It’s that time of year again, a time for feasting, family…and (too often) being tempted by less-than-healthy foods and treats.

If you’re using food as medicine to heal or just trying to avoid going overboard on sugar and processed foods, we’ve got three healthy holiday and Thanksgiving side dishes that everyone will love.

Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish 1: Vegan Egg Nog

Eggnog is such a treat and need not be missed due to food restrictions, allergies, or sensitivities.

This vegan eggnog recipe is nutrient-dense, sweet without being overpowering, and free from refined sugar, dairy, eggs, artificial flavoring and sweeteners, and gums.

Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw organic almonds (soaked overnight in 1 T. lemon juice and water to cover)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup organic dates
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1 1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons Maca (optional)

Directions:

1. Soak almonds overnight.
2. Pour off soaking water.
3. In a high-speed blender, combine almonds and 1 cup of fresh water.
4. Blend until smooth, adding water slowly.
5. Add dates, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, vanilla, and optional maca.
6. Chill and serve with freshly grated nutmeg.
7. Enjoy!

Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish 2: Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it an ideal complementary side dish for 

This recipe captures all the traditional flavors and yumminess of cornbread stuffing without gluten or refined sugar, and adds the goodness of nutrient-dense ingredients.

It takes a little time, but the results are well worth it—and your guests won’t miss the boxed stuff!

You can also make this with a healthy bread, such as your favorite organic gluten-free variety or real sourdough.

Note: This recipe does contain eggs and optional dairy. You can avoid these by following the modifications. 

Ingredients:

• One recipe of Marilee’s Healthy Cornbread, OR your favorite gluten-free/sugar-free/dairy-free/ junk-free cornbread recipe, or mix
  • Notes:
    • For an egg-free recipe, substitute your favorite egg replacer
    • For a dairy-free recipe, use coconut or avocado oil instead of ghee and plant milk instead of dairy-based milk
• 4 tablespoons organic, pastured unsalted butter, coconut or olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 1 large leek, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage or 1 tablespoon dried
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
  2 cups organic chicken bone broth (use this recipe or high-quality boxed broth)
• 3 eggs, beaten
  • Egg-free options:
    • Option 1: Omit the eggs completely; the mixture won’t hold together as well, but it will still taste great
    • Option 2: Use a healthy egg replacer such as Bob’s Red Mill, or make your own using pumpkin puree, applesauce, or a psyllium egg (1 tablespoon psyllium + 3 tablespoons water to make one egg)
    • Note: We don’t recommend the use of a flax egg in this recipe, as it can impart a strong flaxy flavor

Directions:

• Step 1: Make & dry the cornbread
  • Make the cornbread at least a day ahead and let cool.
  • Cut into cubes and leave out, uncovered, to dry overnight.
  • Alternatively, you can dry it out in the oven the next day at 200 degrees for about 30-40 minutes, or until dry to the touch (like a crouton).
  • Once the cornbread is dry, begin the stuffing.
• Step 2: Make the stuffing
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Heat a large saute pan over medium heat and add the butter or oil.
  • Add onions, celery, and leeks and saute until soft, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Add the sage and rosemary, and sauté another 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl or large mixing cup, combine the chicken broth with the optional beaten eggs or egg replacer.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cornbread croutons, sauteed vegetables, and herbs and gently toss to combine.
  • Next, pour in the broth and egg mixture, and stir everything together.
  • Pour into a large 9X13 casserole dish or Dutch oven.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until brown on top.

Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish 3: Relish Platter

A relish platter combines fresh veggies with pickles and ferments, making it a lovely, light side dish or appetizer.

The key to making it healthy is to choose natural pickles without dyes, alum, or artificial ingredients and natural ferments, which contain probiotics to help ease digestion and cut through all that rich food.

The sky’s the limit on ingredients and creativity, but here are some suggestions for a diverse and attractive platter.

• Healthy Thanksgiving Relish Platter Components
  • An assortment of fresh crudites, such as:
  • Radishes
  • Carrots or raw sweet potatoes cut into sticks
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery or fennel
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cooked beets, cut into rounds
  • Blanched asparagus
  • Jicama
  • Colorful bell peppers
• An assortment of pickles and fermented veggies, such as:
  • Assorted olives
  • Giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables)
  • Picked asparagus
  • Pickled beets
  • Pickled green beans
  • Pickled onions
  • Real picked cucumbers, such as Bubbies or homemade varieties
  • Dilly carrots (follow this recipe)
  • A small dish of kimchi or cultured vegetables
  • Sweet pickles

To make:

1. Arrange an assortment of colorful fresh veggies, pickles, and ferments on a big platter.
2. Dig in!

Note: If you can’t find real pickles, look for the cleanest organic versions at your local natural foods store, farmer’s markets, or online that are free from yellow #5, alum, and artificial additives. 

You can also pickle your own vegetables in the fridge ahead of time, using all-natural ingredients and healthy vinegars. Just be sure to do so at least a week in advance.

Kimchi and cultured vegetables can be found in the refrigerated section or canned vegetable section of your local natural foods store or market.

Looking For More Healthy Holiday Tips & Recipes?

The holidays can be so challenging for people on restrictive diets or those who choose to avoid processed foods.

Fortunately, it’s gotten a lot easier to get in on the festive fun and “indulge” without compromising your health.

For more tips and healthy recipes, check out the following articles:

And Let Branch Basics Help With The Clean Up!

Got a holiday-size mess on your hands? Here’s how to use Branch Basics to help make clean-up easier:

• All-Purpose: To clean produce, countertops, dishes, surfaces, and even remove stains on clothes
  
• Plastic-Free Dishwasher Tablets: Just one tablet cleans a full load, powered by enzymes and minerals
  
• Travel Kit: TSA-approved miniature All-Purpose, Concentrate, and Foaming Wash allows you to travel without the toxins
  
• Branch Basics Laundry or Laundry Detergent: For washing up tablecloths, cloth napkins, and more
  
• Branch Basics Oxygen Boost: Boil with water to save burnt pots and pans or use in your high-speed blender to remove stubborn stains. It’s also a magical soaking aid for really tough stains on tablecloths, napkins, or clothing

All Branch Basics products are MADE SAFE Certified, EWG-verified, plant- and mineral-based, naturally fragrance-free, and free from harsh chemicals, preservatives, pesticides, surfactants, and disinfectants.

Shop Branch Basics Starter Kits here and discover the power of pure!