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    Home » Trending

    I make these veggie sides every Thanksgiving and they always impress

    Published: Nov 6, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Every Thanksgiving table shines a little brighter with veggie sides, and the recipes I make always steal the show. Each dish brings color, crunch, and comfort that guests remember. These sides never miss and always impress every single time!

    Creamy Cajun Coleslaw

    Close-up of coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots coated in creamy dressing.
    Creamy Cajun Coleslaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    This one’s got just enough kick to stand out. Creamy Cajun Coleslaw always makes its way onto plates between the heavier sides. It’s the cold contrast that keeps everything moving.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Coleslaw

    Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra

    Sliced and roasted okra on a white plate with a wooden spoon on the side.
    Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Every year someone ends up liking okra more than expected. Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra comes out with great texture and always wins people over. It’s one of those sides that quietly stands out.
    Get the Recipe: Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra

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    Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

    Close-up of roasted cherry tomatoes with basil and a spoon, showing char marks and glossy skin.
    Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    They always bring a little extra color to the table. Guests reach for Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes even before the main course is served. There's never a spoonful left by the end.
    Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

    Fried Green Tomato Fritters

    Fried green tomato fritters on a sheet of parchment.
    Fried Green Tomato Fritters. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    People notice when crunchy things are ready early. Fry or reheat Fried Green Tomato Fritters and pass plates around while other items finish. They make a great starter without extra fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Fritters

    Charred Zucchini Salad

    Grilled zucchini slices on a plate with creamy sauce, greens, chopped nuts, and a fork; bread, lemon, and a glass of drink are nearby.
    Charred Zucchini Salad. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Make-ahead salads save oven time and keep the table varied. Toss and chill Charred Zucchini Salad so it’s ready when guests sit down. It brings a cool, smoky note to the meal.
    Get the Recipe: Charred Zucchini Salad

    Roasted Pepper And Tomato Vegan Quiche With Sweet Potato Crust

    Vegan quiche in baking dish with towel.
    Roasted Pepper And Tomato Vegan Quiche With Sweet Potato Crust. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Every holiday morning feels calmer when prep is done early. Warm up and serve Roasted Pepper And Tomato Vegan Quiche With Sweet Potato Crust without hunting for oven time. It keeps people happy while main dishes finish.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Pepper And Tomato Vegan Quiche With Sweet Potato Crust

    Air Fryer Eggplant

    Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    This one doesn’t sit around long once it hits the table. Air Fryer Eggplant has a crispy edge that draws attention without saying much. Even folks who usually skip eggplant go back for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

    Roasted Artichokes

    Roasted artichoke halves garnished with herbs and capers, served with lemon wedges, garlic, a glass of white wine, sauce, and fresh parsley on a white surface.
    Roasted Artichokes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Prep done ahead keeps the morning moving at a good pace. Steam or warm Roasted Artichokes just before serving so hands stay free for last tasks. People love the simple, hands-on feel.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Artichokes

    Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Dip With Tomatoes, Garlic, And Jalapeno

    Dip on plate with tomatoes and spicy peppers around.
    Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Dip With Tomatoes, Garlic, And Jalapeno. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Make-ahead dips keep guests satisfied during oven time. Spoon out Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Dip With Tomatoes, Garlic, And Jalapeno for a bowl that holds up and keeps conversation going. It’s one less dish to worry about later.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Dip With Tomatoes, Garlic, And Jalapeno

    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy

    A plate of sautéed bok choy garnished with garlic, sesame seeds, and chili flakes.
    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    It’s the kind of side that works with anything on the plate. 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy brings in freshness without needing much space or time. Makes everything else feel more balanced.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy

    Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

    A close up photo of instant pot spinach artichoke dip placed in a white bowl with wooden spoon in the side.
    Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    I rely on make-ahead dips to keep hunger at bay while mains cook. Heat Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip and set it out for guests to nibble on. That small step keeps the morning relaxed.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

    Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    It’s always nice having something light on the table. Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash comes through every time with just the right bite. People ask about it more often than you'd expect.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

    Din Tai Fung Green Beans

    Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter.
    Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Having favorites on hand makes the whole meal run smoother. Plate Din Tai Fung Green Beans straight from the fridge after a quick warm-up and watch people reach. It fits with every other side.
    Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

    Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip

    Zaalouk in a white plate with spoon and napkin.
    Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Having several make-ahead options keeps the kitchen calm. Scoop Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip onto small bowls and set them out for grazing while dinner comes together. It gives people something to enjoy right away.
    Get the Recipe: Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip

    How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage

    Open jar of colorful pickled vegetables with a wooden spoon on a dark wooden surface.
    How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Sharp, crunchy, and cold. This one always cuts through the heavier stuff. Easy Pickled Cabbage doesn’t take up oven space and still makes an impression. It’s one of the first things people comment on.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage

    Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

    A plate with mashed potatoes and meat on it.
    Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Simple prepped sides let larger dishes take center stage. Reheat Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers and serve as a bright counterpoint to heavier items. It clears space on the schedule.
    Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

    Air Fryer Parsnips

    Air Fryer Parsnips. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Parsnips don’t usually get a lot of love until this shows up. Air Fryer Parsnips come out with a great roast and never sit long. They’ve become a quiet regular on the table.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parsnips

    Roasted Beet, Apple, And Goat Cheese Salad

    Side view of roasted beet salad on white platter.
    Roasted Beet, Apple, And Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    I make these veggie sides every Thanksgiving and they always impress friends and family. Toss and plate Roasted Beet, Apple, And Goat Cheese Salad after a quick chill for a bright side. The color and bite bring balance to heavy plates.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet, Apple, And Goat Cheese Salad

    Easy Air Fryer Squash

    Easy Air Fryer Squash. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Having something mild but still interesting helps round things out. Easy Air Fryer Squash cooks quick and gets scooped up just as fast. It’s made it on the menu more than once for a reason.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Squash

    Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

    Close up of beet salad on a white platter with two forks on the right side.
    Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Guests notice small details when many dishes are ready early. Pull out Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and let it sit at room temp while other dishes finish. It pairs well with heavier mains.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

    Roasted Bell Pepper Salad

    A plate of vegetables with a fork next to it.
    Roasted Bell Pepper Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    The color makes it pop, and the flavor keeps it moving. Roasted Bell Pepper Salad brings a cool, sweet contrast to the richer dishes. It shows up bright and goes fast.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Bell Pepper Salad

    Buttered Sautéed Leeks

    Buttered Sautéed Leeks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Soft, mellow, and always gone by the end. Buttered Sautéed Leeks don’t look flashy, but they always land well. People usually go back for a second scoop.
    Get the Recipe: Buttered Sautéed Leeks

    Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

    Zucchini fries on a plate with spicy ketchup for dipping.
    Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Quick prep earlier in the week pays off when the house fills up. Reheat Air Fryer Zucchini Fries and serve them warm so people have a crunchy bite right away. They vanish from the platter fast.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

    Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

    Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    The mix of colors always grabs attention first. Once people try Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots, they’re usually back for more. It’s now one of the regulars by default.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    Air Fryer Zucchini. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Always quick to disappear once it’s on the table. Air Fryer Zucchini stays crisp and easy to eat alongside heavier bites. No one ever leaves any behind.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

    Roasted Green Cauliflower Salad With Onions, Raisins And Almonds

    A bowl of roasted cauliflower with onions and sprigs of thyme.
    Roasted Green Cauliflower Salad With Onions, Raisins And Almonds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Each year I make these veggie sides and they always impress at Thanksgiving. Make ahead, chill, then bring out Roasted Green Cauliflower Salad With Onions, Raisins And Almonds for a crunchy contrast. Guests keep coming back for small plates.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Cauliflower Salad With Onions, Raisins And Almonds

    Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

    Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Simple as it is, it never gets skipped. Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans crisp up fast and fit into any plate without stealing the show. They’re easy and dependable every single year.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

    Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

    Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Planning ahead means fewer last-minute steps on the big day. Reheat and plate Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes and hand them out while other dishes finish. They disappear fast.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

    Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens

    Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    These bring a strong flavor without needing much help. Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens add a little edge to the spread and always get good feedback. They’ve earned a spot every time.
    Get the Recipe: Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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