12 Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes with a Healthy Twist

Per serving: 114 calories, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 240 mg sodium

Light, tender, and just a little sweet from a tablespoon of honey, this cornbread is made with cornmeal, low fat buttermilk, and a splash of olive oil in place of butter. At 114 calories a square, it's an easy addition to the bread basket, and it's a favorite with readers who follow a diabetic diet.

Per serving: 136 calories, 2 g protein, 2 g fiber, 148 mg sodium

Serve soft, fragrant citrus and cranberry bread for an irresistible treat on Thanksgiving Day. Whole wheat flour and fresh (or frozen) cranberries add deliciously hearty flavor to the holiday table - and the bread looks so festive!

Per serving: 71 calories, 2 g protein, 1 g fiber, 68 mg sodium

Sharp cheddar and jalapeño peppers add bold, creamy goodness to every bite of these 5-star muffins. Bake up these savory, golden-brown muffins for a tasty treat at your Thanksgiving table. If you love hearty, spicy, and ultra-comforting flavors, you’ll love this recipe.

Per serving: 115 calories, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 137 mg sodium

Indulge your senses in a rich, fragrant gravy made with beautifully caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and a touch of butter. This thick but heart-healthy gravy is the perfect way to smother holiday favorites, like turkey and mashed potatoes. It's sure to receive top marks from hungry guests.

Per serving: 39 calories, 0 g protein, 2 g fiber, 40 mg sodium

Make this sparkling side dish with fresh cranberries and a short list of pantry staples. Classic cranberry sauce is the crown jewel of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and although many recipes are loaded with sugar, this diabetic-friendly version is sure to please.

Per serving: 209 calories, 7 g protein, 4 g fiber, 369 mg sodium

If your family calls it dressing, this one's for you! Cubes of whole wheat bread bake with onion, celery, sage, and reduced sodium chicken broth, and then tart Granny Smith apples and chopped walnuts add sweetness and crunch. It makes 15 servings, so there's plenty for a crowd (and for leftovers).

Per serving: 225 calories, 4 g protein, 5 g fiber, 178 mg sodium

Dig into a velvety sweet potato casserole dotted with toasted pecans. Whether you’re serving roasted turkey or prime rib, this low-sugar but flavor-filled dish is the way to go. The deliciously crisp topping takes this easy recipe to the next level.

Per serving: 131 calories, 3 g protein, 3 g fiber, 267 mg sodium

Bring everyone to the table with a homemade bowl of classic mashed potatoes. Our gluten-free recipe boasts the creamy goodness of butter and sour cream, without all the fat. The addition of minced garlic delivers a mouthwatering finish, without the need for loads of salt, making it a heart-healthy favorite.

Per serving: 65 calories, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 219 mg sodium

Create rich, holiday-worthy flavor with just 6 ingredients and a blender. It looks and tastes like mashed potatoes but with far fewer calories or carbs. “This is an easy-to-make cauliflower recipe,” says reviewer Toni. “It's creamy, light, and fluffy. The kids thought it was mashed potatoes!”

Per serving: 195 calories, 5 g protein, 4 g fiber, 95 mg sodium

Lively mixed greens act as the base for this healthy Thanksgiving salad that’s bursting with garden-fresh ingredients and protein-rich add-ins. Crumbled feta and fresh thyme add brightness, while sweet potatoes and radishes bump up the salad's star appeal.

Per serving: 161 calories, 3 g protein, 4 g fiber, 111 mg sodium

Diced apples and crumbled Gorgonzola give this heart-healthy salad its one-of-a-kind creaminess and crunch. Chopped pecans and an irresistibly good mustard vinaigrette add depth to this 5-star favorite. The colors and flavors pair perfectly with Thanksgiving favorites.

Per serving: 175 calories, 4 g protein, 4 g fiber, 120 mg sodium

Vibrant colors and delightfully tangy taste make this roasted beet salad a standout at your holiday table. The presentation of this salad is sure to draw rave reviews, but it's the taste that will keep guests coming back for more.