12 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Your Guests Will Enjoy

Thanksgiving is all about expressing gratitude for everything we have in life – people to love, a roof over our heads, food on the table. And what better way to celebrate than to stuff ourselves with good food while surrounded by our favorite people?

The Thanksgiving table is equivalent to joy, appreciation, an abundance of good emotions, and love. And every host knows that while the well-baked, delicious turkey is a must-have, the side dishes are even more important.

So, today, I’ve prepared a beautiful and yummy selection of Thanksgiving side dishes that will make your guests sigh with contentment and rub their full bellies, wishing for more of… well, everything. I already covered the potato side dishes right here (click), so you won’t see any potatoes below.

Ready? Let’s start!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Creamed Spinach with Croutons

You can prepare this creamy spinach with croutons ahead of time, which makes it a good option for a Thanksgiving side dish. It has a wonderful texture, and the crunchy croutons are a pure delight. Add the gentle aroma of garlic and a handful of herbs, and you’ve got yourself a new favorite side dish.

Prep time: 10 mins.

Cook time: 25 mins.

Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Croutons

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Using three types of cheese, nutty seasonings, and a creamy texture, this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is one of the yummiest side dishes for your Thanksgiving table. It’s a classic comfort food, perfect for the windy autumn holiday.

Prep time: 40 mins.

Cook time: 30 mins.

Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli

Ready in just under 30 minutes, these roasted veggies will add color and texture to your selection of Thanksgiving side dishes. This recipe keeps their crunchy texture, adds even more aroma, and makes them really yummy.

Prep time: 5 mins.

Cook time: 25 mins.

Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli

Almondine Green Beans

These fresh green beans are sautéed with butter and almonds, then finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a delicious green bean almondine. This side dish is perfect for cozy family dinners and big holiday dinners.

Prep time: 10 mins.

Cook time: 15 mins.

Recipe: Almondine Green Beans

Hasselback Butternut Squash with Cinnamon Butter

Sweet caramelized butternut squash slathered with cinnamon butter might be one of the most perfect and impressive Thanksgiving side dishes you can offer your guests this year. It certainly looks like something you need on your plate, but it’s also tasty and aromatic.

Prep time: 10 – 15 mins.

Cook time: 35 – 40 mins.

Recipe: Hasselback Butternut Squash with Cinnamon Butter

Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing

Using simple ingredients you already have, this easy Thanksgiving dressing is a classic for the holiday table. A new twist on the old-fashioned dressing, this recipe is easy to follow and gives you a yummy dish everyone will love.

Prep time: 15 mins.

Cook time: 1 hour

Recipe: Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing

Greek Beet Salad (Patzarosalata)

This Greek Beet Salad is a healthy, flavor-packed side dish. Tender beets are tossed in a garlicky Greek salad dressing and topped with feta cheese and pickled red onions.

Prep time: 10 mins.

Cook time: 40 mins.

Recipe: Greek Beet Salad (Patzarosalata)

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries

This Brussels sprouts salad with cranberries, almonds, and goat cheese is tossed in a zesty honey and apple cider vinegar dressing. This lovely salad keeps well when made a few hours in advance, making it a great choice for fall and winter gatherings!

Prep time: 15 min.

Cook time: 20 min.

Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries

Cinnamon Maple Cardamom Roasted Delicata Squash

This dish is simple to make, and the cinnamon, maple, and cardamom give the squash the ideal fall flavor. It is vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, so perfect for everyone.

Prep time: 5 mins.

Cook time: 30 mins.

Recipe: Cinnamon Maple Cardamom Roasted Delicata Squash

Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup

This Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup is a fresher, lighter version of the classic Thanksgiving recipe. It’s also easy to make gluten-free and vegan!

Prep time: 15 mins.

Cook time: 1 hr. and 15 mins.

Recipe: Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup

Pumpkin Risotto Recipe with Crispy Sage

This creamy pumpkin risotto with crispy sage is infused with warm spices to highlight the winter squash, and is aromatic with savory garlic and herbs. Butter, half and half, and Parmesan add decadence while white wine balances the richness. It’s a delightful addition to a holiday spread and a perfect cozy side dish for cold weather months.

Prep time: 15 mins.

Cook time: 45 mins.

Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto Recipe with Crispy Sage

Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing Recipe with Cranberries

This homemade Thanksgiving sausage stuffing is an easy and healthy side dish for your holiday meal! Made with Italian sausage, vegetables, apples, and cranberries, it’s a tasty twist on a classic dish. Pair this bread and sausage stuffing with turkey and all your favorite sides for a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving meal!

Prep time: 15 mins.

Cook time: 1 hour

Recipe: Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing with Cranberries

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