15 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides to Make This Year
Key Takeaways:
- Discover delicious and healthy Thanksgiving sides that bring flavor without the extra butter, sugar, or heavy cream.
- Learn how nutrient-packed veggies like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots can take center stage on your holiday table.
- Find lighter twists on seasonal classics, from butternut squash soup to green bean casserole and kale salad.
- Get practical nutrition tips and simple swaps to enjoy your favorite dishes while staying aligned with your health and weight loss goals.
With the holidays fast approaching, it’s never too early to start mapping out your Thanksgiving menu. And while turkey is the star of the show, side dishes are arguably just as (if not more) important.
If you’re trying to eat lighter this year, or this is your first big holiday while on GLP-1 medications, you might be looking for healthier alternatives to the classics. Luckily, healthy Thanksgiving sides are tastier than you may think.
We’ll spotlight some healthy Thanksgiving recipe ideas that prove you don’t have to go heavy on butter, cheese, and sugar to enjoy a delicious holiday meal. With each side dish, you’ll also find flavor tips and nutrition insights to help you navigate the table and support your weight loss goals.
Whether you’re creating a healthy Thanksgiving menu or wondering what to put on your plate as a guest, these healthy Thanksgiving tips and ideas will prepare you for a healthy, delicious holiday.
This article was reviewed by Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to healthy alternatives for the Thanksgiving table, roasted vegetables are a fantastic option compared to heavier classics like mashed potatoes or potatoes au gratin. Let’s start with a spotlight on Brussels sprouts.
Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients. A little more than one cup of raw Brussels sprouts contains:
- Calories: 49
- Protein: 3.9 grams
- Fiber: 4.8 grams
- Calcium: 39 mg
- Iron: 0.7 mg
- Magnesium: 25 mg
- Phosphorus: 79 mg
- Potassium: 477 mg
If you can, skip the deep-fried versions and go for roasted Brussels sprouts instead. If you pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes at 425 degrees, they’ll be deliciously crispy on the outside while staying tender.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a simple yet surprisingly satisfying dish.
2. Roasted Cauliflower
With its crispy golden edges and tender center, roasted cauliflower is both delicious and versatile. And it’s pretty fuss-free as far as prep time goes.
As for its nutritional profile, 100 grams (about one cup of chopped cauliflower) of raw cauliflower contains:
- Calories: 28
- Protein: 1.6 grams
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Magnesium: 14.2 mg
- Phosphorus: 40 mg
- Potassium: 274 mg
One of the best things about cauliflower? It absorbs the flavors of whatever you pair with it. To brighten it up, try zesting it with a bit of lemon. You can also toss in some fresh parsley, add a kick of chili flakes, and mix in minced garlic.
3. Roasted Carrots
If you’re looking for a low-carb veggie option for your Thanksgiving table, these colorful beauties are a great choice.
They’re not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. One hundred grams of raw carrots — about two medium-sized carrots — contains:
- Calories: 48
- Protein: 0.9 grams
- Fiber: 3.1 grams
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Magnesium: 12.4 mg
- Phosphorus: 40 mg
- Potassium: 280 mg
To make them shine, toss your carrots with oregano, salt, pepper, thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil. This combo is simple and light but full of flavor.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider drizzling your carrots with a light glaze of maple syrup or hot honey for a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory herbs— a little bit goes a long way! You can also mix in parsnips for some color contrast.
4. Baked Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a great low-calorie and gluten-free side that’s still starchy and hearty.
It’s also a powerhouse loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. One hundred grams (about half a cup) of butternut squash contains roughly:
- Calories: 48
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 1.1 grams
- Calcium: 22 mg
- Magnesium: 15 mg
- Potassium: 329 mg
Baking butternut squash or acorn squash with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a healthy way to reduce calories while still enjoying its natural sweetness and creamy texture.
5. Butternut Squash Soup
This scrumptious fall and winter veggie can also be introduced vis-à-vis a warm, comforting soup — perfect for the season.
To keep it on the healthier side, be mindful of what other ingredients your recipe of choice calls for (for example, you might want to skip the heavy cream).
Consider pairing it with coconut milk and curry powder for a vegan-friendly, flavorful twist that still delivers a rich, velvety texture.
For a more traditional recipe, use low-sodium vegetable broth and spice it up with ginger, sage, garlic, and rosemary.
In any case, butternut squash soup will set a cozy tone for your Thanksgiving meal.
6. Roasted Pumpkin Soup
It doesn’t get more fall than pumpkin-spiced anything. A healthy, nourishing, and comforting way to incorporate it in your Thanksgiving spread? Roasted pumpkin soup.
It’s also easy to make, and you can personalize it with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for extra seasonal flair. Opt for low-sodium vegetable stock and whole pumpkins.
Pumpkins are relatively low in calories and packed with essential vitamins A, C, and E.
7. Broccoli Slaw
As a true superfood, broccoli definitely deserves a spot on your table. While roasting it is a simple and delicious option, why not elevate it with fresh broccoli slaw?
Broccoli slaw is similar to classic coleslaw, but it can be even healthier. The best part about slaws is that they’re made with raw veggies, which means you get to keep all those nutrients intact — no cooking time is just an added bonus. The dressing helps soften the veggies, making them easy to enjoy.
To amp up the flavor, toss in thinly sliced green onion (both the green and white parts), along with a sprinkle of cilantro and mint for a refreshing twist.
One hundred grams (a little over one cup) of raw broccoli delivers:
- Calories: 39
- Protein: 2.5 grams
- Fiber: 2.4 grams
- Calcium: 46 mg
- Magnesium: 21 mg
- Potassium: 303 mg
You’ll also get a small amount of zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin B5.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes
While many people top sweet potatoes with marshmallows and sweet spices on Thanksgiving, there are so many other healthy and delicious ways to enjoy them.
Baked sweet potatoes aren’t only easy to make, but they also offer lots of flavor when topped with a medley of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. This way, you get all the deliciousness without sacrificing nutrition.
In 100 grams of raw sweet potatoes — which is about half a cup — you’ll find:
- Calories: 77
- Protein: 1.5 grams
- Fiber: 4.4 grams
- Calcium: 22 mg
- Iron: 0.4 mg
- Magnesium : 19.1 mg
- Phosphorous: 37 mg
- Potassium: 486 mg
- Zinc: 0.3 mg
- Vitamin C: 14.8 mg
They’re starchy, with about 17 grams of carbs and 6 grams of sugar, but they’re still a great energy source.
9. Green Bean Casserole
While green beans can be prepared in various ways, they really shine in a classic green bean casserole.
If you’re whipping one up, consider lightening it a bit with fresh green beans rather than canned ones and opt for a lighter cream sauce. Instead of heavy cream, try using Greek yogurt or a low-fat alternative to keep it rich without the extra calories.
Don’t forget to top with whole-grain breadcrumbs for a nice crunch.
If you use raw fresh green beans, here’s what you’ll get in 100 grams (which is about a cup):
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 1.9 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Calcium: 39 mg
- Iron: 1.1 mg
- Magnesium: 26 mg
- Phosphorus: 39 mg
- Potassium: 219 mg
10. Kale Salad
Making a big salad is always a great idea for Thanksgiving, and kale is a fantastic winter green for your holiday table. It’s a fresh, delectable way to balance out all those richer dishes.
With 100 grams of kale — around one and a half cups — you’ll enjoy:
- Calories: 43
- Protein: 2.9 grams
- Fiber: 4.1 grams
- Calcium: 254 mg
- Iron: 1.6 mg
- Magnesium: 32.7 mg
- Phosphorus: 55 mg
- Potassium: 348 mg
To make your kale salad pop, add vibrant pomegranate seeds. Not only do they bring a splash of color, but they’re also loaded with nutrients. Sliced apples are another good fruit to introduce some tart flavor.
If you’re looking to make your salad heartier, quinoa is a perfect addition. It’s packed with protein and fiber, which will keep everyone feeling satisfied.
A light dressing will tie everything together beautifully, and if you’re a fan of cheese, a little goat cheese adds a lovely creaminess.
11. Brussels Sprout Salad
Let’s give a round of applause to the little powerhouses that are Brussels sprouts. Instead of roasting them, consider making a shaved Brussels sprout salad.
Think fresh, crunchy sprouts tossed with dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for creaminess, and some almonds for a delightful crunch. Drizzle it all with a light vinaigrette, and you’ve got a dish that beautifully complements the flavors of the season.
12. Citrus and Beet Salad
Nothing adds a pop of color quite like this delicious combination. Using grapefruit or blood oranges alongside earthy beets creates a stunning contrast that’ll catch everyone’s eye.
The citrus adds a refreshing zing, while beets are loaded with vitamins and minerals like folate, manganese, and potassium. Plus, beets are great for heart health and help support digestion.
To mix it up, add some arugula and top with a light shallot, chive, and Dijon balsamic dressing. Finish it off with feta and pecans for extra flavor and texture.
13. Stuffed Dates
Though they might be more of an appetizer than a side dish, stuffed Medjool dates are too tasty and healthy to overlook this Thanksgiving.
Dates are naturally sweet and chewy, making them a splendid treat. When you stuff them with creamy goat cheese, you get a fantastic balance of flavors — sweet and savory all in one bite. Adding something like pine nuts or pistachios not only gives you that satisfying crunch but also adds a hint of saltiness that really enhances everything.
14. Healthy Thanksgiving Stuffing
If you want to include this classic without sacrificing health, there are some simple swaps you can make.
First, opt for whole-grain bread instead of white bread. Whole grains add more fiber and nutrients to Thanksgiving stuffing, helping keep you fuller for longer. When it comes to moisture, cut back on the butter and use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to keep things flavorful without all the added salt.
You can also pack your stuffing with veggies, such as chopped onions, celery, mushrooms, and diced carrots.
If your recipe calls for pork sausage, consider swapping it out for turkey or chicken sausage. These leaner proteins provide great flavor without the extra fat.
And if you want to give your guests more options, think about serving wild rice pilaf or a legume-centric side, like chickpeas or beans. These are nutritious alternatives that would complement the other Thanksgiving side dishes beautifully.
15. Cranberry Sauce
Finally, the unsung hero of the Thanksgiving dinner (according to some, at least): cranberry sauce.
On their own, cranberries are healthy. They’re a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and manganese, which is important for a healthy metabolism.
Cranberries are also naturally really tart because they’re super acidic. In fact, they’re almost as high in acid as citrus fruits. Added sugars are really where cranberry sauce can become less healthy.
You can still enjoy some — just do so in moderation. If you’re making a homemade version, add fresh honey or high-quality maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
More Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is all about enjoying food — well, that’s not all it’s about, but it’s a big part.
While many Thanksgiving recipes are on the indulgent side, plenty of yummy, healthy Thanksgiving foods allow you to stick to your health and wellness goals.
By incorporating healthier, easy side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, kale salad, and baked sweet potatoes, you can create a vibrant and satisfying spread that supports your weight loss journey. These dishes add variety and flavor to your meal and provide essential nutrients that keep you feeling good.
Whether you’re crafting your own menu or choosing what to enjoy as a guest, you can indulge in the joy of the holiday while still prioritizing your health.
Remember, Thanksgiving dinner is just one meal. Even if you eat a traditional spread of roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and the like, you won’t derail your health goals or weight loss efforts.
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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
