Are you tired of the same old boring Thanksgiving sides that you’ve been serving up year after year? Get ready to have your mind blown because we’ve got 17 unconventional Thanksgiving side dishes that are going to make you fall in love with this holiday all over again!
Butternut Squash Salad
Ditch the boring butternut squash! This vibrant salad features caramelized hasselback slices, juicy pomegranate, and creamy feta cheese. Easy, stunning, and perfect for all your fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Salad
Beet Gratin
Beet Gratin is a visually stunning and deliciously earthy addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Beets and beet greens are layered with savory spices, it’s a sophisticated and flavorful alternative to more traditional sides. This dish is perfect for those wanting to add some gourmet flair to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Beet Gratin
Winter Fruit Salad
Brighten your Thanksgiving table with this colorful and refreshing winter fruit salad. Packed with kiwi, apples, mandarins, and more, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors for any holiday gathering or healthy snack.
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad
Roast Delicata Squash
Delight in the simplicity of Roasted Delicata Squash with Fennel and Maple Syrup. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also brings a sweet and aromatic flavor to your table. It’s a terrific fall side that offers a unique and tasty alternative to classic Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roast Delicata Squash
Instant Pot Applesauce
Who needs canned cranberry sauce when you have Instant Pot Applesauce? It’s a fresh, tasty alternative that’s incredibly easy to make. With only two ingredients and no added sugar, it’s a healthy, homemade option that is kid-friendly too.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Applesauce
Utica Greens
Utica Greens offer an Italian-American twist to the Thanksgiving greens. With escarole, hot peppers, and garlic, it’s a savory and spicy departure from the usual sides. It’s a bold and flavorful dish that brings some much-needed pizzazz to the traditional Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens
Amish Potato Salad
Potato salad for Thanksgiving? Why not! This Amish Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy twist on traditional potato salad. Its unique blend of mustard, sugar, and celery seed offers a delightful change of pace from the usual. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to add a classic, summer flavor to their Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad
Chickpea Salad
This vibrant Chickpea Salad is a refreshing addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Loaded with fresh veggies, it’s not only gorgeous and vegan but also gluten-free and super easy to make. It’s a perfect choice for a light, healthy, and colorful side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Zucchini & Squash Casserole
Get rid of the heavy, creamy soup based squash casserole and make this layered zucchini dish instead. The alternating layers of green zucchini and yellow squash not only make it visually appealing but also provide a lighter, fresher alternative to the heavier traditional sides. Plus, it’s a breeze with just 5 ingredients!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Squash Casserole
Chile Relleno Casserole
For a touch of Mexican flavor, try the Chile Relleno Casserole. With layers of fresh chiles and gooey cheese, it’s a low-effort dish that packs a punch. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a spicy, cheesy alternative to traditional Thanksgiving casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole
Sauteed Mushrooms with Jalapenos
Spice up your meal with Sauteed Mushrooms with Jalapenos. It’s an easy-to-make dish that brings a zesty twist to the traditional mushroom sides. These spicy mushrooms are perfect for adding a bit of heat and excitement to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Mushrooms with Jalapenos
Salt Potatoes
Salt Potatoes, a staple in upstate New York, bring a buttery, creamy delight to the Thanksgiving table. Their bite-sized simplicity and delicious flavor make them a superb alternative to regular mashed potatoes. Plus, their ease of preparation is a real bonus during the holiday hustle.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes
Ramen Noodle Salad
Shake up your salad game with Ramen Noodle Salad. Packed with cabbage and other veggies in an Asian-inspired dressing, it’s a crunchy, refreshing change from your typical Thanksgiving fare. This salad is perfect for adding an unconventional yet delicious flair to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
Coconut Green Beans
Add an twist to your menu with Sauteed Green Beans with Coconut. The unique combination of coconut and Indian spices transforms this simple vegetable into an extraordinary side. It’s a quick and tasty dish that offers a welcome departure from the usual green bean casserole.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Green Beans
Twice Baked Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with Twice Baked Potatoes, filled with all the good stuff like sour cream and cheese, and topped with bacon and chives. Cooked in the air fryer, they offer a crispier, more flavorful alternative to the usual potato dishes. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist for your feast.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes