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Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

(updated June 7, 2021) by

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Are you thankful that you’ve been sticking to your clean eating goals all year, but worried about blowing it on Thanksgiving? Do you have a vegetarian friend or paleo partner at your table this year, but find yourself wondering what the heck to make for them? You’re in the right place! This collection of Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes has you covered. You’ll find recipes and inspiration for Thanksgiving sides, salads, soups, and desserts for every dietary need, healthy lifestyle, or allergy accommodation! 

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There are so many ways to enjoy a satisfying and indulgent Thanksgiving dinner without completely throwing your clean eating habits out the window. Whether you’re looking for traditional recipes with a healthy twists or new classics featuring real, whole foods, you’ve found yourself among friends – and those friends love really delicious food (even if it’s “healthy”)!

“Healthy” Thanksgiving recipes don’t need to mean bland, boring, or even totally fat and calorie free (heck no!). Whether you’re on a special diet, allergy conscious, or just integrating more real food/whole food habits into every aspect of your daily life, these recipes will help you enjoy Thanksgiving to it’s fullest. 

Each recipe below is labeled with dietary restrictions and accommodations. You’ll find delicious inspiration for paleo, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, plant-based and even Whole30 Thanksgiving recipes that will leave you both sated and thankful.

Healthy Thanksgiving Sides

Let’s be honest, the sides are the BEST part of Thanksgiving dinner, amirite?!? Thanksgiving sides for life. If that life includes plant based recipes or clean eating, you’ve come to the right place. I love offering a variety of side dishes both to accommodate our vegetarian friends and family, and to ensure I have every flavor profile to indulge in. Below you’ll find the full range of healthy thanksgiving side dish offerings, from vegan to Whole30 and everything in-between! 

Maple Bourbon Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo

30-Minute Stovetop Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Side view, bacon Brussels sprouts tossed with maple syrup and pecans in a white bowl with a wood spoon.
30-Minute Stovetop Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
With maple syrup, bacon, and pecans, this Brussels sprouts recipe has a little something for everyone. Start by blanching the Brussels sprouts in salted water, then finish them on the stove – this method creates tender interiors and crisp edges. The bourbon is optional, but recommended. You can substitute for apple cider vinegar if you don't cook with alcohol.
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Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Brown Butter

Gluten Free – Grain Free – Vegetarian

Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Browned Butter

From above, acorn squash roasted with maple brown butter and fresh sage.
Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Browned Butter
A sweet-and-savory combination of maple browned butter, sea salt, and fresh sage makes these roasted acorn squash slices shine. Baking acorn squash in the oven yields tender slightly caramelized flesh. The nutty edible skin cuts way down on prep time too!
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Maple Roasted Root Vegetables

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Vegan – Vegetarian

Maple Roasted Root Vegetables with Pecans and Thyme

A tan serving bowl filled with maple roasted root vegetables with a gold serving spoon and linen napkin on a concrete background.
Maple Roasted Root Vegetables with Pecans and Thyme
Colorful and impressive looking, this recipe for maple root vegetables couldn’t be simpler. Use any combination of root vegetables that strike your fancy, just be sure to dice the pieces into uniform sizes so they roast evenly.
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Rosemary Cornbread with Honey Butter

Refined Sugar Free – Vegetarian – Whole Wheat Friendly

Healthy Honey Cornbread

Two pieces of healthy cornbread stacked on a plate, drizzled with honey.
Healthy Honey Cornbread
This healthy twist on a classic comfort food is a perfect, light accompaniment for heavy holiday meals. Honey and Greek yogurt give this Healthy Honey Cornbread recipe it's sweet, tart flavor, while olive oil keeps it moist but light. Bake the cornbread in a preheated cast iron skillet for the ultimate crispy crust.
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Cumin Honey Roasted Carrots

Gluten Free – Grain Free – Vegetarian 

Honey Roasted Carrots with Cumin and Carrot Top Pesto

A plate of tricolor honey roasted carrots drizzled with carrot green pesto.
Honey Roasted Carrots with Cumin and Carrot Top Pesto
It’s worth seeking out tricolor baby carrots with their greens still attached to get the most of out this easy but elegant side dish. Smaller baby carrots are a bit sweeter, with younger skin that needn’t be peeled. Reserve the freshest greens to make a vibrant pesto for dressing the honey roasted carrots.
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Garlicky Green Beans with Crispy Shallots

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Vegan – Vegetarian – Whole30

Garlicky Green Beans with Crispy Shallots

Garlicky french green beans topped with crispy shallots in a serving bowl.
Garlicky Green Beans with Crispy Shallots
If you love green bean casserole, but can’t be bothered with the fuss, these garlicky green beans with crispy shallots are for you! Tender sweet green beans are sautéed in garlic, seasoned with cider vinegar, then topped with smokey, crunchy, caramelized shallots. 
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Baked Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Fritters

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Whole30

Baked Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Fritters

A butternut squash and sweet potato fritter garnished with fresh sage and flaky sea salt.
Baked Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Fritters
Sweet potato and butternut squash go together like peas and carrots, or Saturdays and pajamas, or brothers and sisters (minus all the early childhood squabbling). When you crave this combo but can’t stand another soup or casserole, reach for these sweet potato and butternut squash pancakes. They’re airy and crispy, with the perfect al dente bite and herby edge.
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Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Vegan – Vegetarian – Whole30

Health Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Vegan)

Healthy vegan mashed potatoes in a white serving bowl with a silver serving spoon.
Health Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Vegan)
Using olive oil in mashed potatoes is perfect for creating non dairy vegan mashed potatoes without butter, but keep the taste incredibly rich and buttery. A hit of roasted garlic keeps these Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes sweet and creamy without cream or milk. Use mellow, buttery Yukon golds to make these heart healthy mashed potatoes as flavorful as possible. 
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Butternut Squash Rice Pilaf

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Vegan – Vegetarian 

Honeynut Squash Rice Pilaf

A bowl of honeynut squash wild rice pilaf on a marble table.
Honeynut Squash Rice Pilaf
This honeynut squash rice pilaf is the perfect balance of nutty and sweet, with a bright herby finish. It’s an easy, seasonal, and nutritious recipe that’s perfect on it’s own for lunch, or paired with your favorite protein for dinner. 
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Healthy Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

Salads. Boring? NOPE! These vibrant salads will make you a Thanksgiving hero. Packed with all the colors of the rainbow and bursting with flavor and texture, one (or more!) of these healthy Thanksgiving salad recipes is sure to complete your table and delight your guests. 

Autumn Crunch Butter Lettuce Salad

Gluten Free – Grain Free – Vegetarian

Autumn Crunch Butter Lettuce Salad

Butter lettuce and radicchio tossed salad on a small white plate drizzled with champagne vinaigrette.
Autumn Crunch Butter Lettuce Salad
Say hello to your newest crunchy companion. This autumn crunch butter lettuce salad is peppery, a little sweet, and of course packed with the most satisfying crunch.
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Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Hazelnut Vinaigrette

Gluten Free – Grain Free – Vegetarian

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Toasted Hazelnut Vinaigrette

A bowl of shredded kale and brussels sprouts salad tossed with hazelnut vinaigrette in a blue and white bowl.
Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Toasted Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Kale is good. Brussels sprouts are great. And when you combine them with creamy, sharp blue cheese and an irresistible toasted hazelnut vinaigrette? It's legit salad heaven. Kale and brussels sprouts salad will convert you into a green believer, no matter where you stand on the love/hate kale spectrum. 
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Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Creamy Maple Dressing

Gluten Free – Vegetarian

Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Creamy Maple Dressing

A vegetarian and gluten free delicata squash salad with creamy maple dressing.
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Creamy Maple Dressing
If you find most winter squash varietals to be difficult to work with, you will discover a hero in tender delicata squash. The skin is soft and edible, and the seeds easily scoop from the flesh, making it a superior squash for busy weeknights when you just cannot bother with tedious prep work. Roasted delicata squash is sweet, nutty, and impressively versatile. It shines in this seasonal fall salad recipe tossed with quinoa, vegetables, and pepitas, then drizzled with a sweet and creamy maple vinaigrette. 
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Arugula Pear Salad with Pistachios and Pomegranate

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Vegan – Vegetarian – Whole30

Arugula Pear Salad with Pistachios and Pomegranate Seeds

Arugula pear salad with pomegranates and pistachios on a blue plate with a silver fork a small pitcher of champagne mustard vinaigrette.
Arugula Pear Salad with Pistachios and Pomegranate Seeds
This ridiculously easy arugula pear salad with pistachios and pomegranate is full of colorful, seasonal produce with a subtle sweetness and a delightful snap n’ crunch. A healthy punch of nuts and olive oil make it rich and satisfying. It takes only minutes to throw together, and pairs perfectly with a simple soup.
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Roasted Fennel Salad with Apple and Radicchio

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Vegan – Vegetarian – Whole30

Roasted Fennel Salad with Apples and Radicchio

You will love this roasted fennel salad recipe! Roasted fennel is sweet and nutty and pairs perfectly with crispy apples and spicy radicchio. This easy fall salad recipe is one of my go-to paleo, Whole30 and vegan recipes when fennel is in season. It's a flavor packed side dish that's impressive enough for dinner parties and Thanksgiving dinner, but easy enough for a weeknight.
Roasted Fennel Salad with Apples and Radicchio
Fennel becomes a completely different vegetable after a trip though the oven – it loses its classic licorice bite and becomes tender, nutty, and just a bit sweet. Tossed with apples and radicchio, this roasted fennel salad is a cool weather recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s bright and deeply flavorful, but also satisfying and nutritious.
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Kale Pomegranate Salad with Apple, Fennel, and Pepitas

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo Friendly – Vegetarian

Kale Pomegranate Salad with Apple, Fennel and Pepitas

A kale pomegranate salad with apples, fennel, and pepitas in a blue ceramic bowl.
Kale Pomegranate Salad with Apple, Fennel and Pepitas
This kale pomegranate salad is bright, colorful, hearty, and packed with vitamins and nutrients. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep, and a total crowd pleaser for parties.
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Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

Gluten Free – Vegetarian

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

A bowl of roasted sweet potato salad with autumn greens, apples, seeds, and vegan maple vinaigrette.
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
This roasted sweet potato salad with maple vinaigrette is bursting with fall harvest flavor! Roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, tender swiss chard, and nutty wild rice come together for a hearty, nutritious, and flavor-packed vegetarian dinner.
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Bittersweet Chopped Salad with Endive, Pears, and Pomegranate

Gluten Free – Grain Free – Vegetarian 

Winter Chopped Salad with Endive, Pears, and Pomegranate

Winter chopped salad platter with pear, endive, pomegranate, blue cheese, and pomegranate vinaigrette on a marble table.
Winter Chopped Salad with Endive, Pears, and Pomegranate
As it’s name might imply, this winter chopped salad is a refreshing combination of sweet and bitter lettuces tossed with winter fruits, a touch of gorgonzola, and a sweet and tart pomegranate poppy dressing. It’s beautiful salad recipe that comes together quickly, and is perfect as a side dish or served with seared steak for an easy seasonal dinner.
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Healthy Soups for Thanksgiving Dinner

If you’re fancy enough to offer a starter for Thanksgiving dinner, soup is the way to go. It can be made completely in advance and sets the tone for an elegant affair. These healthy soup recipes feature the best produce of the fall season, and each are friendly for nearly every diet, allergy, or preference. 

Roasted Carrot and Apple Soup

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Vegan – Vegetarian – Whole30

Roasted Carrot Apple Soup

This roasted carrot apple soup is like a big hug - warm, comforting, and nourishing for the body and soul. It's a nutty and sweet fall soup recipe that's naturally paleo, whole 30 and gluten-free. #paleo #whole30 #fall #soup #wholefood
Roasted Carrot Apple Soup
This roasted carrot apple soup is like a big hug – warm, comforting, and nourishing for the body and soul. Be sure to roast the carrots, even though it’s tempting to skip that step. They bring a hint of smokiness and depth of flavor that really makes this soup shine. This serves four as a main course or six as an appetizer. 
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Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Vegan – Vegetarian

Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk and Pepitas

A bowl of roasted pumpkin soup. This healthy paleo soup is made with coconut milk, bone broth, and fall herbs and spices.
Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk and Pepitas
This paleo roasted pumpkin soup made with coconut milk and finished with fresh herbs and pepitias is a hearty, healthy, and simply delicious fall soup!
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Butternut Squash Soup with Pomegranate Seeds

Dairy Free Friendly – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo Friendly – Vegan Friendly – Vegetarian

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Two bowls of roasted butternut squash soup garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme on a cement background, with hunks of bread and a blue patterned napkin to the side.
Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Delicate butternut squash, warming spices, and a splash of cream make for a cozy roasted butternut squash soup. Roasted the vegetables lends more flavor and naturally sweetens the squash. Puree in a blender for a velvety smooth finish.
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Main Dish Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

If you have a vegetarian gracing your gathering this season and want to offer a main dish beyond a collection of sides (I’m not judging, I truly enjoy the latter!), then either of these vegetarian thanksgiving entrees are sure to be a winner. 

White Bean Ragout with Butternut Squash

Gluten Free – Vegan Friendly – Vegetarian

White Bean Ragout with Butternut Squash and Mushrooms

This white bean ragout with butternut squash and mushrooms is a hearty, super nutritious cool weather recipe. It's hearty enough to stand on it's own, but you can also serve this vegetarian one pot stew over polenta, rice, or crusty bread, or for a grain-free option, pureed or riced cauliflower. #vegetarian #stew #fallrecipe #winterrecipe #onepot #ragout
White Bean Ragout with Butternut Squash and Mushrooms
This white bean ragout with butternut squash and mushrooms is a hearty, super nutritious winter stew. Serve it over polenta, rice, or crusty bread, or for a grain-free option, pureed or riced cauliflower.
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Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette

Vegetarian – Whole Wheat Friendly

Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions

Butternut squash galette is one of my favorite ways to showcase this sweet, nutritious fall vegetable. This galette is sweet, nutritious, and hearty, and a gorgeous centerpiece for a gathering with friends. #vegetarian #wholefood #realfood #butternutsquash
Butternut Squash Galette with Caramelized Onions
I am an unapologetic butternut squash enthusiast, and this butternut squash galette is one of my favorite ways to use this sweet, nutritious squash. It’s sweet and delicate, and a gorgeous centerpiece for a gathering with friends.
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Easy Healthy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

The main event after the main event – dessert! Sweet treats can be tricky during the holiday season but these healthy recipes will have you covered and that sweet tooth sated. 

Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Gluten Free – Refined Sugar Free – Vegetarian

Gluten Free Apple Crisp

This gluten free apple crisp is a lightened up and refined sugar free version of the fall classic! It's sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, and topped with gluten free oats, pecans, and walnuts. It's made start to finish in a cast iron skillet resulting in an equally tender and crisp texture. This is a healthy fall dessert recipe that will satisfy even the pickiest sweet tooth around your table.
Gluten Free Apple Crisp
This gluten free apple crisp is a lightened up and refined sugar free version of the Thanksgiving classic! It’s made start to finish in a cast iron skillet resulting in an equally tender and crisp texture. This is a healthy fall dessert recipe that will satisfy even the pickiest sweet tooth around your table.

Paleo Pumpkin Bread

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Refined Sugar Free – Vegetarian 

Paleo Pumpkin Bread

A loaf of paleo pumpkin bread topped with pecans on a cutting board.
Paleo Pumpkin Bread
This paleo pumpkin bread is nutty and sweet with a spiced swirl through the center that makes each slice (and you) grin from ear to ear. Take care to use super fine almond flour (from blanched, skinless almonds) instead of almond meal in order to nail the texture. Feel free to use pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice in lieu of the spice blend below.
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Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bars

Dairy Free – Vegetarian – Refined Sugar Free – Whole Wheat

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

A healthy pumpkin bar with pecans and vanilla glaze on a dessert plate.
Healthy Pumpkin Bars
Classic pumpkin bars get a make-over using whole wheat flour, heart healthy olive oil, and antioxidant rich maple syrup. The result is a low sugar, dairy free treat that’s decadent enough to be considered cake, and healthy enough to pass for breakfast.
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Flourless Paleo Brownies

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Paleo – Refined Sugar Free – Vegetarian

Life Changing Paleo Brownies

Life changing paleo brownies are here! These are the best gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free brownies out there. No weird ingredients or gimmicks. You need just 8 real food ingredients and 1 hour of your time to prepare the ultimate chocolate paleo dessert recipe.
Life Changing Paleo Brownies
These paleo brownies look and taste just like the real thing with crispy edges, crackly tops, and the perfect dense-but-airy texture. 
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Comments

  1. Anna

    Mmm I’m drooling! Thank you for this compilation, Danielle! I’ve been racking my brains for nearly a month what to cook for Thanksgiving because now we’re on a special diet (if I can say so): we just try to avoid meat, dairy, and refined products. So, that’s why I don’t want to have a traditional dinner with turkey, apple pie, and dumplings.
    I’m gonna make some salads and mashed potatoes from your list and baked chickpeas with butternut squash, which recipe I found on the Internet. Hopefully, my family will love everything. Can’t wait to surprise them!

    Reply

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