When it comes to Thanksgiving everyone talks about turkey. But if I’m being honest, I am all about the sides and salads. I feel like I am always looking for extra spots on my plate to add more goodies, which can be hard when being mindful of macros. I think you should enjoy yourself surrounded by family and friends because one day of not meeting your macros isn’t going to kill you. However, if you are looking for some sides that are healthy and delicious I’ve got some of my personal macro-friendly Thanksgiving sides to share with you.
Herb Crusted Delicata Squash
If you haven’t jumped on this delicata squash rage it’s TIME! You’ve probably seen them around the grocery store. It’s seasonal so it will be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. The squash with crispy little shallot morsels along with parmesan and lemon zest makes for such a good addition to a salad later. If there’s any left! You are going to fall in love with this amazing delicata squash fall side dish.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These SUPER simple roasted sweet potatoes are a total staple in our home. Yes, we use them all the time in salads, bowls, etc. But, they would be a delicious and lighter alternative to the traditional sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good sweet potato casserole. Especially when it has all the crumbly oats, nuts, and brown sugar on top. If you are looking for something a bit lighter, these roasted sweet potatoes are my go-to! Plus, they are so easy which will leave you time for cooking other dishes or more time for fun.
Maple Cumin Roasted Carrots
These maple cumin roasted carrots are the easiest macro-friendly side dish to whip up. And there’s nothing better than roasted root veggies in the fall. Maple cumin roasted carrots will complement all of your turkey choices whether you are frying your bird this year or smoking it in the Traeger (one of my personal favorites). These carrots are a little smokey, a little sweet– SO GOOD.
Smashed Potatoes with Creamy Chimmichurri
Let me just get it out there. I don’t mash potatoes. I just don’t see the point because A: they’re not really worth the calories for me amongst all the other goodies (don’t hate me!) and B: Costco. You guys, Costco’s mashed potatoes are really good! Plus, no one will even know that you decided to heat them up, give them a fluff, and throw ‘em in your own dish.
Instead of mashed potatoes, I’m all about the SMASH. My recipe for smashed potatoes with creamy chimichurri is a favorite in our house. They are perfectly crispy and salty and all the right amounts of garlicky and zesty. You’ll want to pop like eleven before the dish hits your Thanksgiving table.
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Harvest Chopped Kale Salad
Ok, you guys, this harvest chopped kale salad is so good! It’s loaded up with roasted butternut squash (or sweet potatoes, or roasted carrots, something orangey and starchy but healthy and amazing– you get it), plus so much MORE. It’s hearty. But still light! Just trust me. It’s got to be on your table this Thanksgiving! You can totally serve this salad up in your appetizer course to tide people over while they mingle or alongside your other amazing sides.
Farro, Arugula Salad with Lemon and Herbs
This farro, arugula salad with lemon and herbs is a total showstopper. All of your guests are going to be talking about it all night long. And the best part about it is that it’s actually good for them! For me, it’s ALL about the fresh herbs in this salad. The lemon makes it so vibrant and the farro so chewy and interesting. All of your holiday dinner guests will be asking for more.
Chopped Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Crispy Shallots
Salads are my love language so I think they are good for any occasion. But, they are also a great way to work with your macros during the holiday season. This chopped kale salad with roasted delicata squash hits all the high points of fall. It’s fruity, salty, creamy, herby. It’s got it all. Plus, if you are making roasted delicata squash it’s like a two-for-one in the meal prep department.
Macro-friendly Thanksgiving Sides
We haven’t solidified our Thanksgiving menu yet this year, but there will definitely be some macro-friendly Thanksgiving sides to go along with our traditional turkey. Make sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok to see how our whole meal comes together. I love making real food taste good!
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