Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking to spice up your Thanksgiving spread, let me tell you—green Thanksgiving side dishes are the way to go! They not only bring a burst of color to your table but also add a healthy twist that everyone will appreciate. Picture those vibrant green beans, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli roasting away in your oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The best part? They’re super easy to prepare! Just toss them with a bit of olive oil and garlic, roast them until tender, and voilà—you’ve got a delicious side that perfectly complements your holiday feast. Trust me, these green delights will have everyone going back for seconds (or maybe even thirds!).
Ingredients for Green Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your vibrant green Thanksgiving side dishes. Each one brings its own unique flavor and texture, making this dish a real standout at your holiday table!
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and ends snapped off
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved for even roasting
- 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for that lovely richness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced to add a punch of flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is key!
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, for a delightful crunch on top
How to Prepare Green Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Getting these green Thanksgiving side dishes ready is a breeze! Follow my easy steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, healthy side that everyone will love.
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures those veggies roast perfectly!
- In a large bowl, combine the trimmed green beans, halved Brussels sprouts, and broccoli florets. Just imagine that vibrant mix!
- Next, drizzle in the olive oil and add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until all the veggies are nicely coated. You want every bite to be flavorful!
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even roasting.
- Now, pop that baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Just keep an eye on them!
- Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle the slivered almonds over the top for a crunchy finish. Wow, right?
- Serve them warm, and get ready for everyone to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday cooking!
- Packed with nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your feast.
- Vibrant colors that brighten up your Thanksgiving table.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Delicious flavors from roasting, garlic, and crunchy almonds.
- A crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy!
- Versatile enough to pair with various main dishes.
Tips for Success
To ensure your green Thanksgiving side dishes turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; give those veggies some space to roast evenly—trust me, it makes a difference! If you want an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of lemon juice after roasting for brightness. And remember, adjusting the seasoning is key—taste as you go! Finally, don’t skip the almonds; they add that irresistible crunch!
Variations for Green Thanksgiving Side Dishes
If you want to mix things up with your green Thanksgiving side dishes, there are so many fun variations to try! Here are a few ideas:
- Asparagus: Swap the green beans for fresh asparagus spears for a seasonal twist.
- Zucchini: Add sliced zucchini or yellow squash for a pop of color and flavor.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
- Spices: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a little heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Cheese: Toss in some grated Parmesan or feta before serving for an extra creamy finish.
- Cranberries: Add dried cranberries for a sweet contrast to the savory veggies.
Feel free to mix and match your favorites to create a dish that’s uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions
To create a beautifully balanced Thanksgiving meal, serve these green Thanksgiving side dishes alongside your favorite roasted turkey or glazed ham. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or rich stuffing, adding that necessary freshness to the plate. Don’t forget some cranberry sauce for a tangy kick! And if you’re feeling adventurous, a light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can brighten up the entire spread. Trust me, these vibrant veggies will be the star of the show!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious green Thanksgiving side dishes fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, just be careful not to overheat them—nobody wants mushy veggies! Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information
These green Thanksgiving side dishes are not only delicious but also nutritious! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, 10g of fat, 5g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get 5g of fiber, making this a wholesome addition to your holiday meal. Enjoy the goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before roasting to avoid sogginess.
What can I substitute for the slivered almonds?
If you’re not a fan of almonds or have a nut allergy, you can use sunflower seeds or even some crispy fried onions for that crunchy texture! You could also skip the crunch altogether if you prefer.
Can I make these green Thanksgiving side dishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the veggies and toss them in olive oil and seasonings a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and roast them right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What other seasonings can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can add a lovely flavor. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly.
How do I know when the veggies are done roasting?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and slightly caramelized. A fork should easily pierce through them, but they should still have a bit of bite. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of roasting!
Green Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Brighten Your Feast
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy green side dishes for your Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine green beans, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
- Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with slivered almonds.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: green thanksgiving side dishes
