You don’t have to feel sluggish after your big holiday meal, just make a few of these lighter holiday side dishes! From potatoes and vegetables to soup and salad, each dish is big on flavor and easy to make!
When the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays roll around, it is easy for the menu to lean heavy. Creamy casseroles, buttery potatoes, and rich breads all have their place at the table, but sometimes it feels good to balance things out.
Lighter holiday side dishes offer a fresh contrast to traditional comfort foods. They keep the meal satisfying, but without the sluggishness that comes after dinner.
Plus, it’s nice to have options for guests with food allergies or diet preferences. Some people just prefer dishes that are a bit more wholesome.
This holiday salad has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors!
Another plus? Lighter sides are often more budget-friendly and quicker to make!
By reducing your meal prep time, you will have more time to enjoy the holiday. There are recipes that you can make ahead and freeze until the holiday, like butternut squash soup.
Lighter Holiday Sides
Whether you are hosting a crowd or bringing a dish to share, these recipes make it easy to round out the table with options that are flavorful, fresh, and inviting for everyone.
1
Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
These vegan and dairy free mashed potatoes are creamy and oh-so-quick to make! Serve up this delicious dish with dinner or as a dairy free Thanksgiving side.
This healthy sweet potato casserole has a crunchy pecan topping. With no marshmallows, it's a savory Thanksgiving side that's dairy free and so delicious!
This air fryer acorn squash is a wonderful dish for the holidays and winter weeknights! It's super simple to make and has the most cozy, sweet flavor. You're going to love it!
These sweet and salty maple bacon brussel sprouts are a show stopper! Whip up this easy side dish for a tasty dinner addition or even add to your holiday meals.
With tender roasted squash, crisp apples, chicken, and maple vinaigrette, this fall salad recipe captures the cozy flavors of the season in every bite.
This delicious and easy Beetroot and Feta Salad is tossed with walnuts, dates, and fresh herbs, then drizzled in a simple vinaigrette, the perfect side or appetizer.
This easy-to-make winter fruit salad is bursting with flavor, made with seasonal apples, kiwi, pears, pomegranates, grapes, and clementines, and tossed with a honey-citrus dressing.
Do you have any favorite holiday sides that are light and fresh like these? If so, I’d love to hear about them – leave me a comment below!
If you’re hosting or attending a holiday party this year, I have 8 simple Christmas appetizers that you can make to share. They’re perfect for New Years Eve, too!
Hey friend, I’m Madison!
I’m the mama behind Cook at Home Mom. Through simple, family-friendly recipes and practical meal prep tips, I show busy moms how to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable, even with packed schedules. So glad you are here!
