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Enjoy Thanksgiving with these 10 Nutrient-Dense side dish recipes.
Thanksgiving can still be a feast full of flavor without compromising your health and wellness goals. Medical weight loss patients can enjoy hearty, delicious, and nutrient-dense dishes that align with their dietary plans. These healthy side recipes are perfect for savoring the best of Thanksgiving while staying on track. Packed with fresh ingredients and mouth-watering flavors, these recipes from Serenity Wellness and Family Practice’s recommendations prove that nutritious eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
MASHED CAULIFLOWER
This creamy Mashed Cauliflower is a perfect low-carb Thanksgiving side that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Blended to velvety smoothness with garlic, olive oil, and fresh chives, it’s a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes. Serve this dish alongside your holiday favorites for a comforting, guilt-free addition to the feast.
BEST EVER GREEN BEANS
Add a pop of freshness to your Thanksgiving table with these Best Ever Green Beans. Sautéed with garlic, tossed with crunchy almonds, and brightened with a hint of lemon, this dish balances rich holiday classics with vibrant, crisp flavor. It’s a quick and easy side that will delight your guests.
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a sweet potato dish, and this Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole delivers all the cozy flavors with a healthier twist. Topped with a crunchy pecan crumble, it’s naturally sweetened and irresistibly creamy—perfect for wowing guests without overindulging.
EVERY-CITRUS SALAD WITH ALMONDS AND MANCHEGO
For a refreshing Thanksgiving side, try the Every-Citrus Salad with Almonds and Manchego. This zesty dish combines juicy citrus segments, creamy manchego cheese, and crunchy almonds, offering a burst of brightness to balance heavier holiday fare. It’s a stunning, palate-cleansing addition to your feast.
FARRO SALAD
This Farro Salad is a hearty, nutritious side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Featuring chewy farro, roasted vegetables, tangy feta, and a lemony dressing, it’s a wholesome, flavorful complement to turkey and gravy. Bring it to the table for a modern twist on holiday grains.
HOLIDAY ROASTED VEGETABLES
Golden, caramelized, and bursting with flavor, these Holiday Roasted Vegetables are a Thanksgiving essential. Seasonal favorites like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are tossed in olive oil and herbs, creating a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with any holiday main course.
NATURALLY SWEETENED CRANBERRY SAUCE
Brighten your Thanksgiving spread with this Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and maple syrup, it’s a healthier, vibrant twist on the classic condiment. Perfect for pairing with turkey, this sauce brings a tangy-sweet zing to every bite.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUINOA STUFFING
Switch up your Thanksgiving stuffing with this Butternut Squash Quinoa Stuffing. Packed with roasted squash, quinoa, and fresh herbs, it’s a gluten-free option that’s both hearty and flavorful. This modern take on a classic side will impress guests looking for something fresh yet comforting.
SHAVED APPLE FENNEL SALAD
Add a crisp, refreshing element to your Thanksgiving menu with this Shaved Apple Fennel Salad. The sweet crunch of apples, paired with the licorice-like flavor of fennel and a bright citrus vinaigrette, complements rich dishes like stuffing and turkey beautifully. It’s a light and elegant holiday side.
GRILLED CARROTS
Bring smoky-sweet flavor to your Thanksgiving spread with these Grilled Carrots. Lightly charred and tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs, they’re a simple yet sophisticated side that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey and creamy casseroles. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of carrots in a holiday-ready way.
