A perfectly balanced
Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without some mashed potatoes, rolls, and an assortment of desserts. Knowing exactly how to combine the most flavorful dishes and leave room for healthy dinner recipes, too, can be a little harder, though. Although, of course, the rich and indulgent dishes are some of the best parts of Thanksgiving, it's always good to add a little balance to the menu. So, this year, why not avoid the food coma by swapping out your favorite Thanksgiving classics with some healthy Thanksgiving recipes? You have to make sure you have enough energy to shop those Black Friday deals, after all.
These healthy Thanksgiving recipes are just as delicious as the Thanksgiving classics you know and love — just a little lighter. Whether you’re trying to keep your cholesterol in check or just trying to add some veggie side dishes into the mix, you can rest assured that these recipes for roasted sweet potatoes and cranberry-grape sauce will satisfy everyone at the table. But remember, you shouldn't feel bad for eating whatever you want during the holidays. Enjoying every aspect of the special occasion — including the food — is what it's all about.
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1
Green Beans with Orange and Thyme
Adding a little orange zest to your green beans will ensure everyone will want some.
Get the Green Beans with Orange and Thyme recipe.
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2
Lemon-Maple Roasted Carrots
When in doubt, throw some maple syrup on your favorite fall vegetable to make them sweet and flavorful.
Get the Lemon-Maple Roasted Carrots recipe.
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3
Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Fennel
This recipe is full of substitutions you can make to your liking to make it healthier all around.
Get the Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Fennel recipe.
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4
Basic Herb Stuffing
Stuffing can be less than healthy, but if you make it from scratch you can keep an eye on what ingredients you're using and how you're cooking it.
Get the Basic Herb Stuffing recipe.
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5
Coriander Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Thanksgiving isn't complete without some sweet potatoes. All it takes is some coriander, cinnamon, yogurt, lemon juice, and chile to make this recipe.
Get the Coriander Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.
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6
Green Beans with Chorizo and Almond Crumbs
You can prepare this side dish up to two days before your Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Green Beans with Chorizo and Almond Crumbs recipe.
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7
Wild Rice and Cherry Pilaf
You'll love this recipe so much that you'll want to eat it all week long!
Get the Wild Rice and Cherry Pilaf recipe.
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8
Pecan Pie Glazed Carrots
Even though these carrots are glazed with maple syrup and brown sugar, this side dish is still very healthy.
Get the Pecan Pie Glazed Carrots recipe.
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9
Ginger-Turmeric Cherry Tea
Stay warm this Thanksgiving with this delicious ginger-turmeric cherry tea. It can be brewed in just five minutes.
Get the Ginger-Turmeric Cherry Tea recipe.
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10
Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
You can refrigerate these pan-roasted Brussels sprouts up to a day before your dinner. Just don't forget to defrost and sauté them with seasoning before serving.
Get the Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts recipe.
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11
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
Topped with a lemon vinaigrette dressing, this shredded Brussels sprout salad is the perfect pre-entree dish.
Get the Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
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12
Creamy Garlic and Herb Spinach
Upgrade your classic spinach with a little garlic and herb cheese for a dish you can't resist.
Get the Creamy Garlic and Herb Spinach recipe.
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13
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Roasted almonds and cranberries are what make this cauliflower salad over the top delicious.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe.
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14
Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter
If you're looking for a sweet potato alternative this holiday season, try this butternut squash lathered in browned butter.
Get the Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter recipe.
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15
Squash Toasts
These squash toast take Thanksgiving appetizers to the next level.
Get the Squash Toasts recipe.
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16
Green Beans with Toasted Garlic and Almonds
Add some toasted garlic and almonds to your green beans for extra flavor and texture.
Get the Green Beans with Toasted Garlic and Almonds recipe.
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17
Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter
Instead of serving mashed potatoes with all the heavy fixings, serve these mini potatoes that are roasted to golden perfection.
Get the Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter recipe.
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18
"Kaleard" Greens
Enjoy the taste of collard greens without all the added calories in this stewed "kaleard" greens recipe.
Get the "Kaleard" Greens recipe.
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19
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
We don't know what's better — the baked sweet potatoes or the light meringue topping.
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
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20
Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Spruce up your Brussels sprouts with a light, easy-to-make cider glaze.
Get the Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
