A traditional Thanksgiving dinner isn’t the epitome of health. In fact, it is the antithesis of health, and gorging oneself into a food coma is the ultimate goal. The giant spread usually consists of holiday pies and carb-centric sides that are loaded with sugar and fat. But if you want to lighten up the menu this year, we have some great Thanksgiving side dishes that will do the trick.
It can be scary to divert from the familiar, but sometimes you need to jump into the deep end. You can search for new twists on green bean and sweet potato dishes, for example, and invite new flavors to the party. Feature seasonal produce items like Brussels sprouts or replace potatoes with celeriac, another seasonal produce item. One of the primary things that we encourage you to do is add more greens and refreshing dishes to your Thanksgiving spread. Not only does this increase your vegetable intake, but it also nourishes the body and makes the digestive system happier.
Ahead, you’ll find seven easy and healthy recipes that will go great with your Thanksgiving feast. Not only are they scrumptious, but they are a lot lighter than the traditional sides that accompany the big meal. They include more vegetables, some of which are seasonal, and aim to help you feel lighter on the day.
Pomegranate, Avocado, & Citrus Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts make a great canvas for the color and flavor of fresh pomegranate arils, creamy avocado, and citrus dressing.
Click here to make the recipe.
Orange Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Ready in just 30 minutes, these orange maple-glazed Brussels sprouts are the perfect fall-inspired side dish for. It’s like vegetable candy! It will be an absolute treat at your Thanksgiving table.
Click here to make the recipe.Â
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Soft, tender, and smothered in a garlicky, creamy sauce, these vegan scalloped potatoes are the perfect sophisticated holiday side dish. These are incredibly creamy, garlicky, and sensationally delicious, especially when made from scratch. Yes, from scratch!
Click here to make the recipe.Â
Rainbow Roasted Carrots
Are you ready to taste the rainbow? Far from Skittles, these herbaceous, roasted rainbow carrots are the perfect Thanksgiving side.
Click here to make the recipe.
Herb Roasted Acorn Squash
We don’t want to sound overconfident, but this is a near perfect recipe. Roasted to perfection, you just can’t get enough of this squash.
Click here to make the recipe.Â
Mashed Rutabaga With Chives
Could this side dish be the new favorite menu item at your holiday feast? Mashed rutabaga is a peppery, fluffy, and low-carb treat!
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Roasted Peaches
Get ready for one of the best vegan treats you can have during summer. Roasted peaches celebrate the fruit in its natural state!
Click here to make the recipe.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
