Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share gratitude and, of course, enjoy a delicious meal. However, traditional Thanksgiving sides — like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy casseroles and sugary cranberry sauce — are often high in calories, fat and sugar.
Fortunately, celebrating doesn’t have to mean abandoning your health goals. With a few creative tweaks, you can enjoy flavorful, satisfying dishes that are lighter and more nutritious.
1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Pecans
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but they’re often topped with marshmallows and brown sugar. For a healthier version, try roasting them with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of chopped pecans. This preparation enhances their natural sweetness without adding refined sugar, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil and cinnamon, then spread them on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender.
- Sprinkle with pecans before serving.
2. Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”
Mashed potatoes are creamy and comforting but can be calorie-dense. Cauliflower is a lighter alternative that provides a fluffy, creamy texture with far fewer calories. Add a touch of garlic and fresh herbs to elevate the flavor and make this dish just as satisfying as the original.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp/ olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Steam the cauliflower until tender.
- In a food processor, blend the cauliflower with garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
3. Green Bean Almondine
Green bean casserole is a holiday classic, but it’s usually loaded with creamy sauces and fried onions. A lighter alternative is Green Bean Almondine, which combines sautéed green beans with toasted almonds. This dish is simple, flavorful and packed with fiber and vitamins.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or blanch the green beans until tender-crisp.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and toast the almonds until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Toss the green beans with the almond mixture, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
4. Quinoa Stuffing with Cranberries and Walnuts
Traditional stuffing is often made with white bread and butter, making it calorie-heavy and nutrient-poor. Quinoa is a fantastic alternative, providing protein and fiber while mimicking that stuffing-like texture. This version includes cranberries and walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme or sage
Instructions:
- Cook the quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, sauté the celery and onion until softened.
- Mix the quinoa with cranberries, walnuts, herbs, celery and onion. Serve warm.
See these other posts for healthy Thanksgiving tips and ideas:
- Deliciously Wholesome and Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Strategies for a Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday
- Low-carb Comfort Foods to Try This Thanksgiving
