25 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Are Still Plenty Comforting
Go ahead and take seconds.
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You might not think to use the words "healthy" and "Thanksgiving" in the same sentence (especially if you're a fan of buttery mashed potatoes), but there are actually tons of healthy Thanksgiving side dishes that are easy to incorporate in your holiday feast. Whether it's a seasonal veggie (like maple-glazed carrots) or a baby kale salad with tasty mix-ins, you can feel good about sprinkling in some healthy Thanksgiving recipes to serve alongside the traditional roasted turkey. Best of all, these healthy sides are all so easy to make. You can whip up the quick sautéed green beans with powerhouse pomegranate seeds or make simple baked sweet potatoes with a drizzle of honey on top.
Plus, most of these healthy and creative Thanksgiving recipes are still plenty comforting for the season. For instance, you'll find options for crispy air fryer Thanksgiving recipes and healthy casseroles that are warm and cozy straight from the oven. You can also check out the many fall vegetables, like roasted cauliflower, butternut squash casserole, cabbage salad, and so much more. There's also tons of healthy Brussels sprouts recipes! Whichever you choose, be sure to save some room for a few healthy desserts.
Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash
Even salad skeptics can get behind this seasonal bowl that's loaded with mix-ins, like roasted squash, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and pepitas. Drizzle it with a sweet apple cider vinaigrette.
Get Ree's Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash recipe.
Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates
Green beans are already good for you, but add pomegranate seeds and this dish becomes a nutritional powerhouse. You'll also love the pop of color.
Get Ree's Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates recipe.
Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter
These carrots will satisfy your craving for something sweet and savory. Plus, a little bit of butter never hurts. 😉
Cabbage Salad
Vibrant colors and seasonal flavors (thanks to the apples and pecans) make this salad a hit every time. You can even prepare it up to two days ahead for easy holiday entertaining.
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
It might sound simple, but baked sweet potatoes are the perfect holiday side. You can dress them up however you like: with a drizzle of honey for something sweet or a dollop of Greek yogurt and crispy bacon for something savory.
Get the Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Swap the green bean casserole for braised green beans instead! According to Ree, they're "amazingly complementary to the rest of the typical Thanksgiving grub."
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Thanksgiving Salad
There's nothing boring about this seasonal salad! It's packed with fun mix-ins, like pickled apples, smoked almonds, and blue cheese.
Get the Thanksgiving Salad recipe.
Roasted Delicata Squash
If you're hoping to try a new fall vegetable, look no further than delicata squash. Just like butternut squash, it's slightly sweet and tender, but this squash doesn't require peeling, so it's even easier to prepare.
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Collard Greens
Just like kale, collard greens are a great way add a leafy green vegetable to your holiday table. They get soft and tender when braised and they're full of flavor thanks to smoked turkey meat.
Get the Collard Greens recipe.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Skip the canned cranberry sauce and make your own instead. You can control how much sugar goes into the mixture, or take Ree's advice and opt for a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
Get Ree's Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Just as delicious during the week as they are on the holidays, these sweet potato fries are a must-have for any family meal. They get crisp and tender thanks to the air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Maple syrup is a natural way of sweetening this holiday side. It also has apple juice but you can swap in chicken stock for a lower sugar alternative.
Get the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Couscous Salad
A hearty salad made with couscous is a great way to add in something healthy to your meal. The pops of sweetness from the pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs make it a dish that everyone will love.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction
Tangy balsamic vinegar is the perfect compliment to seasonal Brussels sprouts. Add some walnuts for crunch and an extra boost of nutrition!
Roasted Cauliflower
This recipe for roasted cauliflower gets crisp and caramelized rather than soft and mushy. The key is to use the biggest baking sheet in your kitchen!
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Garlic Green Beans
The simple ingredients in this green bean recipe make it lighter than most heavy casseroles. If you want something that's even lower in fat or calories, use just one tablespoon of oil and butter. It'll still taste delicious!
Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Skip your typical mashed potato recipe in favor of these mashed sweet potatoes instead. They're a good source of fiber and they're loaded with vitamin A.
Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Air Fryer Potatoes
If potatoes are non-negotiable on your Thanksgiving table, try making them healthier by cooking them in an air fryer. They'll taste just as crispy as fried potatoes.
Get the Air Fryer Potatoes recipe.
Butternut Squash Casserole
Loaded with leafy kale and winter squash, this casserole dish is both hearty and healthy. Look for pre-peeled and chopped butternut squash at the grocery store to make it even easier.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
If you're unfamiliar with wild rice, now is a great time to try it! It's lower in calories compared to white rice and it provides a nice, chewy texture to this casserole recipe.
Get Ree's Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole recipe.
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