This Thanksgiving, ditch the usual and bring something fresh to the table. These side dishes blend tradition with creativity—think bold flavors, vibrant textures, and a modern twist on classic staples. Whether you’re hosting, sharing, or just switching things up, these innovative sides will shine alongside your centerpiece.
1. Chili-Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Sweet potatoes glazed in chili-maple syrup, topped with crunchy pecans—this side brings sweet, spicy and nutty all in one. A show-stopper for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Chili-Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
2. Thanksgiving Kale Salad
Crisp kale tossed with seasonal veggies, maybe dried fruit or nuts, and a bright dressing—this side gives your feast a fresh, modern edge while still playing nice with traditional mains.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Kale Salad
3. Butternut Squash Blossom
Just look at this! Won’t you agree that this could easily be the most eye catching of all your holiday dishes? Make this your Thanksgiving centerpiece and wow your family and guests this year.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Blossom
4. Goat-Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Rich, creamy mashed potatoes infused with tangy goat cheese for a flavor upgrade that still feels comforting. A fancy sounding, yet approachable side.
Get the Recipe: Goat-Cheese Mashed Potatoes
5. Fall Pasta Salad
Who says pasta salad is just a summertime potluck thing? Our Fall Pasta Salad is brimming with all the best flavors of autumn.
Roasted veggies, crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, and so much more. This is one of those salads where every bite brings a new combination of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Fall Pasta Salad
6. Cherry Tomato Gratin
Bursting cherry tomatoes, baguette cubes, herbs and Parmesan baked into a gratin that dazzles in both flavor and presentation. A side dish that’s unexpectedly fresh and festive.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Gratin
7. Fruity-Nutty Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Crisped Brussels sprouts tossed with fruit (think dried cranberries or apples) and nuts—sweet, crunchy, savory—and everything a modern side dish should be.
Get the Recipe: Fruity-Nutty Crispy Brussels Sprouts
8. Maque Choux
A vibrant Southern-style side: corn, peppers, onions, spices and a touch of cream come together for something that feels both new and rooted in tradition.
Get the Recipe: Maque Choux
9. Colcannon
An Irish twist on mashed potatoes: creamy potatoes folded with sautéed cabbage (and optional bacon), giving you hearty comfort with a hint of green appeal.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon
10. Roasted Asparagus
Simply elegant and effortlessly modern — tender asparagus spears roasted until lightly caramelized, then finished with olive oil, lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s bright, crisp, and brings a clean, fresh note to balance out all those rich Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Asparagus
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former worldwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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