A collection of more than 20 Healthier Holiday Appetizers & Sides to enjoy at the holiday table this year!
Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and I’m definitely ready for all of the delicious food and to see family. Are you ready for all of it? Spending quality time with family is always the best part of the holidays but my second favorite part is all of the sides and appetizers on the holiday table! The turkey is good, of course, but the plethora of sides to choose from is always what I look forward to the most. While there will always be some staple appetizer and side dishes on the menu, it’s fun to switch up the offerings a bit from year to year. This post is a collection of recipes from Registered Dietitians that will surely inspire you to add a new item to the holiday table!
Appetizers
Prosciutto Wrapped Apple Bites
Only four ingredients needed to make these elegant, yet simple, Prosciutto Wrapped Apple Bites as an appetizer. Get the recipe here.
Squash Toast with Brussels Sprouts Slaw
This fall take on bruschetta looks so festive! I’m always down with an appetizer that involves a toasted baguette. Get the recipe for Squash Toast with Brussels Sprouts Slaw on the Grateful Grazer.
Vegan One Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Kroll’s Korner has a cozy butternut squash soup recipe that will get the Thanksgiving meal off to a delicious start! Grab her recipe here.
Warm Kale Salad with Sweet Potato, Cranberries & Pecans
I love the idea of starting the holiday meal with a leafy green salad like this one from Betsy’s Kitchen! Grab her recipe here.
Cranberry Brie Pastry Puffs
These light and flaky puff pastries are perfect for holiday get-togethers and make the most of seasonal flavors—fresh cranberries, orange zest, and rosemary. Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Bean Dip
If you like hummus, you’ll love this Pumpkin Bean Dip from Fannetastic Food. Serve it with pita chips, toasted bread, or veggies! Get the recipe here.
Turkey Veggie Platter
Make this Turkey Veggie Platter from Amy Gorin Nutrition to go along with the Pumpkin Bean Dip above! Kids will love helping create this appetizer on Thanksgiving.
Healthy Curried Pumpkin Soup with Greek Yogurt
I love the combination of pumpkin and curry powder so this soup from Edwina Clark sounds heavenly! Get the recipe here.
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Sides
Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta & Parmesan
Brussels sprouts are cooked to perfection in cast-iron in 20 minutes or less! The addition of Parmesan and pancetta doesn’t hurt anything either 🙂 Get the recipe here.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Dates, Figs, and Pistachios
This recipe from Sharon Palmer happens to be vegan and gluten-free in addition to being packed with nutritional benefits! Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin-Sage Stuffing Cups
Whether you decide to make this recipe in a muffin pan or in a large baking dish, there’s plenty of seasonal flavor going on and the pumpkin puree prevents the stuffing from drying out. Get the recipe at DanaWhiteNutrition.com.
Roasted Butternut Squash & Cranberry Quinoa Salad with Cider Dijon Vinaigrette
Jessica Levinson created this beautiful quinoa salad recipe that is bursting with color and flavor! Get the recipe on JessicaLevinson.com.
Herb Roasted Acorn Squash
Acorn squash always looks so pretty once it’s sliced and roasted and requires very little effort to prepare. Try this Herb Roasted Acorn Squash as a side this Thanksgiving.
5-Ingredient Pomegranate-Glazed Carrots with Whipped Goat Cheese
Whipped goat cheese is all I need to hear and I’m sold on the dish. Not to mention the other amazing point about this recipe–only 5 ingredients required! Get this beautiful recipe from DishingOutHealth.com.
Everything Bagel Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower doesn’t always get the love it deserves at the holiday table but it will definitely stand out when you make this Everything Bagel Cauliflower Casserole. Get the recipe from Meals with Maggie.
Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash
Kara Lydon at The Foodie Dietitian blog has a delicious vegetarian side dish that’s perfect for the holidays! Try her Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash this year.
Green Beans with Pecans, Cranberries & Parmesan
A simple way to create flavorful green beans that will stand out on the holiday dinner table. Get the recipe here.
Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole
Is it really a holiday meal without the sweet potato casserole?! I know it’s a must-have at our table. The Meal Planning Method has a lightened-up version for you on her website.
Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries
If you’re not the biggest fan of traditional stuffing, or just looking for something new to serve this year, try this Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries! Get the recipe over on MarisaMoore.com.
Rustic Potato & Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Cheesy potatoes are great but add Brussels sprouts into the equation and we’re talking about one delicious side dish! Rebecca at Nourish Nutrition has the recipe and even a video of how to make it over here.
Cauliflower Cranberry Superfood Salad
Maybe a less traditional side dish offering for Thanksgiving but delicious nonetheless! No cooking required and this can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Get the recipe here.
I’d love to see your recipe creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @karmanmeyer #thenutritionadventure or leave a comment here on the blog to let me know what you made for your Thanksgiving family gathering! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🙂