Give Your Thanksgiving Table a Healthy Glow Up!

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, family, and gratitude. But who says delicious has to mean heavy? This year, let's inject some vibrant health into our holiday spread with three incredible, wholesome side dish recipes that will delight your taste buds without weighing you down. Get ready to impress your guests and feel fantastic!

 

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze & Cranberries

 

Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts! Roasting them transforms these mini cabbages into tender, slightly crispy gems, especially when paired with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze and bright cranberries.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet.

3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, shaking the pan halfway through.

4. While sprouts are roasting, combine balsamic vinegar and maple syrup (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly into a glaze.

5. Once sprouts are done, transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with dried cranberries. Serve warm.

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2. Sweet Potato & Apple Bake with Pecan Crumble

 

This dish is a delightful twist on classic sweet potato casserole, swapping out heavy marshmallows for the natural sweetness of apples and a crunchy, wholesome pecan topping. It's comfort food at its finest, with a healthy twist!

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 medium apples (like Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and diced

• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• Pinch of cloves

• For the Pecan Crumble:

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

  • 2 tbsp rolled oats

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tbsp melted coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place diced sweet potatoes in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain well.

3. In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes. Stir in the diced apples, apple sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

4. Transfer the mixture to an 8x8 inch baking dish.

5. In a separate small bowl, combine pecans, oats, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Mix well.

6. Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the apples are tender.

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3. Herbed Quinoa with Dried Cherries & Pistachios

 

For a refreshing and nutrient-dense side, look no further than this vibrant quinoa dish. It's light, flavorful, and adds a beautiful burst of color and texture to your plate. Plus, it's packed with protein and fiber!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

• 1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped if large

• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.

2. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, dill, dried cherries, and pistachios.

4. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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There you have it – three delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dishes that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy a holiday that's as nourishing as it is memorable! What are your favorite healthy Thanksgiving sides? Share them in the comments below!