14 Thanksgiving vegetable sides green

Thanksgiving dinner is all about warmth, flavor, and balance — and green vegetable sides add that perfect touch of freshness and color to the feast.

These 14 recipes bring together everything from classic greens to modern veggie twists, making your holiday table brighter and healthier.

1. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans tossed in rich garlic butter add a touch of brightness and simplicity to your Thanksgiving spread.

They’re quick, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans in salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes.

2. Drain and plunge into ice water to keep their vibrant color.

3. Melt butter in a pan, sauté garlic, and add the beans.

4. Season with salt and pepper and toss until well coated.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these Brussels sprouts are enhanced with a sweet, tangy balsamic glaze that brings out their natural caramelized flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

3. Creamed Spinach with Parmesan

Rich and velvety creamed spinach brings luxurious comfort to the table, balanced by a hint of nutty Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby spinach

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp flour

• 1 cup milk

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté spinach until wilted and set aside.

2. In the same pan, melt butter and stir in flour.

3. Whisk in milk to form a creamy sauce.

4. Add spinach back, stir in Parmesan, and season to taste.

4. Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with olive oil and garlic becomes crisp, golden, and irresistibly flavorful — a healthy side with a bold bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast 20–25 minutes until edges are crispy.

4. Serve immediately for best texture.

5. Green Bean Almondine

This elegant dish features buttery green beans tossed with toasted almonds and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a light, nutty finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans until just tender.

2. Toast almonds in butter until golden.

3. Add beans, toss to coat, and finish with lemon juice.

6. Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Olive Oil

Simple yet nutrient-packed, sautéed kale with garlic makes a hearty green side full of earthy flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.

2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. Toss in kale and cook until wilted.

4. Season with salt and pepper flakes.

7. Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Bright and zesty roasted asparagus adds a refreshing flavor and a pop of color to your Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast 12–15 minutes until tender-crisp.

8. Spinach and Artichoke Bake

A creamy, cheesy baked dish filled with spinach and artichokes that delivers cozy comfort and a touch of indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped spinach

• 1 cup chopped artichokes

• ½ cup cream cheese

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

3. Serve warm and bubbly.

9. Honey Glazed Green Peas

Sweet and buttery peas with a hint of honey add a light, refreshing sweetness to balance rich Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green peas (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil peas for 2–3 minutes and drain.

2. Melt butter in a skillet and stir in honey.

3. Add peas, season, and toss until coated.

10. Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan

Thinly sliced zucchini roasted until tender and topped with Parmesan gives a simple green vegetable a savory twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast 15–20 minutes, sprinkle Parmesan, and serve.

11. Green Goddess Salad

Crunchy greens and herbs tossed in a creamy, herby dressing create a refreshing salad that’s light yet full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed greens

• ½ cup chopped cucumber

• ¼ cup chopped herbs (parsley, basil, chives)

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Blend yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs into a dressing.

2. Toss greens and cucumber with the dressing just before serving.

12. Roasted Cabbage Wedges

Caramelized on the edges and soft in the middle, roasted cabbage wedges bring a smoky sweetness and hearty texture to the table.

Ingredients:

• ½ head green cabbage, cut into wedges

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Drizzle cabbage wedges with olive oil, season, and roast for 25–30 minutes.

3. Flip halfway for even browning.

13. Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Cheesy, creamy broccoli casserole brings nostalgic comfort and is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Steam broccoli until just tender.

2. Mix with soup and cheese, then transfer to a baking dish.

3. Top with breadcrumbs and butter, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

14. Green Bean and Mushroom Skillet

Tender green beans combined with sautéed mushrooms make a savory, earthy side that pairs beautifully with roast turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam green beans until crisp-tender.

2. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter.

3. Add green beans, season, and toss together before serving.