Healthy Thanksgiving Sides: Enjoy Nutritious Dishes on Thanksgiving Day

 

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Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and enjoy delicious meals. However, many traditional Thanksgiving dishes are rich in calories and fats. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthier side options that are just as tasty. Here are some ideas for healthy Thanksgiving sides that will keep your celebration delicious and nutritious.

Fresh Green Salad

Benefits of Green Salad

Green salads are an excellent choice to add fresh vegetables to your Thanksgiving meal. Greens like spinach, arugula, and kale are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are good for digestion.

How to Make a Delicious Green Salad

To make a tasty green salad, mix various types of greens with sliced fresh fruits like apples or pears, nuts like almonds or walnuts, and add feta or goat cheese for a bit of flavor. Use a dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice for a fresh and healthy taste.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Why Choose Cauliflower?

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving classic, but they can be very heavy with butter and cream. Replacing some or all of the potatoes with cauliflower can reduce calories and carbs while still providing a creamy texture.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe

To make cauliflower mashed potatoes, steam cauliflower until tender, then mash with a bit of roasted garlic, vegetable broth, and a little butter or olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. You can mix in a few potatoes for a more traditional texture.

Roasted Vegetables

Healthy Vegetable Choices

Roasted vegetables are a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables with rich flavors and a crispy texture. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices.

How to Roast Vegetables

Cut vegetables into uniform sizes, toss with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and browned at the edges.

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Quinoa with Cranberries and Almonds

Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is a grain rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional rice or stuffing.

Quinoa Recipe

To make quinoa with cranberries and almonds, cook quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, mix with dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and a bit of fresh mint. For the dressing, use a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and a little honey for a balanced flavor.

Homemade Applesauce

Delicious and Healthy Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is a sweet and healthy complement to your main Thanksgiving dishes. Homemade versions are much healthier compared to store-bought ones that often contain added sugars.

Applesauce Recipe

To make homemade applesauce, peel and chop several apples, then cook with a bit of water and cinnamon until the apples are very soft. Mash the apples with a blender or potato masher until you reach the desired consistency. You can add a little honey if you prefer a sweeter applesauce.

Ending the Celebration Healthily

Swapping out traditional Thanksgiving sides with healthier options not only makes you feel better after a big meal but also helps maintain a balanced diet. Try some of these ideas to enjoy a delicious and nutritious Thanksgiving meal.