20 Healthier Thanksgiving Side Dishes Your Guests Will Actually Love

Healthier Thanksgiving side dishes that still taste indulgent! 20 lighter recipes with make-ahead tips, smart swaps, and real-tested flavor.

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Why Focus on Healthier Sides (Not Diet Food)
Smart Ingredient Swaps That Keep the Flavor (and Cut the Heaviness)
20 Healthier Thanksgiving Side Dishes Your Guests Will Actually Love
Make-Ahead & Storage Strategies That Actually Work
Eat It, Like It, Share It!
Frequently Asked Questions

Mashed butternut squash and sweet potatoes with butter and salt, one of 20 healthier Thanksgiving side dishes.

Thanksgiving should feel abundant and filling, not heavy. Over the years of hosting and recipe-testing, I’ve learned that a few strategic swaps and make-ahead tricks can transform the entire meal; keeping it lighter, fresher, and just as delicious.

Your Thanksgiving turkey won’t be lonely with this collection of 20 Healthier Thanksgiving Side Dishes. It includes bright, balanced recipes that bring color and flavor to your holiday table without losing the comfort and nostalgia you crave.

Why Focus on Healthier Sides (Not Diet Food)

I love mashed potatoes and stuffing as much as anyone, but by the end of the day, I don’t want to feel weighed down. I didn’t lose and keep 60 pounds off doing nothing! My approach is all about balance: big flavor, fresh produce, and lighter techniques.

Instead of ditching the classics, I’ve tested ways to make them a little cleaner. Swapping olive oil for butter, roasting instead of frying, and layering herbs and acid (like lemon) to add brightness without relying on heavy cream or excess salt.

These sides are the dishes I serve my own family, tested through many Friendsgivings and holiday dinners.

Lemon Dill green beans on a plate with a slice of lemon, another healthier Thanksgiving side dish.

Smart Ingredient Swaps That Keep the Flavor (and Cut the Heaviness)

I’ve tested these swaps in my own kitchen dozens of times, and they truly hold up:

Classic Ingredient	Healthier Swap	Why It Works
Heavy cream	Plain Greek yogurt	Adds creaminess with protein and less fat
Butter	Olive oil and herbs	Heart-healthy and flavorful
Marshmallows	Toasted pecans or oat crumble	Naturally sweet and crunchy, not cloying
White bread stuffing	Whole-grain bread or quinoa	Better texture and more fiber
Candied yams	Roasted sweet potatoes with maple glaze	Natural sweetness, less sugar

20 Healthier Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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20 Healthier Thanksgiving Side Dishes Your Guests Will Actually Love

Roasted & Cooked Veggies

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

5 stars average

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a simple, five-ingredient side dish recipe loaded with flavor and full of healthy benefits.

Try: Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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Lemon Dill Green Beans

4.50 stars average

An easy and flavorful side dish, these green beans with lemon and dill is the perfect vegetarian side dish to add to any meal.

Try: Lemon Dill Green Beans

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lemon dill green beans vertical close up

Moroccan Spiced Roasted Carrots

4.20 stars average

Transport your tastebuds to Africa with this Moroccan-spiced roasted carrots side dish drizzled with a creamy yogurt dressing.

Try: Moroccan Spiced Roasted Carrots

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Moroccan Spiced Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Vinaigrette - a delicious side dish recipe

Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce

5 stars average

A healthy and easy side dish recipe, your whole family will love this cinnamon-spiced roasted acorn squash drizzled in an addictive tahini lemon sauce.

Try: Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce

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Potatoes & Mash Alternatives

Vegan Roasted Garlic Hummus Mashed Potatoes

5 stars average

Made with just three simple ingredients, these vegan roasted garlic hummus mashed potatoes are creamy and delicious. Perfect for entertaining!

Try: Vegan Roasted Garlic Hummus Mashed Potatoes

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Mashed Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes

4.66 stars average

The ultimate fall side dish, these mashed butternut squash and sweet potatoes are scented with orange zest and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. Ideal for entertaining, these can be prepped up to 3 days in advance!

Try: Mashed Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes

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Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Cauliflower

4.14 stars average

This simple 5-ingredient side dish of roasted potatoes and cauliflower is packed with nutrients and full of roasted garlic flavor.

Try: Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Cauliflower

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Baby Potatoes With Butter And Dill

4.75 stars average

Potatoes are steamed until tender then lightly tossed in butter and fresh dill to create this fast and easy side dish recipe.

Try: Baby Potatoes With Butter And Dill

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Grains & Warm Sides

Quinoa Salad with Acorn Squash and Apples

4 stars average

This protein-packed quinoa dish full of creamy acorn squash, crunchy apples, and toasted walnuts is naturally gluten free and vegan.

Try: Quinoa Salad with Acorn Squash and Apples

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Carrot Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

4.72 stars average

Carrots are thinly sliced then tossed with fresh herbs, honey, olive oil and lemon juice. The perfect side salad to serve with chicken, beef or seafood!

Try: Carrot Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

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Fall Farro Salad

5 stars average

This hearty fall salad is filled with chewy farro, sweet cherry tomatoes and crisp apples drizzled in a creamy honey tahini dressing. The ultimate side dish recipe, this salad is great for prepping ahead and can be served warm, room temperature or chilled.

Try: Fall Farro Salad

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Lebanese Rice Pilaf With Vermicelli

4.40 stars average

A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, Lebanese Rice Pilaf is made with vermicelli noodles toasted in clarified (rendered) butter.

Try: Lebanese Rice Pilaf With Vermicelli

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Salads & Fresh Sides

Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts

5 stars average

This hearty massaged kale salad is made with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts. Great for making ahead and packing in lunches!

Try: Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts

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Middle Eastern Syrian Salad

4.64 stars average

This easy to make and flavorful Middle Eastern Syrian Salad is dressed with lemon juice, fresh garlic, olive oil and mint.

Try: Middle Eastern Syrian Salad

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Herb-Roasted Apples, Onions, and Carrots

4.79 stars average

Herb-Roasted Apples, Onions and Carrots are the perfect side dish to complement anything from roast chicken to pork chops.

Try: Herb-Roasted Apples, Onions, and Carrots

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Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

4.79 stars average

This raw veggie slaw is made with thinly shaved Brussels sprouts tossed in a bright lemon-parmesan vinaigrette. Great for prepping ahead!

Try: Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette

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Slightly Sweet Sides

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

4 stars average

3 5

Loaded with health benefits and requiring only five ingredients, this slow cooker cranberry sauce is the perfect make-ahead side dish for your table.

Try: Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

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Honey Chipotle Glazed Butternut Squash

4.86 stars average

Roasting this honey chipotle butternut squash until everything caramelizes provides so much flavor and texture, you won't believe what you're eating!

Try: Honey Chipotle Glazed Butternut Squash

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Maple Syrup Mashed Sweet Potatoes

3.95 stars average

A show-stopping side dish! Mashed Sweet potatoes are whipped with pure maple syrup, creamy whole milk yogurt and a hint of orange zest.

Try: Maple Syrup Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin

4.56 stars average

A healthy twist on the comfort food classic, your entire family will love this baked mac and cheese with pumpkin.

Try: Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin

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Make-Ahead & Storage Strategies That Actually Work

Best make-ahead sides: grain salads, roasted veggies, mashed roots.
Avoid making early: salads with greens or dishes with crunchy toppings (assemble day-of).
Storage: keep components separate. Store roasted vegetables and dressings individually in air-tight containers to prevent sogginess.
Reheating: in the oven, stick with 350°F for 10–15 minutes, uncovered for crispness. For the microwave, add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
Revive flavors: a squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving wakes everything up.

Slow cooker cranberry sauce with orange zest in a white bowl, a healthier Thanksgiving side dish.

Did you try one of these recipes and love it? The next time you make one, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the healthiest Thanksgiving food?

Roasted vegetables are some of the healthiest Thanksgiving foods. Think Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil and herbs. They’re naturally nutrient-rich, high in fiber, and don’t need heavy sauces or creams to taste delicious. Turkey breast (without the skin) and simple green salads also fit into a lighter, balanced Thanksgiving meal.

What are the most popular side dishes for Thanksgiving?

Your classic American Thanksgiving side dishes usually include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and rolls.

How many side dishes should you have for Thanksgiving?

It really depends on how many you’re feeding, but plan for about 4–6 side dishes if you’re hosting a medium-sized Thanksgiving meal. A good mix includes one potato or starch, one green vegetable, one salad or fresh dish, and one or two classic comfort dishes. This balance keeps the menu exciting without overwhelming you or your guests.