Thanksgiving Sides: 20 Flavorful Dishes for a Lighter Holiday Table

A warm, inviting holiday table featuring roasted turkey and seasonal sides perfect for rounding out your Thanksgiving menu.

Thanksgiving sides are where creativity shines. They bring color, warmth, and comfort to the table, but they don’t have to derail your goals. With a few mindful swaps and fresh ideas, you can enjoy your favorite flavors in lighter, balanced ways that still feel indulgent.

From herb-roasted vegetables to citrus seafood and cozy pumpkin pudding, these dishes prove that seasonal flavor can be both satisfying and Phase 2–friendly.

Fresh Takes on the Classics

Green Beans Sautéed with Mushrooms and Garlic

A lighter version of green bean casserole that’s simple and full of flavor.

Ingredients: Green beans, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, olive oil spray, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper.

Instructions: Sauté mushrooms and garlic until fragrant, add green beans, and cook until tender-crisp. Finish with lemon juice and pepper.

Tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for brightness.

Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes” with Roasted Garlic

Creamy, smooth, and comforting without the starch.

Ingredients: Cauliflower florets, roasted garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper.

Instructions: Steam cauliflower until soft, then blend with roasted garlic and olive oil until creamy. Season to taste.

Tip: Garnish with fresh chives for extra flavor.

Herbed Carrot & Parsnip Purée

Naturally sweet and aromatic, this pairs beautifully with seafood or greens.

Ingredients: Carrots, parsnips, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, salt.

Instructions: Boil carrots and parsnips until tender, then blend with oil and seasonings until smooth. Serve warm.

Savory Baked Stuffed Mushrooms

All the essence of stuffing, in a bite-sized side.

Ingredients: Large mushroom caps, diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, balsamic vinegar.

Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, stir in herbs and vinegar, fill mushroom caps, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

Cranberry-Orange Relish (No Sugar Added)

A fresh, tart side that brightens every bite.

Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, orange segments, orange zest, lemon juice, stevia or monk fruit.

Instructions: Pulse cranberries and orange pieces in a food processor with zest and lemon juice until chunky. Sweeten to taste.

Tip: Chill before serving to let flavors meld.

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts make a simple, flavor-packed Thanksgiving side that’s fully Phase 2 compliant.

Regional Inspirations

Warm Roasted Brussels and Cranberry Salad

Crisp Brussels meet tangy cranberries in this colorful warm salad.

Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, cranberries, olive oil spray, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt.

Instructions: Roast Brussels at 400°F until browned, toss with vinegar, mustard, and cranberries while warm.

Roasted Beet and Herb Salad (Vinegar-Based)

Earthy, vibrant, and refreshing.

Ingredients: Roasted beets, fresh parsley, vinegar, olive oil spray, black pepper.

Instructions: Toss roasted beets with vinegar, oil, and herbs; serve warm or chilled.

Southern-Style Sautéed Greens (Collards or Kale)

Soulful and simple, with a peppery finish.

Ingredients: Collard greens or kale, garlic, olive oil spray, sea salt, pepper, red pepper flakes.

Instructions: Sauté garlic in oil spray, add greens, cover, and cook until tender. Season to taste.

Pacific Northwest Mushroom Sauté with Thyme and Garlic

Savory, umami-rich, and perfect beside any entrée.

Ingredients: Mixed mushrooms, garlic, fresh thyme, balsamic vinegar, olive oil spray, salt.

Instructions: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme, deglaze with balsamic, and cook until lightly caramelized.

West Coast Citrus-Roasted Vegetables

Bright, tangy, and beautifully roasted.

Ingredients: Carrots, fennel, zucchini, lemon zest, olive oil spray, salt, herbs.

Instructions: Toss vegetables with oil, zest, and herbs; roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.

Zesty Roasted Carrots with Ginger and Lime

Vibrant Southwest-inspired flavor.

Ingredients: Carrots, grated ginger, lime juice, chili flakes, olive oil spray, salt.

Instructions: Roast carrots until golden, toss with lime juice and ginger, sprinkle with chili flakes.

Seafood & Light Mains

Grilled Shrimp with Lemon and Herbs

A clean, coastal alternative to heavier meats.

Ingredients: Shrimp, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, olive oil spray, salt, pepper.

Instructions: Toss shrimp with seasonings, grill or broil for 2–3 minutes per side, and serve immediately.

Citrus-Herb White Fish or Salmon Filets

Simple and satisfying.

Ingredients: White fish or salmon, lemon slices, dill, olive oil spray, salt, pepper.

Instructions: Bake or grill until flaky, top with fresh lemon juice and herbs.

Fruit & Dessert Alternatives

Autumn Spiced Fruit Compote

Cozy sweetness without the sugar.

Ingredients: Apples, pears, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, stevia (optional).

Instructions: Combine fruit and spices in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway.

Tip: Serve warm with chia pudding or enjoy cold for breakfast.

Citrus & Pomegranate Salad with Mint

Bright and refreshing: a modern twist on fruit salad.

Ingredients: Orange and grapefruit segments, pomegranate seeds, mint leaves, lemon juice.

Instructions: Layer fruit, drizzle with lemon juice, and top with mint. Chill before serving.

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

All the flavor of pumpkin pie, none of the guilt.

Ingredients: Chia seeds, unsweetened pumpkin purée, almond milk or water, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, vanilla extract, stevia or monk fruit (optional).

Instructions: Whisk everything together until smooth, let it sit for a few minutes, whisk again, then chill until thick and pudding-like (overnight is best).

Tip: Serve cold with a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

This colorful medley of roasted root vegetables brings natural sweetness and hearty warmth to your holiday table.

Bonus Additions

Balsamic Roasted Onions and Peppers

Sweet, smoky, and a perfect accent.

Ingredients: Red onions, bell peppers, balsamic vinegar, olive oil spray, salt.

Instructions: Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes, tossing halfway, until caramelized.

Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Lemon and Basil

Light, crisp, and elegant.

Ingredients: Zucchini, lemon juice, fresh basil, sea salt, olive oil spray.

Instructions: Slice zucchini into ribbons, toss with lemon, basil, and oil. Chill before serving.

Cabbage and Apple Slaw with Dijon Vinaigrette

Crunchy and refreshing.

Ingredients: Shredded cabbage, thin apple slices, Dijon mustard, vinegar, olive oil spray.

Instructions: Whisk dressing, toss with cabbage and apples, and chill 20 minutes before serving.

Garlic-Roasted Radishes

Surprisingly buttery and mild.

Ingredients: Radishes, minced garlic, olive oil spray, salt, pepper.

Instructions: Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

Gratitude, Flavor, and Balance

This Thanksgiving, your table can be both colorful and balanced. Choose recipes that highlight seasonal produce, bright herbs, and mindful portions. Whether it’s citrus shrimp, roasted vegetables, or that cozy pumpkin pie chia pudding, these dishes prove that eating well doesn’t mean missing out. It means savoring every bite with intention.

For more delicious dishes for your holiday table, check out these articles:

Regional Thanksgiving Favorites: Guilt-Free Side Dishes for Every Table

Thanksgiving Banquet: Healthy Twists for Holiday Favorites

Light, Flavorful, and Filling: Vegetarian Dishes Under 500 Calories