This year’s Thanksgiving feast doesn’t have to be an epic calorie bomb. There are plenty of healthful ways to make the holidays both gloriously delicious and guilt-free.
We scoured the Internet to bring you these healthy Thanksgiving sides, which have all been tested by well-known bloggers that understand the value of providing a tasty dish that doesn’t leave you feeling like a turkey.
A blogger showcases this healthful salad recipe she created for Whole Foods that features the signature flavors of Thanksgiving. It combines fresh ingredients such as kale, quinoa, cranberries, oranges, pomegranate, and honey. You also can add nuts to make it more nutritious.
Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a new flavor twist on an old favorite.
No way should you have to skip out on mashed potatoes during the holidays! Potatoes are fine, but mashed cauliflower is a less carb-loaded alternative. To keep the healthy nature of the recipe, you may want to try 2 percent or whole milk instead of the heavy cream, and go with a low-fat cheese.
Jessica in the Kitchen shares this light and vegan-friendly twist on the conventional sweet potato casserole. It contains almond flour and almond milk as well as coconut oil.
Skip the canned ingredients and stay fresh. Combine your green beans with almond milk, whole-wheat flour, and mushrooms to create this holiday favorite.
Take fresh butternut squash and roast it with flavors that will make it your new favorite. Cut the butternut squash safely and you’re well on your way to enjoying a healthful, seasonal squash that will be a hit at your Thanksgiving!
The Cozy Apron shares this dish that is not only healthy, but looks like the missing piece to a harvest-inspired tablescape. These are stuffed with ground beef, black beans, rice, sunflower seeds, orange zest, and cilantro, among other ingredients. For an even healthier option, use ground turkey breast.
This fresh salad offers up some seasonal favorites including pear, apple, pomegranate, and pistachio. Spice up your Thanksgiving table with an easy, light salad that tastes anything but ordinary. The dressing is savory and includes high-protein Greek yogurt.
Gatheredtable combines fresh ingredients which make for a healthy Thanksgiving side dish and a perfect blend of fall flavors!
Even the biggest hater of Brussels sprouts will enjoy this ensemble of roasted veggies. A seasonal coating of cranberry-Dijon vinaigrette gives these vegetables a distinctive, holiday taste.
Get the recipe!
An added benefit of this recipe is that you’ll also learn how to make your own homemade, gluten-free bread. Then add celery, garlic, and a bunch of yummy seasonings to make a stuffing that all your guests can enjoy.
Discover a new way to serve up asparagus. These breadcrumb-covered asparagus fries use Panko breadcrumbs and are baked — not fried! They are an ideal finger-popping food that will make an eye-catching side dish on your Thanksgiving table.
Get zesty! Give your green beans a fresh spin this holiday season with this savory recipe that combines parsley, garlic, and pepper.
Bring something different to the Thanksgiving table with this roasted cabbage slaw recipe. Includes hazelnuts and lemon — an uncommon duo that pairs perfectly.
Sweet potatoes are delicious and versatile. See what this blogger did when she turned them into a brulée goodness!
