Make these sensational low-carb Thanksgiving sides with less than 8 grams of carbs per serving.
44 Low-Carb Thanksgiving Sides to Serve with Turkey
Updated on Nov. 22, 2024
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Cauliflower Gratin
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
2/44
Spinach-Parm Casserole
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 239 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
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4/44
Cauliflower Stuffing
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cauliflower stuffing is the vegan substitute you've been looking for. It's perfect for the holidays. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 64 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/44
Marinated Tomatoes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My niece introduced me to this colorful recipe some time ago. I now make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. This is a great way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
about 2 pieces: 93 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
6/44
Cheesy Cauliflower Side Dish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy cauliflower side dish is my favorite way to prepare cauliflower. The topping adds color and enhances the flavor with a little zip. —Rita Reinke, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 88 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 222mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
7/44
Caesar Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This crunchy, refreshing Caesar salad has a zippy, zesty dressing that provides a burst of flavor with each bite. It's a fantastic salad to perk up any spring or summer meal. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 28g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/44
Lemon-Scented Broccolini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even the most finicky eaters will eagerly eat this vegetable seasoned with lemon pepper, lemon zest and lemon juice. If you prefer, use broccoli instead. —Kim Champion, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 90 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/44
Smothered Cabbage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ham adds smoky and salty flavor to this southern side dish. You could also used smoked sausage, smoked turkey leg or bacon. Serve the cabbage with your favorite pork chop dinner or roast chicken. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 65 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
10/44
Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season. It's so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 95 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
11/44
Green Beans and Radish Salad with Tarragon Pesto
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whichever way my garden grows, I usually build my salad with green beans, radishes and a pesto made with tarragon. That adds a hint of licorice. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 115 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
12/44
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandkids were never huge fans of cauliflower, but the bacon makes a big difference in this dish. They like it even more with golden cauliflower instead of white. — Patricia Hudson, Riverview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 137 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
13/44
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
14/44
Garlic-Herb Pattypan Squash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. Using pattypan squash is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
15/44
Harvest Squash Medley
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To me, cooking is an art, and I love trying new recipes. For this one, I dressed up baked butternut squash, sweet potatoes and apples with citrus and spices. —Ruth Cowley, Pipe Creek, Texas
16/44
Fresh Green Beans & Garlic
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a firm believer that fresh is best. I developed this recipe to take advantage of our garden veggies. It really shows off the full flavor of the green beans. —Carol Mayer, Sparta, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 91 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/44
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I order cauliflower mash every time we visit our favorite restaurant. Lucky us; one night, I figured out how to make it at home. It was so easy! —Jean Keiser, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 74 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/44
Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 234 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
19/44
Oven-Fried Squash
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked yellow squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
20/44
Sugar Snap Pea Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh ginger, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil provide a nice blend of flavors in this Asian-inspired recipe for fresh sugar snap peas. This quick-to-cook recipe will complement most any entree, including ham, lamb, chicken or fish. Best of all, it's easy to double for large crowds. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/44
Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who normally don't care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/44
Creamed Spinach & Pearl Onions
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a culinary student, this creamy dish wowed me, and I don't even like spinach. This side is a keeper! —Chelsea Puchel, Pickens, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 307 calories, 30g fat (18g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
23/44
Sauteed Zucchini
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
24/44
Sauteed Squash with Tomatoes & Onions
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite meals show a love of family and food. This zucchini dish with tomatoes is like a scaled-down ratatouille. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
25/44
Creamed Spinach
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 129 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
26/44
Green Beans in Red Pepper Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For easy veggies, I make a simple sauce of sweet red peppers, almonds and parsley. We also like this sauce with zucchini or roasted cauliflower. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 95 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/44
Steakhouse Mushrooms
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from a friend back when we were in nursing school. Whenever my husband is cooking meat on the grill, you can bet I'll be in the kitchen preparing these mushrooms. —Kenda Burgett, Rattan, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
28/44
Pepper Parmesan Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A colorful mixture of peppers and green beans gets an Italian treatment with basil and Parmesan cheese in this delightful vegetable dish. The garlic adds a savory zip. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 107 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
29/44
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. —Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
30/44
Roasted Root Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pleasantly seasoned with rosemary and garlic, this appealing side dish showcases good-for-you roasted turnips, carrots and potatoes. It's a nice homey addition to our family's holiday meal. —Kerry Sullivan, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 55 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
31/44
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green beans are wrapped in bacon and covered in a sweet sauce in this fast and simple side dish. Every time I take these bacon-wrapped green beans to a luncheon or family dinner, people beg me for the recipe. —Julie Hewitt, Union Mills, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 bundle: 196 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
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Roasted Herb & Lemon Cauliflower
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 161 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
33/44
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 94 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
34/44
Tangy Bacon Green Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother’s Pennsylvania Dutch-style recipe turns plain old green beans into a tangy cross between three-bean and German potato salads. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 173 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
35/44
Artichoke Spinach Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Although he isn't a fan of spinach, my husband loves this dish. The combination of ingredients may sound unusual, but the flavors meld well. It's an excellent side vegetable for a formal dinner. —Judy Johnson, Missoula, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 136 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
36/44
Lemony Green Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can throw together this dish in minutes using ingredients you probably already have on hand. That’s the beauty of it. —Jennifer Tarantino, Rutherford, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without lemon wedges): 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
37/44
Broccoli Cauliflower Combo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shallots, basil and broth rev up the taste of this nutritious vegetable medley. The bright color and fresh flavors will dress up your plate! —Clara Coulston, Washington Court House, Ohio.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 38 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable.
38/44
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My roommate and I used to make garlicky Brussels sprouts at least twice a week. Now I make them as a healthy side for all sorts of occasions. —Katherine Moore-Colasurd, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 69 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
39/44
Spinach Souffle
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You just can't make an easier, more delicious side dish than this. It's great with beef, pork and lamb, and I especially like serving it for a festive occasion like New Year's Eve. —Bette Duffy, Kenmore, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 375 calories, 33g fat (20g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
40/44
Roasted Cauliflower Mash
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a tempting yet lower-carb alternative to traditional side dishes of spuds or rice. Guests who don’t detect the cauliflower might even think it’s mashed potatoes! —Jane McGlothren, Daphne, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 224 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
41/44
Lemon-Pepper Broccoli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
42/44
Garlic Asiago Cauliflower Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The garlic seasoning and Asiago really pack a punch, making this five-ingredient low-carb side dish a real weeknight winner. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 112 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
43/44
Italian Mushrooms
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
44/44
Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever we make a time-consuming entree, we also prepare this quick broccoli and cauliflower side. The veggies are a good fit when you’re watching calories. —Debra Tolbert, Deville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 58 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
