Thanksgiving Healthy Sides: 7 Colorful, Guilt-Free Delights

thanksgiving healthy sides

By:

Julia marin

Thanksgiving is all about coming together, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food. But let’s be real—having a few healthy sides on the table makes the feast feel even more balanced and festive! I love serving up these thanksgiving healthy sides because they not only taste amazing but also add a pop of color to your spread. Picture vibrant green beans and sweet, roasted carrots that complement that golden turkey perfectly. Trust me, these dishes are sure to impress your guests while keeping the spirit of health alive during the holidays. Let’s dive into this delightful selection!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful thanksgiving healthy sides:

  • 2 cups of green beans: Fresh and crisp, these provide a lovely crunch.
  • 1 cup of quinoa: This fluffy grain is packed with protein and makes a great base.
  • 1 cup of chopped carrots: Sweet and colorful, they add a beautiful touch.
  • 1 cup of diced sweet potatoes: Earthy and subtly sweet, they’re perfect for roasting.
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil: This brings everything together and adds richness.
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: A must for that savory depth of flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your preference for added flair.
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme: This herb adds a lovely aromatic touch.

Feel free to mix and match or even throw in your favorite veggies if you’re feeling adventurous!

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital

Glad Tall Kitchen Trash Bags 13 Gallon

Glad Tall Kitchen Trash Bags 13 Gallon

KOIOS 5-in-1 Hand Immersion Blender

KOIOS 5-in-1 Hand Immersion Blender

CIRCLE JOY Gravity Electric Salt

CIRCLE JOY Gravity Electric Salt

How to Prepare Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your scrumptious thanksgiving healthy sides:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for roasting those veggies to perfection!
  2. Wash and trim the green beans. You want them fresh and crisp, so make sure to snap off those ends!
  3. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and look beautiful on your plate.
  4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. This flavorful blend is going to elevate your veggies!
  5. Toss the vegetables in the olive oil mixture until they’re all nicely coated. Don’t skimp on this—get in there with your hands for the best results!
  6. Spread the vegetables out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures they roast nicely without steaming.
  7. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You want them tender and slightly caramelized.
  8. While those are roasting, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. It should be fluffy and light.
  9. Serve the roasted vegetables over a bed of quinoa for a nutritious and hearty side dish!

Doesn’t that sound easy and delicious? You’re going to love the aroma filling your kitchen as everything roasts together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy holiday prep!
  • Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutritious veggies and protein-rich quinoa, it’s a guilt-free addition to your feast.
  • Amazing Flavor: The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, and aromatic thyme creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
  • Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors not only make your plate pop but also make it visually appealing for your guests.
  • Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables or herbs!

Tips for Success

To ensure your thanksgiving healthy sides turn out perfectly, here are some insider tips! First, make sure to cut your vegetables into similar sizes. This helps them roast evenly and look gorgeous on your plate. Don’t skip the step of tossing the veggies in olive oil—this not only adds flavor but also helps them caramelize beautifully! If you love a bit of crunch, try broiling them for a couple of minutes at the end. And remember, always taste and adjust your seasonings; everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be shy to experiment a little!

Variations

One of the best things about these thanksgiving healthy sides is how adaptable they are! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the green beans for roasted Brussels sprouts—they add a wonderful nutty flavor. You could also toss in some diced bell peppers for a sweet crunch or even throw in a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens! For a flavor twist, sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili powder into the olive oil mixture for a kick. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and make this dish your own!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for a serving of these delicious thanksgiving healthy sides: approximately 180 calories, 5g of fat, 6g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes, but they give you a great idea of the wholesome goodness you’re serving!

Serving Suggestions

These thanksgiving healthy sides pair wonderfully with your holiday turkey or ham, adding a vibrant touch to your plate. You can also serve them alongside a light herb dressing or a tangy cranberry sauce for a burst of flavor. Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work well, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the vegetables and cook the quinoa a day in advance. Just reheat everything in the oven before serving.

What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even cauliflower would all make fantastic additions to these thanksgiving healthy sides.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again!

Can I substitute quinoa with something else?
Definitely! Brown rice or farro are great alternatives if you prefer a different grain.

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thanksgiving healthy sides

Thanksgiving Healthy Sides: 7 Colorful, Guilt-Free Delights


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A selection of healthy side dishes perfect for Thanksgiving.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups of green beans
  • 1 cup of quinoa
  • 1 cup of chopped carrots
  • 1 cup of diced sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and trim the green beans.
  3. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and carrots.
  4. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Toss the vegetables in the olive oil mixture.
  6. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet.
  7. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
  8. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
  9. Serve the roasted vegetables over a bed of quinoa.

Notes

  • You can add other vegetables as desired.
  • Adjust seasoning to your taste.
  • Quinoa can be substituted with brown rice.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: thanksgiving healthy sides

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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