While turkey gets top billing at Thanksgiving, the stuffing, sweet potatoes and other traditional sides are a worthy supporting cast. Add them all up, and it’s easy to overindulge. Here are nine side dishes with less than 300 calories to incorporate into your Thanksgiving dinner allowing you to watch calories without sacrificing flavor.
1. STIR-FRIED CAULIFLOWER RICE BOWL | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Using cauliflower in place of rice is on-trend and a great way to reduce carbs. This high-fiber dish contains 14 grams of protein.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 277; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 212mg; Sodium: 523mg; Carbohydrate: 33g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 14g
2. BRUSSELS SPROUTS GRATIN | SKINNYTASTE
It’s hard to believe this dish has just 110 calories per serving when a two-cheese sauce tops crispy roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s rich and decadent-tasting without the guilt. Even more, it travels well.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 110; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 14mg; Sodium: 135mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 7g
3. CAULIFLOWER RICE AND SAUSAGE STUFFING | SKINNY KITCHEN
Cauliflower strikes again! This healthier stuffing is much lower in fat and calories than traditional stuffing recipes, coming in at only 5 grams of fat and less than 100 calories per serving.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 86; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 22mg; Sodium: 359mg; Carbohydrate: 7g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 6g
4. CURRIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP | MINIMALIST BAKER
Starting with soup may help prevent overeating at dinner, so make this butternut squash soup your first course. The creamy coconut milk and curry add lots of flavor without too many calories.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 230; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 455mg; Carbohydrate: 36g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 6g
5. HONEY GLAZED BABY CARROTS | DAMN DELICIOUS
Vitamin A-packed carrots get a boost of flavor with honey in this low-calorie recipe. Ready in 15 minutes and containing only 5 ingredients, this dish is a win-win.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 140; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 145mg; Carbohydrate: 26g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 21g; Protein: 2g
6. ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH WITH APPLES & SAGE | LOVE & LEMONS
Roasted to perfection and topped with tasty herbs, this squash recipe is vegan and gluten-free. Accompanied by roasted nuts and diced apples, there’s a lot of fall flavor here.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 251; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 12g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 234mg; Carbohydrate: 19g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 4g
7. FIVE-SPICE MASHED SWEET POTATOES | HEALTHY SEASONAL RECIPES
This nutritious riff on sweet potato casserole calls for Chinese five-spice instead of sweeter, calorie-laden marshmallows and buttery nuts. The sweet potatoes are steamed to preserve the nutrients.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 175; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 348mg; Carbohydrate: 27g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 12g; Protein: 2g
8. PARMESAN GARLIC-ROASTED MUSHROOMS | MY KITCHEN ESCAPADES
Mushrooms are paired with parmesan and garlic in this easy dish. With 9 grams of protein per serving, this side dish is ideal for vegetarians.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 147; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 12mg; Sodium: 378mg; Carbohydrate: 6g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 9g
9. CRANBERRY APPLE PECAN WILD RICE PILAF | CARLSBAD CRAVINGS
This one-pot side is a convenient choice if you have limited space on your stove. It’s a savory dish that covers all of your fall flavors, cranberries included.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 127; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 6mg; Sodium: 112mg; Carbohydrate: 19g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 2g
