Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food. But let’s be real for a second—sometimes it can feel like dairy is the star of the show, right? That’s why I’m super excited to share my favorite *dairy-free Thanksgiving sides* with you! Trust me, you won’t even miss the cream or butter when you taste these scrumptious dishes. I’ve served these at countless holiday feasts, and they’ve always been a hit, pleasing both dairy-free friends and family members who don’t even realize they’re enjoying a dairy-free option! The vibrant flavors and textures of these sides will enhance your holiday meal and leave everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s not just healthy, but absolutely packed with taste!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed for that crisp texture
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, adding a lovely umami flavor
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil, to help everything roast beautifully
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced for that aromatic punch
- 1 teaspoon of salt, enhancing all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, for a hint of warmth
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness before serving
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for getting those green beans perfectly roasted!
- Next, wash and trim your green beans. You want them nice and fresh, so give them a good rinse and snap off the ends.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the green beans and sliced mushrooms together with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well-coated; this will help the flavors meld beautifully while roasting.
- Now, spread that vibrant mixture out evenly on a baking sheet. I like to use parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze, but it’s not a must!
- Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes. Make sure to stir the veggies halfway through for even roasting. You’ll know they’re ready when the green beans are tender and just beginning to brown.
- Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish. It adds such a lovely touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for those busy holiday kitchens!
- Packed with flavor from fresh ingredients that burst with taste in every bite.
- Healthy and light, making it a guilt-free addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
- Completely dairy-free, so it’s suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
- Versatile—feel free to mix in other seasonal veggies or spices you love.
- Beautifully colorful on your plate, adding a vibrant touch to any meal.
- Leftovers taste great, making them a perfect make-ahead option!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your green beans and mushrooms come out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips to ensure this dish is a total winner:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and mushrooms make all the difference. Look for vibrant green beans that snap easily and mushrooms that are firm and unblemished. This adds that extra freshness to your dish!
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic adds such a wonderful depth of flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your love for garlic—more is usually better in my book!
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your salt and pepper. These simple seasonings elevate the dish, so taste as you go and adjust to your liking. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick!
- Use a Baking Sheet: Make sure to use a large enough baking sheet so the green beans and mushrooms aren’t crowded. This allows them to roast rather than steam, giving you that lovely caramelization!
- Rotate Your Pan: If your oven has hot spots (and many do), rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking. This ensures even roasting and perfect texture all around.
- Experiment with Herbs: While parsley is fantastic for freshness, try adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. Just remember to chop them finely!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on those veggies during the last few minutes in the oven. They should be tender but still have a bit of bite to them—nobody wants mushy green beans!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, here are some fun variations you can try with this dairy-free Thanksgiving side:
- Mix in Other Veggies: Feel free to add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for a colorful medley. Just make sure to cut them to a similar size for even cooking!
- Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. They add a nice contrast to the tender veggies!
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices! A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin can add a warm, earthy flavor that complements the green beans beautifully.
- Try Different Mushrooms: Instead of regular white mushrooms, use shiitake or portobello for a deeper, more robust flavor. Each type brings a unique twist!
- Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest over the veggies before serving for a fresh, zesty brightness that pairs wonderfully with the roasted flavors.
- Herb Variations: In addition to parsley, try using fresh basil or cilantro for a completely new flavor profile. Each herb brings its own personality to the dish!
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the veggies just before serving for a sweet and tangy finish that elevates the dish even more.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying delicious sides, it’s always helpful to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delightful dairy-free green beans and mushrooms. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and based on typical servings:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
These light and healthy sides are not only packed with flavor but also a great way to add nutrients to your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before tossing them with the other ingredients. This helps them roast nicely without getting too watery.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil or melted coconut oil are great alternatives. They both have high smoke points and will give your veggies a delicious taste!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. Just toss it in the oven when you’re ready, and it’ll be fresh and warm for your guests!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick meals during the week!
Can I reheat these green beans and mushrooms?
Definitely! To reheat, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but I recommend keeping them in a covered dish to retain moisture.
What if I don’t like mushrooms?
No problem! Feel free to leave them out and add more green beans or try other veggies like asparagus or broccoli instead. It’s all about what you love!
Are these green beans and mushrooms gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without worry. Just make sure any additional ingredients you use are also gluten-free if that’s a concern.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix before roasting. You can also finish it off with a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep these delicious dairy-free green beans and mushrooms fresh for later! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), here’s how to store and reheat them so they taste just as good as when they came out of the oven.
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the green beans and mushrooms to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps them crisp. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or snacks!
- Reheating in the Oven: For the best texture, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the leftovers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. This method keeps them from becoming soggy and restores that lovely roasted flavor!
- Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just place the green beans and mushrooms in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel works), and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Check them and stir as needed until heated through.
- Refreshing the Dish: If you want to jazz them up after reheating, consider a quick drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving. It’ll bring back that fresh flavor and make them feel new again!
With these simple steps, you can enjoy your tasty dairy-free sides long after the Thanksgiving feast is over! Happy storing and reheating!
Print
Dairy Free Thanksgiving Sides for a Healthier Feast
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious dairy-free side dishes for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh green beans
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- In a large bowl, toss the green beans and mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dairy free thanksgiving sides, vegan thanksgiving, healthy sides
