14 Thanksgiving recipes side dishes healthy

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean heavy, calorie-packed dishes.

These 14 healthy Thanksgiving side dishes are full of flavor, color, and nutrition — perfect for guilt-free seconds.

From roasted veggies to fresh salads, these sides balance your feast beautifully.

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Olive Oil and Herbs

Naturally sweet and rich in fiber, roasted sweet potatoes tossed with olive oil and herbs make a healthy and colorful side.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp rosemary

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss sweet potatoes with oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast 25–30 minutes until tender.

2. Steamed Green Beans with Lemon Zest

A simple, light green bean side dish that’s crisp, tangy, and packed with vitamin C.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam beans for 3–4 minutes until bright green.

2. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle lemon zest before serving.

3. Quinoa Cranberry Salad

This protein-packed salad blends nutty quinoa, dried cranberries, and crunchy vegetables for a refreshing Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cucumber, diced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Toss gently and chill before serving.

4. Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Crispy roasted broccoli with garlic and olive oil makes a delicious, antioxidant-rich side.

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss broccoli with olive oil and garlic.

2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden.

5. Cauliflower Mash

A light, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that’s creamy and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower until soft.

2. Mash with butter, salt, and pepper.

3. Serve warm.

6. Spinach and Apple Salad

A fresh mix of spinach, apple slices, and walnuts tossed in a tangy vinaigrette — sweet, crisp, and heart-healthy.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups spinach leaves

• 1 apple, sliced

• ¼ cup walnuts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine spinach, apple, and walnuts.

2. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar.

3. Toss gently and serve fresh.

7. Roasted Carrots with Cumin

Carrots roasted with olive oil and cumin deliver a naturally sweet and earthy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp cumin

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss carrots with oil, cumin, and salt.

3. Roast for 25 minutes until caramelized.

8. Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms

A hearty, fiber-filled side with wild rice, sautéed mushrooms, and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice, cooked

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ onion, chopped

• ½ tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil.

2. Add cooked wild rice and thyme.

3. Stir and warm through.

9. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crunchy on the outside and tender inside, these sprouts are glazed with heart-healthy balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss sprouts with oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

10. Cranberry Orange Relish (No Sugar Added)

A naturally sweet, vitamin-packed relish made with fresh fruit — no refined sugar needed!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries

• 1 orange, peeled and chopped

• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor.

2. Chill before serving.

11. Garlic Lemon Asparagus

Bright, zesty asparagus spears sautéed with garlic — simple and nutrient-dense.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil.

2. Add asparagus and cook for 4–5 minutes.

3. Drizzle lemon juice before serving.

12. Butternut Squash Soup

A creamy, low-fat soup that’s full of fiber, vitamins, and cozy autumn flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, cubed

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in olive oil, add squash and broth.

2. Simmer until soft, then blend until smooth.

3. Serve warm.

13. Kale and Pomegranate Salad

A vibrant salad with crunchy kale, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a light lemon dressing.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chopped kale

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Massage kale with lemon juice and olive oil.

2. Add pomegranate seeds and toss.

14. Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries

A fun, healthy alternative to traditional fries with crispy texture and minimal oil.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, sliced into sticks

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)

• 1 egg, beaten

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Dip zucchini in egg, coat with breadcrumbs.

2. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes until crisp.

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These healthy Thanksgiving side dishes prove that nutritious food can still be delicious and festive.

Light, colorful, and full of seasonal produce, they’ll balance your feast and leave you feeling great after dinner.