Swap the Turkey Nap for Energy: 9 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides You’ll Love
That turkey nap is no joke. Just thinking about those big holiday feasts brings to mind warm and cozy vibes, and without a doubt – such a memorable feeling of fullness and Thanksgiving sleepiness. So many holiday classics (stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet casseroles, rolls, gravies) spike glucose and leave people feeling tired or moody. Thankfully, with a little healthy balancing in your holiday menus, you can swap that full feeling for a truly satisfied feeling.
With all of this in mind, I have pulled together a selection of healthy and exciting Thanksgiving sides to increase energy and satisfy savory cravings during the winter holidays. Try something new this year and let me know how it goes!
These healthy Thanksgiving sides travel well if you’re visiting family and fit beautifully into your own spread if you’re hosting the holidays at home.
What to Look for in Healthier Side Dish Selections
If you’re already noticing that full feeling year after year, you can make a conscious choice to modify your menu a bit.
Keep these key points in mind:
Support Blood Sugar Needs – Avoid going heavy on the sweets and carbohydrates as you’re inviting a blood sugar spike that leaves you with an energy crash. Skip seconds on those rolls, sweets, stuffing, and other carb-heavy dishes.
Eat Protein and Veggies First (and Increase Fiber) – Eat protein and veggies first as they both metabolize slower and satiate you quicker so you are less likely to overeat carbohydrates. You should notice your body feeling more comfortable and this also helps to stabilize your blood sugar so you are less likely to crash.
Fill plates fuller with more vegetables. Common symptoms of bloating, constipation, sluggish digestion, and discomfort arise with heavy meals and low fiber intake. Fiber-rich, veggie-forward sides support the gut, especially during multi-day gatherings.Optimize Health with Antioxidants: When possible, empower your immune system through fortifying your diet with anti-inflammatory spices, healthy fats, and colorful vegetables and fruits. Lower seasonal stress and enhance your immune supports to keep yourself healthy at a time of year when it’s so easy to start feeling run down.
Top Energy-Boosting Ingredients to Incorporate into Thanksgiving Dinner
Consider the recipes I am sharing below, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider whipping up your own unique Thanksgiving sides designed for a boost of energy.
Spinach is a powerful leafy green rich in iron and magnesium, which supports energy production and reduces fatigue (Source: National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements – Iron). Leafy green salads filled with spinach can be a fantastic accompaniment to your favorite holiday dinners.
Chickpeas are bursting with protein and fiber, which helps to maintain steady blood sugar and sustained energy (Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Legumes and Health).
Quinoa, as a complete plant protein, comprises all essential amino acids, as well as complex carbohydrates that work to fuel energy over time (Source: USDA National Nutrient Database – Quinoa Nutrition).
Sweet Potatoes pack a healthy dose of complex carbs and beta-carotene, delivering a slow-burning energy and antioxidants to reduce fatigue (Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Sweet Potatoes: Nutrition Facts).
Mushrooms offer a natural source of B vitamins, which are rockstars for converting food into energy (Source: USDA National Nutrient Database – Mushrooms Nutrition).
Cauliflower contains a good amount of fiber and vitamin C, helping to maintain steady blood sugar and reducing inflammation that can drain energy (Source: USDA National Nutrient Database – Cauliflower Nutrition).
Lentils are rich in iron, folate, and protein, all helpful in sustaining energy and supporting healthy red blood cells (Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Legumes: Nutrition and Health).
Thanksgiving Salads for an Energy Boost
Start with a good salad! While not always common at Thanksgiving with the already plentiful spreads of food, salads are an easy way to elevate your menu.
First, you instantly cater to any guests on a very clean diet. Second, you can be very intentional as you build a salad, incorporating ingredients that serve up specific health benefits, like an energy boost and powerful antioxidant properties.
Here are some healthy Thanksgiving salads to consider for your family’s feast:
Hearty Broccoli & Chickpea Salad
Hearty Broccoli and Chickpea Salad offers a unique and tasty twist on traditional Thanksgiving sides.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
8 cup, chopped [704 g] Broccoli
4 cup [452 g] Shredded Carrots
3 cup [750 g] Chickpeas (canned and drained) (Rinsed)
1 cup [40 g] Unsweetened Dried Cranberries
1 cup [120 g] Slivered Almonds
8 stalk [120 g] Green Onions (Chopped)
8 tbsp [8 g] Cilantro (Coriander) (Chopped)
32 oz [896 g] Skinless Chicken Breast (Cooked and shredded)
8 tbsp [120 g] Tahini
4 tbsp [60 g] Apple Cider Vinegar
4 tbsp [56 g] Lemon Juice
8 tbsp [118.4 g] Water (Warm)
2 tsp [5.6 g] Garlic Powder
4 dash [1.6 g] Salt (To taste)
4 dash [0.4 g] Black Pepper (To taste)
Directions
01 - Mix together broccoli, carrots, chickpeas, almonds, dried cranberries, green onion, cilantro, and shredded chicken.
02 - Whisk together tahini, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, warm water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat and enjoy!
Strawberry Spinach Caprese Salad
This Spinach & Strawberry Caprese Salad is a light and energizing side or appetizer option for your holiday spread.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
24 cup [720 g] Spinach
8 cup [1216 g] Strawberries (Quartered )
24 oz [680.4 g] Mozzarella Cheese (Whole Milk) (Diced)
48 thin slice [441.6 g] Prosciutto (Sliced into thin strips)
48 leaves [24 g] Basil (Thinly sliced)
8 tbsp [56 g] Chopped Walnuts
4 tsp [4.8 g] Kosher Salt
8 tbsp [120 g] Balsamic Glaze
Directions
01 - In a large bowl, combine the spinach, quartered strawberries, diced mozzarella, sliced prosciutto, thinly sliced basil, chopped walnuts, and kosher salt. Gently toss until evenly combined.
02 - Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Exciting Thanksgiving Sides: Vegetables & Mushrooms
Elevate your sides this year beyond the common mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Play up your favorite elements with new and exciting twists or go for a totally new and different foodie vibe this year.
Try these new twists on old favorites:
Cinnamon and Honey Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Cinnamon and Honey Mashed Sweet Potatoes make for a festive blend of two typical Thanksgiving favorites.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
42.67 oz [1209.6 g] Sweet Potato (Peeled and cubed)
2.67 tbsp [37.87 g] Butter
2 tbsp [42 g] Honey
0.67 tsp [1.53 g] Cinnamon
0.33 tsp [0.73 g] Nutmeg (Ground)
1.33 dash [0.83 ml] Kosher Salt (To taste)
1.33 dash [0.2 g] Black Pepper (To taste)
Directions
01 - Boil sweet potatoes 12–15 minutes until soft; drain.
02 - Mash with butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
03 - Adjust sweetness or spice to taste and serve warm.
Rosemary and Sea Salt Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Skip the sugary glaze and try these savory Rosemary and Sea Salt Roasted Sweet Potatoes on your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
4 medium [456 g] Sweet Potato (Cubed)
4 tbsp [56 g] Avocado Oil
4 tsp [2.8 g] Rosemary (Chopped)
1 tsp [2.8 g] Garlic Powder
2 dash [1.25 ml] Kosher Salt (To taste)
2 dash [0.3 g] Black Pepper (To taste)
Directions
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
02 - Toss cubed sweet potatoes with avocado oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
03 - Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Another clever spin on a healthy swap for mashed potatoes, these cauliflower mashed potatoes even look like the traditional dish.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
2 head, large (6-7" dia) [1680 g] Cauliflower (Chopped)
4 tbsp [56.8 g] Butter
4 clove [12 g] Garlic (Minced)
0.5 cup [120 ml] Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
2 dash [1.25 ml] Kosher Salt (To taste)
2 dash [0.3 g] Black Pepper (To taste)
2 tbsp chopped [6 g] Chives
Directions
01 - Steam cauliflower until tender (about 10 minutes).
02 - Transfer to a blender with butter, garlic, almond milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
03 - Top with fresh chives before serving.
More Unique Thanksgiving Side Dishes
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, incorporate some fun mushroom dishes for a healthy dose of antioxidants and immune support as a heart-healthy choice.
Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms with Herbs
Hearty mushrooms add a nice touch to your spread of Thanksgiving sides.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
3 tbsp [42 g] Olive Oil
32 oz [907.2 g] Brown Mushrooms (Crimini Italian) (Sliced)
4 clove [12 g] Garlic (Minced)
6 tsp [4.8 g] Thyme (Fresh)
2 dash [1.25 ml] Kosher Salt (To taste)
2 tbsp [7.6 g] Parsley (Chopped)
2 Juice of 1 wedge or slice [11.8 g] Fresh Lemon Juice (Optional)
Directions
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Add mushrooms and sauté 6–8 minutes until browned.
03 - Stir in garlic, thyme, and salt; cook 1 minute.
04 - Remove from heat, stir in parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Lentils, Mushrooms and Onions
Rich and hearty mushrooms, lentils, and onions can be a great accompaniment to your holiday feast.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
4 cup [800 g] Brown Lentils
8 tbsp [112 g] Olive Oil
4 cup, chopped [640 g] Onions
8 cup, chopped [560 g] Mushrooms
16 sprigs [16 g] Parsley (Chopped)
Directions
01 - Cook lentils: boil lentils in water and let lentils simmer for about 15 minutes and drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
03 - Add onions and cook for 5 minutes.
04 - Add mushrooms and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes.
05 - Add in cooked lentils and chopped parsley.
06 - Serve warm.
Grains for a Healthier Thanksgiving
Swapping that extra crescent roll for a scoop of healthy grains could be the difference between watching the whole football game with your family or falling asleep on someone’s shoulder. Take a moment to be intentional about what you choose to put into your body and remember that good foods will help you feel great.
Fried Quinoa
Fried Quinoa brings fall color and a diverse texture and flavor to your menu.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
3 cup [510 g] Quinoa (uncooked)
4 tbsp [51.2 g] Clarified Butter Ghee
12 clove [36 g] Garlic (Minced)
1 cup [120 g] Slivered Almonds
4 small [280 g] Onions (Chopped)
16 cup [907.2 g] Shredded Green Cabbage
8 cup [904 g] Shredded Carrots
6 tbsp [84 g] Coconut Aminos
4 dash [0.4 g] Black Pepper
Directions
01 - Cook quinoa as directed on package.
02 - Melt ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and garlic and cook 1 - 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add onions to the skillet and cook 1 additional minute.
04 - Add the cabbage and carrots to the skillet and cook until soft, or desired consistency (approximately 5 minutes).
05 - Lastly, add cooked quinoa, coconut aminos, and pepper and cook 2-3 minutes.
06 - Serve warm.
Chickpea & Spinach Skillet with Quinoa
Packing essential ingredients for natural energy, this healthy holiday side swap includes chickpeas, spinach, and quinoa.
Ingredients
(Servings - 8)
16 tbsp [176 g] Quinoa (uncooked)
2 cup, chopped [252 g] Red Onions
8 clove [24 g] Garlic (Minced)
2 tsp [4.2 g] Cumin
4 tsp [9.2 g] Smoked Paprika
4 cup [680 g] Edamame (Shelled)
4 cup [1000 g] Chickpeas (canned and drained)
8 cup [240 g] Spinach
16 tbsp [160 g] Hemp Hearts
16 tsp [76.8 g] Olive Oil (Divided)
8 tsp [37.6 g] Lemon Juice
8 dash [5 ml] Kosher Salt
8 dash [1.2 g] Black Pepper
Directions
01 - Rinse quinoa and cook according to package directions. Fluff with a fork, then toss with half of the olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
02 - Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and garlic; cook 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika, and cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Remove from heat.
03 - Steam or boil shelled edamame 3–5 minutes, then drain. (If using pre-cooked/ready edamame, you can skip this step)
04 - In a serving bowl, combine the quinoa, spinach, chickpeas, edamame, onion–garlic–spice mixture, and hemp hearts. Drizzle with lemon juice. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss gently to combine.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper, if desired.
Have a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving!
I selected these healthy Thanksgiving side dishes to help you find foods that feel good without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Savor these rich and flavorful foods at Thanksgiving, or even at Christmas. These energy-boosting sides also work well for leftovers and holiday potluck meals at work or at your Friendsgiving celebrations.
Do you have any other fun and delicious healthy sides to share for Thanksgiving this year? Feel free to share them in the comments or as a comment on our social media pages. I love hearing from you!
If you’re struggling with energy crashes, fatigue, weight gain, or hormonal imbalances, I am here to help. Schedule a free 15-minute call.