Thanksgiving may be the most lavish meal you prepare all year, but every dish doesn't have to require an epic effort. Here, twenty dishes that can be tossed together in the time it takes for the turkey to rest.

 

It only takes a few minutes to saute tender baby spinach leaves and crown them with crisp pancetta and a kiss of lemon.

Fresh ginger adds kick to this bright cranberry relish, while sherry vinegar adds tang. 

Orange juice and thyme simmer down to a rich, sweet glaze for baby carrots.

With endive, cranberries, and crunchy toasted pistachios, this sophisticated salad couldn't be easier.

Tomato season may be over but grape tomatoes are always available (and always sweet). Here, they’re oven-roasted for a rich, caramelized flavor.

Tangy mustard-thyme dressing gives a bold backbone to this colorful dish that’s delicious warm or at room temperature.

Brussels sprouts become sweet and nutty when browned. For the best flavor and texture, add the lemon juice just before serving.

The slight bitterness of radicchio glazed with tangy balsamic vinegar is an excellent foil to a Thanksgiving menu's rich flavors.

Bring a little something different to the Thanksgiving table with this Italian-accented side dish. (Boil the broccoli rabe before sauteing it to cut down on the bitterness.)

Take a hands-off approach – no stirring required! – for beautifully caramelized, savory mushrooms.

Mild-mannered green beans get a new lease on life when tossed with an intensely savory dressing of green olives, parsley, anchovies, and red-wine vinegar.

A little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, this cider vinegar-kissed side dish tastes terrific with turkey.

Pungent black olives punctuate cool, crunchy bites of raw fennel and oranges in this refreshing salad.

Pomegranate seeds and juice add a touch of seasonal freshness to traditional cranberry sauce.

The spicy bite of fresh chiles and garlic complements the gravy and stuffing on your plate.

 

Sweet apples and rich, crunchy pecans mellow the slight bitterness of escarole.

Steamed green beans dressed in a Dijon mustard vinaigrette make an easy, colorful side dish. The beans can be cooked the day before Thanksgiving and tossed in the dressing up to one hour before serving.

This bright-green beauty of a side dish is a healthy alternative to buttery mashed potatoes.

Fresh chives add a bright spark of flavor to sweet sauteed baby carrots and snap peas.

Apples aren't just for dessert! Saute them in butter with fresh thyme and lemon zest for an unexpected side dish.