15 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides to Make This Year

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s never too early to start mapping out your Thanksgiving menu. And while turkey is the star of the show, side dishes are arguably just as (if not more) important.

If you’re trying to eat lighter this year, or this is your first big holiday while on GLP-1 medications, you might be looking for healthier alternatives to the classics. Luckily, healthy Thanksgiving sides are tastier than you may think.

We’ll spotlight some healthy Thanksgiving recipe ideas that prove you don’t have to go heavy on butter, cheese, and sugar to enjoy a delicious holiday meal. With each side dish, you’ll also find flavor tips and nutrition insights to help you navigate the table and support your weight loss goals.

Whether you’re creating a healthy Thanksgiving menu or wondering what to put on your plate as a guest, these healthy Thanksgiving tips and ideas will prepare you for a healthy, delicious holiday.

Our favorite healthy Thanksgiving sides include:

When it comes to healthy alternatives for the Thanksgiving table, roasted vegetables are a fantastic option compared to heavier classics like mashed potatoes or potatoes au gratin. Let’s start with a spotlight on Brussels sprouts.

Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients. A little more than one cup of raw Brussels sprouts has:

• Calories: 49

• Protein: 3.9 grams

• Fiber: 4.8 grams

• Calcium: 39 mg

• Iron: 0.7 mg

• Magnesium: 25 mg 

• Phosphorus: 79 mg

• Potassium: 477 mg

If you can, skip the deep-fried versions and go for roasted Brussels sprouts instead. If you pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes at 425 degrees, they’ll be deliciously crispy on the outside while staying tender.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a simple yet surprisingly satisfying dish.

With its crispy golden edges and tender center, roasted cauliflower is both delicious and versatile. And it’s pretty fuss-free as far as prep time goes.

As for its nutritional profile, 100 grams (about one cup of chopped cauliflower) of raw cauliflower has:

• Calories: 28 

• Protein: 1.6 grams

• Calcium: 20 mg

• Magnesium: 14.2 mg

• Phosphorus: 40 mg

• Potassium: 274 mg

One of the best things about cauliflower? It absorbs the flavors of whatever you pair with it. To brighten it up, try zesting it with a bit of lemon. You can also toss in some fresh parsley, add a kick of chili flakes, and mix in minced garlic.

If you’re on the hunt for a low-carb veggie option for your Thanksgiving table, these colorful beauties are a great choice.

They’re not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. One hundred grams of raw carrots —  about 2 medium-sized carrots — contains:

• Calories: 48

• Protein: 0.9 grams

• Fiber: 3.1 grams

• Calcium: 30 mg

• Magnesium: 12.4 mg

• Phosphorus: 40 mg

• Potassium: 280 mg

To make them shine, toss your carrots with oregano, salt, pepper, thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil. This combo is simple and light but full of flavor.

If you want to take it up a notch, consider drizzling your carrots with a light glaze of maple syrup or hot honey for a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory herbs— a little bit goes a long way! You can also mix in parsnips for some color contrast.

Butternut squash is a great low-calorie and gluten-free side that’s still starchy and hearty.

It’s also a powerhouse loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. One hundred grams (about half a cup) of butternut squash has roughly:

• Calories: 48

• Fiber: 2 grams

• Protein: 1.1 grams

• Calcium: 22 mg

• Magnesium: 15 mg

• Potassium: 329 mg

Baking butternut squash or acorn squash with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a healthy way to reduce calories while still enjoying its natural sweetness and creamy texture.

This scrumptious fall and winter veggie can also be introduced vis-à-vis a warm, comforting soup — perfect for the season.

To keep it on the healthier side, be mindful of what other ingredients your recipe of choice calls for (for example, you might want to skip the heavy cream).

Consider pairing it with coconut milk and curry powder for a vegan-friendly, flavorful twist that still delivers a rich, velvety texture.

For a more traditional take, opt for low-sodium vegetable broth and spruce it up with ginger, sage, garlic, and rosemary.

In any case, butternut squash soup will set a cozy tone for your Thanksgiving meal.

It doesn’t get more fall than pumpkin-spiced anything. A healthy, nourishing, and comforting way to incorporate it in your Thanksgiving spread? Roasted pumpkin soup.

It’s also easy to make, and you can personalize it with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for extra seasonal flair. Opt for low-sodium vegetable stock and whole pumpkins.

Pumpkins are relatively low in calories and packed with essentials vitamins A, C, and E. 

As a true superfood, broccoli definitely deserves a spot on your table. While roasting it is a simple and delicious option, why not elevate it with fresh broccoli slaw?

Broccoli slaw is similar to classic coleslaw, but it can be even healthier. The best part about slaws is that they’re made with raw veggies, which means you get to keep all those nutrients intact — no cooking time is just an added bonus. The dressing helps soften the veggies, making them easy to enjoy.

To amp up the flavor, toss in thinly sliced green onion (both the green and white parts), along with a sprinkle of cilantro and mint for a refreshing twist.

One hundred grams (a little over one cup) of raw broccoli delivers:

• Calories: 39

• Protein: 2.5 grams

• Fiber: 2.4 grams

• Calcium: 46 mg

• Magnesium: 21 mg

• Potassium: 303 mg

You’ll also get a small amount of zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin B5.

While many people top sweet potatoes with marshmallows and sweet spices on Thanksgiving, there are so many healthier and delicious ways to enjoy them.

Baked sweet potatoes aren’t only easy to make, but they also offer lots of flavor when topped with a medley of fresh herbs, chives, and a drizzle of olive oil. This way, you get all the deliciousness without sacrificing nutrition.

In 100 grams of raw sweet potatoes — which is about half a cup — you’ll find:

• Calories: 77

• Protein: 1.5 grams

• Fiber: 4.4 grams

• Calcium: 22 mg

• Iron: 0.4 mg

• Magnesium : 19.1 mg

• Phosphorous: 37 mg

• Potassium: 486 mg

• Zinc: 0.3 mg

• Vitamin C: 14.8 mg

They’re starchy, with about 17 grams of carbs and 6 grams of sugar, but they’re still a great energy source.

While green beans can be prepared in various ways, they really shine in a classic green bean casserole.

If you’re whipping one up, consider lightening it a bit with fresh green beans rather than canned ones and opt for a lighter cream sauce. Instead of heavy cream, try using Greek yogurt or a low-fat alternative to keep it rich without the extra calories.

Don’t forget to top with whole-grain breadcrumbs for a nice crunch.

If you use raw fresh green beans, here’s what you’ll get in 100 grams (which is about a cup):

• Calories: 40

• Protein: 1.9 grams

• Fiber: 3 grams

• Calcium: 39 mg

• Iron: 1.1 mg

• Magnesium: 26 mg

• Phosphorus: 39 mg

• Potassium: 219 mg

Making a big salad is always a great idea for Thanksgiving, and kale is a fantastic winter green for your holiday table. It’s a fresh, delectable way to balance out all those richer dishes.

With 100 grams of kale — around one and a half cups — you’ll enjoy:

• Calories: 43

• Protein: 2.9 grams

• Fiber: 4.1 grams

• Calcium: 254 mg

• Iron: 1.6 mg

• Magnesium: 32.7 mg

• Phosphorus: 55 mg

• Potassium: 348 mg

To make your kale salad pop, add vibrant pomegranate seeds. Not only do they bring a splash of color, but they’re also loaded with nutrients. Sliced apples are another good fruit open to introduce some tart flavor.

If you’re looking to make your salad heartier, quinoa is a perfect addition. It’s packed with protein and fiber, which will keep everyone feeling satisfied.

A light dressing will tie everything together beautifully, and if you’re a fan of cheese, a little goat cheese adds a lovely creaminess.

Let’s give a round of applause to the little powerhouses that are Brussels sprouts. Instead of roasting them, consider making a shaved Brussels sprout salad.

Think fresh, crunchy sprouts tossed with dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for creaminess, and some almonds for a delightful crunch. Drizzle it all with a light vinaigrette, and you’ve got a dish that beautifully complements the flavors of the season.

Nothing adds a pop of color quite like this delicious combination. Using grapefruit or blood oranges alongside earthy beets creates a stunning contrast that’ll catch everyone’s eye.

The citrus adds a refreshing zing, while beets are loaded with vitamins and minerals like folate, manganese, and potassium. Plus, beets are great for heart health and help support digestion.

To mix it up, add some arugula and top with a light shallot, chive, and Dijon balsamic dressing. Finish it off with feta and pecans for extra flavor and texture.

Though they might be more of an appetizer than a side dish, stuffed Medjool dates are too tasty and healthy to overlook this Thanksgiving.

Dates are naturally sweet and chewy, making them a splendid treat. When you stuff them with creamy goat cheese, you get a fantastic balance of flavors — sweet and savory all in one bite.

Adding something like pine nuts or pistachios not only gives you that satisfying crunch but also adds a hint of saltiness that really enhances everything.

If you want to include this classic without sacrificing health, there are some simple swaps you can make.

First, opt for whole-grain bread instead of white bread. Whole grains add more fiber and nutrients to Thanksgiving stuffing, helping keep you fuller for longer. When it comes to moisture, cut back on the butter and use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to keep things flavorful without all the added salt.

You can also pack your stuffing with veggies, such as chopped onions, celery, mushrooms, and diced carrots.

If your recipe calls for pork sausage, consider swapping it out for turkey or chicken sausage. These leaner proteins provide great flavor without the extra fat.

And if you want to give your guests more options, think about serving wild rice pilaf or a legume-centric side, like chickpeas or beans. These are nutritious alternatives that would complement the other Thanksgiving side dishes beautifully.

Finally, the unsung hero of the Thanksgiving dinner (according to some, at least): cranberry sauce.

On their own, cranberries are healthy. They’re a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and manganese, which is important for a healthy metabolism.

Cranberries are also naturally really tart because they’re super acidic. In fact, they’re almost as high in acid as citrus fruits. Added sugars are really where cranberry sauce can become less healthy.

You can still enjoy some — just do so in moderation. Or, if you’re making a homemade version, add fresh honey or high-quality maple syrup instead of refined sugar.

Thanksgiving is all about enjoying food — well, that’s not all it’s about, but it’s a big part.

Here’s the bottom line on healthy Thanksgiving sides:

• While many Thanksgiving recipes are on the indulgent side, plenty of yummy, healthy Thanksgiving foods allow you to stick to your health and wellness goals.

• You can create a vibrant and satisfying spread that supports your weight loss journey by incorporating healthier, easy side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, kale salad, and baked sweet potatoes. These dishes add variety and flavor to your meal and provide essential nutrients that keep you feeling good.

• Whether you’re crafting your own menu or choosing what to enjoy as a guest, you can indulge in the joy of the holiday while still prioritizing your health.

• Remember, Thanksgiving dinner is just one meal. Even if you eat a traditional spread of roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and the like, you won’t derail your health goals or weight loss efforts.

Also, we’d be remiss not to mention that losing weight around the holidays can be extra tough, and weight loss medications can help. To learn more and find out if you might be a good fit for treatment, start your online weight loss consultation today.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.