Healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets…ahhh, how is Thanksgiving already upon us?!

2018 has unfolded in the blink of an eye and I honestly can’t believe it’s almost over. Anyone else with me?? I do love this time of year and all of the seasonal and tasty foods that come with it. With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to serve at your family gathering. Do you already have your menu set?

My mom always makes her famous Southern Cornbread Dressing, which is a family heirloom recipe, very southern and loaded with butter. Sorry not sorry. So while I’m not giving up my favorites at the holidays, I’m always looking for ways to add a little bit more healthy… cue the healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets. 

I don’t know about you but I love the variety of sides and sweets because there’s always so much to choose from! So here are several of our favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets that offer up way more veggies and lower in added sugar and processed carbs. There’s no need to sacrificing the dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, just add a new healthier dish or two to your Thanksgiving table to balance it all out!

Oh and if you need tips for surviving the holidays check out my Step By Step Guide for Successful Holiday Eating.

Sides

1. Broccoli Kale Salad

Lightly sweetened with agave nectar, this healthy spin on traditional broccoli salad is bursting with flavor. You’d never know it’s missing the mayo! Get the recipe here.

2. Green Bean Casserole with Au Gratin Topping

Homemade cream of mushroom soup, green beans, cheese, and french fried onions. Everything you could ever want in a green bean casserole. Get the recipe here.

3. Low Sugar Sweet Potato Souffle

The perfect healthy comfort food that screams Thanksgiving dinner. Love this one! Get the recipe here.

4. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

A unique spin on brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberries, pecans, and a homemade citrus dressing. Get the recipe here.

5. Winter Greens Salad

Mixed greens, acorn squash, apple slaw, and finished with a tangy citrus vinaigrette. You need this salad on your Thanksgiving table! Get the recipe here.

6. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip

Made with Greek yogurt, feta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. You can’t go wrong with this lightened up slow cooker dip! Get the recipe here.

7. Edamame, Feta, Cranberry Salad

Only 5 simple ingredients and naturally sweetened with cranberries. Can it get much easier than this salad? Get the recipe here.

 

Sweets

8. Sweet Potato Pie Dessert Hummus

Yep, you read it right. A dessert hummus made from sweet potatoes! Get the recipe here.

9. Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Tart Cherries

The combination of pumpkin and cherry is out of this world. Try it for yourself! Get the recipe here.

10. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

A healthy and cozy nightcap after your Thanksgiving feast! Get the recipe here.

11. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip

Made with Greek yogurt, this dip will satisfy any sweet tooth at your Thanksgiving gathering. Get the recipe here.

12. Stuffed Mascarpone Dates

These stuffed dates are both sweet and savory and definitely a holiday miracle. Get the recipe here.

And there you have it– some of my 12 favorite healthier Thanksgiving sides and sweets. 

I’d love to see your creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @loveandzest #loveandzest or leave a comment on the blog and let me know what you made for your Thanksgiving family gathering! Happy early Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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