15+ Holiday Side Recipe Healthy Deliciousness Awaits You!

Published on: Mar 6, 2024

The holiday season is a time for family, food, and festivities. It's also a time when we tend to indulge in rich, heavy meals that can leave us feeling sluggish and guilty. But who says holiday side dishes have to be unhealthy? With a few simple substitutions and creative twists, you can create delicious and healthy side dishes that will make your holiday meals both satisfying and guilt-free. Here are some holiday side recipes that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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10 Holiday Side Dishes

Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash

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The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. And what better way to complement your main dish of beer can chicken than with some tasty side dishes? Here are 10 holiday side dish recipes that are sure to impress your guests.

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Best-Ever Spanish Rice

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Red Bell Pepper

4-Ingredient Spanish Rice Recipe - A Spicy Perspective

Easy Spanish Rice - Barefeet in the Kitchen

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This flavorful rice dish is the perfect accompaniment to your savory beer can chicken. Made with tomatoes, onions, and spices, this Spanish rice is a crowd pleaser and can be easily made in large batches to feed a crowd.

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Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Main Ingredients: Yellow Potatoes, Water, Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Garlic

Crispy Smashed Potatoes – Modern Honey

Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

These crispy smashed potatoes are a fun twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Boiled, smashed, and roasted to perfection, these potatoes are seasoned with garlic and herbs for a flavorful side dish.

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Broccoli Tots

Main Ingredients: Broccoli, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Onion, Breadcrumbs

Broccoli Tots (vegan and non vegan) - Pickled Plum Food And Drinks

Florida Broccoli Tots : Fresh From Florida

Looking for a healthier alternative to tater tots? These broccoli tots are made with fresh broccoli, cheese, and breadcrumbs and baked to crispy perfection. They are a great way to sneak in some veggies alongside your beer can chicken.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple, Bacon and Cranberries – Roasted ...

Roasted brussel sprouts with caramelized onions and bacon - Friday is ...

Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Cookie and Kate

Brussels sprouts may not be everyone's favorite vegetable, but these roasted Brussels sprouts may change their minds. Tossed in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, these Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy and caramelized.

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Garlic & Ginger Bok Choy

Main Ingredients: Bok Choy, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Sugar, Salt, Water

Ginger Garlic Baby Bok Choy by Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

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This Asian-inspired side dish is a flavorful addition to any meal. Bok choy is cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.

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Super Healthy, Garlic Sauteed Spinach

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Baby Spinach Leaves, Salt, Ground

Garlic Sauteed Spinach | Just A Pinch Recipes

5-Minute Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon – Healthy Sauteed ...

Looking for a quick and easy side dish? This garlic sauteed spinach takes less than 10 minutes to make and is packed with nutrients. Spinach, garlic, and olive oil come together for a healthy and delicious side dish.

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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Garlic, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet

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If you're a fan of Brussels sprouts, you'll love this garlic parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts recipe. The garlic, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs add a delicious crunch to these roasted veggies.

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Healthy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower

Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Buffalo Sauce

White plate with baked buffalo cauliflower and ranch dressing. Keto ...

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Want to spice things up? This healthy baked buffalo cauliflower is a tasty and vegetarian side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The buffalo sauce and breadcrumbs add a flavorful kick to the roasted cauliflower.

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Healthy Holiday Swaps and Cauliflower Mash {Giveaway}

Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Chili Seasoning, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder

Holiday Food Swaps // Maple Pecan Granola - Create Better Health

HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS | Healthy food swaps, Healthy recipes, Food swap

Cauliflower Mash with Roasted Garlic & Ricotta - Chrissy Teigen Keto ...

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Cauliflower is truly a versatile vegetable, and this recipe for cauliflower mash is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Garlic, herbs, and chicken broth are added for extra flavor, making this a healthier option for your holiday feasts.

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Easy Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Butter, Cabbage, Salt, Pepper

UNSTUFFED CABBAGE CASSEROLE {Low-Carb!} - WonkyWonderful

The 25+ best Recipes with cabbage ideas on Pinterest | Cabbage, Recipe ...

UBahn Heimatland Himmel baked stuffed cabbage rolls Caroline Geliebte ...

This easy cabbage recipe is a simple and tasty way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. Cabbage, butter, and your favorite seasonings come together for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.

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Healthy Mashed Potatoes

Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Garlic Cloves, Low Fat Sour Cream

Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are similar to a casserole but without ...

These Healthy Roasted Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes are Delicious ...

Healthy Mashed Potatoes - Ahead of Thyme

Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish for many meals, but they can often be loaded with unhealthy ingredients. This recipe for healthy mashed potatoes uses cauliflower, chicken broth, and herbs to create a lighter and healthier version of this classic dish.

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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Grated Parmesan, Garlic Powder, Salt

Easy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower (5 Ingredients!) – Unsophisticook

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower - The Harvest Kitchen

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Another delicious way to enjoy cauliflower is by roasting it to perfection with garlic, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. This garlic parmesan roasted cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy side dish that is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken.

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Pickled Beets

Main Ingredients: Beets, Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Olive Oil, Dry Mustard

Canned Pickled Beets Recipe - The Kitchen Magpie

If you're a fan of pickled vegetables, you'll love this recipe for pickled beets. Beets, vinegar, and your favorite spices come together for a tangy and delicious side dish that adds a pop of color to your meal.

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Simple Roasted Beets

Main Ingredients: Beets, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper

Easy Oven Roasted Beets - Lord Byron's Kitchen

Simple Roasted Beets (GF, Vegan, Paleo, Whole30) | A Clean Bake

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Made with 5 ingredients including fresh beets, this easy Balsamic ...

If you prefer your beets roasted, this simple roasted beets recipe is for you. Just beets, olive oil, and salt and pepper are needed to create a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with beer can chicken.

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Vegan Quinoa, Spinach, and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn...

Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Acorn Squash, Extra Virgin

baked quinoa pecan stuffed acorn squash with vegan, gluten - free granola

Spinach and Quinoa Vegan Meal Prep Bowls • Salt & Lavender

Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash | Dishing Out Health

Mushroom & Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash - Simply Quinoa

This vegan side dish is a hearty and healthy option for your holiday meals. Quinoa, spinach, and mushrooms are stuffed into acorn squash and then baked to perfection for a flavorful and filling side dish.

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Perfect Whole Roasted Beets

Main Ingredients: Beets, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper

My Secret to Perfect Roasted Beets | The Recipe Critic

Perfect Roasted Beets | Recipe | Roasted beets, Beet recipes, Side dish ...

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If you want to make a statement with your side dishes, these perfect whole roasted beets are a must-try. Beets, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar are roasted until tender and caramelized, creating a beautiful and delicious side dish.

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Roasted Beets and Carrots

Main Ingredients: Beets, Carrots, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey, Salt

Roasted Beets and Carrots Recipe - Savor + Savvy

Maple Roasted Beets and Carrots • Salt & Lavender

Roasted Beets and Carrots Salad with Burrata - Lara Yummy Recipes

This simple roasted beets and carrots recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Beets, carrots, and herbs are roasted until tender and make for a colorful and flavorful side dish.

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Easy Oven-Roasted Vegetables

Main Ingredients: Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Sweet

Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables - Julie's Eats & Treats

Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables - Perfectly tender and packed with flavor ...

If you're short on time, this recipe for easy oven-roasted vegetables is perfect for you. Just chop up your favorite vegetables, toss with olive oil and herbs, and roast until tender and delicious.

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Garlicky-Lemon Asparagus

Main Ingredients: Garlic, Lemon, Asparagus, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt

Garlicky Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus - Simply Scratch

Garlicky Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus | Lemon parmesan, Roasted ...

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus - Cooking Classy

Asparagus is a classic side dish that pairs well with many main dishes, including beer can chicken. This recipe for garlicky-lemon asparagus is a flavorful and healthy option that is quick and easy to make.

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Ingredients:

2 acorn squash
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup chopped kale
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves on the baking sheet, cut side down, and bake for 25 minutes.

In the meantime, rinse the quinoa and add it to a pot with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until they are translucent. Add the kale and cook until it wilts. Stir in the dried herbs, cranberries, and pecans.

Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the pan with the vegetables. Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper.

Remove the squash from the oven and flip them over. Fill each squash half with the quinoa mixture and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy this healthy holiday side dish!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and lightly browned.

In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens into a glaze, about 5 minutes.

Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts and serve. This healthy holiday side dish is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

These are just two examples of holiday side recipes that are both delicious and healthy. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Your family and friends will be impressed by your cooking skills and thankful for the healthy options on the holiday table. Enjoy the holiday season guilt-free with these healthy holiday side dishes!