14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides healthy

Thanksgiving feasts don’t have to be heavy.

These 14 healthy Thanksgiving vegetable sides are fresh, colorful, and full of flavor — without the extra butter and cream.

From roasted Brussels sprouts to quinoa-stuffed peppers, these dishes will balance your holiday plate beautifully.

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1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Olive Oil

Crispy and simple — a guilt-free side that’s full of fiber and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 25 minutes, shaking halfway.

2. Garlic Lemon Green Beans

Light and zesty green beans that pair well with any Thanksgiving entrée.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil for 1 minute.

2. Add green beans and cook until tender.

3. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

Naturally sweet, full of antioxidants, and lightly spiced for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Toss potatoes with oil and cinnamon.

2. Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.

4. Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”

A creamy, low-carb swap for traditional mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, roasted

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower until soft.

2. Blend with garlic, oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Tender carrots with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, sliced

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss carrots with vinegar and oil.

2. Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

6. Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Crispy, simple, and loaded with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Toss broccoli with oil and garlic.

2. Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes.

7. Kale Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

A light, refreshing salad with a sweet and nutty crunch.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped kale

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Massage kale with lemon juice and olive oil.

2. Toss in cranberries and almonds.

8. Roasted Butternut Squash with Herbs

Sweet, earthy, and full of fall flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp rosemary

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Coat squash with oil and rosemary.

2. Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes.

9. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest

A quick and healthy green side full of fresh flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus

• 1 tsp olive oil

• ½ tsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil.

2. Grill or roast for 7 minutes.

3. Sprinkle lemon zest before serving.

10. Spinach and Quinoa Salad

A protein-packed salad that’s light yet satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spinach

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix spinach, quinoa, and tomatoes.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

11. Roasted Beets with Orange

Colorful and naturally sweet, with a citrusy twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 beets, peeled and cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Toss beets with oil and zest.

2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.

12. Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic

Quick, easy, and perfectly tender.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic.

2. Add zucchini and cook 4–5 minutes.

13. Roasted Mixed Vegetables

A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables for a complete side.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, peppers)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies with oil and seasoning.

2. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.

14. Cabbage Steaks with Garlic and Herbs

Thick slices of cabbage roasted until tender and caramelized.

Ingredients:

• 1 head green cabbage, sliced into thick rounds

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt, pepper, and thyme

Instructions:

1. Brush cabbage with oil and seasonings.

2. Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.

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These 14 healthy Thanksgiving vegetable sides are fresh, vibrant, and satisfying — proof that lighter holiday dishes can still taste amazing.

They’ll bring color, crunch, and balance to your Thanksgiving table while keeping things wholesome and delicious.