50 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and sharing a memorable feast—but rich, heavy dishes can leave you feeling more sluggish than satisfied. These 50 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides offer vibrant flavors, beautiful colors, and nourishing ingredients that please the crowd without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for lighter classics or creative veggie-filled additions, these dishes bring balance and brightness to your holiday spread.

Why Healthy Thanksgiving Sides Shine

Healthy sides pack major flavor thanks to the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables, zesty herbs, tangy vinegars, and crunchy seeds or nuts. They add texture and freshness to the table, pair with any main, and let everyone enjoy seconds guilt-free. Best of all, making healthier versions of favorites ensures all your guests—no matter their dietary needs—feel included and satisfied.

Planning for a Vibrant Thanksgiving Menu

With so many dishes to create, organization is key. Choose a variety of sides like roasted root vegetables, bright salads, and lighter takes on casseroles to provide color and contrast. Many of these recipes can be made ahead, giving you more time to savor the holiday and connect with guests.

Delicious and Nutritious: 50 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides

There’s no need to sacrifice excitement or comfort—these sides are proof! Here’s a curated list to inspire your menu:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Toasted Pecans
• Garlic-Herb Cauliflower Mash
• Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
• Whole Grain Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pistachios
• Shredded Kale Salad with Apple, Parmesan, and Lemon Vinaigrette
• Balsamic-Roasted Beets with Fresh Dill
• Butternut Squash Soup (dairy-free)
• Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
• Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Crispy Chickpea and Herb Salad
• Green Beans Almondine
• Honey-Roasted Parsnips and Carrots
• Spicy Roasted Broccoli with Lemon Zest
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Slaw
• Herb Roasted Mushrooms
• Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad with Citrus
• Ginger-Maple Sweet Potato Mash
• Lemony Lentil and Herb Salad
• Harissa-Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
• Charred Green Beans with Tahini Drizzle
• Asian-Inspired Citrus Quinoa Salad
• Caramelized Onion and Quinoa “Stuffing”
• Pumpkin Hummus with Vegetable Crudités
• Baked Zucchini Gratin (lightened version)
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary
• Winter Fruit Salad with Pomegranate and Mint
• Roasted Garlic and Sage Delicata Squash Rings
• Shaved Fennel and Pear Salad
• Apple-Cider Braised Red Cabbage
• Cranberry Orange Relish
• Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Boats
• Wild Mushroom and Spinach Saute
• Herbed Millet with Roasted Veggies
• Watercress and Persimmon Salad
• Cumin-Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Salad
• Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
• Creamy White Bean Purée with Olive Oil
• Heirloom Tomato and Basil Salad (if in season)
• Carrot-Top Pesto Roasted Yukon Potatoes
• Brussels Sprouts Gratin (made lighter with Greek yogurt)
• Cinnamon Roasted Apples and Sweet Potatoes
• Curried Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas
• Simple Sautéed Rainbow Chard
• Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
• Farro with Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale
• Broccolini with Toasted Sesame Seeds
• Radicchio and Endive Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
• Roasted Garlic and Lemon White Beans
• Lightened-Up Corn and Pepper Succotash

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this collection to automatically generate an organized shopping list with ingredients sorted by store section—making Thanksgiving shopping streamlined and stress-free.

Instructions

1. Browse the list above and select a mix of roasted, fresh, and grain-based sides to complement your Thanksgiving menu.
2. Check individual recipes (many available online) for detailed prep and cook instructions, typically including prepping veggies, tossing with olive oil and herbs or spices, and roasting or sautéing to bring out flavors.
3. Many sides can be made a day or two in advance—salads can be dressed just before serving for freshness, while casseroles and roasted veggies reheat beautifully. Store in airtight containers in the fridge and rewarm as needed.
4. Arrange sides family-style for an inviting, colorful Thanksgiving table. Garnish with fresh herbs, citrus zest, or toasted nuts for extra flair.

Weekly Meal Planning

A holiday menu with 50 sides can be overwhelming, but with the right planning it transforms into a celebration of abundance and organization. Save and schedule this menu to automatically consolidate ingredients from all your chosen dishes and create a master shopping list—a lifesaver for big celebrations.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates exact ingredient quantities for all your recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by store sections (produce, grains, meats, dairy, etc.)
• Prevents missed ingredients or duplicate purchases
• Lets you assign prep days so everything is ready on time
• Reduces stress and food waste, freeing you to enjoy more of the holiday

Pro tip: When preparing a mix of easy and complex sides, batch schedule your recipes so ingredients like herbs, nuts, or grains are efficiently organized in your shopping list—and leftovers can be planned into subsequent meals.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Times: 15–30 minutes per side
Cook Times: 20–45 minutes depending on recipe
Total Time: 2–4 hours for a full holiday spread (with most sides made ahead)

Healthier Celebrations Await

With these 50 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides, your holiday table can be as nourishing as it is festive. A thoughtful mix of flavors and textures ensures every guest leaves happy—and you get all the joy of celebrating, minus unnecessary stress and overindulgence. Happy Thanksgiving and happy planning!