The best part of a Thanksgiving feast is definitely the side dishes, am I right? These paleo and Whole30-compatible Thanksgiving side dishes will satisfy everyone at your dinner table and no one will will notice that these healthy spins on the classics are naturally grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free! 

A collage of Nom Nom Paleo's Whole30 and Paleo Thanksgiving Side Dish recipes. There is a red banner that says Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-free

Although I love a perfectly cooked Spatchcocked Turkey smothered in Umami Gravy, I always find myself piling my plate high with multicolored vegetable side dishes. If you’re in the same boat as me, here are some of my favorite healthy Thanksgiving side dishes to round out your menu!

Potato Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Perked up with a dash of cayenne pepper, lime juice, and fresh cilantro, this vegan, Whole30, and paleo sweet potato mash will be the new favorite at your Thanksgiving table! It’s way tastier than the traditional sweet potato casserole!

An overhead shot of a a hand scooping vegan and paleo Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes from a black bowl.

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Vegan, Paleo, Whole30)

4.88 from 16 votes
This spicy, sweet, and savory Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe that can be made in 30 minutes from start to finish! Perked up with a dash of cayenne pepper, lime juice, and fresh cilantro—this vegan, Whole30, and paleo mash goes well with everything!
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Garlic Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”

Going low carb this Thanksgiving? This Whole30 and keto garlic cauliflower mashed potatoes recipe is nomtastic and super easy to make in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. No one will suspect that you’re serving low carb mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes!

An overhead shot of a bowl filled with garlic caulflower mashed potatoes.

Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Whole30, Keto)

4.96 from 23 votes
This Whole30 and keto garlic cauliflower mashed potatoes recipe is nomtastic and super easy to make in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop!
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Cauliflower Colcannon

Want some greens with your spuds? No one will notice that the potatoes have been replaced with creamy puréed cauliflower—they’ll just scoop up seconds and thirds!

A hand is scooping paleo cauliflower colcannon from a gray bowl. The colcannon is white pureed cauliflower with flecks of green kale and scallions in it. There is melted ghee on top.

Cauliflower Colcannon

4.80 from 25 votes
Cauliflower colcannon is a healthy and keto-friendly twist on the traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes and cooked greens! Plus, you can make it in the Instant Pot!
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Baked Sweet Potatoes

Looking for the best way to cook sweet potatoes or yams? This fool-proof method to make baked yams and sweet potatoes is a game changer!

An overhead shot of a perfectly cooked baked sweet potato

Baked Sweet Potatoes (Yams)

4.84 from 24 votes
This fool-proof method to make baked yams and sweet potatoes is a game changer! Meal prep a bunch of them and store them in the refrigerator so you can grab one whenever you get a craving for something naturally sweet!
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Crispy Swoodles With Bacon

This faux noodle dish made with crispy sweet potato noodles isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving side dish—but it should be. Save the leftovers and throw an egg on it for breakfast the next day!

Crispy Swoodles with Bacon by Michelle Tam https://nomnompaleo.com

Crispy Swoodles with Bacon

4.88 from 16 votes
This crunchy combo of bacon, roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions—finished off with fresh herbs and lime juice—will win over your pickiest eaters.
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Instant Pot Crispy Potatoes

You can cook the potatoes ahead of time in the pressure cooker and fry them up on Turkey Day!

Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Crispy Potatoes by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo https://nomnompaleo.com

Instant Pot Crispy Potatoes

4.74 from 34 votes
Let me show you how to use an Instant Pot to make potatoes with crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors in no time flat!
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Brussels Sprouts Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts and Bacon

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon is the best Whole30- and keto-friendly holiday vegetable side dish that you can make in the oven or air fryer!

An overhead shot of a rimmed baking sheet filled with Roasted Brussels sprouts with Bacon.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon (Whole30, Keto, Air Fryer)

4.89 from 17 votes
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon recipe is a perfect Paleo side dish for fall! It's perfect for your Thanksgiving table as well!
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Shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon

Shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon is one of the fastest ways to make a deliciously smoky Whole30-friendly vegetable side dish—and it will knock your socks off, too!

An overhead shot of shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon in a large cast iron skillet.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

4.67 from 18 votes
Shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon is one of the fastest ways to make a deliciously smoky Whole30-friendly vegetable side dish—and it will knock your socks off, too!  
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Warm Brussels sprouts Salad with Asian Citrus Dressing

This warm Brussels sprouts salad with Asian Citrus dressing is a crowd-pleaser because you can make it ahead and everyone loves it!

Warm Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Asian Citrus Dressing by Michelle Tam https://nomnompaleo.com

Warm Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Asian Citrus Dressing

5 from 7 votes
A tangy orange-ginger dressing gives this warm Brussels sprouts slaw a zesty zing that’ll liven up your Thanksgiving table!
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Other Vegetable Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Paleo Cran-Cherry Sauce

If you are looking for a healthy, simple, and delicious cranberry sauce, look no further than this fantastic sauce that uses frozen cranberries and cherries!

An overhead shot of paleo cranberry sauce simmering in a saucepan

Paleo Cran-Cherry Sauce

4.93 from 14 votes
This Paleo and Whole30-friendly version of cranberry sauce—inspired by the cranberry-cherry-apple juice blends from my childhood—is perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. By themselves, cranberries can be unpalatably bitter and sour. But by adding an equal amount of cherries and simmering the fruit in apple juice, I was able to counter the mouth-puckering tartness of the cranberries with some natural sweetness. Prefer a sweeter sauce? Just a touch of honey will do the trick. And if you make this Cran-Cherry Sauce a day ahead and allow the flavors to meld further, it tastes even better. In fact, you can make this dish a week ahead and it’ll still be awesome!
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Instant Pot Autumn Mash

This beautiful vegetable mash made with roasted garlic, parsnips, carrots, and cauliflower is cooked even faster in an Instant Pot!

Instant Pot Autumn Mash by Michelle Tam https://nomnompaleo.com

Instant Pot Autumn Mash

4.86 from 7 votes
One of my all-time favorite Thanksgiving side dishes is Roasted Garlic Autumn Root Vegetable Mash. Why? ’Cause it’s a feast for both the eyes and tastebuds. My original stovetop version is crazy delicious, but now that I’m a certified Instant Pothead, I was determined to create a shortcut to veggie mash nirvana using my Instant Pot. After some tinkering, I’ve come up with a simpler way to make my Autumn Mash in an electric pressure cooker!
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Instant Pot Kale and Carrots

Tender kale and carrots are quickly cooked in an Instant Pot for a simple and delicious side dish that won’t take up room on the stove!

Pressure Cooker Braised Kale and Carrots by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo https://nomnompaleo.com

Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Braised Kale and Carrots

5 from 12 votes
There’s nothing more comforting than a big pot of tender pressure cooker braised kale and carrots—they’re delicious and nutritious!
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Air Fryer Carrots

Oven tied up with the turkey or other veggies? This simple savory side dish can be ready in about 20 minutes and you don’t even need to peel or cut the carrots!

An overhead shot of air fryer roasted carrots topped with ginger sesame dressing and fresh chives.

Air Fryer Carrots

4.74 from 15 votes
Air Fryer Carrots are a fast, healthy, and delicious way to roast everyone’s favorite vegetable so they’re golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. This simple savory side dish can be ready in about 20 minutes and you don’t even need to peel or cut the carrots!
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Roasted Garlic Autumn Root Vegetable Mash

Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t be complete without a generous serving of mashed root vegetables. Want to make my Autumn Mash but don’t have an Instant Pot? This is the OG stovetop version!

Roasted Garlic Autumn Root Vegetable Mash by Michelle Tam https://nomnompaleo.com

Roasted Garlic Autumn Root Vegetable Mash

5 from 6 votes
Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t be complete without a generous serving of mashed root vegetables. And while mashed potatoes will always have a special place in my heart, I’ve come to prefer this Autumn Mash as a comforting, colorful alternative because: (A) it tastes better, and (B) it’s so much prettier.
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Roasted Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic

Tired of soft, limp, and bland green bean casserole? Roasted green beans tossed in a zesty garlic and lemon marinade will be your new favorite way to cook them!

A bowl filled with roasted green beans with lemon and garlic and two lemon slices.

Roasted Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic

4.60 from 15 votes
Roasted green beans with lemon and garlic is the quick and easy vegetable side you’ve been looking for! This Whole30- and keto-friendly side dish can be on the table in about 20 minutes and it pairs well with everything. 
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Chinese Garlic Green Beans

Want an Asian spin on green beans this Thanksgiving? Make this simple skillet version!

A closeup shot of paleo, Whole30, and gluten free Chinese garlic green beans in a skillet.

Chinese Garlic Green Beans

4.89 from 9 votes
These tender and blistered Chinese-style garlic green beans are paleo, Whole30, gluten free, and low carb! Simply stir fry green beans in a hot pan and toss with a garlicky sauce for a quick and easy side dish!
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Roasted Kabocha Squash

When roasted, this Japanese pumpkin has the taste and texture of roasted chestnuts. Roasted kabocha pairs perfectly with turkey, too!

Roasted Kabocha Squash by Michelle Tam https://nomnompaleo.com

Roasted Kabocha Squash

4.70 from 60 votes
Roasted kabocha squash is my favorite way to cook this winter squash! Japanese pumpkin cooked in the manner has the taste and texture of roasted chestnuts!
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World’s Best Braised Cabbage

Another fantastic make-ahead vegetable side dish that you can warm up on Thanksgiving! It transforms a humble cabbage into a tender, savory, vegetable showstopper!

An overhead shot of the world's best braised green cabbage, carrot coins, and sliced onions in an oval casserole pan. Two hands are holding the handles with towels.

World’s Best Braised Cabbage

4.80 from 110 votes
Molly Steven’s recipe for the World’s Best Braised Cabbage, is an amazing Whole30-friendly vegetable side dish that makes the lowly cabbage a star in its own right. It reheats great so make it ahead!
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Swiss chard with Raisins, Pine Nuts, and Porkitos

The mere thought of a warm plate of tender chard cooked with sizzling garlic and tossed with pine nuts and raisins makes me weak in the knees, but crumble some crispy Porkitos on top, and pretty much all my stresses and worries disappear. Same? Make this dish!

Swiss Chard with Raisins, Pine Nuts, and Porkitos by Michelle Tam / Nom Nom Paleo https://nomnompaleo.com

Swiss Chard with Raisins, Pine Nuts, and Crispy Prosciutto

4.70 from 10 votes
This hearty Whole30 vegetable side dish is packed with flavor, textures, nutrition, and crispy pork! It’s one of my favorite ways to serve Swiss chard!
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Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Whole roasted cauliflower is a show stopping Whole30-friendly, keto, and vegan side dish. Plus, this recipe only uses 3 ingredients!

Whole Roasted Cauliflower by Michelle Tam https://nomnompaleo.com

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

4.75 from 88 votes
Whole roasted cauliflower is a delicious, Whole30-friendly vegan dish. It’s also budget-friendly, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your guests!
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Thanksgiving Soup Recipes

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup is super easy to make, super bacon-y, and Whole30-friendly! You can also make it in a slow cooker!

A black bowl filled with Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup on a wooden cutting board.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

4.90 from 19 votes
Got an Instant Pot and looking for a cozy paleo soup recipe that’s perfect for fall and winter? This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup is super easy to make, super bacon-y, and Whole30-friendly!
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Carrot Cardamom Soup

Craving a creamy vegetable soup at the Thanksgiving table? My Whole30-friendly Carrot Cardamom soup can be made ahead on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot!

An overhead shot of Carrot Cardamom soup in a serving bowl.

Carrot + Cardamom Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

4.91 from 22 votes
My Whole30-friendly Carrot Cardamom soup (Instant Pot or stovetop) is a quick and tasty bowl of joy made with carrots, ginger, cardamom, and coconut milk!  
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Pea Soup with Crispy Prosciutto

This Whole30-compatible soup combines fresh or frozen peas, soaked cashews for decadent creaminess, and fresh mint and lemon juice for an extra zing!

A closeup shot of pea soup with crispy prosciutto on top

Pea Soup with Crispy Prosciutto

5 from 3 votes
This quick and creamy dairy-free pea soup is like spring in a bowl—but you can make it all year-round. This Whole30-compatible soup combines fresh or frozen peas, soaked cashews for decadent creaminess, and fresh mint and lemon juice for an extra zing! 
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Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup

If you’re an umami evangelist like me, you’ll love this recipe for Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup!

Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup by Michelle Tam / https://nomnompaleo.com

Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup

5 from 7 votes
If you’re an umami evangelist like me, you’ll love this recipe for Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup. It's also Whole30, Keto, and Dairy-Free!
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Cream of Tomato Soup

A simple, delicious, and economical crowd pleaser!

An overhead shot of four bowls filled with Whole30-friendly, paleo, and dairy-free Cream of Tomato Soup topped with basil

Cream of Tomato Soup (Paleo, Whole30, Dairy-Free)

4.75 from 31 votes
Discover a dairy-free twist on the classic tomato soup: a velvety blend of fire-roasted tomatoes, aromatic leeks, and creamy coconut milk! In about 20 minutes, you’ll end up with a comforting and dairy-free tomato soup that’ll warm you from the inside out!
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Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

Asparagus Mimosa

Combining tender-crisp asparagus stalks with a lemony vinaigrette and topped with fluffy, sieved hard boiled eggs—it’s the perfect make-ahead vegetable dish for Thanksgiving!

An overhead shot of a rectangular plate filled with Asparagus Mimosa, cooked asparagus tossed with a lemon vinaigrette and topped with chopped hard boiled eggs and chives.

Asparagus Mimosa (Whole30, Paleo, Keto)

4.91 from 10 votes
Asparagus Mimosa is a classic French recipe that’s the embodiment of spring on a plate! Combining tender-crisp asparagus stalks with a lemony vinaigrette and topped with fluffy, sieved hard boiled eggs—it’s the perfect vegetable dish to serve with Sunday brunch or a colorful spring supper.
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Endive, Radicchio, and Apple Salad

Sometimes you want a salad with your turkey and this one hits all the right notes!

Endive, Radicchio, and Apple Salad with Porkitos and Hazelnuts

Endive and Apple Salad

4.75 from 4 votes
This Whole30 salad’s packed with sweet apples, bitter greens, crunchy nuts, and even Prosciutto Chips. It's the perfect winter salad!
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Chopped Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Want a fresh and tasty Asian-inspired chopped salad that’s big on flavor and low in effort? Your guests will love it!

An overhead shot of a big white bowl filled with a vegan and Whole30 chopped salad with sesame ginger dressing.

Asian Chopped Salad (Whole30, Vegan)

4.93 from 13 votes
A fresh and tasty Asian chopped salad that’s big on flavor and low in effort. Add some protein to make it a complete meal or serve it as a side dish at picnics!
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Kale and Persimmon Salad

This Whole30-friendly kale salad with sweet persimmons, toasted almonds, and a zippy lemon vinaigrette will hit the spot without much effort!

An overhead shot of two hands holding a large blue bowl filled with kale salad and persimmons and toasted almonds, a simple and delicious winter salad.

Kale and Persimmon Salad

4.84 from 12 votes
This easy Whole30-friendly kale and persimmon salad is the healthy winter salad of your dreams!
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Red Cabbage Slaw with Tangy Carrot Vinaigrette

This colorful and tangy Whole30-friendly red cabbage slaw is a refreshing spin on a traditional cole slaw. The acidity of this salad perfectly balances the hearty turkey and gravy!

Overhead shot of Whole30 and paleo red cabbage slaw with tangy carrot and ginger dressing

Red Cabbage Slaw with Tangy Carrot and Ginger Dressing

4.74 from 23 votes
This colorful and tangy Whole30-friendly red cabbage slaw is a refreshing spin on a traditional cole slaw.
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More Paleo and Whole30-compatible Thanksgiving recipes

Check out my epic Paleo Thanksgiving recipe roundup which includes dessert and stuffing recipes! You can also get my downloadable Thanksgiving menu and planning guide there!


Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013), Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017), and Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2022).


About Michelle Tam

Hello! My name is Michelle Tam, and I love to eat. I think about food all the time. It borders on obsession. I’ve always loved the sights and smells of the kitchen. My mother was (and is) an excellent cook, and as a kid, I was her little shadow as she prepared supper each night. From her, I gained a deep, abiding love for magically transforming pantry items into mouth-watering family meals.

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