Even More Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is really all about the side dishes. Here are my latest ideas for Even More Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes. 

Since I moved into a small apartment in New York City, my Thanksgiving cooking strategy has drastically changed. And, I have to tell you, I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner. Here’s what I do — and no judgment here please — I order in my turkey already cooked and sliced and I make a bazillion side dishes. It works. It works really well. I mean, having all of the time to focus on only the sides makes for more sides and more experimental dishes and more non traditional dishes too.

Year ago, I started serving a huge Cold Seafood Salad With Garlic Oil as my main appetizer or side dish. Untraditional yes. But amazingly awesome, YES! So, with the turkey taken care of, I can now have seafood if that’s what floats my boat this year. I can make pasta dishes and of course lots of veggies and salads and soups.

So, here’s my new list. I’ve kept many of my old favorites on this list, but there are lots of great new ones too. Which ones am I planning to make this year? I have no freaking idea… but it’s so much fun to think about and make lists and plan…

There are two types of Thanksgiving cooks. One type plans and plans and plans the menu and relishes in this planning. Then there’s the type who kind of wings it. Which type are you? I’m the planner… but I also end up winging a few recipes at the last minute because I almost always think of something else that will make the meal “just perfect”.

I’ve included recipes here for both types. Pick a few of these recipes that resonate with you. They are all simple and healthy and delicious. They are all crowd pleasers, and they all make for great leftovers.

I’m a sucker for new Thanksgiving traditions and I had great fun reading Oprah’s 26 Thanksgiving Tradition Ideas Your Friends And Family Will Adore. 

Here Are The Best Simple Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Sesame Green Beans

Sesame Green Beans are the perfect side dish. They are easy, can be made in advance, and are great at room temperature.

Raspberry Lavender Cranberry Sauce

This Raspberry Lavender Cranberry Sauce is traditional with a little twist. It can be made in advance, served at room temperature, and it’s great on sandwiches during the week following Thanksgiving.

Seafood Salad With Garlic And Oil

Okay, so this works two ways — sometimes I make a humongous platter of this Seafood Salad With Garlic And Oil and put it out before the meal with a stack of bowls and let everyone help themselves. And other years, this steals the show as a side dish on the table with the turkey.

Paleo Brussels Sprouts Gratin

This Paleo Brussels Sprouts Gratin is a comforting casserole. I make it Paleo friendly by using vegan cheese, but feel free to use whatever cheese you like.

Kale With Tomatoes And White Beans

Kale and white beans are the perfect combination. Adding in tomatoes gives us this silky and comforting Kale With Tomatoes And White Beans. 

Vegan Mac And Cheese (just don’t call it that…)

This Vegan Macaroni And Cheese is amazing, BUT, and this is a big BUT, do not call it mac and cheese. It looks and feels like the traditional version, but it does not taste like it. It tastes delicious and it is an excellent creamy pasta dish. But anyone who is expecting traditional mac, will be disappointed if you don’t come up with another name for it at Thanksgiving. I’m going with “Deliciously Creamy Mac” or something along those lines.

Roasted Carrots With Lime Zest

Roasted Carrots With Lime Zest is the easiest side dish. It has the great taste of traditional roasted carrots, but the lime zest gives it a little something special.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Pesto

I like to put these Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Pesto in the oven when the turkey comes out. The pesto can be made a few days beforehand.

Dairy Free Creamy Tomato Soup

I always make a big pot of soup for Thanksgiving. Usually it’s a White Bean And Kale Soup or a Butternut Squash Soup, but this year I am going to break with tradition and make this Dairy Free Creamy Tomato Soup. This is the easiest soup to make, and it really tastes like the tomato soup you remember from your childhood. Instead of the sourdough croutons I usually place on top, I’m thinking a dollop of stuffing would be great.

Creamy Broccoli And Mushroom Casserole

This Creamy Broccoli And Mushroom Casserole has no cream, but nobody will know it. It’s comforting, warming, and it can be prepared in advance.

Pomegranate Glazed Beets

Sometimes I make a tray of roasted root vegetables and sometimes I make these Pomegranate Glazed Beets… yum!

Healthy Creamy Butternut Squash Spaghetti

If the mac and cheese above doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, I urge you to try this Healthy Creamy Butternut Squash Spaghetti. It’s delicious and looks awesome on the table.

Simple Roasted Butternut Squash

And then there’s this Simple Roasted Butternut Squash. The name says it all.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts And Apple Salad

I love to have some kind of a cold salad on my Thanksgiving table. This Shaved Brussels Sprouts And Apple Salad is deliciously festive, and most of  it can be made in advance.

Whatever you make, make it with love and remember all of the things you are grateful for. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Now, we move on to the winter holidays… so please, do yourself a favor and download my free ebook to learn how to boost your immune system with food and herbs.