30 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes • Fit Mitten Kitchen

Kickoff the holiday season with these healthy Thanksgiving side dishes. These easy recipes include everything from casseroles to soups to autumn salad ideas. You’ll also find the vegetarian, gluten-free and plant-based sides.

graphic collage with images and text "30 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes"

With Thanksgiving coming up, I thought it would be a *brilliant beyond brilliant idea* (my favorite line from The Parent Trap) to bring you loads of classic Thanksgiving side dishes that are lightened up.

Table of Contents

Sides are obviously the best part about Thanksgiving. I always have a hard time choosing what to make myself… I want to bring something made with whole foods, maybe a little on the healthier side, but it can’t compromise on flavor. Sides everyone will love, no matter what!

Before we get to sharing some of the best Thanksgiving sides to make this year, let’s talk about Thanksgiving prep work!

Make Ahead Tips

Prep Ahead – A lot of recipes you can make through a certain step, then finish them off the day you’re ready to have your Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re hosting or making multiple dishes, be sure to check for recipes that this would work with.
Freeze – Are there recipes you can make ahead, freeze, then warm up in the oven when it’s time for your Thanksgiving meal? It might surprise you that you can freeze soups, mashed potatoes, bread for your stuffing, rolls, and more.
Limiting Oven Space – Look for sides that you can keep out of the oven so you don’t have to time things around limited oven space. This can be putting sides made in the instant pot, slow cooker, or salads.

Ready for some Thanksgiving sides inspiration?

Vegetable Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash

This Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash recipe is a must! Delicious roasted veggies tossed in an almond butter balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect, healthy side dish for your next meal and great for holiday sides too. Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Paleo Friendly, too!

brussels sprouts, squash, cranberries, almonds, pour sauce over top

Lightened Up Thanksgiving Favorites

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Oat Crumble

Healthy Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Oat Crumble – the perfect side dish for your holiday table. Easy to make, lots of flavor and gluten-free friendly too. The whole family will love this!

spoon digging into white casserole dish of sweet potatoes and pecans

Lightened Up Cheesy Potato Casserole
Healthy Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
The Best Cornbread Stuffing – Ambitious Kitchen

Fall Salads

Fall Kale Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

A simple fall kale salad with massaged kale, honeycrisp apples, goat cheese, and paired with a maple tahini dressing.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Farro Salad – The Healthy Maven
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad – All the Healthy Things
Farro & Kale Butternut Squash Salad

Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

Vegan Gluten Free Cornbread

The best Vegan Cornbread recipe that’s soft, tender, and sweet – and just so happens to be gluten-free! Serve it with chili, BBQ, or as a side dish for the holidays. A simple, easy, and quick recipe.

Mushroom Gravy – The Almond Eater
Sticky Teriyaki + Maple Whole Roasted Cauliflower – Orchids + Sweet Tea
Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing – Marisa Moore
Vegan Meatloaf – Jessica in the Kitchen

Easy Side Dishes to Feed a Crowd

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese! A healthier, lightened up version of your childhood favorite. A simple and quick recipe – no baking required! Gluten-free friendly using your favorite pasta. Kid-friendly, mom-approved.

mac and cheese with garnish in a grey bowl

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – by Pinch of Yum
Roasted Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing – by A Couple Cooks
Brussels Sprouts & Bacon with Apples

The Best Thanksgiving Soups Recipes

Easy Butternut Squash Soup

You NEED this Butternut Squash Soup in your life! It comes together super quick if using a pressure cooker, but directions for the stovetop are also included. Vegan, paleo and even Whole30® compliant.