Pie season hits hard, and no one’s saying to skip dessert, but a little balance doesn’t hurt. These healthy Thanksgiving sides bring color, crunch, and freshness to the table without sacrificing flavor. They’re light enough to make room for seconds yet still feel comforting and festive. Each dish adds something different to the lineup, from crisp greens to hearty grains. With the right healthy Thanksgiving sides, the meal feels complete without anyone missing the extra butter.
Roasted Vegetables
These roasted vegetables turn out caramelized and full of flavor every time. You can mix and match whatever you have on hand, and the results are always great. A quick toss with olive oil and seasonings is all it takes. Add this to your list of healthy thanksgiving sides if you want something easy that everyone will eat.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetables
Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts
This copycat version of Red Lobster’s Brussels sprouts is crisp, flavorful, and simple to make. The soy and ginger glaze gives each bite a slightly sweet and savory touch. It’s a lighter take on a restaurant favorite that works for both holidays and weeknights. Serve it hot and expect it to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Shredded Brussels sprouts and kale come together in this crunchy salad packed with cranberries and pecans. A quick maple Dijon dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of tang. It’s fresh, balanced, and a nice change from heavier sides. Perfect for anyone looking for healthy thanksgiving sides that still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
These garlic Parmesan green beans are crisp, flavorful, and so easy to make. The garlic adds a punch while the cheese gives it that irresistible finish. They’re a great swap for traditional casseroles when you want something lighter. Keep this one in your back pocket for your healthy thanksgiving sides menu.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts
Roasting brings out the sweetness in asparagus and Brussels sprouts, while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy finish. The combination feels fresh but still fits right in with holiday meals. It’s a quick, low-effort side that pairs well with just about anything. Definitely a win for simple healthy thanksgiving sides.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts
Green Bean Casserole
This keto green bean casserole skips the canned soup and uses real ingredients for better flavor. The pork rind topping turns crispy and golden, adding great texture. It’s rich but not heavy, and perfect for anyone cutting carbs during the holidays. A great way to modernize a comfort food classic.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Zucchini
Zucchini gets golden edges and a hint of garlic in this quick oven-roasted recipe. It’s a five-minute prep kind of dish that works for both busy nights and holidays. Serve it as is, or sprinkle a little cheese on top for extra flavor. It’s proof that simple sides can still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Zucchini
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Sweet potatoes and broccoli roast together until the edges caramelize and the centers stay tender. It’s a side dish that’s both colorful and filling without taking much effort. Most of the time is hands-off, so you can focus on the main dish. Great for weeknights or healthy thanksgiving sides when you want something balanced.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Baked Squash Casserole
This baked squash casserole is creamy, cheesy, and finished with a crunchy cracker topping. It feels like comfort food but uses simple, wholesome ingredients. The texture contrast makes every bite enjoyable. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Baked Squash Casserole
Sweet Potato Fries with Chili
These loaded sweet potato fries take leftovers to a new level. Topped with warm chili and creamy chipotle sauce, they’re hearty but easy to pull together. The mix of spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors keeps things interesting. It’s a fun, casual option that works as a snack or side for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries with Chili
Broccoli and Guacamole Plateau
This broccoli and guacamole combo proves healthy food doesn’t have to take much effort. The creamy avocado balances perfectly with crisp broccoli, giving each bite great texture. It’s simple enough for weekday lunches but feels a little special too. You’ll end up wanting this on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Guacamole Plateau
Maple Glazed Squash and Apples
This roasted mix of squash, apples, and onions hits that sweet and tangy note thanks to the maple glaze. Everything caramelizes beautifully in the oven without any fuss. It’s great as a side for Thanksgiving or any cozy dinner at home. Plus, it smells incredible while cooking.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Squash and Apples
Healthy Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce skips the extra sugar but keeps all the bright, tart flavor. It comes together fast and tastes fresh enough to steal the spotlight from store-bought versions. You can whip it up right before dinner or make it ahead for easy meal prep. It’s one less thing to stress about during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Cranberry Sauce
Pomegranate Wild Rice Salad
This pomegranate wild rice salad brings together nutty grains, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a light orange dressing. It’s a fresh, colorful dish that fits right into any holiday spread. The texture mix keeps it interesting, and leftovers taste even better the next day. You’ll want to keep this one on your table all season.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Wild Rice Salad
Crispy Potato Salad
This version of potato salad swaps mayo for whipped cottage cheese, giving it a creamy texture without feeling heavy. The mix of tuna, eggs, and herbs turns it into a protein-packed meal that actually fills you up. Every bite hits that balance of crunch and cream. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Potato Salad
Sweet Potato and Russet Hash
This hash blends tender sweet potatoes and crispy russets in one skillet for the perfect mix of soft and crunchy. A few basic spices pull everything together fast. It works for breakfast or as a quick dinner side. Once the edges crisp up, you’ll know it’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Russet Hash
Butternut Squash Apple Soup
This butternut squash and apple soup blends into a smooth, creamy bowl that feels perfect for fall. The natural sweetness from the apples pairs so well with warm spices. You can keep it vegan or stir in a little cream for a richer version. Either way, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Broccoli Salad With Bacon and Cheese
This broccoli salad checks all the boxes, crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon. Sunflower seeds add a nice bite, and the dressing ties everything together in minutes. It’s a crowd favorite at picnics or potlucks. Honestly, it disappears fast every single time.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Bacon and Cheese
Apple Candied Pecan Salad
This apple and candied pecan salad mixes crisp fruit, creamy goat cheese, and a maple dressing that ties everything together. The pecans add the perfect crunch without overpowering the rest. It feels fancy enough for guests but comes together quickly. It’s a smart pick for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Apple Candied Pecan Salad
Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad
This roasted pumpkin and beetroot salad hits that cozy-season vibe with feta, arugula, and a maple vinaigrette. The mix of soft veggies and crunchy nuts gives it great texture. It looks colorful on the table and works well warm or cold. Every ingredient pulls its weight without overcomplicating things.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad
