• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Paleo Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • All Recipes
    • Instant Pot® Recipe Roundup
    • Paleo Packed Lunch Roundup
    • Whole30® Recipe Roundup
  • My Cookbooks
    • Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go!
    • Ready or Not!
    • Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans
  • Spice Blends
  • Shop
  • Events
  • Paleo Meal Plans
  • About
    • What’s Paleo?
    • About Michelle Tam
    • Nom Nom Paleo in the News

Nom Nom Paleo®

Paleo recipes and more from New York Times bestselling cookbook author Michelle Tam!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Home » Blog » Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Paleo, Whole30)

Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Paleo, Whole30)

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.

Read More

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 Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Read More

Cauliflower Colcannon

Here’s a healthy and keto-friendly twist on the traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes and cooked greens. 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 pushing a dollop of ghee into a bowl of cauliflower colcannon.

Read More

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

Read More

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!

A white bowl filled with Crispy Swoodles (sweet potato noodles) and bacon.

Read More

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 and bacon bits.

Read More

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.

Read More

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!

A closeup of a white bowl filled with Warm Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Asian Citrus Dressing

Read More

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!

The step-by-step photos on how to make paleo Cran-cherry sauce, a Nom Nom Paleo recipe.

Instant Pot Autumn Mash

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

A spoon scooping Instant Pot Autumn Mash out of a gray bowl.

Read More

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!

A white bowl filled with Instant Pot kale and carrots

Read More

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!

Pouring sesame ginger dressing on a plate of air fryer roasted carrots.

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!

A side shot of a gray bowl filled with Roasted Garlic Autumn Mash topped with minced chives.

Read More

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.

Read More

Roasted Kabocha Squash

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

A plate filled with roasted kabocha squash.

Read More

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.

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!

A white bowl filled with Swiss Chard with Raisins, Pine Nuts, and Porkitos

Read More

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

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

Someone cutting a Whole Roasted Cauliflower on a beige plate

Read More

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.

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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!

An overhead shot of a bowl of Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup , a paleo, keto, and Whole30 soup!

Read More

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!

Side shot of Asparagus mimosa on a rectangular white platter with forks and plates on the side.

Endive, Radicchio, and Apple Salad

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

Someone holding a bowl of Endive, Radicchio, and Apple Salad with Porkitos and Hazelnuts over a cutting board.

Read More

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!

A closeup of a green chopped salad with salad greens, cubed avocado, sugar snap peas, sliced cucumbers, pistachios, and sesame ginger dressing.

Read More

Kale Salad with Persimmons

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 a large blue bowl filled with Whole30 and vegan kale salad with persimmon next to a pair of wooden tongs.

Read More

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

Read More

Need 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!

[Originally posted on November 17, 2020. Updated on November 15, 2022.]


Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and 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).


33

Thrive Market   LunchBots   Real Plans

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Siya Ray says

    December 23, 2020 at 5:59 pm

    The swoodles and the gravy are so incredible and make for life-changing sides.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Logged in as . Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Archives

About Nom Nom Paleo Nom Nom Paleo Cookbooks Nom Nom Paleo App Nom Nom Paleo Spices
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Popular Posts

  • 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 Green Cabbage
  • A white plate topped with a paleo egg McMuffin breakfast sandwich made with two fried egg buns and a sausage patty filling and guacamole. Paleo Sausage Egg McMuffin
  • No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake by Michelle Tam https://nomnompaleo.com Matcha Cheesecake (Vegan, Paleo, No-Bake)
  • An overhead shot of a plate with three golden brown pieces of Vietnamese lemongrass chicken next to fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, chili slices, and lime wedges. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken and Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

Footer

COPYRIGHT© NOM NOM PALEO LLC. All rights reserved. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission.

HOME  •  PRIVACY POLICY  •  CONTACT

Copyright © 2023