NutritionWeight lossHealthy recipes

8 holiday side dishes that won't derail your diet

These sides will definitely steal the show at your next holiday feast.


LearnHealthy recipes8 holiday side dishes that won't derail your diet
Sautéed Green Beans
Garlic-roasted carrots
Dijon vinaigrette asparagus
Healthy mashed potatoes
Twice-baked blue potatoes
Dried fruit and nuts whole grain salad
Spinach and sweet potato risotto
Herbed barley and lentils

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If you’re like most people (us included!) you probably know that you’re packing in a lot of extra calories at your traditional holiday dinner. But you might not have to.

While we don’t recommend that you completely avoid your grandmother’s made-from-scratch chocolate pie, healthier side dishes can cut some calories, leaving room for the pie and other must-have seasonal fixings. Click through to find delicious side dishes—perfect for any holiday celebration.

Written by Olivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed by Gaby Vaca-Flores, RD.October, 2025
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Olivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed by Gaby Vaca-Flores, RD.October, 2025
Updated onAugust, 2026
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