The Perfect Bite

The Perfect Bite

Your Veggie-Packed Friendsgiving Menu

Pass the sides

Melissa Ben-Ishay's avatar
Melissa Ben-Ishay
Nov 05, 2025
∙ Paid

Thanksgiving, in my opinion, is an excuse to eat your favorite foods. And if you’re anything like me, you go just for the sides.

Whether you’re invited to a friend’s or doing a potluck at the office, here are my tried-and-true recipes that you can’t go wrong with. Go ahead and print out multiple copies of the recipe, so when people ask for it (they will), you can just hand it to them. And if you’re not interested in cooking anything, bring cupcakes—all your favorite Thanksgiving desserts, bite-size.

Reasons this list is for you:

  • You don’t like turkey (I get it; too dry) and want to fill your plate with sides

  • HR just sent out the Worksgiving sign-up sheet and you have no idea what to bring (forward it to everyone on your team. I am!!)

  • You’re juggling different dietary restrictions and need delicious recipes for everyone

No matter which of these applies to you, consider this your guide for gobble gobble season. Let’s feast.


Here’s what’s on the menu this week:

  • Starters

    • Green Goddess Guac

    • Roasted Garlic Dip

    • Green Goddess Dip

  • Salads

    • Rainbow Lentil Salad

    • Fall Squash Salad

    • Roasted Veggies Sheet Pan Salad

    • Brussels Slaw

    • Vegan Supermarket Slaw

  • Warm Veggie Sides

    • Roasted Cauliflower

    • String Beans with Almonds & Tahini

    • Roasted Carrots & Beets

    • Sesame Peas

    • Crispy Smashed Potatoes

    • Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

  • Obligatory Mac & Cheese

  • Cheese & Herb Stuffins

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