5 Innovative Thanksgiving Recipes: Healthy, Make Ahead Side Dishes

Thanksgiving 2013 is rapidly approaching! If you haven't yet, it's time to start planning your meal. Traditions are essential but it's fun to spice up your Thanksgiving table with innovative, delicious dishes! Start a new tradition with one (or all!) of these five healthy, innovative Thanksgiving recipes. Plus, they can all be made ahead so you can spend more time with your guests!


This Gingered Carrot Soup with Creme Fraiche, above, from Food & Wine is a delicious edition to a Thanksgiving meal. The spicy ginger will warm up your guests and these teacups are the perfect portion, especially for such a large meal.


This Cranberry Sauce from Savory Sweet Life is so simple you'll wonder why anyone buys the canned stuff! For an even healthier version, add more orange juice and less sugar. It is delicious served warm or cold.


If you love the play of sweet and savory, try this Butternut Squash Bread Pudding from Real Simple! It is a delicious alternative to stuffed squash and an interesting way present familiar autumn flavors in a new way!


Are you sick of the heavy green bean casserole served at most Thanksgiving meals? Lighten things up with this high-rated recipe for Lemon-Dill Green Beans from Eating Well.


Last but not least, swap out the boring mashed potatoes for these Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes from Food Network.
Do you have any healthy and delicious Thanksgiving recipes? Let us know below!