Going keto? Slashing calories? Dialing down on sugar? The better question might be: “Who isn’t these days? Diet pro tip: Cut back on carbs to accomplish all three at once. Since potatoes are one of the highest carb carb vegetables on the planet, a simple skinny swap is to opt for non-spud sides with your meals. Enter: These mashed vegetable recipes that start with something other than potatoes. Whether they’re on top of shepherd’s pies or plated next to a steak, they’ll satisfy just as much as standard mashed potatoes.
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1. Vegan Apple-Thyme Stuffing with Kabocha Mash
Many mashes call for heaps of butter or plenty of chicken stock, but not this 100 percent meatless side. Roasted squash, non-dairy milk and butter, plus a pinch of salt combine to make the uber-creamy mash that’s a perfect accompaniment to any protein-rich entree. Try it with meatless sausage stuffing, grilled tempeh or tofu. Photo and recipe: Haley Davis / Brewing Happiness
2. Celery Root Puree with Balsamic Roasted Beets and Pearl Onions
Also known as celeriac, celery root has about half as many carbs and calories per serving as potatoes — and more calcium. Try it blended up with sauteed garlic and coconut milk to create a luxurious yet low-calorie puree. Photo and recipe: Lisa Bryan / Downshiftology
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3. Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip Mashed Potatoes
With seven grams of fiber and 100 calories per cup, parsnips are a nutrition-smart (and tastebud-fooling) swap for regular russets. Mix them in a two-to-one potato and parsnip ratio to lighten up this hearty mushroom and lentil casserole. Photo and recipe: Sarah Cook / Making Thyme for Health
4. Mashed Cauliflower and Spinach
At its core, this cauliflower and spinach combo is keto-, Paleo-, and Whole 30-friendly. Customize the fat source to fit your diet for this low-carb smash. It’s the perfect slim side to any grilled or baked protein—or a meal on its own when you put an egg on it. Photo and recipe: Martha Pesa / A Family Feast
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5. Butternut Squash and Chicken Mash
This butternut squash and chicken mash has a whopping 54 grams of protein, making it the a satisfying post-workout meal. A pile of spinach adds vitamins while a topping of crushed hazelnuts offers crunch and healthy fats. Photo and recipe: Sonia / The Healthy Foodie
6. Gluten-Free Beet Potato Mash with Basil
Mix potatoes with beets for a cancer-fighting, heart healthy addition to your vegetable side dish. A half cup of dairy-free cream cheese offers the same decadent texture you know and love from mashed potatoes. If you like it hot, blend in a couple banana peppers. Photo and recipe: Lindsay Cotter / Cotter Crunch
7. Cheesy Mashed Mashed Cauliflower with Havarti and Dill
This vegetable mash is the real dill! Err, deal. Opt for the florets only from your cauliflower for a consistency that will fool your dinner guests into thinking this dish made with potatoes. Photo and recipe: Maya / Wholesome Yum
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