10 Easy, Tasty, and Healthy Thanksgiving Sides You Can’t Miss

Thanksgiving is the time to come together as a family and eat all kinds of fantastic food! However, just because it’s a food holiday doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice eating healthy.

Try some of these healthy Thanksgiving sides that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

1. Mashed Cauliflower

These are an absolute staple at every Thanksgiving table, and now you can enjoy a plate full of mashed potatoes without feeling guilty. The hardest part of these potatoes is deciding which recipe you want to try.

At just 85 calories per tasty serving and only ten minutes of work, this mashed cauliflower potato alternative is sure to delight at your table.

These low-carb alternatives to mashed potatoes are also great for adding more veggies to the mix without anyone noticing.

2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

If the thought of not having actual potatoes at your table, these mashed sweet potatoes are sure to make you happy. These take about forty minutes from start to finish (including cook time) and are just 198 calories per serving.

Plus, you can make it dairy free by switching the butter for ghee and using any nut milk. This recipe works for those that love smooth potatoes and thick potatoes. Just adjust how much you mix to make it your desired consistency.

3. Green Bean Casserole

Make sure everyone gets their veggies and satisfies their tastebuds by making the healthy green bean casserole. 

The creamy mushroom sauce makes you forget that it’s only 143 calories per serving. It does take up to fifty minutes in the oven, but only ten minutes of prep time gives you plenty of time to prepare everything else for dinner.

4. Honey Glazed Carrots

Looking to add color to your table? These beautiful honey-glazed carrots taste great with dinner and are reheated for leftovers (if there are any!) They take five minutes to prepare and only cook for twenty minutes, all in one pan.

To save time while prepping, you can even buy the baby carrots, so you only have to cut them in half and not peel them.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Don’t let the name fool you; brussels sprouts can actually taste good, especially if they’re these roasted brussels sprouts. Don’t worry about how many you end up eating since itching serving is less than 100 calories.

They’re the perfect side dish or appetizer when you need to add a crunch to your plate. With just four ingredients, you’ll whip this together in no time.

If you want to spruce up your brussels sprouts, even more, try this balsamic bacon version.

6. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce does not need to be served in the same shape as the can! Try this homemade cranberry sauce that will actually get eaten this year. 

It’s fresh, light, tasty, and takes only twenty minutes to make. At just 94 calories per serving, this sweet dish will find its way to everyone’s plate. By making it at home, you get to reduce the amount of preservatives in the meal, and we can’t stress just how easy it is to make!

7. Fried Cabbage

Looking for something a little different this year? Try fried cabbage for a flavorful side dish. It’s sauteed until it’s nice and soft, then add bacon to the mix for a nice smoky taste. It’s a quick meal to make, only taking up to twenty-five minutes of your time.

Plus, it’s keto-friendly for those who are strict about sticking to their diets.

8. Garlic-Sauteed Spinach

This is so much better than a boring salad on your plate. This garlic-sauteed spinach recipe is ready in less than ten minutes and is perfect for the garlic lovers in your life.

It’s less than 100 calories, but you won’t be able to tell with how delicious it is. It’s also a lot of fun to watch the spinach shrink as it cooks down. Plus, with how small it ends up being, it’s easy to mix into plates so you make sure your kids are eating their veggies.

9. Chimichurri Potato Salad

This is nothing like any other potato dish or salad dish, making it perfect for adding variety to your plate. The chimichurri potato salad is coated with a beautiful sauce that gives a delicious kick to your tastebuds. 

If you make the sauce at home, make it a day ahead to really let the herbs infuse into the oil, allowing your potatoes to be even more flavorful. It’s also only 131 calories per serving, which is surprising with how good it tastes.

10. Apple Crisp

We can’t make a healthy Thanksgiving sides list without including a delicious dessert! This easy, healthy, apple crisp recipe is just what you need to tie your meal together. It’s only 287 calories per serving and tastes so good. 

The sweet apples with cinnamon make your house smell great and your mouth watering. If you want to add a little extra flavor to it, try adding freshly made whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy Your Healthy Thanksgiving Sides!

Now that you know how easy these healthy Thanksgiving sides are, it’s time to go shopping and try them this year! The best part about these sides is everyone will enjoy them, regardless of whether they’re trying to eat healthier or not.

As always, food is meant to be enjoyed, so we hope you take advantage of the holiday and eat everything your heart desires! Need more recipe ideas? Be sure to check out our healthy food blog.

Happy Thanksgiving from the entire Peak Physique team.