You may not be doing the Whole30 this holiday season, but our recipes are still a great choice for your table. Every Whole30 salad, soup, side dish, and casserole is grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and added sugar-free. Your guests will appreciate sides that meet their dietary needs, and you already know our recipes work well for your energy, focus, mood, and digestion. You may not even need that post-dinner nap this year!
Each dish is hearty, delicious, and full of whole food ingredients. They’ll add color to your table, and nobody will miss the gluten or dairy. Swap one of your current standbys (like mashed potatoes or green bean casserole) for our Whole30 version, or add a new recipe to your family traditions.
If you or your guests are vegan or vegetarian, you’ll also find substitutions for each recipe to fit within the Plant-Based Whole30.
Prosciutto and Fig Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette
This salad is gorgeous, unique, and deceptively simple to make. The arugula is base is herby and peppery, and stands up nicely to the sweet figs and savory prosciutto. The almonds add a bit of crunch, and the vinaigrette is mild and lightly sweet. This light, fresh salad perfectly compliments the rich flavors of turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes.
For the Plant-Based Whole30, add thinly-sliced roasted beets instead of prosciutto. Beets pair beautifully with figs, and add another bright pop of color.
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Sweet and Savory Citrus Crunch Salad
This recipe is everything you want in a salad. It uses simple ingredients, has minimal prep time, and offers a colorful presentation. The bright, fresh tang of citrus pairs perfectly with your holiday mains; swap the cranberries for pomegranate seeds for a festive pop of crunch and color. Serve with a light dressing, like SideDish’s new Whole30 Approved Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
This recipe fits our Original and Plant-Based Whole30 program.
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Whole30 Garlic Smashed Potatoes
These Whole30 potatoes are creamy with ghee and coconut milk, and topped with caramelized onion, crisped prosciutto, and toasted pine nuts. They’re fancy enough for a special occasion or a holiday, but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. This is a preview recipe from Cooking Whole30, available everywhere books are sold.
For the Plant-Based Whole30, replace ghee with olive oil or coconut cream; replace prosciutto with thinly-sliced king oyster or shiitake mushrooms; and use balsamic vinegar or vegetable broth.
Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This flavorful and cozy recipe boasts all the classic loaded baked potato ingredients you know and love, but takes just 10 minutes to prep. Chopped baby gold potatoes and cauliflower florets provide a tasty and satisfying base. Almond and coconut milk replaces traditional dairy to create a creamy, rich texture.
For the Plant-Based Whole30, you can make crispy shiitake “bacon” by thinly slicing shiitake mushroom caps, toss them in olive oil and salt, then bake them for 10-12 minutes at 375°F, until they’re crisp at the edges. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Whole30 Roasted Sweet Potato Soup
Who says your potato side dish has to be mashed? This soup is a Friendsgiving recipe from The Whole30 Friends & Family. It’s a fantastic first course to kick off your holiday meal, or can be served as a lighter side dish. It’s also delicious reheated, with or without the leftover turkey! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for the Plant-Based Whole30.
For the Plant-Based Whole30, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Whole30 Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the perfect holiday side. Make them Whole30-style and dairy-free with ghee and coconut milk, and blend them as chunky or smooth as you like. These are easy to make ahead and travel well, and will keep in the fridge for three to five days.
This recipe suits the Original Whole30 and Plant-Based Whole30.
Whole30 Roasted Radishes and Rainbow Carrots
This colorful and naturally sweet veggie side will brighten any holiday table. Radishes can have a sharp, peppery bite, but that flavor mellows while roasting. This recipe leaves your radishes and rainbow carrots beautifully caramelized and lightly crisped.
For the Plant-Based Whole30, use extra-virgin olive oil in place of ghee.
Whole30 Crispy Brussels Sprouts
When you need a simple side dish to complete your meal, look no further than these Whole30 Crispy Brussels Sprouts. Grab your favorite cast iron skillet and a bunch of fresh Brussels sprouts. You’ll most likely have the rest of the ingredients in your pantry, and you’ll be sitting down to enjoy this dish in very little time.
This recipe works for the Original Whole30 and Plant-Based Whole30.
Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
This is another delicious alternative to our Loaded Baked Potato Soup. This gluten-free and dairy-free casserole can also be prepped ahead and baked the day-of. With a creamy potato base, “cheesy” sauce, bacon bits, and chives, what’s not to love?
For a Plant-Based Whole30 version, use coconut oil or a Whole30-compatible vegan butter instead of the ghee; use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth; and skip the crumbled bacon, or pan-fry shiitake mushrooms until crispy and use that to top!
Whole30 Ranch Green Bean Casserole
This casserole is a zesty remake of an old favorite. It’s cozy, creamy, and perfect for your holiday gathering. The velvety sauce is gluten-free and dairy-free, and we dare say it beats anything from a can. The crispy onions on top seal the deal, and we love that this casserole is nut-free!
Plant-Based Whole30 modifications can be found in the recipe.
Tips for Your Whole30 Holiday Side Dishes
- Label your dish so guests know it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and/or vegan.
- Double or triple the recipe if you’re feeding a large group—these dishes go fast!
- Dress your salad just before serving, to keep greens extra crisp.
- Choose a sturdy dish, like mashed potatoes or a casserole, if you’re traveling with your side.
- BYO Whole30 Approved sparkling water, kombucha, or mocktails if you’re not drinking.
With these Whole30 holiday side dishes, you’ll have a spread that’s fresh, flavorful, and offers something for everyone. Enjoy your holidays, wherever your table may be!
Next up: Try this festive and seasonal Cran-Pom Mocktail for your holiday gathering!
