14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides green

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a touch of green on your plate.

From tender beans to creamy spinach and garlicky kale, these 14 green vegetable side dishes bring balance, color, and freshness to your holiday table.

They’re light, vibrant, and the perfect complement to hearty mains.

1. Garlic Green Beans Almondine

Tender green beans tossed in garlic and toasted almonds for a crunchy, elegant side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toast almonds in a dry skillet until golden; remove.

2. Add olive oil and garlic; sauté 1 minute.

3. Toss in green beans, season, and top with almonds.

2. Creamy Vegan Spinach

Rich and smooth spinach made with a cashew cream base for a dairy-free delight.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups spinach

• ½ cup soaked cashews

• ½ cup almond milk

• 2 cloves garlic

• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Blend cashews, almond milk, and garlic into a sauce.

2. Sauté spinach in a skillet until wilted.

3. Stir in sauce and season with nutmeg.

3. Garlic Lemon Broccoli

Zesty and bright, this simple broccoli dish pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving entrees.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Steam broccoli for 3 minutes.

2. Sauté garlic in oil, then toss broccoli in.

3. Add lemon juice before serving.

4. Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Olive Oil

Hearty kale sautéed with garlic brings bold, earthy flavor to your table.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped kale

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and garlic in a skillet.

2. Add kale and cook until wilted.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Skillet Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with a touch of maple sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sear Brussels sprouts until golden.

2. Drizzle with maple syrup and season.

6. Peas and Caramelized Onions

A sweet and savory combination that’s both simple and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups peas

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions until caramelized.

2. Add peas and cook for 3–5 minutes.

7. Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic

Fresh asparagus spears sautéed with lemon zest and garlic make a light, elegant side.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 garlic clove

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet and add garlic.

2. Add asparagus and cook 5–7 minutes.

3. Sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.

8. Spinach and Green Pea Stir-Fry

A bright, protein-rich mix of spinach and peas cooked with garlic and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups spinach

• 1 cup peas

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and sauté garlic.

2. Add peas, then spinach.

3. Cook until wilted and season to taste.

9. Broccolini with Balsamic Glaze

Tender broccolini sautéed and finished with a sweet balsamic reduction.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch broccolini

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Sauté broccolini for 6–8 minutes.

2. Drizzle balsamic glaze before serving.

10. Cabbage and Kale Skillet Mix

Two greens come together for a hearty and flavorful stovetop side.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 2 cups kale

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and sauté garlic.

2. Add cabbage and kale, cook until tender.

11. Green Beans with Mushrooms

Classic combination of green beans and mushrooms for a savory side.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green beans

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms until soft.

2. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes.

12. Zucchini and Spinach Medley

Light and flavorful mix of zucchini ribbons and spinach sautéed in olive oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 2 cups spinach

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and add zucchini.

2. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

13. Pesto Green Beans

Green beans coated in a fresh vegan pesto for a herby, rich side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green beans

• 2 tbsp vegan pesto

• 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans for 3 minutes.

2. Toss with pesto and olive oil.

14. Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic

Crisp bok choy leaves stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce for an Asian-inspired touch.

Ingredients:

• 3 heads baby bok choy

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 garlic clove

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil and garlic in a skillet.

2. Add bok choy and soy sauce; stir-fry 4–5 minutes.

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These green vegetable sides bring color, flavor, and freshness to your Thanksgiving meal.

From garlicky greens to lemon-bright veggies, they balance rich dishes and keep your feast vibrant and wholesome.