The turkey’s roasted, the pie’s cooling – but what about the high protein Thanksgiving side dishes? If you’re anything like me, the thought of more cooking after all that effort feels downright exhausting.

Don’t stress, I’ve rounded up 21 irresistible sides that are crowd-pleasers, easy to whip up, and perfect for complementing your Thanksgiving mains.

They’re also healthy and packed with protein, to keep everyone fueled up for a day of fun, adventure, parades, and the wonderful traditions that bring us together.

How about cheesy garlic broccoli, Mediterranean bean salad, zucchini fries, or cheesy peas? Sounds tempting? Your guests won’t believe you made these yourself.

So relax, enjoy the moment, savor the aromas, and let these sides complete your holiday spread.

1. Sun-Dried Tomato Biscuits

Source: allnutritious.com

Bring a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your Thanksgiving table!

These savory biscuits blend the flavors of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cheese, eggs, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella into a moist, flavorful bake.

If you LUV the heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 197
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2.3g

2. Spinach Mozzarella Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Filled with harvest flair, this salad brings a unique taste with a combo of fresh spinach, juicy grapes, cherry tomatoes, savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade dressing.

It doesn’t require a lot of effort to make, but it’ll hold its own next to the stuffing and roasted turkey on the holiday table.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 373
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 17g
• Carbs: 5.4g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugar: 2.6g

3. Higher Protein Bread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

Who doesn’t enjoy a slice of bread on the side? This year, instead of a boring store-bought loaf, I’m going to make a protein-packed, healthy bread that is sure to wow the family and guests.

It calls for fab ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, Greek yogurt, milk, and garlic, and requires no kneading. Perfect for when you want something homemade without the effort.

With a golden crust and an aromatic soft inside, this healthy Thanksgiving side dish is an awesome addition to your table.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 170
• Fats: 1.7g
• Protein: 7.1g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 1.4g

4. Cheesy Garlic Broccoli

Source: allnutritious.com

With only 3 ingredients, you can whip up this cheesy, creamy, garlicky side that’s vibrant, indulgent, and healthy.

The recipe turns humble broccoli into something special, and I know that, because the kids love it! Serve it hot from the oven, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and crisped breadcrumbs.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 363
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 6.7g

5. Flourless Oatmeal Bread

Source: allnutritious.com

This recipe uses oats, seeds, kefir, and eggs and turns them into a loaf that’s moist, savory, and gluten-free – no flour required!

It’s light, packed with protein, super healthy, and soooooo delicious. For me, it’s the perfect harvest-friendly loaf to place at the center of my Thanksgiving spread.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 126
• Fats: 3.8g
• Protein: 6.6g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 2.6g

6. Mediterranean Bean Salad

Source: therecipewell.com

I love this recipe from Laura at The Recipe Well!

It’s a colorful salad that brings together chickpeas, kidney beans, white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, bell peppers, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing.

Because it’s so light and fresh, it perfectly balances the richer dishes on the table.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 308
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sugar: 5g

7. Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Kids don’t like veggies? Not true! This dish from Wholesome Yum proves that wrong time and time again.

It’s a yummy, healthy, protein-packed dish of fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets tossed with garlic, olive oil, a generous sprinkle of parmesan, and then roasted until golden and crispy.

Make extra, because everyone will want seconds.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 203
• Fats: 15.7g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 10.3g
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Sugar: 3g

8. Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Source: blackberrybabe.com

When your table looks so glorious and tempting, you definitely need some sides to pull it all together. I found this awesome recipe from Blackberry Babe that’s sure to become a staple every Thanksgiving.

Imagine – a creamy side dish that combines sweet corn, cream cheese, shredded Colby-Jack, onion, and a touch of green chiles. It’s a warm, comforting bake, and a must-have side.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 306
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g

9. Zucchini Fries

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Fries for Thanksgiving? Yes, if they’re these golden-delish zucchini fries. The recipe uses just 5 ingredients and takes only 30 minutes to make.

They are delightfully crisp on the outside, tender inside, and coated with a crunchy Parmesan crust – pure veggie magic, protein-packed, and guilt-free.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 114
• Fats: 6.8g
• Protein: 8.3g
• Carbs: 5.5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2.5g

10. Smoked Potatoes

Source: blackberrybabe.com

Yummy potatoes, cooked sliced-Hasselback-style, smeared with butter, and smoked low and slow until the flavors sink in deep.

They then get a crispy, cheesy-bacon topping and a dollop of sour cream that no one can resist.

Your holiday table just got a fabulous, indulgent upgrade, thanks to Michelle from Blackberry Babe.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 293
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g

11. Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

Source: spoonforkbacon.com

Next up, a side dish for a special occasion, and what can be more special than Thanksgiving?

Make this standout gratin that layers sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets in cream, garlic, and shredded Gruyere, all baked to perfection until the veggies are fork-tender and the top is golden brown.

I’m off to start it now!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 265
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g

12. Parmesan Cheese Toasts

Source: scrummylane.com

A fun and easy-to-make delicious side that can stand alone or be dipped into your hug-in-a-bowl

Thanksgiving soup.

Think – crusty artisan bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, then crowned with bubbly, sharp parmesan under the broiler and served piping hot. They’re the cheesy flourish that makes your feast unforgettable.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 334
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

13. Cheesy Peas

Source: greedygourmet.com

Turn simple peas into an exciting, tasty dish that even the kids will eat without any complaints.

It’s a silky, indulgent side with lashings of cream, melted cheddar, and Parmesan that feels decadent without overdoing it. The ideal classic to accompany your roast turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 155
• Fats: 6.6g
• Protein: 8.7g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 5.1g
• Sugar: 6g

14. Green Beans with Goat Cheese, Shallots and Walnuts

Source: thesuburbansoapbox.com

Start with fresh, crunchy, green beans that have been blanched and sautéed in butter, then add creamy goat cheese, sweet shallots and crunchy walnuts.

The result is a stellar dish that is worthy of your Thanksgiving feast. It’s elegant, simple, protein-packed, and amazingly tasty.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 147
• Fats: 9g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

15. Kale Colcannon with Cheese

Source: healthyseasonalrecipes.com

Next up – a delicious twist on a Saint Patrick’s Day classic, perfect for Thanksgiving.

Katie has taken the classic Irish dish, Colcannon, and given it a super flavor boost with Vermont cheddar, freshly grated horseradish root, creamy mashed potatoes, garlicky kale, fresh dill, scallions, and sweet cream butter.

Rustic, cozy, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect dish to create memories around the table with loved ones.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 226
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

16. Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

Source: neighborfoodblog.com

From Courtney and Will, a harvest feast for the senses!

This side sizzles with flavor – bell peppers, zucchini, onion, squash, and asparagus are marinated in a sweet-tangy balsamic blend and grilled to caramelized perfection. Then to top it, crumbled goat cheese is melted over the warm veggies, adding creamy richness to balance the char of the grill.

A true Thanksgiving essential, serve it once, and the fam will ask for it every year.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 193
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

17. Green Beans with Cranberries, Almonds, and Goat Cheese

Source: babaganosh.org

This sounds so delicious that I just had to give it a try. And it didn’t disappoint.

You’ll never see green beans the same way again, once you’ve paired them with cranberries, toasted almonds, and goat cheese, all drizzled in a sweet fig-balsamic glaze.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 256
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g

18. Cheesy Quinoa

Source: runningtothekitchen.com

Did you know that quinoa is a healthier alternative to potatoes or rice? But, you don’t want to serve it bland and boring.

Adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese, zucchini, Greek yogurt, broth, and warming spices quickly and easily turn it into a delish side that will upscale your turkey dinner.

Guests will certainly be sneaking back for seconds before dessert.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 353
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

19. Cauliflower Ham Casserole

Source: wholesomemadeeasy.com

When I see ‘casserole’, I know that I have an easy-to-make dish that will get me out of the kitchen and into the fun and festivities with everyone else.

This fab dish swaps in tender cauliflower for potatoes and folds in leftover ham, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a mix of cheeses to create a creamy, comforting side.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 358
• Fats: 26g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

20. Pinto Beans

Source: recipesfromapantry.com

Pinto beans have a creamier, softer, nuttier, and earthier flavor than other beans, and make a stylish side that will impress your guests. They’re also budget-friendly and packed with protein.

Bintu’s guide walks you through making pinto beans either on the stovetop, oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, whichever you prefer.

Add bacon, garlic, herbs, or spices as you like, and serve them warm to bring cozy comfort to your holiday table.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 196
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 1g

21. Pesto Quinoa with Roasted Tomatoes

Source: frugalnutrition.com

Last but not to be missed – a scrumptious side of roasted tomatoes, garlic, walnuts, pesto, and fluffy quinoa mingling in each bite.

It’s simple, elegant, and brings fresh color and herby flavor to your holiday table without overshadowing the mains.

Tip – you can make it more decadent by adding pine nuts, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds and topping it with crispy, roasted chickpeas.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 225
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g