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Home » Healthier Thanksgiving Sides and Sweets

Healthier Thanksgiving Sides and Sweets

By Kristina LaRue, RDN 6 Comments

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets…ahhh, how is Thanksgiving already upon us?!

2018 has unfolded in the blink of an eye and I honestly can’t believe it’s almost over. Anyone else with me?? I do love this time of year and all of the seasonal and tasty foods that come with it. With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to serve at your family gathering. Do you already have your menu set?

My mom always makes her famous Southern Cornbread Dressing, which is a family heirloom recipe, very southern and loaded with butter. Sorry not sorry. So while I’m not giving up my favorites at the holidays, I’m always looking for ways to add a little bit more healthy… cue the healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets. 

I don’t know about you but I love the variety of sides and sweets because there’s always so much to choose from! So here are several of our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There’s no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Oh and if you need tips for surviving the holidays check out my Step By Step Guide for Successful Holiday Eating.

Sides

1. Broccoli Kale SaladOur favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Lightly sweetened with agave nectar, this healthy spin on traditional broccoli salad is bursting with flavor. You’d never know it’s missing the mayo! Get the recipe here.

2. Green Bean Casserole with Au Gratin ToppingOur favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Homemade cream of mushroom soup, green beans, cheese, and french fried onions. Everything you could ever want in a green bean casserole. Get the recipe here.

3. Low Sugar Sweet Potato Souffle

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

The perfect healthy comfort food that screams Thanksgiving dinner. Love this one! Get the recipe here.

4. Shaved Brussels Sprouts SaladOur favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

A unique spin on brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberries, pecans, and a homemade citrus dressing. Get the recipe here.

5. Winter Greens Salad

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Mixed greens, acorn squash, apple slaw, and finished with a tangy citrus vinaigrette. You need this salad on your Thanksgiving table! Get the recipe here.

6. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Made with Greek yogurt, feta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. You can’t go wrong with this lightened up slow cooker dip! Get the recipe here.

7. Edamame, Feta, Cranberry Salad

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Only 5 simple ingredients and naturally sweetened with cranberries. Can it get much easier than this salad? Get the recipe here.

 

Sweets

8. Sweet Potato Pie Dessert Hummus

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Yep, you read it right. A dessert hummus made from sweet potatoes! Get the recipe here.

9. Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Tart Cherries

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

The combination of pumpkin and cherry is out of this world. Try it for yourself! Get the recipe here.

10. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

A healthy and cozy nightcap after your Thanksgiving feast! Get the recipe here.

11. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Made with Greek yogurt, this dip will satisfy any sweet tooth at your Thanksgiving gathering. Get the recipe here.

12. Stuffed Mascarpone Dates

Our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There's no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

These stuffed dates are both sweet and savory and definitely a holiday miracle. Get the recipe here.

And there you have it– some of my 12 favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets. 

I’d love to see your creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @loveandzest #loveandzest or leave a comment on the blog and let me know what you made for your Thanksgiving family gathering! Happy early Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Kristina LaRue, RDN

Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.

Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!

If you’re a modern mama– I’d love for you to join my Facebook group A Modern Motherhood Collective!

www.loveandzest.com

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Comments

  1. Gabi says

    November 14, 2018 at 10:19 am

    Only recently I’ve tried out a healthier, vegan green bean casserole and decided to serve it more often throughout the year. Great inspirations here, will probably try your Edamame salad soon:)

    Reply
  2. Cliona Keane says

    November 14, 2018 at 6:11 am

    The holidays can be so tough for those of us who struggle with eating a tad too much at times, so this round up is beyond perfect!

    Reply
  3. Natalie says

    November 14, 2018 at 1:57 am

    What an amazing collection! Everything looks and sounds so delicious and perfect for Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  4. Tisha says

    November 14, 2018 at 1:21 am

    Such a great collection! Some that I haven’t tried before either!

    Reply
  5. Tina says

    November 14, 2018 at 1:07 am

    I’m with you on the healthier versions. I don’t like to feel comatose at the dinner table. My daughter is cooking TG dinner this year, I will definitely share this article with her. Thanks for this!

    Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    November 14, 2018 at 12:27 am

    All of these look awesome! Great to have healthier recipes for the Holidays.

    Reply

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Thanks for stopping by Love & Zest. I’m Kristina LaRue, RDN (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. Here on L&Z, I share healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I'm a fan of adding veggies to everything and recipes that make mom life easier.
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