When Thanksgiving rolls around, the turkey gets all the spotlight, but truthfully, I’m here for the sides and salads. It feels like I’m always trying to squeeze just one more thing onto my plate, which can be a challenge when you’re trying to stay mindful of macros.
And listen, I fully believe that one day of enjoying good food with people you love isn’t going to derail your progress. But if you do want some lighter, flavorful options to balance things out, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite macro-friendly Thanksgiving sides and salads to help you fill your plate without the stress.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
These are just a few of my favorite lightened-up side dishes that I make year after year that are still full of the cozy, nostalgic flavors you want, but with a healthier twist that leaves plenty of room for all the other fun eats.
Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole
This Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole gives you all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of the classic holiday dish, just lightened up and made more macro-friendly.
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Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
One of my go-to fall sides is this Parmesan, Lemon, and Herb Crusted Delicata Squash with Crispy Shallots. The squash roasts up perfectly tender, then gets coated in a savory, citrusy mix of Parmesan, herbs, and fresh lemon zest before baking into golden, caramelized bliss.
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Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower
These Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower are the perfect lighter twist on classic creamy mashed potatoes. They’re buttery, garlicky, and everything you want in a side dish, but lightened up and lighter on your macros.
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Bacon Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These Bacon Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are the perfect balance of savory, salty, crispy, and slightly sweet. They’re lightened up and the kind of side dish that doesn’t even taste like you’re eating veggies!
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Maple Cumin Roasted Carrots
These Maple Cumin Roasted Carrots are the easiest macro-friendly side dish to whip up and compliment so many of your favorite protein recipes!
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Healthy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly light—these Healthy Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a velvety, lightened-up sauce to deliver all the cozy flavors you love without breaking the macro bank!
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Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
This Simple Butternut Squash recipe is so easy to make. The naturally sweet and nutty butternut squash serves as the perfect side dish for all your favorite fall and winter meals.
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Simple Roasted Delicata Squash
This Simple Roasted Delicata Squash recipe is a go-to when you want something seasonal, healthy, and hands-off. With its tender, edible skin and naturally sweet flavor, you don’t need much more than a little oil, salt, and pepper to turn it into a cozy, caramelized side dish.
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Super Simple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes are so easy to make, you'll start using them with every meal.
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Macro Friendly Loaded Smashed Potatoes
These potatoes are quite literally loaded up with garlic, chives, onions and more — yet neatly fit within your macros!
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Smashed Potatoes with creamy chimichurri
The perfect side to all of your grilled meats!
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Macro-friendly Garlic Cauliflower Mash
This macro-friendly garlic cauliflower mash is a quick, easy, and delicious side for those times when you are looking to lighten things up.
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Lightened-Up Roasted Baby Potatoes
This recipe is one of our family favorites and I know you are going to LOVE them too!
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Thanksgiving Side Salads
Whether you’re looking to add more greens to the menu or just want a refreshing break from all the heavy carbs, these easy, flavorful salads will definitely earn their spot right next to the turkey.
Harvest Chopped Kale Salad
I love this Harvest Chopped Kale Salad for lunches. It's loaded up with roasted butternut squash, grilled chicken, apples, almonds and more!
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Chopped Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Crispy Shallots
A simple kale salad that never disappoints. A great way to use your leftover roasted squash.
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Autumn Delicata Salad
This Autumn Delicata Salad is cozy, colorful, and full of flavor and texture. The roasted delicata squash brings natural sweetness, while the crisp greens, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts balance everything out. Enjoy this salad at your next holiday or add your favorite protein for an easy weeknight dinner!
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Farro, Arugula Salad with Lemon and Herbs
It’s ALL about the fresh herbs in this salad. The lemon makes it so vibrant and the farro so chewy and interesting. I’m obsessed. If you’re not watching your fat, make
the real NY Times version here. It’s so olive oily and amazing! But this lightened up version is still a total winner.
Winter Citrus Salad
This Winter Citrus Salad is a vibrant mix of peppery arugula, juicy oranges, crunchy red onion, and creamy goat cheese. Enjoy as a light appetizer, side dish or main meal with added protein.
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Simple Arugula Salad
This simple arugula salad is the perfect side salad for any meal! The fresh arugula tossed in a combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar topped with flaky salt and shaved parmesan cheese is simply delicious.
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These are just a few of my favorite recipes, but be sure to check out the blog for more fan-favorites!
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