Have a delicious and wholesome holiday meal with these amazing Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes. This roundup includes main, side dishes and dessert recipes, as well as ideas for your leftovers and breakfast for a crowd (for overnight guests).
MAIN
1. Butterflied Chicken Roast
This delicious lemon rosemary chicken roast is a perfect recipe for a small Thanksgiving gathering
CONDIMENTS
2. Gluten Free Gravy
An easy gluten free gravy perfect for turkey or chicken (and other meats). Make it with or without drippings
3. Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
This awesome cranberry sauce can be made ahead in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. With delicious orange and cinnamon flavours
SIDES
4. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Easy creamy mashed potatoes that you can make hours ahead and simply keep warm in the Instant Pot until dinner time.
5. Gluten Free Stuffing
Gluten free, breadless stuffing made with wild rice, cauliflower, and mushrooms. This side dish can't be missing from your Thanksgiving dinner lineup.
6. Baked Green Beans
Garlicky oven roasted green beans are a Thanksgiving side dish you don't want to miss. Take them over the top with the chocolate picada sauce
7. Maple Roasted Carrots
Sweet maple glazed roasted carrots topped with a delicious and unique carrot top pesto
8. Brussel Sprouts Sweet Potato Hash
This Brussels sprouts sweet potato hash is just as awesome for Thanksgiving dinner as it is topped with an egg for breakfast the next day.
9. Sautéed Beet Greens
Bring on the greens for some balance in your Thanksgiving dinner line up. These are sautéed beet greens with feta. Use the beets the greens come with in the salad below
SALADS
10. Cabbage Slaw
A festive and colourful cabbage slow with herbs, seeds and a bright pop of pomegranate arils
11. Broccoli Strawberry Salad
Fresh broccoli and strawberries with feta topped with a creamy, healthy poppy seed dressing
12. Shredded Carrot Salad
While this may not be a classic Thanksgiving salad, I totally vote that it should be. Shredded garlicky carrots in a creamy dressing are always a hit at our family dinners
13. Creamy Beet Salad
Here is another salad that may not be a classic but totally should be. Shredded roasted (or cooked) beets in creamy dressing is a sure way to make everyone love this vegetable
DESSERTS
14. Paleo Pumpkin Pie
A gorgeous version of pumpkin pie baked inside a coconut flour crust. The pie filling recipe has lots of modification options to make it vegan and even low carb/keto.
15. Pumpkin Brownies
Whether pumpkin pie isn't your thing or you can't get enough of pumpkin desserts, these pumpkin brownies are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table!
16. Peanut Butter Pie
Even if you don't like pumpkin, you can have delicious pie! Try this healthy peanut butter cream pie with chocolate crust
LEFTOVERS
17. Thanksgiving Burritos
18. Cranberry Sauce Overnight Oats
Change up your overnight oats game and at the same time use up cranberry sauce leftovers! Double WIN!
19. Slow Cooker Broth
Don't let any turkey bones go to waste. Use them to make soothing homemade broth in the slow cooker. The recipe mentions chicken, but by simply swapping in turkey bones you turn it into a turkey stock recipe
20. Noodle Soup
Cut up or shred leftover turkey meat and use it in this homemade noodle soup recipe (where it calls for shredded chicken)
21. Sweet Potato Muffins
Use any leftover sweet potato casserole instead of plain puree in this muffin recipe. If the casserole is quite sweet, reduce the sweetener in the muffin batter
BREAKFASTS (for a crowd)
22. Sausage Egg Casserole
If you have overnight visitors staying with you over the Thanksgiving weekend, this awesome breakfast casserole is an easy way to feed a hearty dinner to a crowd
23. Sweet Potato Breakfast Bake
Another breakfast egg casserole but this one includes sweet potatoes, bacon, and spinach
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes Video:
If you make any of these Healthy Thanksgiving recipes, be sure to tag #leelalicious when you share them on social media. I'd love to see your awesome creations.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Common Questions
What is the healthiest food for Thanksgiving?
For a healthy Thanksgiving meal, opt for dishes that are rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Consider incorporating roasted vegetables, grilled lean meats, and whole grain sides like quinoa or brown rice. These choices are nutrient-dense and can help balance out the indulgent dishes typically associated with the holiday.
Is a Thanksgiving meal healthy?
Thanksgiving meals can be made healthier by focusing on balanced portions and incorporating nutrient-dense foods. While traditional Thanksgiving dishes can be high in calories and fat, choosing lighter cooking methods like grilling, roasting, or steaming can help create a healthier meal. Additionally, incorporating plenty of vegetables and choosing leaner protein options can contribute to a more balanced and nutritious Thanksgiving spread.
What are healthy Thanksgiving activities?
Engaging in physical activities with family and friends can be a great way to incorporate healthy habits during Thanksgiving. Consider activities like going for a walk, playing outdoor games, or organizing a friendly sports match. These activities not only promote physical health but also encourage social interaction and bonding, adding to the overall well-being of everyone involved.
How do you stay low calorie on Thanksgiving?
To maintain a low-calorie intake on Thanksgiving, consider controlling portion sizes, choosing lighter cooking methods, and incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables into your meal. Fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods first to help curb your appetite for calorie-dense options. Additionally, staying hydrated and being mindful of added sugars and fats in dishes can contribute to a lower calorie intake during the holiday.
