17 Healthy Holiday Side Dishes Under 250 Calories
So you want to the host the holidays? That's great! With a little planning, and a lot of simple and tasty recipe ideas, you can knock the whole thing out in no time. We recommend first planning your main, and if you want to go the classic route (for example, a roast chicken or turkey), we've got just the guide to help you bake a bird.
After you've nailed down the centerpiece, it's time to start organizing your side dishes. It's easy to go the classic route with buttery mashed potatoes and creamy green bean casseroles, but these dishes are extremely decadent. And if you'd rather keep it light, it may feel like you're gonna be stuck eating salads and cranberry sauce all night. That's totally not true—these 17 recipes spin all your favorite holiday side dishes in a healthier way, so you can totally indulge without accidentally overindulging.
Erin Clarke via wellplated.com3Slow-Cooker Brussels Sprouts from Well Plated
Don't have time to whip up a side? Let the side whip itself up—these tart and cheesy slow-cooker Brussels sprouts will be ready by the time you're done cooking everything else. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 190 calories
Mike Brosio via theironyou.com4Creamy Mashed Cauliflower from The Iron You
Love mashed potatoes, but want something with slightly fewer carbs? Try this cauliflower mash—cauliflower is the vegetable du jour, after all. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 120 calories
Brittany Mullins via eatingbirdfood.com5Green Beans With Caramelized Shallots And Almonds from Eating Bird Food
Want green beans, but not all that green bean casserole heaviness? Give this almond and olive oil-roasted spin a go. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 92 calories
Becca Pusey via amuseyourbouche.com6Mushroom And Chestnut Vegetarian Stuffing from Amuse Your Bouche
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Throw them into your stuffing! This umami-packed recipe combines those wintry nuts with savory mushrooms. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 189 calories
Gina Homolka via skinnytaste.com7Roasted Delicata Squash With Turmeric from SkinnyTaste
We love delicata squash because, like it's summer squash sisters, you don't have to peel it. This version with turmeric is as beautiful as it is tasty. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 126 calories
Dana and John Shultz via minimalistbaker.com8Simple Fall Slaw from Minimalist Baker
This slaw is made with julienned beets, apples, and carrots, as well as broccoli, and pumpkin seeds. Throw some on top of your turkey and prepare to have your mind blown. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 179 calories
Krista Rollins via joyfulhealthyeats.com9Asparagus And Brussels Sprouts Salad from Joyful Healthy Eats
A combo of shredded brussels sprouts, chopped asparagus, and tart cranberries create an autumn-inspired salad to die for. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 162 calories
Taylor Kiser via joyfulhealthyeats.com10Gluten-Free Stuffing from Food Faith Fitness
Have a cousin who can't eat gluten, but still wants to enjoy stuffing? Ding, ding, ding! This is the recipe for them. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 198 calories
Mahy Elamin via twopurplefigs.com11Quinoa-Kale Stuffing With Squash Rings from Two Purple Figs
Another fun squash recipe—acorn squash is another variety that you don't have to peel. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 133 calories
Gina Homolka via skinnytaste.com12Tossed Mushrooms from SkinnyTaste
Tossed in a savory breadcrumb mix and chopped fresh herbs, these mushrooms are totally addictive. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 127 calories
Audrey Keyes via skinnymom.com13Roasted Butternut Squash With Kale from Skinny Mom
Take your holiday kale salad up a notch by adding roasted butternut squash and dried cranberries. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 140 calories
Dana and John Shultz via minimalistbaker.com14Delicata Squash Bake With Tahini from Minimalist Baker
Back at it again with the delicata squash. These rings are topped with an alluring tahini dressing that makes them hard to stop eating. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 165 calories
Kim Lee via kimscravings.com15Triple Berry Almond Salad from Kim's Cravings
Want something fruit that isn't apples? Try this berry and spinach salad. It's light and refreshing—the perfect respite from all that holiday decadence. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 137 calories
Kat Gröber, Dave Bell, and Howie Fox from hurrythefoodup.com16Honey-Glazed Carrots In Tarragon And Mint from Hurry The Food Up
These honey-glazed carrots are crazy simple: They only take 20 minutes to make! Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 97 calories
Gina Homolka via skinnytaste.com17Lightened Up Green Bean Casserole from SkinnyTaste
OK, so you were kidding, you do still want green bean casserole. This version lightens up that classic by using two percent milk instead of heavy cream. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 160 calories
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