The best part of any Thanksgiving plate? The side dishes. We all know that Thanksgiving is not only a day of giving thanks, but also the day of a full stomach! However, while we would like to call Thanksgiving a single cheat day on our healthy diet, the delicious leftovers can create multiple days of unhealthy eating. One way to reduce this is by introducing some healthy sides to create a more balanced meal. Keep reading below for 10 amazing and healthy thanksgiving side dishes.
1. Best-Ever Cauliflower Stuffing
This stuffing by Delish is gluten-free and oh so healthy! There is also a helpful suggestion to substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for butter to make the recipe vegan. Of course it will not taste exactly like the real deal, but who says you can’t serve a little bit of both for balance!
2. Cauliflower Rice and Sausage Stuffing
Because stuffing is so critical to a Thanksgiving meal, here is another option by Low Carb Africa that is a little more hearty but still healthier than traditional! It is gluten-free and high protein. A win-win!
3. Roasted Vegetables with Pecan Crumble
Did someone say warm pecan crumble? Yum! This recipe by The Pioneer Woman is simple and delicious.
4. Warmed Spiced Olives
Need a healthy option for your charcuterie board? These olives by Epicurious are sure to be a hit!
5. Healthy Green Bean Casserole
As weird as this makes me sound, I have never been the biggest fan of traditional green bean casserole! I know – totally weird. But this Healthy Green Bean Casserole by Downshiftology is a totally different take on the dish. The creamy brown mushroom sauce is so elegant yet homey, and the crispy shallots add the crunch that we all seek!
6. Flaky Sweet Potato Biscuits
Okay, so biscuits aren’t the most healthy side I can think of. But, this biscuit recipe by foolproof living does a great job of making them healthier by adding sweet potato into the mixture. If you limit yourself to one, you can feel good about it and take comfort in eating a root vegetable that tastes so good!
7. Harvest Quinoa Salad With Pumpkin Vinaigrette
This salad by A Mind “Full” Mom just screams fall. It is healthy yet hearty with the butternut squash and quinoa combination. The pumpkin vinaigrette is a festive touch, too!
8. Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a classic side dish, but between the added sugar and marshmallow topping, it is definitely a treat. If you want a healthier version, check out this naturally sweetened version by JoyFoodSunshine with a chopped nut topping.
9. Chicken Broth Gravy
Mmmmm gravy – another staple for the Thanksgiving table! But, to no surprise, gravy is soooo bad for you. This article by She Finds goes into the yucky details. So, try this healthier chicken broth gravy by The Gracious Pantry instead.
10. Butternut Squash Healthy Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the guilty pleasure for so many of us. It’s cheesy and it’s pasta…what else could our cravings seek?! However, we all know that cheesy goodness usually comes at a cost. With this recipe by A Sweet Pea Chef, it doesn’t have to! Lacey names this as her most requested recipe, so give it a try for a guilt-free mac and cheese.
