Thanksgiving 2024 is just around the corner, and there’s just something so comforting about a table filled with hearty vegetable dishes, each one packed with flavor, color, and love.
This Thanksgiving, whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to a gathering, I’ve got you covered with 34 Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides that are perfect for any Thanksgiving spread. These recipes range from the classics to creative new favorites, so there’s something here for everyone.
Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides
Thanksgiving can be indulgent but with these vegetable sides, you’ll be able to enjoy all the flavors of the season without feeling weighed down. Think creamy mashed potatoes with a veggie twist, savory nut-based sausage rolls, crispy zucchini fritters, and more. Not only are these dishes packed with flavor, but they’re also packed with nutrients to help balance out the heavier, indulgent parts of the meal. Trust me, with these recipes, your Thanksgiving 2024 will be a feast to remember!
1. Mashed Potato with Celeriac
This simple twist on the classic mashed potatoes is not only delicious, but it’s a genius way to sneak in some extra veggies during the Thanksgiving feast.
I first learned about mixing celeriac with potatoes while working at Aphrodite’s Organic Cafe & Pie Shop in Canada. We’d get fresh veggies straight from the farm, and trust me, this recipe quickly became a favorite in our kitchen!
2. Vegan Mushroom Gravy
As a topping for Mashed Potato with Celeriac, I’ve got an easy vegan mushroom gravy recipe that’ll blow your mind! It’s rich, savory, and full of caramelized onions and portobello mushrooms, with a touch of red wine vinegar and fresh thyme.
Seriously, this gravy is so good, you won’t even miss the meat-based version. It's loaded with flavor but lighter on your digestion, so you can indulge this Thanksgiving without feeling sluggish afterward.
3. Parsnips and Carrots
This is one of those recipes I grew up eating, and even though it’s simple, the flavors are unforgettable. My mom used to make this all the time when I was a kid, and now, it’s one of my favorite go-to sides for Thanksgiving (or really, any time I’m craving something cozy and sweet).
The magic of this dish comes from cooking the parsnips and carrots low and slow until they caramelize, bringing out their natural sweetness. The buttery goodness combined with tender, golden onions makes it almost impossible not to go back for seconds!
4. Zucchini Fritters
These zucchini fritters are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table if you're looking for a side that's not too heavy but still indulgent. And trust me, with a crispy golden exterior and a tender inside, they’re almost impossible to resist.
Made with just six simple ingredients, these fritters are light, golden, and packed with summer-fresh flavor. You can also easily customize them to fit vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets!
5. Vegetarian Sausage Rolls (nut-based)
These vegetarian sausage rolls are a game changer, bringing all the nostalgia without the guilt. Made with wholesome ingredients like almonds, walnuts, onions, garlic, oats, and fresh herbs, they’re packed with plant-based goodness that you can feel great about serving.
Whether you're looking for a fun side dish to impress your guests or a meatless main to pair with mashed potatoes, braised veggies, and a vegan gravy, these rolls do it all!
6. Arugula Salad
If you’re looking for a side that’s not only light and easy to digest but also brings a bold peppery kick to your plate, this arugula salad is your answer. This dish is the ultimate compliment to heavier dishes and those comforting root veggies we all love during the holiday season.
Trust me, if you love arugula even a little, you’ll want to try this ultra-simple recipe. It’s the perfect way to lighten up your meal and add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving feast.
7. Roasted Sweet Potato
These Roasted Sweet Potato are loaded with natural sweetness and offer a powerhouse of nutrition that you won’t want to miss this Thanksgiving. Their creamy orange flesh is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to digest, making them a lighter option compared to regular white potatoes.
For this recipe, I pair the sweet potatoes with fresh ginger and aromatic coriander powder, both sautéed in ghee. The result? An irresistible flavor that’s warm, comforting, and just perfect for the holiday season!
8. Roasted Beets with Maple Butter
Are you looking for a quick vegetable side dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces at your Thanksgiving event?
The natural sweetness of beets makes them a standout, but we’re taking things up a notch by adding maple syrup. It’s clear yet complex sweet flavor, with just a hint of bitterness, perfectly complements the earthy beets. This vegetable side dish is a crowd pleaser for sure!
9. Goat Cheese Salad
If you’re looking to impress your guests this holiday season, make sure to include this Goat Cheese Salad with Apples & Cherry Tomatoes in your lineup. It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying dish that beautifully complements all the traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
This recipe brings the excitement back to greens with a delightful twist. We’re ditching the usual and opting for seared apples and cherry tomatoes that take this salad to a whole new level.
10. Warm Spinach Salad
Spinach has both heating and drying effect on the body and to balance that out in our delightful Warm Spinach Salad, we’re adding healthy fats to keep things hydrated and perfectly balanced.
With this recipe, we’ve pulled out all the stops to make sure that you have a flavorful and enjoyable dish, without any of the negative downsides. It’s perfect for the fall and winter seasons and could be an addition to your next Thanksgiving or holiday dinner table.
11. Green Beans & Fennel Bulb
Green beans are a fantastic source of vegetarian protein. Their bright green color is a sure sign that they’re packed with nutrients! They can be tricky to digest, especially during the holiday feast, that’s why I love adding spices to this dish. They not only enhance the flavors but also help your body digest those green beans smoothly.
So, whether you’re aiming to impress your guests or simply want a healthy side to savor, this Green Beans & Fennel Bulb recipe is here to save the day. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
12. Quick Pickled Beet Salad with Onions and Red Bell Peppers
This quick pickled beet salad is made with roasted beets, red bell peppers, red onions, and marinated with an Italian-style vinaigrette. It's a quick and simple recipe that will add a refreshing component to any meal.
The sweet earthiness of roasted beets paired with the bright, tangy kick from the vinaigrette creates a perfect balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s an excellent way to add a refreshing component to your Thanksgiving meal.
13. Pomegranate Couscous Salad
Pomegranate couscous salad is a bright and fresh side dish that is perfect for a picnic but would also be a light and festive side dish for the holidays. It is a great make ahead salad recipe that can be served with almost any entree.
We eat with our eyes first, so the rich jewel tones of pomegranate arils, bright yellow pepper and bits of fresh green herbs are sure to draw you in. They are nestled in a bed of tender couscous for a fabulous fresh side dish.
14. Orange Ginger Beetroot Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Beet Salad is tossed in a bright, zesty Orange Ginger Vinaigrette, making it a fresh and flavorful side dish ready in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for summer potlucks or a healthy holiday side!
Between the beets and the homemade orange ginger dressing, each bite is zesty, refreshing, and a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making this salad a vibrant addition to any meal.
15. Mashed Turnips
This is your holiday side dish if you like a healthy, easy to prepare, low-calorie mash. Mashed potatoes and fried or poached eggs with a little green salad at the side are how I serve up my mashed turnip roots. That's a balanced, wholesome healthier meal.
However, you might enjoy these mashed turnips as a side dish with a main courses, gravy and other delicious holiday side dishes.
16. Roasted Baby Carrots
These Roasted Baby Carrots are delectably caramelized and tender, with a sweetness that makes them taste like candy. It’s a quick and easy side dish that's perfect for weeknight dinner or special holiday meals. Savory, sweet, and almost candy-like, these are sure to be a hit with your family!
17. Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a hassle-free holiday side dish! No boiling needed—just slice the sweet potatoes, let the crockpot work its magic, and mash them right in the pot for effortless cleanup.
With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious, creamy side dish ready to complement your Thanksgiving meal.
18. Easy Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes
Oven roasted green beans and potatoes are a classic holiday side dish, and so simple to make! Sweet, crisp veggies lightly coated with aromatic olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and just a bit of salt and pepper. This sheet pan roasted vegetables recipe makes any meal special!
19. Mexican Turkey Stuffing Made with Bolillos
This fusion Mexican turkey stuffing made with bolillos is going to become your favorite go-to stuffing recipe this Thanksgiving. It’s made with the traditional stuffing ingredients but given a Mexican and vegan touch.
It’s really easy to make and you can make it the same day or a day or two before you enjoy your vegan Thanksgiving feast.
20. Roasting Delicata Squash
To go above and beyond most roasted delicata squash recipes, this one has a no-cook, two-ingredient glaze that transforms the humble squash into something you’d find at an upscale restaurant. A perfect blend of sweet, savory and citrusy.
21. Apple Cranberry Chutney
Spice up your Thanksgiving spread with this homemade Apple Cranberry Chutney! Bursting with the perfect blend of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and warm spices. This versatile condiment is a must-have for holiday feasts!
22. Salted Maple Dinner Rolls
These salted maple bread rolls are the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving table and bring a little warmth and delight to any cozy dinner.
This easy bread recipe uses a touch of real maple syrup in the dough. The bread itself is ever so slightly sweet and stays perfectly fluffy for days. Served with extra maple butter on the side, this simple recipe is a real treat.
23. Butternut Squash, Apple, and Fennel Tian
Butternut squash, apple, and fennel tian is a veritable unicorn: it's not only beautiful and easy to make, it's an excellent option for anyone looking for a vegetarian, gluten-free vegetable side dish.
It's an easy-to-assemble showstopper that has also become my favorite butternut squash recipe, by far. It's also gluten free, dairy free vegetable side dish that's also beautiful enough for your Thanksgiving table.
24. Easy Herb Stuffing Recipe
This easy herb stuffing is a great recipe for beginners or if you’re looking for something that will compliment the rest of your meal. Soft and moist inside, golden brown and lightly crispy on top, and perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs, this is the perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving dinner!
25. Creamed Leeks
Creamed leeks are a simple but decadent side dish that combines tender leeks with an obsession worthy cream and parmesan sauce. These leeks make the perfect pairing for a wide range of main courses and are also delicious served on toast with a squeeze of lemon.
These creamed leeks would make a perfect holiday side dish for Easter, Christmas or Thanksgiving. I also love serving them on toast topped with extra red pepper flakes and micro-greens with lemon.
26. Slow Cooker Red Cabbage
Slightly sweet and tangy, this German style sweet and sour cabbage is made in just a few hours in the slow cooker. It's a super simple, delicious and healthy dish the whole family will love!
What makes this recipe so great is that you don't have to cook anything beforehand. You literally just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Enjoy!
27. Miso Glazed Carrots
These Miso Glazed Carrots will liven up any meal with the tastiest flavor-packed combination. They come out of the oven perfectly roasted with a caramelized glaze that is zesty, subtly sweet, and filled with umami flavor!
They are also great for holiday dinners and will add a little pizzazz to your lineup. The flavors are unexpected but are quite addictive, and the colorful dish will look beautiful on your table.
28. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy southern baked mac and cheese is always one of my most popular recipes and it's the ultimate comfort food for Sunday dinner or a holiday celebration!
If you haven't had this style of old fashioned baked mac and cheese with evaporated milk, this will be your new favorite recipe for any meal, and maybe it'll be the side dish that steals the show!
29. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Grapes
Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing orzo pasta salad featuring a colorful combo of crisp zucchini, juicy green grapes and cherry tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and black beans.
Tossed in a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic, and herbs, this salad is a perfect balance of salty and sweet.
30. Parsnip Recipe – Vegan
This Parsnip Recipe comes together in a matter of minutes! A vegan, healthy, parsnip recipe it’s perfect for a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
It literally takes less than 10 minutes, from start to finish and can be started 2-3 days ahead! Then just quickly brown them in a hot pan, the day of.
31. Honeynut Squash Recipe
This Honeynut Squash Recipe is a delicious fall vegetable dish that is great for weeknights or even holidays. On the table in only 30 minutes.
Since this squash was bred specifically for it’s flavor, you can absolutely just cook the squash with a bit a salt and call it a day. The general consensus from chefs is that the squash is best roasted to bring out the sweet, caramel like flavor.
32. Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Vegan)
Transform sweet potatoes into a creamy, dreamy creation that's perfect for any meal, from family dinners to holiday feasts. The combination of soft, buttery sweet potatoes, a touch of chili powder for a subtle kick, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup makes for a flavor-packed, soul-warming dish.
What's more, we're keeping it entirely vegan, using non-dairy milk and vegan butter, ensuring everyone can savor these sensational mashed sweet potatoes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just someone looking for a simple, yet delightful side dish, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
33. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Garlic Roasted Potatoes are an easy side dish that goes with practically any meal. Made with only a few ingredients, these roasted red potatoes are perfectly crispy, cheesy, and delicious!
They take under 10 minutes of prep time and the oven does most of the work roasting them to crispy perfection. Unlike other roasted potato recipes that have tons of oil, this recipe is low in fat while being full of flavor!
34. Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary
A simple vegan mashed sweet potatoes recipe with rosemary, coconut milk, and coconut cream is tasty, creamy, fragrant, and sweet. Making a perfect side dish for any main. Made without any dairy, they still come out dreamy, creamy, and full of that sweet and savory flavor that will make you overindulge!
As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope these ideas inspire you to try something new or reinvent a family favorite. After all, Thanksgiving is about more than just the food—it’s about the memories we make around the table. So let’s make this year’s meal unforgettable, full of flavor, love, and, of course, plenty of veggie goodness!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! May your kitchen be filled with the warmth of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious food with those you love.
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