20 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes Guests Will Want To Gobble Up (2024)

Thanksgiving is only a week away, which means that it's definitely time to start planning out those healthy Thanksgiving recipes for the perfect family or Friendsgiving meal if you haven't already. The holiday season kicks off all of the treats and feasts you could want and we're not mad about it! There are TONS of healthy Thanksgiving recipes out there that your dinner guests with be grateful to gobble up. Whether you have some allergies or are just looking to substitute a few of the traditional unhealthy sides, here are 20 healthy Thanksgiving dishes your guests are sure to love!

Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

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This appetizer has both a protein and a vegetable, which makes for a solid win in our book. To make it even healthier, you could easily bake instead of pan-frying these puppies. And since these only take 15 minutes, you could easily whip up a bunch of these for a big family get-together. (via Trendland)

Sweet Potato Rounds With Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts

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If you're looking for a healthy-but-sweet version of bruschetta, sweet potatoes are jam-packed with nutrients, flavor and all-around goodness. Your guests will go nuts for this one. (via The Roasted Root)

No Yeast Dinner Rolls

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These dinner rolls are so quick and easy but they taste absolutely delicious. The best part is they only require 3 ingredients! (via Give Recipe)

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

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Lose the added preservatives (and calories!) that are found in canned mushroom soup and serve up this green bean casserole instead. The fresh veggies and herbs are way more flavorful (and healthier) than anything you'll find in a can. (via Eat the Love)

Healthy Thanksgiving SIDE DISH Recipes

Cranberry Sauce

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Forget the canned stuff. Opt instead for this paleo version, sweetened with honey and fresh orange juice. (via Cook Eat Paleo)

Roasted Garlic Sage Pesto Pumpkin Soup

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This tasty pesto soup is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. It's light, healthy, and flavorful - leaving little to be desired. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Herbed Wild Rice and Quinoa Stuffing

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This flavorful stuffing substitute is packed with fresh herbs, apples, cranberries and pecans, making it a dish we’d want to enjoy all throughout fall. And why not? It’s rich in protein and caters to almost any dietary restriction, so feel free to dig in anytime. (via Kitchen Treaty)

Cauliflower Potatoes

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If you're looking to cut calories and carbs, substitute mashed potatoes with this rosemarygarlic mashed cauliflower recipe. It's so creamy and delicious, you'll barely notice the difference! (via The Cookie Rookie)

Cranberry Orange Quinoa Salad

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Forgo the typical side salad and fill your guests up with this colorful orange quinoa salad. Not only is it packed with tons of vitamins and protein, but it’s SO pretty to look at too. (via Family Spice)

Mushroom Gravy

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Rather than using the fat from the turkey for your gravy, use mushrooms, vegetable broth and a variety of spices to create this rich yet guilt-free alternative. (via Oh My Veggies)

Roasted Vegetable Galette

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If you're serving up dinner to a non-carnivourous friend or family member, skip the tofurkey loaf for this delicious vegetable galette. With carrots, parsnips, butternut squash and goat cheese wrapped in a warm crust, even meat lovers will want a bite. (via Cook Your Dream)

Healthy Thanksgiving MAIN DISH Recipes

Stuffed Butternut Squash

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Onion, pomegranate and various herbs and spices make this savory/sweet dish a great substitute for your typical turkey. If you're looking to make a meat dish, simply sub the tempeh for turkey sausage or another protein. (via Pickles & Honey)

Mini Stuffed Pumpkins

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Pumpkin is known as a traditional ingredient for Thanksgiving dessert, but why not throw it into the mix as an entree? This hearty, zesty dish is stuffed full of nutritious ingredients that won't leave you feeling, well, stuffed. (via Whole Foods)

Spaghetti Squash Pesto Lasagna

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This vegan lasagna dish is so rich and creamy, you'll almost think you're eating something that's bad for you. (via Fat Free Vegan)

Roasted Turkey

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If you're looking to cook up a lighter meal but don't want to ditch the traditional turkey dinner, soak your bird in a healthy marinade rather than cooking it in butter, then roast it. (via Home Cooking Adventure)

Healthy Thanksgiving DESSERT Recipes

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

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The natural flavors in this pumpkin pie substitute come from a variety of spices, bananas and coconut sugar. This looks AND tastes just like your typical pumpkin pie filling, but is dairy-free, egg-free and contains NO refined sugars. (via My Whole Food Life)

Apple Rose Pastries

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Instead of serving up rich pies and pastries, whip up this light apple treat filled with apple butter and topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar. Plus, the rose shape will look gorgeous on your dessert or dinner table. (via The Love Nerds)

Pecan Pie Tarts

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With this paleo pecan pie substitute, you won't lose the flaky, buttery crust or gooey pie you love. (via Lexi's Clean Kitchen)

Cranberry Apple Maple Crisp

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As a substitute for apple pie, serve this grain-free crisp instead. Plate it while it's warm, and top off with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. (via With Food + Love)

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

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Made with Greek yogurt and less sugar, this better-for-you dessert is one you'll want to become a Thanksgiving tradition. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online cooking and baking classes for more healthy Thanksgiving recipe inspo!

This post has been updated.

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Meghan is a writer and graphic designer currently residing in Los Angeles. Typically, you'll find her drinking copious amounts of coffee, browsing for records and vintage clothing, visiting local art galleries, hanging out with her Boston Terrier, Lola, or simply out and about looking for inspiration in every day life.

20 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes Guests Will Want To Gobble Up (2024)

FAQs

What are the top 10 Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Top 10 Thanksgiving Dishes
  1. Turkey.
  2. Stuffing/Dressing.
  3. Pumpkin Pie.
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Mashed Potatoes.
  6. Ham.
  7. Green Bean Casserole.
  8. Cranberry Jelly.
Nov 22, 2023

What are 4 commonly consumed foods at Thanksgiving other than turkey? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

How to have a healthy Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Healthy Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving
  1. Avoid skipping meals. ...
  2. Be conscious of portions. ...
  3. Avoid running to the sofa after finishing a meal. ...
  4. Enjoy the moment, do not punish yourself. ...
  5. Mix in a few healthy alternatives in your holiday recipes. ...
  6. Avoid holiday shopping when hungry. ...
  7. Eat slowly. ...
  8. Think of color when cooking.
Nov 18, 2022

What is the most nutritious Thanksgiving food? ›

White turkey meat, plain vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, defatted gravy, and pumpkin pie tend to be the best bets because they are lower in fat and calories. No Seconds: If you eat slowly and drink plenty of water with your meal, you shouldn't feel the need to go for seconds.

What is the number one Thanksgiving side dish? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

What is the second least favorite Thanksgiving food? ›

Sweet potatoes or yams, disliked by more than 29 percent of respondents, took a close second. “I didn't expect this one as I would happily eat sweet potatoes over more than half of the items listed,” wrote Eric Jones, co-founder of The Vacationer and a math professor at Rowan College South Jersey.

What are 5 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer. The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie.

What is healthier than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Try it out on Thanksgiving by substituting tofu for your turkey. Tofu can be cooked in a variety of flavorful ways and comes with a ton of nutritional benefits including a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, and protein.

What is a good substitute for turkey dinner? ›

  • Pernil. Von Diaz, Maricel Presilla. 3 to 4 hours, plus marinating.
  • Ombré Gratin. Alexa Weibel. 3 hours.
  • Root Beer Ham. Eric Kim. 3 1/2 hours.
  • Lasagna. Regina Schrambling. 4 hours.
  • Easy. Maple-Baked Salmon. ...
  • Easy. Prime Rib Roast. ...
  • Liberian Chicken Gravy. Priya Krishna, Thalmus Hare. ...
  • Braised Goat Leg in Obe Ata. Yewande Komolafe.

What do you say instead of "Happy Thanksgiving"? ›

"May all the good things of life be yours, not only on this day but throughout the coming year." "Wishing you a harvest of blessings, good health and good times." "May you enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving, a joyous holiday season and healthful, Happy New Year."

How to make a healthy Thanksgiving plate? ›

Start by filling half your plate with vegetables, then pile one-quarter up with turkey breast, and leave the remaining one-quarter for starchy sides. Here, some more expert-approved guidelines for keeping portions in check this Thanksgiving Day.

What should you not forget for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Use this list to make sure you're prepared to have the feast you planned for.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk. A number of tasty desserts rely on this often forgotten item. ...
  • Cranberries or Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Chicken Stock or Broth. ...
  • Simply Done Containers. ...
  • Foil, Parchment Paper, Pastic Wrap. ...
  • Centerpiece. ...
  • Nuts or Dried Fruit. ...
  • Dinner Rolls.
Nov 25, 2019

What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day? ›

  • 01 of 21. Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • 02 of 21. Bacon-Topped Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • 03 of 21. Buttered Stuffing with Mushrooms. ...
  • 04 of 21. Classic Dinner Rolls. ...
  • 05 of 21. Bacon-Mushroom Twice-Baked Potatoes. ...
  • 06 of 21. Best Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese. ...
  • 07 of 21. Bourbon and Cider Pan Gravy. ...
  • 08 of 21.
Nov 9, 2023

What are the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›

Along with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry the "traditional" table now included white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies.

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