10+ Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes Healthy for a Guilt-Free Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. As you plan your menu, you might want to consider healthier side dishes that still bring flavor to your table. Choosing nutritious sides not only enhances your meal but also balances out richer dishes, making your Thanksgiving feast feel lighter and more enjoyable.

From roasted vegetables to fresh salads, there are many options to explore. Preparing healthy side dishes can be simple and rewarding, allowing you to impress your guests while staying true to your wellness goals.

With a variety of tasty recipes at your fingertips, you can create a memorable Thanksgiving that everyone will love.

1) Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa

Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa is a tasty and healthy side dish for your Thanksgiving meal. This dish combines sweet, roasted squash with a flavorful quinoa filling. It’s both beautiful and packed with nutrients.

To make this dish, start by roasting halved acorn squash until tender. While it roasts, prepare a filling with cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and spices. You can add ingredients like cranberries or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

This recipe is not only delicious but also vegetarian and gluten-free. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a hearty, healthy side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squashes
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1/4 cup nuts, chopped
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squashes in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the squash with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place cut side down on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
5. In a pot, cook quinoa in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
6. In a skillet, sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.
7. Mix quinoa, sautéed veggies, cranberries, and nuts in a bowl.
8. Fill roasted squashes with the quinoa mixture.
9. Return stuffed squashes to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

2) Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter

Roasted carrots with honey herb butter are a delicious and healthy side dish for Thanksgiving. They are easy to prepare and add a touch of sweetness to your meal.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and slice the carrots into even pieces for uniform cooking. Toss them in a mix of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Next, bake the carrots in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until they are tender. While the carrots roast, melt some butter and mix in honey and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Once the carrots are done, drizzle the honey herb butter over them. This adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and slice the carrots.
3. Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
5. In a pan, melt the butter and stir in honey and herbs.
6. Drizzle the mixture over the roasted carrots before serving.

3) Baby Kale Salad with Pomegranate

This Baby Kale Salad with Pomegranate is a vibrant and healthy side for your Thanksgiving table. The tender baby kale pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart pomegranate seeds.

You can add some crunchy nuts for texture and a sprinkle of feta for a savory touch. A light lemon dressing brightens the flavors and makes this salad refreshing.

This dish is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy holiday feast.

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby kale
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup sliced almonds or walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and dry the baby kale.
2. In a large bowl, combine baby kale, pomegranate seeds, feta, and nuts.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately.

4) Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

This healthy sweet potato casserole is a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table. It features creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan and oatmeal streusel.

You can easily make it vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for different dietary needs. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with the nutty topping, creating a perfect balance.

Enjoy this tasty dish as a healthier option that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil sweet potatoes until tender.
3. Mash the sweet potatoes, then mix in maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, combine oats, pecans, almond flour, cinnamon, and coconut oil.
5. Spread the sweet potato mixture in a baking dish and top with the oat mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden.

5) Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy side dish for your Thanksgiving table. The combination of nutty flavor and tangy balsamic vinegar makes these sprouts irresistible.

To prepare, start by washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tasty coating. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Roast the sprouts in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. They should be tender and slightly crispy.

Enjoy these Brussels sprouts as a perfect complement to your turkey and stuffing!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts.
3. In a bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Spread on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and crisp.

6) Air Fryer Green Beans with Almonds

Air fryer green beans with almonds make a tasty and healthy side dish for Thanksgiving. They are quick to prepare and add a nice crunch to your meal. You can whip them up in about 10 minutes.

Start by washing and trimming your green beans. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then add sliced almonds for extra flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and add the green beans. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, for even cooking.

These green beans are nutritious and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and trim the green beans.
2. Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add sliced almonds.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

7) Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish for your Thanksgiving table. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy cooks.

Start by gathering your ingredients. Fresh carrots are tossed with garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. The combination creates a tasty flavor that everyone will love.

Roast the carrots in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes. The high heat helps to caramelize the edges, giving them a nice crunch.

These carrots not only look great on the plate but also add a nutritious touch to your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Clean and cut the carrots into uniform pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix the carrots with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

8) Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potato

Quinoa salad with sweet potato is a tasty and healthy side dish for your Thanksgiving meal. This salad combines roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful quinoa, and fresh veggies. It’s colorful and packed with nutrients.

To start, roast sweet potatoes until they are soft and slightly caramelized. The sweetness from the potatoes pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavor of quinoa. You can also add chopped spinach and cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

This salad works well warm or cold, making it a versatile choice. Dress it with a light lemon vinaigrette to enhance the flavors. Everyone at your table will enjoy this nutritious addition to their plate.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes.
3. Cook quinoa in water according to package instructions.
4. In a bowl, combine quinoa, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cranberries.
5. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; pour over salad.

9) Arugula and Farro Salad

This Arugula and Farro Salad is a wonderful side dish for Thanksgiving. It’s nutritious and full of flavor, making it a great addition to your holiday table. The nutty farro pairs nicely with the peppery arugula.

You can add ingredients like nuts, fruits, or cheese for extra taste and texture. For example, try adding feta or walnuts to enhance the salad. A simple vinaigrette can tie all the flavors together.

Ingredients

• 1 cup farro
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups arugula
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse farro under cold water.
2. In a pot, boil water. Add farro and cook for 25-30 minutes until tender.
3. Drain and cool farro.
4. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cooled farro, diced apple, nuts, and feta.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
6. Drizzle dressing over the salad and mix gently. Serve fresh.

10) Whole Roasted Cabbage

Whole roasted cabbage makes a stunning addition to your Thanksgiving table. It is not only healthy but also simple to prepare. The roasting process brings out a natural sweetness and creates a beautiful, tender dish.

To make this recipe even more delightful, you can season the cabbage with your favorite herbs and spices. This dish pairs well with many main courses and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and trim the base.
3. Place the cabbage on a baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices.
5. Roast for about 45-60 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
6. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.