Believe it or not, sweet potato casserole doesn’t always have marshmallows on top. As a matter of fact, it tastes better when it’s free from the gooey camp fire treat. This healthier version of the traditional holiday casserole makes the sweet tubers the star — what a concept! It mixes mashed sweet potatoes with a little bit of orange juice, coconut oil and a dash of brown sugar. In other words, it lets the already sweet root veggie shine.
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Roasted Cranberry, Wild Rice & Kale Salad
The word "salad" may conjure up thoughts of boring lettuce topped with a sad dressing, but this version will make you rethink that idea. Start by roasting cranberries and whipping up a batch of wild rice. Throw the ingredients together with kale and a Maple-Apple dressing, and you’ve got the most exciting fall salad at your holiday shindig.
Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Almonds
When did green beans become synonymous with creamy mushroom soup and canned fried onions? It’s time to break out of the green bean casserole mold with this vegan dish. Not only do the caramelized onions deliver big flavor without big calories, the roasted nuts add a nice texture to the simple dish.
Crispy Bourbon Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
I would wager a bet that you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like bourbon, brown sugar and bacon. Pair those three ingredients with crispy Brussels sprouts, and you’ve got the ultimate crowd pleaser. Let’s just call this the gateway dish for the non-veggie lovers. After a few bites of this, you may find them asking you to pass the salad.
Roasted Beets with Feta Salad
Add a bit of royal purple to your holiday table with this seven-ingredient roasted beet salad. This can be eaten hot or cold, so feel free to make this dish ahead of time to cut down on the time you spend in the kitchen.
Charred Shishito Peppers
Think outside the side dish box and give shishito peppers a try. These small green peppers are a sweet and fun finger food, and they require practically no time or fancy ingredients to make them taste good. Plus, they come with an inherently fun game — every 1 in 10 peppers is spicy, so it’s like playing pepper roulette!
Carrot Ginger Soup
Although you may not typically start your holiday dinner with a soup course, this gorgeous carrot ginger version may make it a new tradition. Soup is so easy to make ahead of time, and this creamy version includes split green peas, which adds a protein and fiber punch.
MORE BETTER-FOR-YOU RECIPES
- What top chefs cook for dinner when they're pressed for time
- Healthier sides and desserts for your holiday table
- Healthy instant pot recipes you make in minutes
- 12 French fry recipes that are actually good for you
- Beyond chicken noodle: 8 feel-good soups top chefs swear by
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