Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but let’s be real—sometimes it’s easy to go a little overboard with all the delicious food! That’s why I love making these healthy Thanksgiving sides. They’re not just good for you, but they’re also packed with flavor. I believe it’s all about finding that perfect balance between indulgence and health during the holiday season. With these sides, you can enjoy your turkey and stuffing while still feeling great about what’s on your plate. Trust me, your taste buds—and your body—will thank you for these healthy Thanksgiving sides!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Sides Healthy
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 lb green beans
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sides Healthy
Preparing these healthy Thanksgiving sides is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar by the end! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process so you can impress your guests while keeping it nutritious.
Roasting the Brussels Sprouts
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, take your Brussels sprouts and give them a good rinse, then trim the ends and cut them in half. In a large bowl, toss those halved sprouts with olive oil and minced garlic until they’re well coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer—this helps them roast evenly. Pop them in the oven and let them roast for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to be golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Halfway through, give them a little shake to ensure even browning!
Sautéing Carrots and Green Beans
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, grab a large skillet and heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add your sliced carrots first since they need a bit longer to cook. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Next, toss in the green beans and sauté everything together for another 5-7 minutes. You want them bright green and tender, but not mushy! Keep an eye on them, and stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.
Combining Quinoa and Cranberries
Now, let’s bring those flavors together! In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked quinoa with the dried cranberries. The sweetness of the cranberries will add a lovely contrast to the nutty quinoa. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in a bit of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice for zest. This mix is the perfect complement to your roasted veggies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Flavorful sides that everyone will love, even the picky eaters
- Healthy ingredients that keep the indulgence in check
- Colorful and vibrant dishes that brighten up your Thanksgiving table
- Great for meal prep—make ahead and reheat with ease
Tips for Success
To make these healthy Thanksgiving sides truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, always adjust cooking times based on your oven—every one is a little different, so keep an eye on those veggies while they roast. If you want to enhance the flavors, don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices, like a pinch of smoked paprika or some fresh herbs. And if you’re prepping ahead of time, feel free to roast the Brussels sprouts and sauté the carrots and green beans a day in advance. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving, and they’ll taste fresh and delicious!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each serving of these healthy Thanksgiving sides. Each serving contains about 220 calories, 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, you’ll get 8g of fiber, which is a bonus for your digestive health! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they may vary slightly based on specific ingredients used.
FAQ About Thanksgiving Sides Healthy
Can I make these sides ahead of time? Absolutely! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and sauté the carrots and green beans a day before. Just reheat them in the oven before serving to keep them fresh.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
Can I substitute any ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap the almonds for walnuts or pecans if you prefer. You can also use fresh cranberries if you want a tart kick.
Serving Suggestions
These healthy Thanksgiving sides pair beautifully with roasted turkey or glazed ham. You can also serve them alongside a savory stuffing or creamy mashed potatoes for a delightful contrast. For a lighter touch, consider a zesty salad to round out the meal and keep things fresh and vibrant!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Sides Healthy: 5 Delicious Dishes to Try
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A collection of healthy side dishes perfect for Thanksgiving.
Zutaten
- Brussels sprouts – 1 lb
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots – 4, sliced
- Green beans – 1 lb
- Almonds – 1/2 cup, sliced
- Quinoa – 1 cup, cooked
- Cranberries – 1/2 cup, dried
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic.
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- In a pan, sauté carrots and green beans until tender.
- Add almonds to the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix cooked quinoa with dried cranberries.
- Serve all sides together on a large platter.
Notes
- Adjust cooking times based on your oven.
- Feel free to add spices for extra flavor.
- Make ahead and reheat for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Roasting and Sautéing
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 220
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving sides healthy
