I’m always on the lookout for holiday recipes that are easy to prepare… and I’m thrilled to share three of my all-time favorites with you here!

These side dishes are a cinch to whip up. And even better — all three recipes are loaded with nutrient-dense veggies you (and your bones) can feel good about eating. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving them all season long!

This video is for the balsamic Brussels sprouts and the roasted cauliflower sides.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts seem to be a staple of Thanksgiving and festive dinners. That said, you may not be a big fan of them — I know I wasn’t!

That is, until AlgaeCal’s COO, Vivian, introduced me to this incredibly delicious Brussels sprouts recipe. So this is for you, Viv!

Adding coarsely chopped nuts (try toasting them!) and aged balsamic vinegar is what sets this recipe apart. And if you want to add a bit more umami (savory taste), pan-frying some chopped bacon will elevate this dish even more.

Brussels sprouts boast some major health benefits, too, and have been linked with unique benefits for DNA protection.

Brussels sprouts have also been used to determine the impact on thyroid function, as cruciferous vegetables are often not recommended for those with thyroid disease. One preliminary study had participants eat 150 grams of cooked Brussels sprouts daily for 4 weeks, along with a normal diet. The researchers found no effect on thyroid function, which suggests that while further studies are needed, Brussels sprouts can be beneficial without putting your thyroid gland at risk.

In addition, 1 cup of Brussels sprouts contains:

38 calories
125% DV (Daily Value) of Vitamin C
195% DV of Vitamin K
10% DV of Potassium
15% DV of Manganese
87 mg of omega 3 fatty acids

Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon

Cauliflower is such a versatile vegetable. Plus, it’s considered one of the healthiest foods on Earth! It’s part of the cruciferous vegetable family (along with kale, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli). Research suggests it’s an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Cauliflower has been linked to cancer prevention, as well as weight loss due to its extremely low calorie content.

In fact, 1 cup of raw cauliflower contains:

25 calories
77% daily value (DV) of vitamin C
9% DV of phosphorous
8% DV of manganese
14% DV of folate
11% DV of vitamin B6
20% DV of vitamin K
37 mg of omega 3 fatty acids
And close to 0 g of sugar, sodium, or fat!

Healthy Holiday Stuffing

If you’re like me, your childhood memories of Thanksgiving dinners include a stuffing your mom prepared from a box. I admit it… it was my favorite part of the meal!

But those packaged stuffings have never exactly been good for you. They tend to be high in calories and refined carbohydrates, and low in fiber and nutrients. (Check the nutrition panel of any of the popular brands next time you’re at the grocery store.) That’s because their main ingredients are things like wheat flour, vegetable oil, and sugar. Even most traditional homemade stuffings are full of bread and white rice… foods that contribute to the chronic, low-grade inflammation that promotes bone loss.

That’s why we created this healthy version of the stuffing you grew up loving! Unlike traditional and packaged stuffings, this one is loaded with nutrient-dense veggies, like parsnip. Just 1 cup of parsnip contains more than 6 grams of fiber, plus significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin C, and more.

Just like with carrot, roasting brings out the parsnip’s natural sweetness… which beautifully complements the savory onion and herbs in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Thanksgiving Sides Last Note

What are you planning to make this Thanksgiving? Share your favorite recipes in the comments below!