These Easy & Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes are real crowd-pleasers! Make a variety of stuffings, potatoes, salads and veggies.
The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
You might think that Thanksgiving is all about the turkey – but the side dishes are just as important! I rounded up some of the best Thanksgiving side dishes that everyone at the table will love. They’re as easy as they are healthy so you don’t have to worry about the extra calories or spending a bunch of time in the kitchen.
From healthy salads to gluten-free stuffing, scalloped potatoes, green beans and more, these side dishes are the perfect accompaniment to every holiday meal. Hosting Friendsgiving? Try the best Friendsgiving recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can reduce the stress of preparing a big feast the day-of by making your side dishes in advance. Most of these dishes can be cooked and stored ahead of time, then reheated the day-of. You can also ingredient prep by prepping any veggies, meats, etc. a couple days beforehand, which makes the actual cooking part way less stressful.
If you have guests with dietary restrictions like a gluten intolerance or dairy allergy, a few simple swaps can make your dishes allergy-friendly. Swap out any flour for gluten-free flour, milk for dairy-free milk and butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine. Most of the recipes include substitutions you can try.
A lot of the recipes below are low-carb! If you're looking for low-carb takes on the classics, I'd recommend trying my cauliflower mashed potatoes, gluten-free stuffing or cauliflower mac and cheese.
It's all a matter of preference! To ensure you have plenty of variety, I'd recommend at least three sides and one or two appetizers, but it all depends on what you're craving and how many guests you're hosting.
Thanksgiving Salads
Start Thanksgiving off on a healthy note with these great salads. They're filled with fall vegetables but will leave you with enough room for turkey!
Best Ever Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad
The Best Kale Salad on the Internet
The BEST Arugula Salad
Stuffing Recipes
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without stuffing! Go for a classic stuffing lightened up or something a bit more untraditional.
Thanksgiving Paleo Gluten Free Stuffing
Mom’s Stuffing, Lightened Up via Skinnytaste
Savory Vegetable Stuffing via Budget Bytes
Quinoa Stuffing (Butternut Squash Quinoa w/ Cranberries & Pistachios) via Gimme Some Oven
Potato and Sweet Potato Side Dishes
Potatoes are a mainstay for any Thanksgiving dinner. From russet potatoes to sweet potatoes, the choices are endless!
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes {Super Creamy} via Eating Instantly
The Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes
Easy Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes via Eating Instantly
The Best Instant Pot Baby Potatoes via Eating Instantly
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes {3 Ways!}
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes via Eating Instantly
Healthy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Poutine with Vegetarian Gravy
More Vegetable Side Dishes
Finish off your Thanksgiving spread with an assortment of these vegetable side dishes. There's something for everyone here!
Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes {Low Carb}
Creamy Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese {Low Carb}
Crispy Green Bean Fries
Crispiest Garlic Parm Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Halloumi
Easy Stuffed Acorn Squash {Sausage + Kale}
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto
Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables {Quick + Easy} via Eating Instantly
Lemon Herb Instant Pot Green Beans via Eating Instantly
Instant Pot Carrots {Brown Sugar Glaze} via Eating Instantly
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