10 Healthy Holiday Side Dishes That Actually Taste Amazing

Let’s be real—holiday dinners are usually a glorious trainwreck of butter, sugar, and just enough guilt to last until January 1st.

But what if I told you that you can serve side dishes that are healthy, festive, and actually taste amazing?

Yes, you can have your Brussels sprouts and eat them too.

Whether you’re trying to balance Aunt Carol’s “smothered-in-butter” green beans or impress your coworkers at the office potluck, these recipes will save you from feeling like the Grinch who hates vegetables.

Each dish is simple, flavorful, and—bonus—won’t make you regret it on New Year’s Day.

1. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

These little green gems get a major upgrade with garlic and Parmesan.

Crispy edges, soft insides, and a sprinkle of cheese that makes everyone ask, “Did you put butter in here?” (Nope, just a teeny drizzle of olive oil, I promise).

Ingredients

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20–25 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan over hot sprouts and toss gently before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

These are crunchy, garlicky, and satisfy that “I want something indulgent” craving without the butter bath.

FYI: the leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully in a skillet for extra crisp.

2. Sweet Potato Mash with Cinnamon & Nutmeg

Sweet potatoes + holiday spices = basically dessert disguised as a side dish.

This mash is creamy, naturally sweet, and has zero marshmallows, so your “healthier choices” aren’t totally sabotaged.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes).
2. Drain and return to pot.
3. Mash with coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust spices if necessary.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and almost makes you forget there’s no heavy cream involved.

I once swapped butter for coconut oil and wow—never again. Coconut oil wins every time.

3. Maple-Glazed Carrots

Who doesn’t love carrots that taste like candy but aren’t candy? The maple glaze gives natural sweetness while roasting intensifies flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
4. Toss once halfway through roasting for even glaze.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s slightly sweet, lightly caramelized, and basically foolproof. Bonus: kids will eat them without complaint.

4. Garlic & Herb Quinoa Pilaf

Quinoa isn’t just for lunch bowls anymore.

This pilaf is herby, fragrant, and makes your table look like a 5-star restaurant without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add quinoa and toast lightly for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to boil, then cover and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

Light yet flavorful, with a subtle herby punch. Works as a side for almost any protein, from roasted turkey to tofu.

5. Green Bean Almondine

A holiday classic with a healthy twist.

Skip the butter overload and toss green beans with olive oil and almonds for a nutty crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Drain and shock in ice water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add green beans and almonds, toss to coat and warm through.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

Crunchy, garlicky, and super simple. IMO, this beats butter-heavy green bean casseroles any day.

6. Roasted Beet & Orange Salad

A vibrant, festive salad that’s both healthy and photogenic.

The sweet-tart combo of beets and oranges feels special without any heavy dressing.

Ingredients

• 3 medium beets, roasted and diced
• 2 oranges, segmented
• 2 cups arugula or spinach
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt & pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast beets at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes until tender.
2. Peel and dice, then combine with orange segments and greens.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season to taste.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s bright, refreshing, and a great palate cleanser next to heavier holiday dishes.

Also doubles as a conversation starter: “Did you roast these beets yourself? Fancy!”

7. Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes”

All the comfort of mashed potatoes but without the carb overload.

Creamy, dreamy, and basically zero guilt.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Steam cauliflower until tender (about 10–12 minutes).
2. Blend with olive oil and milk until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

Velvety, low-carb, and almost everyone will think it’s the real deal.

(Bonus: sneak it onto your plate alongside turkey without anyone noticing.)

8. Butternut Squash & Sage Bake

Savory, sweet, and incredibly aromatic.

Sage elevates this simple veggie dish into holiday royalty territory.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried sage
• Salt & pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash with olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes until caramelized.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s lightly sweet, earthy, and totally Instagram-worthy. Trust me, people will ask for the recipe.

9. Cranberry-Apple Slaw

Skip the sugary cranberry sauce and try this crunchy, tangy, and refreshing slaw instead.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 apple, julienned
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt & pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix cabbage, apple, and cranberries in a large bowl.
2. Whisk yogurt, honey, salt, and pepper, then toss with slaw.

Why You’ll Love It

Sweet, tart, and crunchy—a perfect foil for roasted meats. Bonus: it keeps well if made ahead.

10. Sautéed Green Peas with Mint

Simple, bright, and refreshing. Peas + mint = a side that screams “holiday freshness”.

Ingredients

• 2 cups green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chopped fresh mint
• Salt & pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add peas, and sauté 3–4 minutes.
2. Stir in mint and season with salt & pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a pop of color, flavor, and freshness. Honestly, peas never looked this good.

Wrapping It Up

Healthy holiday sides don’t have to be boring or complicated.

From garlicky Brussels sprouts to cauliflower mash that fools everyone, these dishes are flavorful, festive, and won’t make you feel guilty for having seconds (or thirds).

Next holiday gathering? You’ll look like a pro chef without sacrificing your sanity—or your waistline.