Thanksgiving is one of America’s most beloved traditions. Not only does it bring families together to be aware of their blessings, but it also allows for one of the biggest celebrations of the year. From green bean casserole and mashed potatoes to yams, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs and turkey (of course!), this meal includes all the popular classics that are highly anticipated every year. Thanksgiving is also known for its stuffing, although this usually refers to what you put in the turkey and how you feel after your meal, it’s all part of the experience!
However, if you’re looking for nutritious side dishes to accompany your turkey, you’ve come to the right place. There are many healthy ways to enjoy a healthy holiday, from ingredient substitutions in your favorite dishes to newly appreciated culinary traditions.
Mashed potatoes are a must-have for any Thanksgiving spread. However, these starchy foods can be high in carbohydrates and calories. Fortunately, cauliflower (when mashed) is almost indistinguishable from a classic mash. Not only will this prevent your blood sugar from spiking, but it will sneakily provide you with your daily serving of vegetables, all while disguised as your favorite potato. These can be dressed however you like, with butter and classic add-ins like green onions, sauce, garlic and seasonings. This recipe takes a total of 20 minutes to prepare and serves about four people, although it can easily be doubled.
Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan
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While this summer squash may not be incredibly popular in your Thanksgiving lineup, it’s perfect for sharing, adding more veggies to your holiday feast, and maintaining the hot, roasted theme of other holiday dishes. classic accompaniment. This dish takes 30 minutes total to prepare and cook. Plus, the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. So if you need a healthy dish quickly, this side dish is for you. These spear-shaped zucchini slices have only 77 calories and are low in sugar and carbs.
For those who love keto, this cranberry sauce is the perfect quick dish to bring to your family’s holiday parties. Not only is this dish prepared in under 15 minutes, but it’s virtually identical to regular cranberry sauce. This dish can be as tangy or sweet as you prefer, depending on whether or not you add teaspoons of water (as much as you like to achieve the desired flavor). It’s a perfect low-calorie, low-carb side dish to pair with your favorite Thanksgiving foods.
Fall is the perfect time for squash dishes. This pan patty recipe has a mild flavor but allows for endless customization with your favorite spices. Delish recommends garlic, thyme, and other common spices to add your own twist. This meal takes 30 minutes to cook and prepare and yields servings for about four people. It goes easily with your turkey dish and any savory side dishes you have prepared. Plus, this dish adds valuable nutritional value to your meal, while making it more appealing by adding more color to the spread on your plate.
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Grilled leeks with brown butter and spicy hazelnuts
Although little known, this side dish will give you more room to try everything in your Thanksgiving lineup without the guilt. With its sweet and savory palette, you can pair it perfectly with your seasoned starter. Featured on Healthy-ish, this recipe boasts a 4.5 star rating as well as an abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that will serve a total of 8-10 people.
To add a little sweet flavor to your plate, try beet and apple salad. While we can’t promise bears and Battlestar Galactica, this recipe will be unbeatable! This recipe takes a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes and yields eight servings. As a sweet but low-calorie option, it will satisfy your sugar cravings and add color and variety to your plate.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy version of a classic Thanksgiving side dish or want to try something new, one of these recipes will definitely do the trick.
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