Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Lifestyle Diets
  4. Healthy Low-Carb Recipes
  5. Low-Carb Side Dish Recipes
  6. 26 Low-Carb Side Dishes Perfect for the Holidays

26 Low-Carb Side Dishes Perfect for the Holidays

December 19, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Parmesan-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Complete your holiday meal with these healthy low-carb side dishes. Each side dish has no more than 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving and is full of seasonal produce like squash and broccoli. Whether it's Maple Roasted Carrots or Parmesan-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, these delicious side dishes will make any holiday table feel special.

Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Maple Roasted Carrots

Maple Roasted Carrots
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting brings out the inherent sweetness in carrots--but add a little maple syrup and butter and you have a caramelized vegetable your kids (and you!) will actually want to eat seconds of.

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Balsamic Roasted Cabbage

Balsamic Roasted Cabbage
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These roasted cabbage wedges with honey and balsamic vinegar make an attractive and healthy side dish that's also very easy to prepare. You can use red or green cabbage--or make a double batch with one of each for a pretty presentation.

2 of 26

3 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamed Spinach Casserole

6913682.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This creamy spinach casserole recipe is a more sophisticated cousin to creamed spinach. It's perfect for weekend entertaining or as a holiday side dish.

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sauteed Broccoli & Kale with Toasted Garlic Butter

Sauteed Broccoli and Kale with Toasted Garlic Butter
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this easy vegetable side dish, broccoli and kale are drizzled with a butter, garlic and crushed red pepper sauce. Serve this healthy recipe alongside roasted chicken, turkey or ham--or on top of your favorite whole grain, such as quinoa or farro.

4 of 26

5 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Parmesan-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Parmesan-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These roasted Brussels sprouts are about to be your new favorite side dish. In addition to getting brown and crispy in the oven, they're topped with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar for a hit of salty, savory flavor. This makes a great vegetable side to serve with roasted meats.

5 of 26

6 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kale-Butternut Squash Gratin

7222689.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This colorful gratin dish livens up any holiday plate. Creamy melted Gruyère is comforting, while a blend of cumin, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper lends a warm, spicy note.

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Smashed Beets with Goat Cheese

Crispy Smashed Beets with Goat Cheese
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cooked beets are lightly pressed and pan-fried for a charred, crispy outer crust--similar to that of smashed potatoes. The herbed goat cheese dip makes this healthy appetizer or easy side dish even more delicious.

7 of 26

8 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy side dish recipe couldn't be simpler--or more delicious. Broccoli is roasted until brown and crispy, then topped with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar for a savory and sweet flavor combination that can't be beaten. Try this quick vegetable dish along with chicken, fish or really any main course. It's also great in salads or warm grain bowls. Tip: Preheating the pan helps the broccoli to brown and develop nutty flavors.

8 of 26

9 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato & Turnip Mash with Sage Butter

3757577.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This sweet potato and turnip mash is fragrant with fresh sage.

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Asparagus Casserole

Asparagus Casserole
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this baked asparagus side dish recipe, we smother tender-crisp asparagus spears with a creamy cheese sauce and top the casserole with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Blanching the asparagus first in boiling water helps preserve its vibrant green color. Medium-thick asparagus spears work best for this recipe. If your asparagus spears are very thick, they may need a longer time in the oven.

10 of 26

11 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turmeric-Roasted Cauliflower

5606646.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting cauliflower transforms it into a crispy, tender vegetable. A sponge for other flavors, cauliflower can absorb any spice mix or marinade you add, like this warm and toasty combination of turmeric, cumin and garlic. Serve as a simple side dish, or stir it into salads or grain bowls to add more plant power.

11 of 26

12 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli Casserole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The lightened-up luscious sauce elevates this easy casserole recipe over standard broccoli and cheese side dishes.

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wilted Kale with Warm Shallot Dressing

4027920.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Vinegar is the key to making this sautéed kale recipe special. Look for vinegar that's cloudy--it likely still has some of the mother in the bottle and will give you a sweet acidity rather than a harsh bite. Organic apple cider vinegar is usually your best bet. For the most eye-catching version of this side, use different colored varieties of kale.

13 of 26

14 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crispy Potato Stacks with Fresh Sage

potato stacks
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These little cute stacks are everything you want in a potato side dish: tender in the middle, devilishly crispy on the outside, and seasoned with sage and butter throughout. For best results, use a mandoline to slice the potatoes extra-thin.

14 of 26

15 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Beans Amandine

Green Beans Amandine
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A rich browned butter and white wine sauce updates this holiday mainstay. Haricots verts are French-style green beans that are slender and delicate. You can usually find bags of them in the produce section. The packaged beans are often trimmed, which saves time. You can sub traditional green beans; steam those about 2 minutes longer in Step 1.

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Melting Cabbage

Melting Cabbage
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This velvety cabbage side dish melts in your mouth and picks up the flavors of caraway, cumin and garlic as it simmers in broth in the oven. Serve it alongside roasted pork or chicken.

16 of 26

17 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cauliflower with Peppadew Peppers & Raisins

Cauliflower with Peppadew Peppers & Raisins
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We sauté the cauliflower to get it slightly caramelized, then steam it to soften the vegetable without burning the spices.

 

17 of 26

18 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Roasted Root Vegetables

6293497.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

There's nothing easier--or tastier!--than a pan of roasted root vegetables. Clean them, trim them, and season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and let them roast to perfection in the oven while you focus on the rest of your meal.

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheese-Topped Acorn Squash

6218820.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sage and nutmeg are the perfect seasoning pair for these acorn squash slices. Sprinkled with Parmesan just before serving, this vegetable side dish goes well with any main dish you're serving.

19 of 26

20 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Mushroom Gratin

7651507.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Earthy portobellos are roasted then smothered in cheese in this easy low-carb side dish. Enjoy this gratin alongside pork or steak, or add a salad and turn it into a delicious vegetarian dinner.

20 of 26

21 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sautéed Carrots with Gomasio

7861140.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this quick vegetable side dish, maple-vinegar-glazed carrots are topped with gomasio, a blend of toasted sesame seeds and salt. Find gomasio in the natural-foods section or Asian-foods section at large supermarkets or at Asian markets. Or substitute 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spaghetti Squash with Ginger-Miso Dressing

3759266.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mild-flavored spaghetti squash is a great swap for noodles, but here it's showcased on its own dressed with a healthy dressing spiked with salty miso. Serve with roasted chicken or fish.

22 of 26

23 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegetarian Collard Greens with Shiitake Mushrooms

6352795.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Collards are related to cabbage and have sturdy, thick leaves that hold up well to cooking. They pair well with strong flavors such as garlic, cayenne, and ham or bacon. This vegetarian take on traditional collard greens gets a boost of savory flavor from shiitake mushrooms.

23 of 26

24 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Salt-&-Vinegar Turnips

5873035.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy root vegetable recipe, we take the flavor of salt-and-vinegar chips and apply them to turnips. We found that simmering the turnips with vinegar before roasting infuses the flavor throughout. Try this technique with other root vegetables and potatoes too.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Rutabagas with Lemon-Brown Butter Sauce & Crispy Sage

7126141.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasted rutabagas become rich and creamy when roasted whole. Then we halve and pan-fry them for a delectable textural juxtaposition. These root vegetables are often waxed to maintain freshness--you'll be able to feel it. It's easy to remove the wax with a quick dip in boiling water, making the skin edible again. Serve the rutabagas as a side or vegetarian appetizer for a special meal, such as Thanksgiving dinner.

25 of 26

26 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Asparagus, Mushrooms & Prosciutto

3758963.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A quick roast in the oven and this trio melds together to become the perfect vegetable side dish recipe for chicken or steak. Or toss the warm roasted asparagus and mushrooms with baby spinach and a little more oil and vinegar to turn it into a quick salad recipe.

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 26 Maple Roasted Carrots
    2 of 26 Balsamic Roasted Cabbage
    3 of 26 Creamed Spinach Casserole
    4 of 26 Sauteed Broccoli & Kale with Toasted Garlic Butter
    5 of 26 Parmesan-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    6 of 26 Kale-Butternut Squash Gratin
    7 of 26 Crispy Smashed Beets with Goat Cheese
    8 of 26 Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
    9 of 26 Sweet Potato & Turnip Mash with Sage Butter
    10 of 26 Asparagus Casserole
    11 of 26 Turmeric-Roasted Cauliflower
    12 of 26 Broccoli Casserole
    13 of 26 Wilted Kale with Warm Shallot Dressing
    14 of 26 Crispy Potato Stacks with Fresh Sage
    15 of 26 Green Beans Amandine
    16 of 26 Melting Cabbage
    17 of 26 Cauliflower with Peppadew Peppers & Raisins
    18 of 26 Easy Roasted Root Vegetables
    19 of 26 Cheese-Topped Acorn Squash
    20 of 26 Cheesy Mushroom Gratin
    21 of 26 Sautéed Carrots with Gomasio
    22 of 26 Spaghetti Squash with Ginger-Miso Dressing
    23 of 26 Vegetarian Collard Greens with Shiitake Mushrooms
    24 of 26 Roasted Salt-&-Vinegar Turnips
    25 of 26 Roasted Rutabagas with Lemon-Brown Butter Sauce & Crispy Sage
    26 of 26 Roasted Asparagus, Mushrooms & Prosciutto

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    26 Low-Carb Side Dishes Perfect for the Holidays
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.