Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes 2022 | Top 10 Thanksgiving Sides

What’s on your stovetop for Thanksgiving this year?

With this holiday quickly approaching, you’re likely brainstorming meal ideas. 

Many households will opt for the classic turkey as the main course, while more plant-based homes might reach for a tofu dish. 

But what about healthy Thanksgiving sides? 

Just because we’re taking the day off to eat and be merry doesn’t mean our dinner can’t be nutritious.  

With a few small tweaks, many recipes can become more nourishing. We’ve created this list of the top 10 Thanksgiving sides 2022 (healthy edition).

What Should I Cook for Thanksgiving? 

Part of this holiday’s fun starts with planning. You can go for a more traditional meal or create a customized feast.

When prepping for the big day at Ravkoo, we’d plan to serve some healthy dinner sides along with an entree and dessert. 

Here’s a list of the basic meal components to get you started:

• Appies. Your appetizers should be mouthwatering but not overly filling. You want your guests to have an appetite for what’s to come. Some lighter yet scrumptious starter ideas include roasted artichoke hearts, baked feta with olives, and a well-rounded charcuterie board. 
• The main course. Roasted or baked turkey tends to be the go-to. You can also include a handful of healthy Thanksgiving sides from our list below.
• Healthy dinner sides. Select a combo from this blog, guaranteeing something for everyone, such as stuffing, veggies, and a mashed dish. 
• Dessert. Your meal still needs a treat to sweeten the deal. Pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, and chocolate mousse are all crowd-pleasers. Plus, with a little research, there are lighter alternatives available. 
• Beverages. Sipping on a delicious refreshment throughout the day is a pleasant perk. Set up a cocktail or mocktail station to keep it easy. Also, remember that it’s nice to have warm beverages after dining. A mug of peppermint tea can help soothe guests’ tummies, and a cup of coffee keeps the party going.

Top 10 Thanksgiving Healthy Sides

Healthy sides for Thanksgiving don’t have to be boring, nor do they have to break the bank. 

Nutritionally-sound recipes can be fun-to-make, inexpensive, and full of flavor.   

Here’s a list of healthy sides for Thanksgiving:

• Parmesan roasted broccoli. Who says Thanksgiving healthy sides can’t get a little cheesy? This quick recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and goes like this:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Mix the pre-cut broccoli with salt, pepper, and olive oil. 
3. Spread all ingredients on a baking sheet. 
4. Roast in the oven for about 12 minutes or until the broccoli becomes tender.
5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with real parmesan cheese. 

• Mashed cauliflower. A cauliflower mashed dish is ideal for people watching their carb or calorie intake. This cruciferous vegetable is high in fiber, vitamin B, and antioxidants. It won’t leave you feeling heavy or sleepy. To make this dish, you’ll need 1 cauliflower head, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and herbs.

1. Cut the cauliflower up into bite-sized portions. 
2. Place one inch of water in a pot and boil using medium heat. 
3. Carefully put a steamer insert in the pot, and add your cauliflower.
4. Heat the olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a frying pan while the cauliflower is steaming.
5. Steam the cauliflower for six-eight minutes, then drain the water.
6. Mix the olive oil, garlic, and herbs with cauliflower, and mash everything together.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve right away.

• Sauteed Brussels sprouts. Thanksgiving side dishes 2022 wouldn’t be complete without these greens. Cook your Brussels sprouts at a high temperature to create a caramelized flavor. The correct amount of heat will help them taste tender without being mushy. A simple web search will uncover hundreds of Brussels sprout recipes.  
• Autumn beet salad. The right ingredient mix can make beets taste like candy. Start with fresh arugula and place sliced beets, goat cheese, and apple atop. For a little extra zest, add pistachios. The dressing can be store-bought and low-calorie or homemade. 
• Sweet spud mashers. Your menu of Thanksgiving healthy sides definitely should include this fan favorite. Swap your mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes. The root vegetable is chock-full of vitamins A, B, and C. 
• Honey-glazed carrots. To make this savory side, you’ll need to do the following:

1. Peel your carrots and chop them evenly.
2. Coat the carrots with a glaze of honey, garlic, butter, cinnamon, ginger, and salt & pepper.
3. Spread the carrots over a prepared sheet pan. 
4. Roast in the oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes. 

• Stuffed mushroom caps. Depending on your preferences, there are a few variations of this side. But generally speaking, the caps are loaded with cheese, herbs, and garlic filling. They’re baked in the oven until golden. And for an extra holiday touch, complete them with crumbled pecans. 
• Garlic roasted potatoes. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic-roasted potatoes are healthier than overly buttered mashed spuds. Lisa Bryan, the author of Downshiftology, suggests choosing Yukon golds as your potato choice. 
• Apple and mushroom stuffing. This wholesome stuffing is made with mushrooms, whole-grain bread, and apples for sweetness. The full recipe serves about five people and takes 45 minutes to make. The ingredients boast vitamin B, antioxidants, and healthy carbohydrates.
• Roasted cranberry sauce. This tangy sauce is the perfect companion for turkey and potatoes. The best part is that it’s simple to make, and you’ll increase your vitamin A and C intake. For ingredients, you’ll want 1 lb. of thawed cranberries, 3/4 c. of sugar (or less), 2 tsp. of grated orange zest, and 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. A basic outline of the recipe goes as follows:

1. Heat your oven to 400℉
2. Place your ingredients on a rimmed baking sheet. 
3. Cook for 35 minutes. 

Final Thoughts

Balance out the holiday season by sneaking in some nutrient-rich foods among the drinks, desserts, and game-time. 

The above options should offer a great jumping-off point to get your creative juices flowing. 

And finally, Thanksgiving is a time for appreciation, and what’s more important than giving thanks for health? 

Ravkoo Health would like to wish you a warm, safe, and happy holiday. 

Should you need to consult remotely with a doctor, therapist, or health and wellness coach, download the Ravkoo Health app. 

Book your first online healthcare appointment today!