These seven healthy Thanksgiving side dishes are so delicious, they might steal the spotlight from the Thanksgiving turkey!
We all know the big feast is more about the sides than anything else. But if you don’t want sugar-laden sweet potatoes or deep fried everything, you’re probably wondering how you can get some nutrients on the table. We have some ideas, as usual!
From immune-boosting greens to fiber-rich grains, these dishes bring balance and color to your feast. So, ready to add some wholesome goodness to your table? Check out our favorite healthy Thanksgiving sides for the year.
Roasted Green Beans with Mushrooms, Balsamic, and Parmesan
This is no ordinary green bean casserole! Roasted green beans and mushrooms create a rich, savory combo with a touch of Parmesan and balsamic glaze for extra depth. The green beans add fiber to keep you satisfied, while mushrooms bring a boost of B vitamins to keep your energy up through the festivities.
Health Score: 9.5
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8 oz mushrooms
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1 lb fresh green beans preferably thin French style beans
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1.5 T olive oil
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1 t balsamic vinegar
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salt to taste
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fresh ground black pepper to taste
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2 T parmesan cheese finely grated
Vegetable Casserole
This seasonal vegetable casserole is a breeze to make. Bake your veggies and tofu until crispy. Then, drizzle with a simple sauce of sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic. It’s colorful, vitamin-packed, and brings a burst of flavor to any holiday table. You could even skip the tofu if you just wanted plain veggies, and it would still make a great healthy Thanksgiving side dish.
Health score: 9.2
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340 g Extra Firm Tofu Pressed, Cubed
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450 g Butternut Squash Peeled and Cubed
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1 red bell pepper medium, chopped
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1 carrot large, chopped
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1 cup Zucchini Sliced
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240 g White Button Mushrooms Sliced
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160 g Broccoli Florets
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2 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp crushed garlic
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried thyme
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0.25 tsp sea salt
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0.25 tsp ground black pepper
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2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
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3 tbsp maple syrup
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp crushed garlic
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quinoa cooked
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parsley fresh, chopped
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lemon wedges
Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Carrots
Want to add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table? Check out this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots recipe!
Maple-roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots are perfectly balanced with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts. Brussels sprouts bring fiber and vitamin C, while carrots add a boost of beta-carotene. Truly, this is one of the healthiest Thanksgiving side dishes you’ll find out there.
Health score: 9.1
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400 g Brussels sprouts
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1 bunch dutch carrots
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6 tbsp olive oil divided
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tbsp dijon mustard
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0.5 cup freekeh
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0.75 cup peas
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50 g walnuts
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1 lemon juiced
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50 g goat's cheese
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salt to taste
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pepper to taste
Tricolour Quinoa Salad with Roast Vegetables
One look at this salad, and you’ll know it’s packed with goodness. Fluffy quinoa, roasted veggies, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs are tossed in a light, zesty dressing.
It’s colorful, high in protein (did you know quinoa is one of the few complete sources of plant-based protein?) and fiber, and the perfect side to balance your holiday feast!
Health score: 8.9
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0.5 cup tricolour quinoa
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1 eggplant
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1.67 tbsp olive oil divided
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8 baby peppers
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1 lemon
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50 g rocket leaves
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2 tbsp flat leaf parsley chopped
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1 sprig spring onion
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0.25 cup pine nuts
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1 garlic clove minced
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3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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salt to taste
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pepper to taste
Spaghetti Squash Salad with Asparagus
Looking for a refreshing, light option? Asparagus just screams spring – but there’s no reason you can’t use it to balance out the heaviness of some Thanksgiving dishes.
This spaghetti squash and asparagus salad is the perfect choice to do just that. Spaghetti squash is high in fiber but low in calories, and asparagus adds folate for cell health, making it a great low-carb choice when you want something lighter between those heartier dishes.
Health score: 8.9
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1 spaghetti squash
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1 tbsp olive oil
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16 asparagus
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0.33 cup cashews roasted
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1 tsp sesame seeds roasted
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salt to taste
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pepper to taste
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2 tbsp sesame seeds roasted
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2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
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2 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp soy sauce
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1 tsp brown sugar
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0.5 tsp mirin
Roasted Beet Salad with Blood Oranges
This salad brings the wow factor! Earthy roasted beets and juicy blood oranges bring bold color and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. With crunchy walnuts and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, it’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. It tastes as fresh as it looks!
Trust us when we say this healthy Thanksgiving side dish recipe will have everyone piling their plate up with seconds…and thirds.
Health score: 8.6
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4 pc beetroots medium-sized
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4 pc blood oranges
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0.5 pc red onion thinly sliced
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5 cup arugula
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1 cup pomegranate seeds + 3 tbsp, 3 tbsp for the dressing
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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0.33 cup almonds toasted, sliced
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0.25 cup water
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0.25 cup blood orange juice
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1 tbsp pomegranate molasses recipe in the instruction portion
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1 tbsp white wine vinegar
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1 pc lemon
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0.5 tsp salt
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon, Almonds, and Parmesan
Add a fresh twist to your Thanksgiving table with this Brussels sprouts salad! Shredded Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, toasted almonds, and Parmesan bring big flavor and a satisfying crunch. With fiber, protein, and healthy fats, this nutritious side dish pairs perfectly with richer holiday dishes.
Health score: 8.5
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1 lb brussels sprouts preferably pre-trimmed
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6 slices bacon thick, more or less to taste
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0.5 cup almonds slivered, more or or less to taste
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0.33 cup Parmesan coarsely grated, more or or less to taste
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salt
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black pepper fresh-ground, to taste
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2 t bacon grease from pan drippings, or replace with additional olive oil
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1 t olive oil
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2 T fresh-squeezed lemon juice
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1 t dijon mustard
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2 t red wine vinegar
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1 T maple syrup
Add Your Healthy Thanksgiving Side Recipes to Samsung Food
With these healthy Thanksgiving sides on your side, your holiday spread can be both delicious and healthy.
A balanced diet often goes out of the window over the festive period – starting with Thanksgiving – but enjoying the season with your loved ones doesn’t have to mean completely changing your eating habits. You can enjoy the spread and still get some nutrients with just a little bit of advanced planning.