10+ Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes Healthy to Delight Your Guests

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious meals. While traditional dishes often take the spotlight, incorporating healthy side dishes can make your feast more balanced and satisfying. Flavorful recipes that not only taste great but also keep your health in mind are a great option.

There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you prefer roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or hearty grains. Each dish can add nutrition and color to your Thanksgiving table, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embracing healthier side dishes allows you to celebrate the holiday with a focus on well-being and joy.

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa stuffed acorn squash makes for a colorful and healthy side dish at Thanksgiving. The sweet taste of the acorn squash pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavor of quinoa.

You can flavor the quinoa with ingredients like dried cranberries and pecans for added texture and taste. This dish is not only delicious but also vegetarian and gluten-free, making it great for all your guests.

To prepare, cut the acorn squash in half and roast it in the oven until tender. Then, stuff it with a savory quinoa mix before serving. This dish is sure to impress and will add a nutritious twist to your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squashes
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the acorn squashes in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes.
5. In a pot, cook quinoa in water according to package instructions.
6. Mix cooked quinoa with cranberries and pecans.
7. Stuff the quinoa mixture into the roasted squash halves.
8. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze make a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. They are simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want it hot to get those sprouts crispy.

Next, wash and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast the Brussels sprouts for about 15 minutes. Then, give them a good toss and roast for another 10 minutes until they are golden and crispy.

Finally, drizzle the roasted sprouts with balsamic glaze right before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements their earthiness.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and halve the Brussels sprouts.
3. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 15 minutes, then toss.
6. Roast for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

3) Sweet Potato and Kale Salad

This Sweet Potato and Kale Salad brings color and nutrition to your Thanksgiving table. You’ll enjoy the mix of tender roasted sweet potatoes and hearty kale, topped with a delicious dressing.

The sweet potatoes provide a creamy texture and natural sweetness. Meanwhile, kale adds crunch and is packed with vitamins, making this salad both filling and healthy.

For extra flavor, you can add ingredients like crispy chickpeas or chopped nuts. A simple Maple Dijon dressing ties everything together, giving a sweet and tangy kick.

This dish can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to blend nicely. It’s a wonderful choice for a healthy side dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
4. Combine roasted sweet potatoes and kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Enjoy!

4) Cauliflower Mash

Cauliflower mash is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and much lighter, making it a perfect side for your Thanksgiving meal.

To make cauliflower mash, start with a head of cauliflower. Steam it until it’s tender. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

After steaming, blend the cauliflower with garlic, salt, and pepper. You can add a splash of milk or Greek yogurt for creaminess. If you prefer a vegan version, use almond milk instead.

This dish pairs wonderfully with turkey or any roasted meat. Plus, it adds a nice touch to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of milk or Greek yogurt (or almond milk for a vegan option)

Cooking Instructions

1. Steam the cauliflower for 10-15 minutes until tender.
2. In a blender, add steamed cauliflower and garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth, adding milk or yogurt gradually.
5. Serve warm.

5) Glazed Carrots with Honey

Glazed carrots with honey are a simple yet tasty side dish that can brighten up your Thanksgiving table. The natural sweetness of carrots pairs perfectly with honey, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.

To prepare, first, wash and peel your carrots. Cut them into even-sized pieces for even cooking. You can use baby carrots or whole carrots, depending on what you prefer.

In a pan, melt some butter and add honey. Stir until mixed. Then, add the carrots and coat them well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender. This usually takes about 15 minutes. You can also roast them in the oven for a slightly different flavor.

These carrots make a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving feast. They are quick to prepare and delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) carrots
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and peel the carrots.
2. Cut them into uniform pieces.
3. Melt butter in a pan and add honey.
4. Stir until mixed thoroughly.
5. Add the carrots and coat well.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6) Green Bean Almondine

Green Bean Almondine is a delightful side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s healthy, colorful, and full of flavor.

To make this dish, start by blanching fresh green beans in salted boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes. This keeps them crisp and bright green. Afterward, quickly transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

In a skillet, toast sliced almonds over medium heat until they are fragrant and golden. Combine the green beans with the toasted almonds for a tasty blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• Salt (for blanching water)
• Ice water

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil.
2. Add a generous pinch of salt.
3. Blanch the green beans for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Transfer them to a bowl of ice water.
5. In a skillet, toast the sliced almonds for about 1 minute over medium heat.
6. Combine the drained green beans with the toasted almonds before serving.

7) Cranberry Chia Seed Relish

Cranberry chia seed relish is a delicious and healthy addition to your Thanksgiving meal. It adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with turkey and other dishes. Plus, chia seeds provide extra nutrition.

To make this relish, you will need fresh cranberries, chia seeds, sweetener like maple syrup, and your choice of citrus for added flavor. This dish is quick and easy to prepare.

Chia seeds help the relish thicken naturally. You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a bit. This relish is not just for Thanksgiving; enjoy it on toast or as a yogurt topping year-round.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
• Zest and juice of 1 orange

Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium pot, combine the cranberries and sweetener.
2. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries begin to pop, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chia seeds, orange zest, and juice.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

8) Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Its creamy texture and natural sweetness make it a favorite. This soup is also a healthy option, being low in calories and packed with nutrients.

To make it, you’ll need fresh butternut squash, which has a rich flavor. You can add spices like turmeric and paprika for a bit of warmth. Using vegetable broth helps keep it vegan and gluten-free.

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
2. In a large pot, combine the squash and spices.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and almond milk.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Blend the mixture until smooth and serve warm.

9) Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms make a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. You’ll love how the creamy filling pairs with the tender mushrooms.

To start, you’ll need fresh mushroom caps. Remove the stems and fill each cap with a mix of spinach, artichokes, and cheese. This combination creates a rich and savory flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Bake your stuffed mushrooms in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will help them become tender and allow the cheese to melt perfectly.

These stuffed mushrooms are not only delicious but also a healthy option for your Thanksgiving feast. They are a great way to add some greens to your meal while keeping it light.

Ingredients

• 12 large mushroom caps
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove stems from mushroom caps.
3. In a bowl, mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
4. Fill each mushroom cap with the mixture.
5. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden.

10) Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin hummus is a flavorful and healthy side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. It combines the sweet taste of pumpkin with savory spices to create a rich dip. You can serve it with crackers, veggies, or pita chips.

Making pumpkin hummus is easy and quick. You just need a few simple ingredients that you might already have at home. This dish is also a great way to add some autumn flavors to your table.

To make it even better, you can customize the spices to suit your taste. Try adding some garlic powder or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or chili powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine pumpkin puree, white beans, tahini, and olive oil in a food processor.
2. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve with your choice of dippers.
6. Enjoy!