Whether ham, hens, or traditional turkey, meat shines as the holiday table showstopper during Thanksgiving.
Not this year!
Meat, step aside for sides. It’s time for delicious and healthy Thanksgiving side dishes to take center stage.
Thanksgiving side dishes your guests will love
Although turkey is usually the star of the show on Thanksgiving, side dishes deserve equal appreciation, especially when they’re healthier and better for your smile!
Try adding these five sides to your festivities:
Holiday roasted vegetables
Recipe from: Delish.com
Why they’re great: Roasted vegetables perfectly complement any meat served at your Thanksgiving feast. This Thanksgiving side dish is packed full of Brussels sprouts and carrots. Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C, which “helps heal wounds and repair and maintain healthy bones, teeth, skin and cartilage,” according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Best of all, this recipe contains no added sugar. So, feel free to indulge!
Butternut squash mac and cheese
Recipe from: Delish.com
Why it’s great: While mac and cheese may not be one of the healthiest Thanksgiving side dishes, the calcium in the milk and cheese used in the recipe is great for your teeth!
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), calcium “is essential for forming and maintaining healthy bones and teeth including hydroxyapatite, the primary calcium phosphate mineral in bone and enamel.”
Additionally, butternut squash is full of vitamin C and calcium, making this Thanksgiving side dish delicious and nutrient-rich!
Garlic green beans
Recipe from: ThePioneerWoman.com
Why they’re great: Lighten up the traditional green bean casserole with garlic green beans. Green beans are a great source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
Potassium plays a crucial role in neutralizing acidic compounds in the bloodstream, which, if left unchecked, could result in bone loss. Furthermore, adequate potassium intake has been linked to higher bone density. By promoting overall bone health, potassium-rich foods can also contribute to the prevention of tooth loss.
Mashed sweet potatoes
Recipe from: ThePioneerWoman.com
Why they’re great: Instead of indulging in the traditional spud recipe, try sweet potatoes for a Thanksgiving side dish instead. Sweet potatoes offer slightly more nutrition than white potatoes and are full of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
Vitamin A supports bone development and growth. In fact, a deficiency in the vitamin has been linked to a higher risk of bone fractures.
Healthier Thanksgiving side dishes are still delicious
The holiday season is filled with not-so-healthy food options. Why not switch up some traditional staples with healthier (and still delicious) Thanksgiving side dishes?
For more tooth-friendly food ideas, check out “Healthier Holiday Apple Crisp Recipe Your Family Will Love.”
*Updated November 2023
