50 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides
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Published Oct 26, 2023, Updated Jan 20, 2024
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From fall salads and roasted vegetables to lightened up classics like stuffing and mashed potatoes here are 50+ easy and healthy Thanksgiving sides to add to your holiday menu!
When it comes to Thanksgiving I’m all about the side dishes! I know many people are all about the turkey or pie, but for me side dishes is where it’s at. And not just any ol’ side dish… I love healthy Thanksgiving sides.
Think caramelized roasted vegetables, flavor-packed fall salads and lightened up classics like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole (my personal fave!), mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Yup, that’s right healthy Thanksgiving side dishes doesn’t have to mean boring or that you’re only eating veggies. It can still be all your favorite classic side dishes just made with better-for-you ingredients.
Appetizers
All good Thanksgiving meals start with a few tasty hors d’oeuvres. These light bites will keep everyone from getting ravenous before the main event.
Sweet Potato Bites
These baked sweet potato bites are topped with ricotta cheese, pecans, pomegranate, honey and fresh thyme. They're the perfect blend of sweet and savory and are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone will love!
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Stuffed Dates
These sweet and savory goat cheese stuffed dates topped with roasted pecans and fresh thyme are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone will love.
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Thanksgiving Veggie Tray
Turn your Thanksgiving veggie tray into a turkey for a fun and healthy Thanksgiving app.Â
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Lightened up Classics
From healthy green bean casserole to cauliflower gratin and wild rice stuffing these are some of my favorite lightened up classic side dishes to add to your Thanksgiving menu!
Healthy Mashed Potatoes
These healthy mashed potatoes are made lighter with Greek yogurt and almond milk. They're still super creamy, flavorful and make for the perfect side dish for the holidays or any meal.
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Mashed Cauliflower
Swap potatoes for cauliflower with this healthy mashed cauliflower recipe! It's the perfect side dish and comes together quickly with only 6 ingredients. It's just as creamy and delicious as mashed potatoes, but has half the calories and one-third of the carbs.
Sourdough Stuffing
The best sourdough stuffing made with sautéed vegetables and tons of fresh herbs. It's vegan, flavorful, comes together quickly and is the perfect savory side dish to add to your holiday menu.
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Wild Rice Stuffing
This wild rice stuffing is packed with butternut squash, dried cherries and fresh herbs. It's a delicious gluten-free and vegan alternative to traditional stuffing and is the perfect addition to your holiday table.
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Quinoa Stuffing
This quinoa stuffing is loaded with butternut squash, mushrooms and herbs. It’s a healthy, savory gluten-free side dish to add to your Thanksgiving table.
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Cranberry Sauce
Skip the canned version and make this healthy cranberry sauce instead! It's naturally sweetened and the perfect addition to your holiday menu. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes with just 5 simple ingredients!
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Cauliflower Gratin
This cauliflower gratin features cauliflower florets baked to perfection in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with breadcrumbs. It's vegetarian, low-carb and the perfect addition to your holiday menu.
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Vegan Mac and Cheese
The best vegan mac and cheese made with cashews, potatoes and nutritional yeast! It’s easy to make, creamy, cheesy and so delicious. This comfort food classic turned plant-based is guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
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Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese is made lighter with a combo of almond milk and vegetable broth and almond meal instead of breadcrumbs. It's creamy, cheesy, comforting and sure to become a new family favorite!
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Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Swap noodles for cooked cauliflower with this baked cauliflower mac and cheese! It’s low-carb and gluten-free while still being cheesy and delicious.
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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This vegan butternut squash mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food recipe made healthier and comes together in just 30 minutes. It's so creamy and delicious, no one will ever guess it's packed with veggies!
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Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Healthy green bean casserole made with a creamy mushroom cashew sauce and homemade crispy baked onions.
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Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
This healthy sweet potato casserole is lower in sugar, dairy-free and made with a crunchy oatmeal pecan topping. Vegan + gluten-free.
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Classic Sweet Potato Casserole
This classic sweet potato casserole is topped with mini marshmallows and made with only 6 ingredients. It's creamy, delicious and the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.
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Vegan Cornbread
This vegan cornbread is fluffy, moist and has just the right amount of sweetness. It comes together quickly and is the perfect comforting side to a big bowl of soup or chili.
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Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
These pumpkin cornbread muffins are slightly sweet and moist from the pumpkin! They're the perfect side to a big bowl of cozy soup or chili. Dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar free and made with whole grains.Â
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Roasted Vegetables
I love serving up a variety of roasted vegetables for Thanksgiving dinner. From plain ‘ol roasted carrots and sweet potatoes to balsamic roasted brussels sprouts and cinnamon maple roasted squash there’s so many delicious options to choose from!
Green Beans Almondine
This recipe for green beans almondine combines tender crisp green beans with caramelized shallots, toasted almonds and fresh parsley. It's a delicious side dish simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for a holiday meal!
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Apple Cider Vinegar Brussels Sprouts
These apple cider vinegar brussels sprouts are the perfect side dish for just about any occasion. You'll love the savory, sweet apple cider vinegar sauce that the sprouts are roasted in!Â
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk
Skip the prep work and make roasted brussels sprouts on the stalk for an impressive and flavorful side dish. The sprouts are coated in a delicious honey mustard sauce and roasted whole.
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Easy Roasted Broccoli
Make roasted broccoli that's perfectly crisp and tender every time with this simple recipe. Broccoli florets are tossed in oil, garlic and spices for a delicious and healthy side dish.
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Roasted Root Vegetables
These roasted root vegetables are such an easy and healthy side dish for any meal. Sweet potatoes, carrots and onion are tossed with oil and herbs and roasted until tender and caramelized.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These roasted Brussels sprouts are caramelized and crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. This recipe comes together quickly and is the perfect healthy side dish for any meal.
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Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These balsamic roasted brussels sprouts are tossed in a balsamic maple glaze and roasted to caramelized perfection. They're easy to make and the perfect healthy side dish for any occasion.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Simple roasted sweet potatoes are made with a little oil, sea salt and pepper. They’re a touch crispy on the outside while soft and pillowy on the inside. They make for a quick and easy side that you can pair with just about any main dish.
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Cinnamon Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash
This cinnamon maple roasted kabocha squash is the perfect sweet side dish for fall and super easy to whip up. Kabocha squash wedges are tossed with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt and roasted to caramelized perfection.
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Roasted Acorn Squash
This savory roasted acorn is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and fresh thyme and roasted to perfection. It makes a lovely side for just about any main dish.
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Roasted Delicata Squash
This roasted delicata squash is so easy and results in delicious squash that’s soft and sweet. The best part? The skin of the delicata squash softens right up so there’s no peeling involved!
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Roasted Butternut Squash
Here’s the best way to cut and roast butternut squash. Roasted butternut squash makes a great side dish on it’s own, but can also be used in other recipes!
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Roasted Carrots
How to make easy and delicious roasted carrots with a little oil, salt, pepper and fresh herbs. This is such a healthy and tasty way to prepare carrots!
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Sautéed Beet Greens with Roasted Beets
Never waste beet greens again! Sautéed beet greens combine with sweet roasted beets for a simple and nutritious side dish.
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Roasted Beets
Learn the easiest way to cook beets with this simple recipe! All you need is one ingredient and about five minutes of prep time. These roasted beets are the perfect side that you can pair with just about any main dish.
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Roasted Cauliflower
How to make roasted cauliflower that's tender, golden-brown and perfectly seasoned every time! It's super easy, flavorful and works as a side dish with just about any main entree.
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Salads
I personally love having something green on the table during our Thanksgiving feast and all of these salads are family-approved. I make the brussels sprout and kale salad every year!
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
This vibrant roasted butternut squash salad features kale, dried cranberries and roasted walnuts in an easy balsamic dressing.
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Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad
This kale and Brussels sprout salad is filled with shredded kale and sprouts, cranberries, marinated onions, almonds and pecorino cheese. It’s sure to be a family favorite!
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Fig Salad
An easy fig salad with arugula, chopped apples, dried cranberries, pecans and goat cheese topped with a delicious balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side salad or topped with protein for a meal sized salad.
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Harvest Fall Salad
This cozy fall salad combines baby kale, roasted kabocha squash, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and feta all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
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Fall Harvest Spinach Salad
Loaded with fall favorites like butternut squash, chopped apples and dried cranberries, this fall harvest spinach salad is packed with nutrition and flavor.
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Broccoli Cranberry Salad
This broccoli cranberry salad combines fresh broccoli with roasted almonds, dried cranberries and red onion all tossed in a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing.
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Vegan Broccoli Salad
Vegan broccoli salad with a rich and creamy cashew dressing instead of mayo. This salad is crunchy, sweet and absolutely delicious, perfect for summer parties.
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This shaved brussels sprout salad is made with hard boiled eggs, creamy goat cheese, dried cranberries and toasted walnuts all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
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Green Bean Salad
This light and refreshing green bean salad combines fresh green beans, dried cranberries, toasted nuts and fried shallots all tossed in an apple cider vinegar dressing. It comes together quickly and is such a tasty side dish!
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Beet Salad
An easy beet salad with arugula, pecans, gorgonzola cheese and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. It's perfect as a side salad or topped with protein for a meal sized salad.
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Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is a classic recipe loaded with pineapple, mandarin oranges and coconut all tossed in a creamy, fluffy dressing with marshmallows. It's the perfect side dish (or dessert) for potlucks and holiday meals!
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Watergate Salad
A healthy watergate salad that's still sweet, fluffy and delicious, but instead of instant pudding mix and marshmallows, we're using Greek yogurt, coconut whip and real pistachios.
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Waldorf Salad
This Waldorf salad is loaded with apples, celery and walnuts. It’s crisp, crunchy, refreshing and perfect served as a light appetizer or side salad.
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Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
This roasted sweet potato salad has chopped spinach, creamy avocado chunks, red onion and dried cranberries. Serve as a side dish with your favorite protein.Â
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Roasted Vegetable Salad
This roasted vegetable salad features Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and cauliflower with a zesty horseradish dressing.
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Raw Collard Greens Salad
This simple raw collard green salad is made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, onion and garlic. It comes together quickly and is the perfect side salad for fall and winter.
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Soups
Want to serve a cozy soup during your Thanksgiving meal? These fall-inspired soups are sure to satisfy.
Butternut Squash Soup
This butternut squash soup is super creamy and easy to make! It combines butternut squash with coconut milk, carrots, fresh ginger and sage for a delicious and comforting fall meal.
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Vegan Curried Pumpkin Soup
Comforting and filling vegan curried pumpkin soup made with coconut milk and cannellini beans. The beans give this pumpkin soup a nice, thick texture and add a little protein!
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Sweet Potato Soup
This vegan sweet potato soup combines sweet potatoes, fresh ginger, spices and coconut milk for a velvety smooth soup that is loaded with flavor. It's so rich and creamy you won’t even miss the dairy!
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Carrot Parsnip Soup
This healthy carrot and parsnip soup is both earthy and (a tad) sweet in flavor. Not only is it delicious, but it packs a punch of protein from the quinoa, and is full of fiber, too! Vegetarian and gluten-free.
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Air Fryer Recipes
If you have an air fryer and want to save some oven space here are a few air fryer recipes that would make for easy Thanksgiving side dishes.
Air Fryer Broccoli
A simple recipe for air fryer broccoli that tastes just like oven roasted broccoli but cooks up in just 6 minutes! It's crispy, flavorful and perfect for busy weeknights when you're looking to make a healthy side dish.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower
Learn how to make cauliflower in the air fryer in under 20 minutes with this simple recipe. It's crispy, delicious and works as a side dish with just about any main entree.
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These air fryer brussels sprouts are crispy, flavorful and absolutely addicting! They're the perfect healthy side dish for any occasion and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes.
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Be sure to check out all of the healthy Thanksgiving recipes on EBF!
Healthy Thanksgiving Sides
From fall salads and roasted vegetables to lightened up classics like stuffing and mashed potatoes here are 50+ easy and healthy Thanksgiving sides to add to your holiday menu!
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- â…“ cup toasted nuts, chopped (I used walnuts)
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons minced shallots
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Fried Shallots
- ¼ cup olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1 cup sliced shallots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Add nuts to a small baking sheet and place in the heated oven for about 10 minutes to toast, until they are golden and fragrant. You can toast nuts whole and chop after toasting or toast chopped nuts. If your nuts are already chopped it will take less time for them to toast. This step is optional but recommended.
- Blanch the green beans by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender, but still have a slight crunch. Drain and add to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, minced shallots, dijon mustard, sea salt and pepper.
- Add blanched green beans, nuts and dried cranberries into the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- While salad is chilling, make fried shallots by slicing shallots into thin rings with a knife or mandoline. Add shallots and oil to a frying pan. Turn heat to medium-high and saute shallots for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes or until shallots are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly! Transfer the fried shallots to a plate or pan lined with paper towels or a clean dishcloth to soak up the extra oil. Let cool completely.
- Once you’re ready to serve, mix your salad together (the dressing will go to the bottom after sitting) and top it with the fried shallots right before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/6 of recipe | Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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