13 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes So Delicious, You’ll Forget They’re Good for You!
Looking for some healthy Thanksgiving side dishes? These are the most delicious Thanksgiving side dishes and Thanksgiving recipes that are so delicious!
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to revamp your Thanksgiving table with healthy side dishes that are both delicious and nutritious.
Gone are the days of heavy, calorie-laden sides; this year, embrace fresh, wholesome options that complement your festive feast without compromising on flavor.
From crisp roasted vegetables to hearty grain salads, these 13 healthy Thanksgiving side dishes are designed to make your holiday meal lighter, brighter, and absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or simply looking to enjoy a more balanced holiday, these dishes offer the perfect blend of taste and health to elevate your Thanksgiving celebration.
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This post is all about the most healthy Thanksgiving side dishes so delicious, you’ll forget they’re good for you.
13 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes & Their Recipes!
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are not only a delicious Thanksgiving side dish option, but they’re also packed with health benefits. The roasting enhances their natural sweetness, giving them a crispy, caramelized edge, while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy depth of flavor.
High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, Brussels sprouts make a nutrient-dense choice for your Thanksgiving table. Their rich taste and wholesome goodness balance out heavier dishes, making them a perfect side for a festive, yet healthy holiday feast!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Optional: toasted pecans dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
- In a small pan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey/maple syrup until reduced and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted sprouts and toss with toasted pecans or dried cranberries if desired.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole (Without Marshmallows)
Sweet potato casserole is a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition for your Thanksgiving feast. Naturally sweet, fiber-rich sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A and C, supporting your immune system and promoting healthy skin.
The casserole’s creamy texture and natural sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser, while the crunchy pecan-oat topping adds a satisfying contrast. Made with wholesome ingredients like coconut oil and maple syrup, this version is lighter yet still indulgent, making it the perfect healthy Thanksgiving side dish for the holiday table!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan-Oat Topping
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash.
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes with coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix oats, pecans, coconut oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle topping over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
3. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Cauliflower mashed potatoes are the perfect healthy alternative for your Thanksgiving side dish! Blending creamy potatoes with nutrient-rich cauliflower cuts down on carbs and calories while keeping all the comfort-food flavor you love.
Cauliflower adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dish lighter but still satisfying. With its smooth texture and subtle garlic flavor, cauliflower mashed potatoes are a delicious, guilt-free side that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving favorites!
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 large potatoes peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter for dairy-free, use vegan butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the cauliflower and potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Add olive oil or butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mash or blend until smooth.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
4. Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Garlic roasted green beans are a standout side dish for Thanksgiving, offering a perfect blend of health and flavor. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness and delivers a satisfying crunch, while garlic infuses each bite with savory richness.
This healthy Thanksgiving side dish is full of essential vitamins and fiber. Green beans are a light yet hearty option that adds a vibrant, nutritious touch to your holiday spread. Simple to prepare and bursting with taste, they make a delightful complement to any Thanksgiving dinner.
Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender and slightly crispy.
- Garnish with toasted almonds if desired.
5. Quinoa Stuffing
Quinoa stuffing is a standout Thanksgiving side dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Packed with protein and fiber, quinoa offers a hearty base that’s lower in carbs than traditional bread stuffing. Mixed with savory vegetables and herbs, it delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
This wholesome stuffing not only adds a nutritious boost to your Thanksgiving spread but also brings a fresh twist to a beloved classic, making it a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Quinoa Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa in broth according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion, celery, and mushrooms until soft, about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetables and herbs.
- Serve warm as a stuffing alternative.
6. Maple Roasted Carrots
Maple roasted carrots are a delightful and healthful side dish choice for your Thanksgiving spread. The natural sweetness of the carrots caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while a touch of pure maple syrup adds a rich, cozy flavor. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, carrots support good vision and immune health.
Their vibrant color and tender texture make them a standout Thanksgiving side dish that pairs perfectly with the richness of holiday meals, adding a touch of wholesome sweetness to your festive table.
Maple Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole carrots peeled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
7. Kale and Cranberry Salad
Brighten up your Thanksgiving table with Kale and Cranberry Salad—a vibrant, healthful Thanksgiving side dish that’s as tasty as it is nutritious. The hearty kale provides a robust base, while the sweet-tart cranberries add a burst of flavor and antioxidants.
Tossed with crunchy walnuts and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing, this salad offers a refreshing contrast to traditional dishes. Packed with vitamins and fiber, it’s the perfect way to add a crisp, clean note to your holiday feast, ensuring a balance of flavors and a boost of nutrients in every bite.
Kale and Cranberry Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups kale chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts or almonds toasted
- 1 apple thinly sliced
Dressing
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp water or more to thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Massage kale with the dressing until softened.
- Toss in cranberries, nuts, and apple slices.
- Serve fresh.
8. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a heartwarming addition to your Thanksgiving menu, combining rich, velvety texture with a hint of natural sweetness. This soup is brimming with vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice.
The roasted squash’s deep flavor pairs beautifully with a touch of coconut milk or spice, creating a dish that’s both comforting and light. It’s the perfect way to start your feast, offering a delicious balance to the more indulgent dishes of the holiday.
Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk optional for creaminess
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast squash with olive oil for 25-30 minutes.
- In a large pot, sauté onion until translucent.
- Add roasted squash, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Puree the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender.
- Stir in coconut milk (if using) and serve warm.
9. Spaghetti Squash with Herbs
Spaghetti squash with herbs is a delightful and wholesome choice for your Thanksgiving dinner. This low-carb, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional pasta is naturally sweet and lightly nutty, perfectly complemented by fresh herbs and a hint of garlic.
It’s a great source of vitamins A and C, and its light texture offers a refreshing contrast to richer holiday dishes. Simple yet flavorful, this squash dish adds a touch of elegance and healthfulness to your Thanksgiving side dishes.
Spaghetti Squash with Herbs
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half, scoop out seeds, and roast cut-side down for 30-40 minutes, until tender.
- Use a fork to scrape out the "spaghetti" strands.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Toss in the spaghetti squash, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.
- Serve warm.
10. Cranberry Sauce with Honey
Cranberry sauce with honey is a fresh twist on one of the classic Thanksgiving side dishes, blending health and flavor effortlessly. This version skips the refined sugars and uses natural honey to sweeten the tart cranberries, creating a balanced, flavorful sauce that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, cranberries support immune health, while honey adds a touch of natural sweetness. Perfectly complementing savory dishes, this cranberry sauce is a wholesome choice that enhances your Thanksgiving meal with a burst of vibrant flavor.
Cranberry Sauce with Honey
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of cinnamon optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, orange juice, and zest.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
- Add a pinch of cinnamon if desired, and let cool before serving.
11. Herb-Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
Herb-roasted butternut squash and apples are a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. This dish combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich, nutty flavor of butternut squash, all perfectly roasted with aromatic herbs.
This Thanksgiving side dish is a healthy choice, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. The result is a flavorful, colorful side that adds a touch of seasonal sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread, making it an irresistible and wholesome addition to your Thanksgiving meal.
Herb-Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 2 large apples such as Granny Smith, cored and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash and apples with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until squash is tender and caramelized.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
12. Roasted Garlic and Lemon Asparagus
Elevate your Thanksgiving side dishes with roasted garlic and lemon asparagus—a side dish that’s as healthy as it is flavorful. The roasting process caramelizes the asparagus, enhancing its natural sweetness and crunch, while garlic adds a robust, savory note.
A touch of lemon zest brightens the dish, adding a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of other holiday foods. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this vibrant veggie side is perfect for balancing your feast with a burst of taste and nutrition.
Roasted Garlic and Lemon Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss asparagus with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl.
- Spread asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired, and serve.
13. Wild Rice and Pecan Salad with Cranberries
Wild rice and pecan salad with cranberries is the ultimate blend of health and flavor, making it a standout side for your Thanksgiving dinner. The nutty wild rice pairs perfectly with crunchy pecans and tart cranberries, creating a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
This salad is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, offering a nourishing alternative to traditional sides. Its vibrant colors and festive flavors add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table, ensuring a delicious and wholesome addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes.
Wild Rice and Pecan Salad with Cranberries
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup pecans toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook wild rice in broth according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, cranberries, toasted pecans, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
