19 Healthy Side Dishes That Steal the Show

Gone are the days when the turkey, roast beef or game meat is the only star of your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and the small portion of vegetables serves as garnish. No, these 19 healthy ‘side’ dishes will steal the show on their own.

Whether you love roasted vegetables, crispy salads, hasselback potatoes or mash, there’s a nutrient-packed yet delicious side dish for everyone’s liking. You could also use the recipes below for an entree, as a light vegetarian dinner or to make a festive buffet.

So let’s turn the spotlight on 19 health side dishes for your next holiday gathering or dinner party.  

Warm Vegetables

Wild Rice Stuffed Mini Pumpkins from Crowded Kitchen

Miso Roast Parsnips on Mustard Butterbean Mash from Rebel Recipes

Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts from Half Baked Harvest

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce from Truffles and Trends

Spinach & Mushroom Polenta Pie with Almond Ricotta from The First Mess

Roasted Carrots, Apples & Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Tahini Drizzle from Crowded Kitchen

Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Hazelnut Dressing from Olive Magazine

Maple Mustard Green Beans with Pomegranate and Goat’s Cheese from How Sweet Eats

Hasselback Butternut Squash with Sage Butter and Prosciutto from Half Baked Harvest

Potatoes & Other ‘Carbs’

Garlic and Rosemary Mini Hasselback Potatoes from Wholesome Patisserie

Crispy Smashed Potatoes from Love and Lemons

Vegan Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes from Love and Lemons

Butternut Squash Gratin with Leeks, Sage and Walnuts from Feasting at Home

Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Wild Rice Pilaf from The Recipe Critic

Winter Salads

Pomegranate Avocado Salad with Candied Walnuts from Half Baked Harvest

Amazing Vegan Broccoli Salad with Cranberries from Veggies Don’t Bite

Loaded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing from The First Mess

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beets, Oranges and Pomegranate from Kitchen Confidante

Sweet Potato Radicchio Salad with Shallot Dressing from The First Mess

Which healthy side dishes steal the show on your dinner table? 

P.S.: These 15 better-for-you cookies, cakes and puddings prove that healthier holiday baking looks and tastes deliciously too.