a perfect balance during the next couple months!
7) Quinoa Salad with Pecans + Cranberries via Fannetastic Food
This is the stuffing that healthy dreams are made of! A gluten free recipe (all thanks to the quinoa) that is sure to be a hit because of the sweetness from the cranberries and an extra crunchy texture from the pecans. Enjoy!
8) Chopped Kale Salad with Berries and Freekeh (or Quinoa) via Two Healthy Kitchens
Kale does not sound like an appetizing side dish for thanksgiving but it can be when you add berries for some sweet goodness and freekeh (an ancient grain that has a nutty flavor) or quinoa to add to the texture and offer more of a ‘stuffing’ vibe. Garnish with walnuts, feta, and a little bit of oil and honey and you end up with a recipe for success!
9) Persian Jeweled Rice via The View From Great Island
This rice is considered a staple at any type of celebratory middle eastern function. It consists of beautiful colors, aromas, and comforting ingredients that look and smell delicious. If you need some spice in your life, than no look no further than this “pilaf” (meaning a mixture of rice and other ingredients such as mixed veggies all in one dish)!
10) Lemon Parmesan Broccoli via A Cedar Spoon
This 5 ingredient, less than 10 minute recipe is a wonderful addition to any dinner table during the holidays. It can be made quickly, uses ingredients that one generally already has in his/her pantry and is a healthier version of a broccoli/brussels sprout thanksgiving side dish staple. Give it a try and see if it fits the bill!
11) Roasted Brussel Sprouts via Homemade In The Kitchen
These roasted brussel sprouts with oil, vinegar, and salt take about 30 minutes to make and are an easy way to add some veggies to the thanksgiving table this time around.
12) Collard Greens via The Bitter Side Of Sweet
This recipe takes a total of 20 mins to prepare and about 3 mins to devour. You only need to take out 4 items from your pantry in order to make this dish and it offers a healthy alternative to those seeking a particular kind of meal during the holiday season.
13) Sautéed Zucchini with Walnuts via Dizzy Busy And Hungry
At a 154 calories per serving, this is a perfect guilt free side dish that allows you to indulge in other items during this festive time. It is quick and easy because it only takes you a total of 15 mins from start to finish!
14) Zucchini Tomato Gratin via Karen’s Kitchen Stories
This dish can be made in advance, takes less than a hour, is nutritious and can be used as leftovers (if there’s any left!). It is also very versatile because you can customize it as you or your guest see fit.
15) Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Goat Cheese via The Lemon Bowl
What is the definition of comfort food? Well something warm, yummy and roasted must be at the top of the list! This salad contains so much yummy goodness that you’ll need to go back for seconds. Enjoy!
16) Roasted Pumpkin with Apples + Maple Syrup via Food Faith Fitness
This is a gorgeous side dish that adds flavor, sweetness, and aroma to your thanksgiving feast. It is simple to prepare, has maple syrup and it’s perfect for guests who are gluten free or vegetarian!
17) Apple + Nut Stuffed Acorn Squash via Nutmeg Nanny
This recipe requires you to have acorn squash on hand and to stuff it with apples, pumpkin seeds, dried cherries and my favorite – maple syrup! You can not go wrong with this dish if you’re looking for a healthy type of side dish for your thanksgiving dinner.
18) Apple Cranberry Sauce via Spoonful Of Flavor
Just writing up this blurb while I stare at this picture is making my mouth water. I love cranberry sauce and I love it even more when I know it’s on the healthier side! This recipe calls for fresh cranberries and apples that get combined with everything good like orange, cinnamon, ginger and honey. Enjoy it while it lasts!
19) Cranberry Orange Sauce via Texanerin Baking
This side dish is paleo but can be converted to a vegan option if need be. It only requires 4 ingredients and 20 mins of cook time in order to be enjoyed and can be made up to 5 days in advance.
20) Savory Pumpkin Hummus with Fresh Sage via Two Healthy Kitchens
You can not think of thanksgiving without a pumpkin dish, so in order to satisfy your pumpkin loving appetite’s I have included this recipe that literally takes 5 mins to make! Serve this spread with some delicious bread of your choice or my personal favorite – whole wheat pita chips!
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Hi, I'm Tina Gupta. I help individuals build healthier habits through personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance to support healthy blood sugar, weight management, and overall well-being. My approach focuses on understanding your unique needs and creating practical, sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle. If interested in working with her please email at lifestylecurecoach@gmail.com