She Strengthens

Revamping the Thanksgiving Menu: 29 Fresh and Healthy Twists on Classic Side Dishes

Rethinking Stuffing

When it comes to Thanksgiving, side dishes are the real stars of the show. If you’re tired of the same old menu year after year, it’s time to shake things up. Here are six fresh takes on traditional stuffing recipes.

1. Vegan Delight: Swap out butter and eggs for vegan substitutes and add green lentils for a protein-packed twist.
2. Herb-Roasted Game Changer: Fill Cornish game hens with wild rice stuffing and homemade triple-herb butter for an unforgettable centerpiece.
3. Wild Mushroom Masterpiece: Combine sourdough, ground pork, sage, and Swiss chard for a flavorful stuffing that’s sure to impress.
4. Southern Comfort: Whip up a quick and easy cornbread stuffing with parsley, sage, and thyme for a sweet and herby twist.
5. Bacon Bonanza: Add crispy bacon and ciabatta bread to your traditional stuffing for a satisfying crunch.
6. Low-Carb Paleo Option: Roast cauliflower and soak up herby, spicy juices with toasted pecans for a paleo-friendly low-carb alternative.

Squash and Potatoes Galore

Sweet potatoes and squash are Thanksgiving staples, but why not try something new?

7. Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash: Fill acorn squash with seasoned quinoa, chickpeas, and tomatoes for a hearty main dish or side.
8. Buttermilk Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes: Add buttermilk and pumpkin puree to your mashed potatoes for a creamy, earthy twist.
9. Maple and Molasses Glazed Sweet Potatoes: Combine orange juice, whole-grain mustard, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and espresso powder for a sweet and savory glaze.
10. Buckwheat Gnocchi with Butternut Squash: Pair soft buckwheat gnocchi with roasted butternut squash and a browned butter sauce for a unique side dish.
11. Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Gratin: Mix cream and goat cheese for a rich, nutritious gratin that’s gluten-free to boot.
12. Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Casserole Cups: Create adorable, protein-packed casserole cups with spaghetti squash, gluten-free and low-carb.

Salads and Veggies Take Center Stage

Even the most dedicated meat-eaters need some greens on their plate.

13. Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Salad: Combine wild rice, pistachios, and pomegranate for a vegan, gluten-free salad that checks all the boxes.
14. Harvest Cobb Salad with Butternut Squash: Add toasted pecans, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and apples to your Cobb salad for a seasonal twist.
15. Tangy Glazed Stovetop Brussels Sprouts: Transform Brussels sprouts with maple syrup, bacon, shallots, currants, and Dijon mustard for a one-pan wonder.
16. Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Kale: Pair creamy pumpkin risotto with crispy kale and a touch of garlic and white wine for a sophisticated side dish.
17. Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip with Cream Cheese: Spice up your holiday gathering with a tangy, sweet, and spicy dip that’s sure to delight.
18. Perfect Pomegranate Salad: Combine pomegranate, goat cheese, and spinach with a raspberry vinaigrette for a quick and easy salad that’s perfect for the season.
19. Pear and Spinach Salad with Cranberry-Orange Vinaigrette: Add chopped pecans and a zesty vinaigrette to your spinach salad for a refreshing twist.
20. Holiday Salad with Apple Cider Dressing: Create a crowd-pleasing salad with crumbly Gorgonzola, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and shredded lettuce-cabbage combo.

Grains and More

Think beyond traditional sides and try these innovative grain-based recipes.

21. Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Wild Rice Soup: Use leftover turkey to create a nutritious, slow-cooked soup with wild rice and Parmesan.
22. Vegan and Gluten-Free Apple Quinoa Lentil Loaf: Whip up a flavorful loaf with cranberry-tomato glaze, sautéed onions, toasted walnuts, carrots, and celery.
23. Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad: Combine roasted squash with quinoa, pepitas, and dried cranberries for a hearty, fall-flavored salad.
24. Slow Cooker Wild Rice Stuffing: Create a dairy-free, vegan stuffing with cranberries, mushrooms, and almonds that’s perfect for the slow cooker.
25. Wild Rice and Carrot Soup: Simmer wild rice with carrots, fennel, and shallots for a simple, flavorful soup that’s perfect for the holidays.
26. Orange-Scented Quinoa: Add walnuts, orange, and cinnamon to your quinoa for a nutty, zesty side dish that’s sure to impress.
27. Instant Pot Wild Rice with Dried Cranberries and Pecans: Whip up a quick and easy salad with lemon, orange, scallion, and kitchen staples for a delicious, healthy side dish.

This Thanksgiving, ditch the same old menu and try something new. With these 29 fresh and healthy twists on classic side dishes, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and create a memorable holiday spread.