Healthy Side Dishes

Delicious side dishes for Thanksgiving or any other (holiday) dinner that are healthy, clean, gluten free and/or whole grain.

13 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Recipes)

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Questions & Answers

The turkey may be the main focus of Thanksgiving dinner, but don't underestimate the sides. A delicious, flavorful side dish can be just as much of a show stopper. Better yet if you can tell your guests, the yummy side they are raving about is actually healthy.

I am not very experienced in preparing a whole turkey, so I won't even attempt to give you any advise or a full Thanksgiving dinner plan. But I can definitely help you out with everything else.

Find my best healthy recipes for vegetables, salads, and breads to go alongside the turkey compiled below.

Bread-less Gluten Free Stuffing

This delicious breadless gluten free stuffing that is made with wild rice, mushrooms, and roasted cauliflower. While it skips the bread cubes this vegetarian stuffing is on point in the flavor department. It can easily be made ahead and simply reheated to free up your time for other recipes on Thanksgiving day.

Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe - Breadless, Vegetarian/Vegan

VEGETABLES

Baked Green Beans with Picada Sauce

Brown Butter Brussel Sprouts
bread crumb coated brussel sprouts with heavenly brown butter - use whole wheat or gluten free bread crumbs
Breadcrumb Crusted Brussels Sprouts

Sweet Potato & Brussel Sprouts Hash
sweet potato and brussel sprouts roasted with bacon - use whole wheat or gluten free bread crumbs
Brusselsprouts Sweet Potato Hash

Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes

classic scalloped potatoes entirely dairy-free but fully flavorful - gluten free, clean, dairy free
Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes

Honey-Sesame Roasted Root Vegetables

delicious roasted sweet potatoes and carrots - gluten free and paleo options included
Honey Roasted Vegetables

Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole
yummy cruciferous vegetables in creamy cauliflower sauce - omit ham if not eating processed meats

Sweet & Spicy Roasted Potatoes and Squash
maple and chili roasted vegetables with crunchy pecans - gluten free, clean

roasted baby potato halves and squash cubes on baking sheet

SALADS

Broccoli Salad with Clean Poppy Dressing
crunchy broccoli salad with clean creamy dressing - strawberries can be replaced with seasonal cranberries

Garlicky Carrot Salad
shredded carrots in creamy garlicky dressing - gluten free, clean (with real mayo)

Festive Cabbage Slaw

colorful red and green cabbage slaw with pomegranate + pine nuts - gluten free, clean, paleo
Festive Winter Cabbage Slaw

Creamy Beet Salad
beet salad with creamy, garlicky dressing and crunchy nuts - gluten free, clean (with real mayo)
Creamy Russian Beet Salad

BREAD

Whole Wheat Beer Bread
heart beer bread is quick and easy to make without kneading or rising - whole grain
Easy Whole Wheat Beer Bread

Cheese & Chives Sourdough Biscuits
quick dinner biscuits made with sourdough starter - fermented
Cheese and Chive Sourdough Biscuits

Gluten Free Corn Bread
fluffy corn bread made with just corn meal, no wheat flour - gluten free, clean
Gluten Free Cornbread

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For healthy Holiday Desserts, check out this Clean Eating Desserts Round Up

Questions & Answers

What is healthy to eat on Thanksgiving?

For a healthier Thanksgiving, consider incorporating dishes like roasted vegetables, salads with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and whole grain bread. These options provide essential nutrients while keeping your meal on the healthier side.

What is the number 1 rated side dish for Thanksgiving?

The number one rated side dish for Thanksgiving can vary depending on personal preferences, but some popular choices include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole. However, to make your Thanksgiving healthier, you can opt for roasted or steamed vegetables, salads, or whole-grain bread.

What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day?

The five most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day are mashed potatoes, stuffing or dressing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole. These dishes are traditional favorites, but you can choose to make healthier versions of these classics.

How can I make Thanksgiving more healthy?

To make Thanksgiving healthier, focus on incorporating more vegetables and salads, use whole-grain ingredients when possible, reduce the use of added sugars and unhealthy fats, and consider offering lighter dessert options. You can also find healthier alternatives to traditional dishes, like cauliflower mashed potatoes or whole-grain stuffing.