Easy & Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes & Desserts

Looking for easy and healthy Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts to mix things up this year? You’re in the right place.

I know that planning the Thanksgiving menu can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to make a few healthy options along the way. Take a look at some of these side dish recipes and delicious desserts that are some of the most popular on the blog.

Hopefully this Thanksgiving recipe roundup will help you fill in some gaps on your Thanksgiving menu and ease some of your planning overwhelm so you can head into the holidays with a grateful and happy heart!

Don’t forget to tag me in your pictures on Instagram — @fitlivingeats. I want to see how you simply swapped your Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts!

Try these Thanksgiving side dishes

Naturally Sweetened Orange Cranberry Chutney
This naturally sweetened orange cranberry chutney is a must-have side dish on your Thanksgiving table. And of course, save a little extra for the day-after leftover Thanksgiving sandwich. It also makes for festive (and healthier) holiday gifts!

Orange Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
These sautéed Brussels sprouts tossed in an orange balsamic glaze with toasted pecans and pomegranates seeds recipe is so good, you can eat it by the spoonful out of the pan. And the best part is, it’s so simple to make!

Hearty Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Lentils
These gorgeous hearty roasted acorn squash stuffed with lentils are the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. Made with only seven ingredients, these roasted acorn squash are deceptively easy and every bit comforting and delicious!

Lentil Stuffing Cups
Traditional stuffing just got kicked up a nutritional notch with this recipe for lentil stuffing muffins! These muffins are hearty enough to claim a spot as the “main” on your Thanksgiving menu and light enough to play a supporting role if you’re going the traditional route.

10-Minute Apple Cabbage Slaw
Made with simple ingredients, this apple cabbage slaw recipe is as impressive on a plate as it is easy to assemble. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish whether its for a few people or large gathering!

Pumpkin Hummus Crostini
These pumpkin hummus crostini feature Fall’s signature flavor along with a flavorful punch from the pomegranate arils and a peppery kick from the arugula greens. You can easily make the pumpkin hummus the day before to make assembly a breeze the night of.

Enjoy these simply swapped Thanksgiving dessert recipes

The Best Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
These healthy pumpkin muffins are about to become your new go-to recipe for weekend baking activities this fall. They are moist, flavorful, and full of healthy ingredient swaps. Not to mention, they are refined-sugar free, gluten free and vegan friendly. 

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bites (Vegan)
Indulge in these no bake vegan pumpkin pie bars that are full of good-for-you nutrients so that you can enjoy the flavors of Fall the healthier way this Thanksgiving.

Gluten-Free Apple Pie Bars
This healthy apple pie bars recipe features all of the apple pie flavors you love and crave … especially if you have guests for Thanksgiving who aren’t fans of pumpkin desserts. These apple pie bars are made with a gluten-free, vegan crust and layered with crisp apples tossed in a cinnamon spice coating. Make, bake, and top with a scoop of coconut whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a healthy dessert that screams Fall! 

Cranberry Gingerbread Muffins
‘Tis the season for all things gingerbread and cranberry! This delicious recipe for cranberry gingerbread muffins is a delicious way to get anyone in the holiday spirit. These muffins are vegan and gluten-free (although no one would ever know) and are packed with nutrients!

Cranberry Apple Crisp with an Almond Crumble
This cranberry apple crisp is mostly fruit with just a little bit of sweetness and almond crumble on top. It’s a great option for a festive dessert to show off to friends and family that won’t wreak havoc on your waistline! It’s super easy to assemble and will have your house smelling like the holidays.

A Healthier Fresh Apple Pound Cake
This “healthified” version of my mom’s fresh apple pound cake has a few simple swaps to give it a gluten-free and vegan twist without compromising in flavor or texture. It’s another great Thanksgiving dessert option for those who aren’t fans of the typical pumpkin options.