20+ Wholesome Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Enjoy This Year

1. Roasted Squash and Lentil Salad

This wholesome and filling side salad is the perfect partner for your Thanksgiving main dishes. Begin by roasting squash and onions, then combine them with a homemade sweet date dressing and nutrient-rich lentils. The result is an ideal balance of sweet and savory, featuring the best of autumn's fresh produce.

2. Garlic Herb Butter Layered Potatoes

Believe it or not: Healthy potatoes, such as Yukon Golds and sweet potatoes, are a great addition to a nutritious Thanksgiving meal. Although this recipe requires some time to prepare and bake, it's surprisingly easy. Skip the heavy cream and cheese found in traditional Thanksgiving potato dishes—this version only calls for potatoes, unsalted butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Butternut Squash and Sausage Stuffing

By adding butternut squash, your classic Thanksgiving stuffing receives a nutritious twist. Want a meat-free version? Simply substitute the sausage with sliced mushrooms and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative.

4. Apple Fennel Salad with Shaved Slices

Thinly sliced apples, celery, and fennel are tossed with a tangy maple-shallot vinaigrette, creating a zesty and crunchy salad that pairs perfectly with the richer Thanksgiving dishes. For a balanced flavor, be sure to choose at least two types of apples: one sweet and one tart. Quick, simple, and packed with flavor, this recipe checks all the boxes.

5. Broccolini with Lemon and Smoked Almonds

Already packed with flavor from being sautéed with shallots and garlic, this dish reaches new heights with a combination of almonds, parsley, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper. And who says this vibrant mixture is just for broccolini? Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans.

6. Green Bean and Celery Salad

In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this veggie-packed side salad that’s sure to be a hit. This vibrant combination of French green beans, apples, and celery brings a delightful zest that will keep you coming back for more.

7. Double Cranberry and Apple Sauce

No Thanksgiving feast is truly complete without cranberry sauce, and why settle for the canned version when you can make a healthier, homemade version in just 30 minutes? If you're pressed for time on Thanksgiving Day, no worries—you can prepare it up to a week in advance.

8. Make-Ahead Holiday Salad

When a simple mixed greens salad just won’t cut it, especially on Thanksgiving, reach for this vibrant, refreshing salad instead. Prepare it a day in advance to get ahead of the game before the big day; just save the hazelnuts and croutons to add right before serving to keep them crisp. Pomegranate arils are a standout ingredient here, delivering juicy pops of fruity flavor in every bite.

9. Roasted Eggplant with Miso and Sesame Seeds

This recipe will have you questioning why eggplant isn’t a staple on every Thanksgiving Day table. Slice the eggplant in advance and simply bake it 20 minutes before serving. The final step is to coat the slices with a sweet-savory-spicy miso paste, then broil them until golden brown with a perfectly melted center.

10. Every-Citrus Salad with Almonds and Manchego

This vibrant, fruit-filled salad is the perfect way to balance out a heavy Thanksgiving feast. Blood oranges, grapefruit, and sweet navel oranges come together in this eye-catching dish, celebrating the best of in-season citrus. They're tossed in a unique orange dressing made from shallots, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, then topped with crunchy whole almonds and finely shaved Manchego cheese.

11. Green Beans with Bacon Vinaigrette

When your Thanksgiving spread doesn't call for a classic green bean casserole, consider this lighter, healthier alternative that skips the canned soup. Fresh green beans are dressed in a tangy mustard-vinegar vinaigrette, adding a delightful zing to every bite. Crispy bacon pieces top off this fresh, savory side dish.

12. Roasted Carrot Salad

Add a splash of color to your Thanksgiving table with this vibrant roasted carrot salad. Rainbow carrots are roasted alongside shallots, thyme sprigs, and crushed red pepper, creating a flavorful medley. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a perfect choice for Thanksgiving when you're juggling multiple hot dishes.

13. Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Grapes and Feta

The challenge with this show-stopping side is that its presentation might just outshine the main course you’ve carefully prepared. A whole cauliflower stands tall in the center, surrounded by planks of feta and red grapes. A drizzle of chopped shallots and a sprinkle of oregano complete the dish with a flourish.

14. Toasted Israeli Couscous with Corn and Herbs

A fusion of salad and starchy side dish, this recipe stars couscous, though you can easily swap in other hearty grains like wild rice or barley. Savory herbs blend with sweet corn and caramelized yellow onions, creating a perfect make-ahead side that can be served chilled or at room temperature on Thanksgiving.

15. Spinach-and-Artichoke Quinoa Casserole

If you're a fan of creamy spinach-and-artichoke dip from your favorite restaurant, this recipe transforms that beloved appetizer into a nutritious side dish perfect for a holiday celebration. And yes, it's healthy! The rich texture comes from a blend of cashew butter and plant-based milk, making it vegan-friendly as well.

16. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta

The rich pancetta cubes and zesty lemon elevate roasted Brussels sprouts to a festive new level. Although pancetta is often likened to bacon, it is made from Italian pork belly and has less fat and calories, making it a healthier option for this holiday side dish.

17. Grilled Honeynut Squash Salad

For a fresh, vibrant, and healthy side dish, this grilled honeynut squash salad takes the prize. After grilling to perfection, squash and cabbage are paired with radicchio and coated in a tangy miso and spicy brown mustard dressing. Topped off with crunchy pepitas and fresh mint, this salad is a bold, unforgettable addition to any meal.

18. Brussels Sprouts Salad

This might be the recipe that convinces even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics. Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts add a delightful crunch that regular salad greens can't match. With festive additions like dried cranberries, chopped pecans, radicchio, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing, this salad embraces the flavors of fall.

19. Maple-Roasted Vegetables

Maple is quickly becoming a beloved flavor, and we can't get enough of it, especially when paired with savory dishes like roasted vegetables. For a fresh take on a healthy Thanksgiving classic, toss cauliflower and carrots (or switch it up with squash, sweet potatoes, or green beans) in a mix of olive oil and maple syrup. Roast them until they’re perfectly caramelized and tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

20. Loaded Sweet Potatoes With Coconut and Kale

These aren’t your ordinary loaded sweet potatoes. The flesh is mashed with grapefruit juice, butter, and allspice before being stuffed back into the skins. Then, a rich curried coconut sauce coats kale, which is topped with toasted coconut. This dish is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.

21. Crispy Roasted Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a healthy and adaptable side that pairs well with nearly any main dish. This recipe takes advantage of whatever mushrooms are in season, roasting them to perfection in just 30 minutes for a crispy, delectable treat.