Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes {Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free}
/ Kelly PageSince Thanksgiving is all about the sides, here’s 15 healthy Paleo Holiday side dish recipes that will satisfy while keeping you and your family and friends feeling a little lighter. They're all gluten free, dairy free, grain free and free from refined sugar, with vegan and Whole30 options.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, people tend to fuss a lot over the turkey, or tofurkey. And while it’s technically the centerpiece, you know that people are just there for the sides.
If you review your Thanksgiving side dishes, are you noting a common ingredient in all of the recipes?
I don’t need to look at your shopping list to know that there’s often a whole lot of heavy cream, butter, and bread. And while I’m not here to be the bearer of bad news, I am here to help lighten the load, literally.
OK, I'm not coming over to help you cook, but I do have some paleo, dairy free, gluten free, sugar-free recipes (with vegan options) to help with a healthier Thanksgiving.
I've got healthy Thanksgiving side dishes that include soup, veggies (oh you know there’s lots of veggies), salads, snacks, and even festive drink recipes.
And if you want more ways to eat healthier at the holidays, check out my post on healthy holiday food swaps. You can still eat delicious food without feeling deprived by using a few easy substitutions.
I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Healthy Paleo Holiday Side Dish Recipes
This creamy sweet potato and pumpkin soup is rich and luxurious with no butter or cream added. Roasting the vegetables brings out a natural sweetness and Indian spices bring some heat and great flavor.
This roasted pear, walnut, and cranberry salad is a great side for a holiday dinner or any weekday meal. The salad is paleo, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and Whole30 friendly.
Jump into festive fall flavors with these gluten free and vegan sweet potato pumpkin fritters. Top with my hemp lime cream for a healthy side any time of day.
Enjoy fall's great selection of apples with these baked apple chips with nothing but a sprinkling of cinnamon. Double down on apples with the cashew apple cinnamon dipping sauce.
Cauliflower parsnip puree is a great low carb alternative to mashed potatoes when you're in need of a side, or "under-side" to place meat, chicken, fish or some seared scallops.
This kale brussels sprout salad combines two great vegetables in one great dish that's sure to please. It’s paleo, gluten free, vegan, and whole30 friendly.
This one pan cumin sauteed carrots recipe is a great vegetable staple for easy dinners. It’s paleo, vegan, gluten free, and sugar free.
Enjoy a healthy fall or Thanksgiving dessert with this grain free apple pear crumble. This naturally sweetened apple pear crumble is grain free, gluten free, paleo, vegan, and refined sugar free.
This healthy Paleo Stuffing makes for a great Thanksgiving side dish or accompaniment to any dinner. The stuffing is grain free, gluten free, and sugar free.
This veggie stuffed acorn squash is filled with warm vegetables including mushrooms and kale. Add cauliflower rice for a complete paleo, gluten free and vegan meal in one bowl, or rather, one squash!
Mix up your greens with this sautéed rainbow chard with lemon tahini sauce recipe. This healthy dish is gluten free, vegan, Whole30 and paleo-friendly.
Swap out the heavy cream and carbs of mashed potatoes for this paleo mashed cauliflower kale. It's dairy free, gluten free and full of healthy vegetables. There's also an easy Instant Pot cooking option.
This sparkling cranberry aperol spritz is festive enough for your next holiday celebration, but easy enough to prepare for a quiet night of cocktails at home.
Adding pomegranate and some citrus notes to whisky makes for a festive cocktail for your next holiday celebration or cool-weathered weekend.
Bacon braised brussels sprouts with caramelized onions would look great as a side at a holiday meal or simply a more interesting weekday dinner. This recipe is paleo, gluten free, and dairy free.