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    Home » Trending

    29 vegetable sides that steal the spotlight on Thanksgiving

    Published: Nov 22, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Thanksgiving hype goes wild once vegetable sides show off serious flavor power. Each choice packs the kind of appeal that grabs attention fast. A must-see collection loaded with too-good-to-miss picks!

    Buttered Sautéed Leeks

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

    Light flavor steps up fast once Buttered Sautéed Leeks hit the table. The softer texture gives a break from dense Thanksgiving sides. Many enjoy how smoothly it fits into a crowded plate.
    Get the Recipe: Buttered Sautéed Leeks

    Classic Fried Cabbage

    A plate of cooked cabbage mixed with pieces of bacon and sautéed onions, served on a light blue dish with a fork and yellow napkin on the side.
    Classic Fried Cabbage. Photo credit: Hungry for Thai.

    Rich meals get a dependable partner when Classic Fried Cabbage makes its way into the lineup. The bite brings just enough presence to be noticed. People like how it keeps things simple but still grabs attention.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Fried Cabbage

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    Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

    Sliced sweet potatoes roasted on a baking sheet, showing a golden-brown texture with visible seasoning.
    Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Natural sweetness becomes a highlight when Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices land on the plate. The soft texture pairs easily with classic dishes. Guests often reach for it when the table needs something brighter.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

    Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

    Roasted tomatoes atop toasted bread rounds with feta cheese.
    Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

    Holiday plates feel fresher when Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta comes into the mix. The crisp bite breaks up a heavy spread. Many enjoy how it adds a lighter moment to the meal.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

    Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.
    Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Strong texture steps into the spotlight once Roasted Cabbage Steaks show up. The roasted edges bring a bold presence next to softer sides. People appreciate how it stands firm on a busy table.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

    A plate with six roasted tomato slices, seasoned with salt and pepper, next to a small bowl of salt on a wooden surface.
    Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Bright color steals eyes right away when Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes join the spread. The soft bite cuts through richer dishes. People like how it adds a simple lift to the meal.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

    Breaded Cauliflower

    Pieces of breaded cauliflower close up.
    Breaded Cauliflower. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Crunch makes a surprise entrance when Breaded Cauliflower gets plated. The texture stands out among creamy sides. Many enjoy how it breaks the pattern in the best way.
    Get the Recipe: Breaded Cauliflower

    Easy One Pot Stewed Potatoes

    A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with ground black pepper.
    Easy One Pot Stewed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Big spreads get an instant comfort boost when Easy One Pot Stewed Potatoes show up. The mellow flavor cuts through all the heavy dishes. People often choose it because it grounds the whole plate.
    Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Stewed Potatoes

    Citrus Asparagus Couscous

    Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
    Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

    Lighter vibes settle in fast when Citrus Asparagus Couscous appears. The fresh feel helps balance the heavy Thanksgiving lineup. People often enjoy how it keeps the meal from dragging.
    Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

    Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

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

    A fresh break from the usual sides appears when Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe joins the spread. The clean taste stands out without clashing. Many welcome it as a change that still works with the holiday vibe.
    Get the Recipe: Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

    Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

    A bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
    Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget .

    Strong roasted flavor takes center stage as Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts hit the table. The crisp finish brings a small kick of energy. Many enjoy how it brings bold color to the spread.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

    Creamy Dill Potato Salad (Vegan Option)

    A bowl of creamy potato salad with chopped red onions, dill, and a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Dill Potato Salad (Vegan Option). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Cool contrast instantly hits the plate when Creamy Dill Potato Salad (Vegan Option) joins warm Thanksgiving favorites. The smooth texture resets the palate. Many enjoy how it breaks the holiday routine.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Potato Salad (Vegan Option)

    Easy Cabbage Curry

    An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate.
    Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    A soft burst of spice shows up when Easy Cabbage Curry joins the meal. The flavor fits surprisingly well with Thanksgiving classics. People appreciate how it shakes up the traditional lineup.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

    Roasted Artichokes

    Roasted artichoke halves on plates with lemon wedges, creamy herb dip, fresh herbs, and capers, arranged on a white surface with a blue cloth and a shallot.
    Roasted Artichokes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    A deeper bite draws attention fast once Roasted Artichokes come out. The texture sets it apart from familiar sides. Many enjoy how it brings something slightly different without stealing the whole meal.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Artichokes

    Air Fryer Onion Rings

    Pile of onion rings on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Onion Rings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Crunchy bites jump into focus anytime Air Fryer Onion Rings hit the platter. The crisp coating cuts right through all the heavier dishes. Guests often see it as the fun side that wakes up the table.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

    Classic Creamy Pea Salad

    A bowl of green pea salad with cubes of cheese, bacon bits, diced red onions, and a creamy dressing on a woven placemat beside a fork.
    Classic Creamy Pea Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    Cool relief rolls in once Classic Creamy Pea Salad sits next to warm Thanksgiving sides. The soft bite helps reset the plate. Many like how it brings a smooth break during a rich meal.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Pea Salad

    Spinach and Arugula Salad

    A plate of salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, red onions, sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese.
    Spinach and Arugula Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Fresh greens pull quick attention when Spinach and Arugula Salad hits the table. The crisp texture balances the heavier parts of the spread. People enjoy how it instantly lightens everything.
    Get the Recipe: Spinach and Arugula Salad

    Air Fryer Mushrooms

    Air fryer shiitake and cremini mushrooms on a plate with lemon wedges.
    Air Fryer Mushrooms. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Deep flavor edges into the spotlight once Air Fryer Mushrooms show up. The tender bite works well between bigger dishes. Many enjoy how it gives the table a grounded, earthy moment.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms

    Easy One Pot Spiced Potatoes

    Bowl of cooked, golden-brown potatoes mixed with chopped greens, viewed from above.
    Easy One Pot Spiced Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A little kick grabs quick attention when Easy One Pot Spiced Potatoes show up at dinner. The flavor keeps things lively without going overboard. Many enjoy how it boosts the energy of the table.
    Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Spiced Potatoes

    Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus & Potatoes

    Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes in a white baking dish.
    Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus & Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Mixed textures take center stage when Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus & Potatoes arrive. The combo helps fill gaps between the main dishes. People enjoy how it ties the whole plate together.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus & Potatoes

    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Light freshness enters the lineup once 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe joins the mix. The crisp texture helps balance out the meal. Many like how it brings a clean break from heavier sides.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

    Three Bean Salad

    Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    A cool snap of flavor steps in when Three Bean Salad comes to the table. The chilled bite cuts through heavy holiday sides. Many enjoy how it makes the meal feel less dense.
    Get the Recipe: Three Bean Salad

    Air Fryer Parsnips

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

    Gentle sweetness steps forward when Air Fryer Parsnips join the holiday meal. The texture blends with almost everything on the plate. People enjoy how it adds quiet variety without stealing space.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parsnips

    Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Strong roasted edges grab attention once Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks arrive. The sturdy texture holds up well next to big Thanksgiving dishes. Many enjoy how it anchors the plate.
    Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Quick Pickled Carrots

    Quick Pickled Carrots. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Sharp crunch sparks interest fast when Quick Pickled Carrots appear on the plate. The lively bite makes a strong contrast with rich dishes. People enjoy how it brightens the whole spread.
    Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Carrots

    Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

    An overhead image of two bowls of lemon garlic kale salad.
    Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Bright flavor jumps in when Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon meets the plate. The firm greens bring structure to a soft holiday spread. Many appreciate how it cuts through the richness.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Kale Salad with Lemon

    Roasted Cauliflower In Green Herb Sauce

    Roasted Cauliflower In Green Herb Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    A fresh kick lands quickly when Roasted Cauliflower In Green Herb Sauce joins the selection. The smooth finish adds a small burst of interest. Many enjoy how it brings color and depth without being heavy.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower In Green Herb Sauce

    Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

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

    Clean crunch gets noticed fast as Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans hit the plate. The simple taste helps balance out richer choices. Many enjoy how easy it is to mix with everything else.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

    Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots

    Middle Eastern roasted carrots with olives, goat cheese, salad topper and harissa-preserved lemon dressing.
    Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Gentle spices rise to the surface when Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots enter the spread. The color adds life to the table instantly. People often choose it because it brings a small spark to the meal.
    Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots

    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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