Give your Thanksgiving a boost with healthy side dishes
You can eat your nutrients and you can drink them, and with Thanksgiving coming up next week, I’ve got a few ideas for you on both accounts …
Seems like now is the perfect time to pick out and share some delicious and healthy side dishes, as well as talk about ways to give yourself a boost with some added vegetables and fruits away from the dinner table.
If you’re like me, when you’re searching for a recipe, you can end up spending far too much time. That’s why I’ve done a little leg-work for you when it comes to picking out at least one “healthier” side for the table, to plop down next to the hearty mac and cheese requested by some members of the family. Right? And no, this is not the time of year to worry about eating totally clean. It’s Thanksgiving, for goodness sake. Enjoy your meals, soak up your time with loved ones, but don’t forget to throw some fruits and veggies into your system here and there.
A few healthy Thanksgiving side dishes
To create this list, I reached out to some fellow bloggers, and I also spent time scouring the Internet. While I’ve never made any of these recipes before, something about them stood out to me. See what you think …
- Roasted Winter Vegetable Salad with Goat Cheese and Pepitas served warm. Because you can’t ever go wrong with roasting veggies.
- Carrot Date and Mint Salad served cold. Seems quite refreshing when paired with hot entrees and might be good for the breath as well.
- Cranberry, Almond and Mushroom Stuffing simply because I love mushrooms and this one is super easy to put together.
- Avocado Deviled Eggs for an appetizer. I mean, creamy green goodness in an egg? Yes, please.
- Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms done with a twist. Maybe try these with turkey sausage? Yummy. I think so.
- Delicata Squash Salad with Kale, Pecans and Apples is calling my name, because I’ve never cooked delicata before.
- Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Mash instead of mashed potatoes. I couldn’t possibly love the thought of this one any more.
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Smoked Paprika and Turmeric because turmeric is all the rage today with it’s anti-inflammatory properties.
- Apple Brussels Sprouts Hash is a great way to have breakfast for dinner this holiday.
- Quinoa Stuffing with Apple, Sweet Potato and Hazelnuts because there is not a Thanksgiving without stuffing.
- Black Kale and Mango Salad with Walnut Crusted Goat Cheese would scare away some, but looks totally awesome to me.
- Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta because, quite frankly, feta should be part of every meal.
I would love to eat any of these creative, seasonal and healthy veggie-filled dishes, that’s for sure. And perhaps one of them will make its way to your table as well?
But outside of sitting down for Thanksgiving for dinner, there are other ways to get in some colorful nutrients …
Give yourself an extra boost with juices
Look no further than these tasty “boosted” juices from my friends at Naked Juice, the perfect beverage to accompany breakfast, lunch or act as a snack this holiday season.
Check out the Blue Machine (containing blueberries, blackberries, apples and a banana), Green Machine (containing apples, banana, kiwi, mango and pineapple), Power-C Machine (containing strawberries, guavas, apples, orange, peach and mango) and Red Machine (containing raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, apples, pomegranate, orange, banana and grapes), which are all full of vitamins, vegetables, fruits and have no sugar added. While not exactly a side dish for Thanksgiving, these juices are definitely a great thing to have on hand during the busy holiday season, when you’re in the kitchen and in need of a refreshment and some extra nutrients.
Happy and healthy eating and drinking to you, my friends!
Add some extra veggies and fruits to the table with these healthy #Thanksgiving side dishes ... Click To Tweet*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Naked Juice. As a brand ambassador, I was compensated and received product. However, all thoughts an opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that work with me and A Lady Goes West!
Questions of the day
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
How do you give yourself a boost over the holidays?
Where do you find recipe inspiration?
Sweet potato and cauliflower mash sounds delicious!
Sure does, Megan! As does the avo recipe of yours I shared. That’s a good one!
I started making some healthier sides last year for my family… they were actually a hit!
I usually try not to over stuff myself with the heavy sides and make sure to include a little salad!
Nice job, Hilary! It’s good to put at least a couple of healthy options on the table! 🙂
The only juices I drink during the holidays come from grapes and apples 😀 But you know me, I practically AM a vegetable!
Yes you are a vegetable, Susie. Yes you are. 🙂 hehhe
I get that Naked is a sponsor but really? Promoting them as a healthy option when they have just as much sugar as a soda? There may not be any sugar added, but since they’ve juiced the fruit and removed all the fiber, that sugar is a big shock to the system. So if you’re busy in the kitchen and drink this, then you’ll have that quick burst of energy and the aftercrash is going to be a b*tch.
Hi Kaitlin! I am not a registered dietitian, but I would certainly believe that Naked Juices with all of the nutrients and vitamins like these are healthier options than soda. There are plenty of worse things to consume than these boosted juices — there are SO many good things in them in addition to the natural sugar. And typically, if you enjoy a Naked Juice with a snack, I don’t think the sugar would be a big shock. I have them ALL the time and don’t get that crash. But of course, I appreciate your feedback. I’d rather see someone pick up a juice than a soda, but to each his own! Hope you have a nice day.
Girl after my own heart- feta should definitely be included in every meal. I’m also a sucker for sweet potatoes, especially if bourbon and marshmallows are involved. Everything in moderation right?
Yes, Gen, Yes!! My mouth is watering just thinking about that combination …
I haven’t been creative with Thanksgiving but I’m thinking about it this year. We normally just have mashed potatoes and gravy. My husband eats cabbage and I eat green beans.
Hi Cassi! You should totally try something new! Maybe hubby would be pleased?? 🙂
No joke, our tradition involves going to the beach and getting Thanksgiving dinner catered. I mean, we’re in Florida, too – you get me! But this year, my brother has randomly decided that we’re all going to make our Thanksgiving dinner with 7 kids meandering through the house. We’ll see how this goes, but I have a feeling one of the recipes above may save me from eating Frosted Flakes for dinner, ha!
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jessica! We go to the beach every single Christmas Day, but Thanksgiving is a bit more traditional at home. I haven’t been in Florida for Thanksgiving for a few years, so it’s SO good to be back!! hahaha hope you give one of these a try!
These are seriously making me salivate. I love anything with squash as an ingredient and may have to try Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta before Thanksgiving!
For sure, Bethann. I can’t wait for Thanksgiving eating already … 🙂
I’m all about the sweet potatoes and green beans, but that roasted butternut squash dish looks INCREDIBLE!
Hi Jamie!! I know! I want it now! 🙂 Happy eating!
I want to add a new healthy side dish this year. I wish I could replace my husbands green bean casserole but he loves it. I am thinking something with brussel sprouts this year and maybe your butternut squash recipe.
Yes, Sheena! You can’t go wrong with either of those veggies. Hope you get to switch it up! Or just make extra … 🙂
Everything sounds so good! I could easily eat nothing but sides and be a happy camper. Actually, I have eaten nothing but sides on several occassion, lol.
Thanks for including me, lady! xo
Hi Sarah! I know! The sides are the best. And of course, I couldn’t leave you out!! 🙂
Thanks for compiling such a great list! I’ve been looking for inspiration for sides to take to my work potluck and family dinner. I’m thinking the Delicata Squash Salad with Kale, Pecans and Apples might be a winner! I really appreciate that when you do sponsored posts, that you don’t just slap the product on there and why you like it. It’s so refreshing to see quality content prior to the product sponsoring, I like it! Thank you for being awesome, and providing us with good material 🙂
You are too sweet, Jessie! I love your kind comments. And hey, looking for recipes takes forever, so I’m glad this one is helpful to you. Let me know if you try the Delicata!! 🙂
You are making my holiday planning so much easier. I’m totally going to agree with you on the feta thing. And avocado deviled eggs – genius! Great way to get some filling protein and hello deviled eggs are pretty much my favorite! I’m so intrigued with some of these – the sweet potato and cauliflower mash, that would be perfect (my step dad is diabetic so I love bringing things he can eat). I’m off to go check out these links! Thanks for including me 🙂 xoxoo Happy Thanksgiving Ashley!!
So you’re saying you want to make them all, Sam? Can I come over to your place then?? hahaha
These all sound SO good! Let me know if you make any of them and how they turned out 🙂 My luck I’ll be in the hospital this Thanksgiving and won’t get to have all the delicious food haha!
I can’t wait to hear your good news and see some pics of your new bundle. So I won’t even bother saying Happy Thanksgiving heeheh 🙂
Hi Ashley! There are a lot of great recipe ideas here, thank you so much for including my stuffed mushrooms into the mix! Love the Naked juices, too. Happy Thursday!
Do you know how much I love mushrooms? That one was a given, Heather! 🙂
This is a great list of recipes!! I want to try them ALL hehe. My favorite Thanksgiving side dish is mashed potatoes. And since I have been loving sweet potatoes this fall, the sweet potato and cauliflower mash sounds perfect! Thanks for sharing, Ashley! 🙂
Hi Melanie! I have been obsessed with cauliflower mash since having it at a Ruby Tuesday restaurant MANY years ago. It’s hard to believe that it’s healthy.
love my squash recipes, so Ill have to check out those yummy butternut squash ones 🙂
xo,
Sarah Grace
http://freshfitnhealthy.com
I would try all those recipes – yum! My favorite Thanksgiving dish – sweet potatoes! And, I have a funny picture for you about my Japanese sweet potato – I’ll send it later. I find most of my recipes online – just searching. One of my very, very favorite recipes ever is this: http://www.heandsheeatclean.com/blog/2011/10/he-and-she-slow-cook-clean-crock-pot I share it with everyone and everyone loves it. So easy, good, and healthy! Can’t wait for Thanksgiving! Have fun in FL! Will you try to do any classes while you are there? I sometimes like to go visit a new gym and take an instructor’s class I’ve never been to. It’s fun!
Hi Melissa! I haven’t decided if I will head to a gym or not or just lay low the whole time. I brought a band, so I may do CX at home. And crockpot meals are the BEST! Thanks for sharing that one, lady! 🙂 I haven’t had a Japanese sweet potato in two days, and I’m having withdrawals.
Yummy Yummy! Can’t wait to try one of these, the question is…which?!
XO Chloe
A Latte Lipstick
That’s how I feel too, lady! So many good recipes, so little time!
I know, Chloe! Just too much goodness!!
Thank you so much for sharing my recipe! All of these dishes sound so good, especially the roasted butternut squash! Love the Naked Juices for getting a quick veggie fix while traveling over the holidays.
Laura! Love your blog! Thanks for saying hi! And yes, your recipe was a definite keeper! 🙂