23 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Still Feel Like a Feast

From creamy mashed potatoes and stuffing to lighter roasted vegetables and fresh salads, these 23 healthy Thanksgiving sides make the whole table shine.

ByEmma Brooks Hours Hours
Comments 0 Comments
Healthy Thanksgiving side dishes: mashed potatoes, balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts and sweet potato casserole

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Let’s be honest: the sides are the real stars of Thanksgiving. The turkey gets the spotlight, but the mashed potatoes, stuffing and that one casserole everyone fights over are what people talk about for weeks. These are the side dishes I come back to every year, with a mix of comforting classics and lighter vegetable dishes so the plate feels balanced without anyone feeling like they are missing out.

Planning the whole meal? Start with my complete healthy Thanksgiving menu and its make-ahead timeline, then pick your favorite sides below.

Potatoes, Stuffing & Mash

1
Golden brown traditional Thanksgiving stuffing in a baking dish with fresh parsley on top
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Grandma’s classic stuffing, the side everyone goes back for.
Check out this recipe
2
A bowl of creamy classic mashed potatoes topped with melting butter and fresh black pepper.
Classic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy classic mashed potatoes, ready in about 35 minutes.
Check out this recipe
3
A white bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter and fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Slow cooker mashed potatoes that free up your stovetop and stay warm until dinner.
Check out this recipe
4
A bowl of smooth, creamy mashed cauliflower topped with melted butter and fresh herbs.
Mashed Cauliflower
Velvety mashed cauliflower, a lighter low-carb alternative ready in 25 minutes.
Check out this recipe
5
Golden brown garlic herb roasted potatoes on a baking sheet garnished with fresh parsley
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Golden garlic herb roasted potatoes with crispy edges.
Check out this recipe
6
A golden brown casserole dish filled with creamy sliced scalloped potatoes and fresh thyme.
Classic Scalloped Potatoes
Rich, layered scalloped potatoes for a special holiday table.
Check out this recipe

Sweet Potatoes & Squash

7
A ceramic baking dish filled with orange sweet potato casserole topped with a golden brown pecan crumble.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Sweet potato casserole with the crunchy topping everyone fights for.
Check out this recipe
8
Bowl of creamy mashed sweet potatoes garnished with butter and fresh herbs
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Simple mashed sweet potatoes in 30 minutes, naturally sweet and smooth.
Check out this recipe
9
Golden roasted sweet potatoes with caramelized edges on a baking sheet, fresh from the oven
Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes when you want something simpler than a casserole.
Check out this recipe
10
A close-up of golden candied yams in a baking dish topped with toasted marshmallows
Candied Yams
Glossy candied yams for the sweet-side lovers.
Check out this recipe
11
Roasted butternut squash cubes and halves on a baking sheet, golden and caramelized with olive oil and herbs
Roasted Butternut Squash (Cubes and Halves)
Roasted butternut squash, caramelized and ready in about 45 minutes.
Check out this recipe
12
Golden brown roasted acorn squash wedges with melted parmesan cheese and herbs on a baking sheet
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash
Parmesan herb roasted acorn squash that looks beautiful on the table.
Check out this recipe

Green Beans & Brussels Sprouts

13
A fresh green bean casserole in a white baking dish with golden breadcrumb topping.
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
A lighter take on the classic green bean casserole.
Check out this recipe
14
Close shot of crispy roasted green beans with garlic Parmesan
Roasted Green Beans with Garlic Parmesan
Roasted green beans with garlic and Parmesan in about 25 minutes.
Check out this recipe
15
A skillet of bright green beans with translucent minced shallots and lemon zest.
Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon
Bright green beans with shallots and lemon, ready in 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe
16
Golden-brown Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a serving dish, garnished with fresh herbs.
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic and crispy bacon.
Check out this recipe
17
A golden brown Brussels sprouts gratin in a cast iron skillet with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.
Brussels Sprouts Gratin That Converts Every Skeptic
A cheesy Brussels sprouts gratin that wins over the skeptics.
Check out this recipe

More Vegetable Sides

18
Honey glazed carrots in a white serving dish with fresh herbs and melted butter glaze
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots in 20 minutes, sweet and tender.
Check out this recipe
19
A bowl of sliced carrots with a shiny honey glaze and fresh green parsley garnish.
Instant Pot Glazed Carrots
Short on oven space? These glazed carrots cook in the Instant Pot in about 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe
20
A bowl of vibrant orange and cream carrot parsnip mash topped with a pat of melting butter and fresh herbs.
Carrot Parsnip Mash
A smooth carrot and parsnip mash with a gentle sweetness.
Check out this recipe
21
Bowl of homemade creamed corn with butter and fresh herbs on a wooden table
Homemade Creamed Corn
Homemade creamed corn that tastes rich but comes together in 25 minutes.
Check out this recipe

Fresh Salads

22
A large wooden bowl filled with thinly shaved Brussels sprouts, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries and Apple
Shaved Brussels sprouts salad with crisp apple and cranberries.
Check out this recipe
23
A fresh holiday salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans, and goat cheese in a large bowl.
Honeycrisp Holiday Salad
A crisp Honeycrisp holiday salad that brightens all the rich dishes.
Check out this recipe

How to Plan Your Thanksgiving Sides

  • Balance the plate: pick one potato or stuffing dish, one sweet potato or squash dish, one green vegetable and one fresh salad.
  • Mind the oven: mix oven sides with stovetop, slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes so everything is hot at the same time.
  • Make ahead: casseroles, mashes and stuffing can be assembled the day before and reheated while the turkey rests.
  • Do not forget the sauces: a quick gluten-free gravy and homemade cranberry sauce tie every side together.

Thanksgiving Sides FAQ

How many side dishes should I make for Thanksgiving?

For 6 to 10 guests, four to six sides is plenty: one or two starches, one or two vegetables, a salad and the cranberry sauce. Add one more side for every extra four or five people.

What Thanksgiving sides can be made ahead?

Mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, casseroles and stuffing can be made one day ahead and reheated. Salads are best dressed just before serving.

Find even more ideas in my healthy side dishes and Thanksgiving recipes collections.

More Holiday Recipe Collections

Emma Brooks is the home cook behind The Gentle Bite. After years of juggling long workdays and family dinners, she started sharing the balanced, wholesome recipes she loves to make on busy weeknights, most ready in about 30 minutes with everyday ingredients. Her goal is simple: quick, nourishing meals that feel approachable, with easy swaps for gluten-free, dairy-free and high-protein diets.

You Might Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *