Fuji apple kale salad with maple-spiced hazelnuts
Kale has picked up in popularity this past year, and we can’t get enough of these nutritious, leafy greens! If you’re looking for a healthy dish to add to your Thanksgiving feast, this Fuji apple kale salad with maple-spiced hazelnuts served up on Nutrition Stripped is sure to do the trick. Massaged with a basic citrus vinaigrette, this hearty veggie side celebrates seasonal favorites, with plenty of textures and flavors.
Butternut squash mac and cheese
Add some fresh fall flavor to your kiddos’ favorite dinner with this neat idea for making butternut squash mac and cheese included on Two Peas & Their Pod. A great dish that’s sure to be a welcome newbie at this year’s Thanksgiving feast, this meal gets its creamy texture from pureed squash mixed with milk and flour. See the full recipe and walkthrough by checking out the rest of the post. Who knows, this one may even become a new Meatless Monday dinner staple!
Homemade green bean casserole
Skip the canned cream soups this holiday season and consider making your own green bean casserole with the help of Brown Eyed Baker. Made using fresh string beans, white button mushrooms, chicken broth, and heavy cream, this classic from-scratch dish is easy to make and guaranteed to please. See the full recipe for more tips on getting started.
Hummus mashed potatoes
Keep this year’s mashed potatoes as creamy as usual without loading up on butter sticks and sour cream with Gimme Some Oven’s fun recipe for hummus mashers. Depending on your family’s favorite tastes, add additional zing with garlic, roasted red pepper, or even wasabi-flavored hummus. Or, opt for making your own with the flavors of your choice. Easy, and just as creamy and flavorful as the real deal!
Zucchini fritters
Give fresh zukes a spot at the family table this Thanksgiving with these quick and easy zucchini fritters featured on Smitten Kitchen. Simply mix your shredded squash with scallions and binding ingredients (flour, egg, baking powder), and fry up your mini fritters until they’ve turned golden brown. See the rest of the post for neat topping ideas and tips on getting started.
Herbed sweet potato biscuits with honey butter
Give your sweet potatoes a new starring role this Thanksgiving by making these herbed sweet potato biscuits included on A Sweet Spoonful. A quick and easy drop biscuit recipe, this fall side dish is simply made with milk, spelt flour, and finely chopped rosemary, and served alongside whisked honey butter. And the best part: They'll taste just as good for breakfast the following day!
Cheesy broccoli quinoa casserole
Does your family crave broccoli and rice casserole come Thanksgiving? Trade in the usual Velveeta and those heavy grains for this healthier version included on Confections of a Foodie Bride. Gluten-free and unprocessed, this cheesy broccoli quinoa casserole offers the same delicious flavors with garlic, cayenne pepper, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy brown mustard. Even the pickiest of eaters are sure to love this dish!
Cheddar and chive mashed cauliflower
Hearty and healthier than its carb-laden cousin, this cheddar and chive mashed cauliflower dish featured on Rachel Schultz is a great pick for families that try to take it easy on the potatoes. Simply made with only four ingredients – cauliflower, chives, and cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this side will give guests an extra helping of veggies (and less guilt when they go back for seconds).
Spaghetti squash and Swiss chard gratin
Liven up your usual gratin recipe with this great idea from Kalyn’s Kitchen. Trading in the traditional potatoes for stringy, delicious spaghetti squash and hearty Swiss chard, this recipe gains its cheesy deliciousness from low-fat sour cream and cottage cheese, and a shredded Parmesan topping.
Brussels sprouts with apple chicken sausage and squash
Love cooking Brussels with bacon for your Thanksgiving feast? Opt for a lighter dish this year with the help of Cara’s Cravings’ recipe for making Brussels sprouts with apple chicken sausage and squash. Packed full of lean protein and seasonal flavors, these sautéed veggies offer a nice balance between savory and sweet, with a variety of textures.
