If you’re looking for healthier (but equally delicious) options this Thanksgiving, it’s time to change up your old-school mashed potatoes recipe. Whether you’re prepping for Friendsgiving or you’re getting ready to help out your family at home, these recipes lighten up the classics so you can feel a little less guilty about that plate of seconds (or thirds!). No matter what you’re looking for — gluten-free, vegan, etc. — you’ve come to the right place. Whip one of these up for an equally Instagram-worthy and delicious (even without a filter) Thanksgiving sides.
1. Sweet Potato Hash Brown Pie: When everyone’s expecting sweet, sometimes it’s just more fun to try savory. Sausage is a main ingredient, but so is kale, so there’s no need to feel guilty. (via Hold the Grain)
2. Butternut Squash and Cranberry Quinoa Salad: Everything that’s this healthy should always be this colorful and delicious. (via Little Broken)
3. Parmesan Polenta: This cheesy side has the same smooth and creamy texture that will leave your guests impressed (and full). (via Go Go Go Gourmet)
4. Three Healthy Alternatives to Mashed Potatoes: It’s tough to choose between celery root-sage, creamy cauliflower and parsnip-carrot mash, but each of these are easy and distinct enough that you can always just go ahead serve ’em all. (via Brit + Co)
5. Butternut Squash and Quinoa Casserole: This recipe is ultra-light but still super seasonal. It’s perfect for cold weather when you want something equally filling and nutritious. (via Cooking Chat)
6. Healthy Mashed Carrots: This might be our favorite root vegetable come Thanksgiving. Mash it up and save the leftovers for some veggie-packed baked goods. (via Tastes Lovely)
7. Mashed Parsnips: Here’s another root vegetable that, when mashed, is just as delicious but far less starchy. Feel free to mash it solo or add another veg (like fennel, celery or carrots) for a more interesting dish. (via The Delicious Balance)
8. Roasted Garlic, Cheddar and Olive Oil White Bean Mash: For all you vegetarians looking for a little protein and a lot of flavor, try this mash that could be eaten on toast, as a dip or even plain — it’s that tasty. (via Ciao Veggie)
9. Stuffed Acorn Squash: A Pinterest-perfect acorn squash stuffed with healthy quinoa and tasty roasted almonds? Sold. (via Marin Mama Cooks)
10. Cauliflower and Celery Root Purée:This dish has not one, but *two* delicious veggies. After one bite, you’ll want to whip it up for dinner year round. (via Healthy Nibbles & Bits)
11. Mashed Celery Root With Blue Cheese: The celery root makes this a healthy alternative, but the blue cheese makes it downright decadent. Pair it with turkey and all the fixins for the ultimate Thanksgiving feast. (via The Wimpy Vegetarian)
12. Mashed Butternut Squash With Sage and Garlic: There’s nothing more delicious than butternut squash soup… except for this mouthwatering mashed version. #nomnom (via Adventures in Cooking)
What’s your favorite healthy Thanksgiving side with a twist? Let us know in the comments below!
