We have more healthy Thanksgiving recipes for you this year! Check them all out in this post!
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes At-a-Glance:
- Emphasises lighter takes on holiday classics, think leaner proteins, more vegetables, reduced saturated fat, and added fiber.
- Highlights seasonal produce (like winter squash, leafy greens, root vegetables) to boost nutrients while keeping the festive feel.
- Encourages smart ingredient swaps (like yogurt versus heavy cream, olive oil instead of butter, whole-grain sides) to maintain flavour and texture.
- Makes the point that “healthy” doesn’t mean bland; flavourful herbs, spices, roasted textures, and vibrant colours are key to keeping dishes appealing.
Thanksgiving Recipes To Keep The Doctor Away
Being healthy may not be your top priority on Thanksgiving. But it is an option; should you choose to be healthy, we're here to help. This is exactly why we've collected these amazing Thanksgiving recipes for you. We want to show you there are ways to prepare a stunning, delicious feast while still keeping it light and healthy. You don't really need to skimp on your favorite meals, but there are a few changes you must make to make them healthier. Find out how with these healthy Thanksgiving recipes!
1. No Baste Holiday Turkey
Angela Roberts, from the Spinach Tiger, takes on the classic whole roasted turkey does not require basting! But you do need to know how to roast turkey with cheesecloth, which you can learn in the awesome recipe. Don't worry, because the instructions are pretty simple and easy to follow. Now, what makes this turkey recipe awesome is that it does not require butter, making it relatively healthy than other Thanksgiving turkeys, plus it is stuffed with flavorful ingredients like celery, oranges, sage, thyme, shallots, and rosemary. Check out the recipe and find out how to keep the turkey tender and juicy without having to use tubs of butter.
2. Simple Roasted Chicken
Turkey is always the star of Thanksgiving. The problem is it takes quite some time to be ready, and, let's be honest, the whole process can be a bit stressful. If you want to simply chill on Thanksgiving but still prepare an amazing entrée for your family, then you might want to consider roasting chicken instead. This whole roasted chicken with lemon recipe by Inspired Taste is easy peasy, takes less time to cook than a whole turkey, and features an array of simple but delicious flavors.
3. Healthy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Don't exclude mashed potatoes from your healthy Thanksgiving dinner menu just yet. There's a way to make them better for you, as you can see in this garlic mashed potatoes recipe by The Live Fit Girls. Skimp on the high-calorie ingredients, as the recipe suggests, and use healthier substitutes like almond milk and extra virgin olive oil.
4. One Pan Salmon and Asparagus
Salmon for Thanksgiving? Why not! Salmon is not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about a traditional holiday dinner. But if you really want to bring things up a notch, at least ‘healthwise', then you might want to try something new this year. Besides, who can say no to this oven baked salmon by Holly Clegg in The Healthy Cooking Blog? It looks absolutely mouthwatering!
5. Apple Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
Hardly anything screams Thanksgiving more than these turkey meatballs from Well Plated by Erin. They're made from ingredients that are traditionally associated with the holiday—turkey, cranberry, sage, and apples, among others. These meatballs, which take only about 30 minutes to bake in the oven, make great appetizers to serve at a party.
6. Vegetarian Gravy
This vegetarian gravy by Build Your Bite might just become a staple in your collection of Thanksgiving recipes. Because it's made with vegetables, it's basically guilt-free! Try making this and you'll be surprised how packed it is with flavor, even though it is not made with traditional ingredients of gravy like meat juices, milk, and butter.
7. Green Bean Casserole
Looking for a green bean casserole recipe that uses wholesome ingredients? Then you should check out this recipe by Hummusapien! When making a casserole, or any other dish for that matter, you must buy fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure you're really serving healthy food to your family and friends.
8. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Fruit Salad
With all the savory dishes and sweet desserts you're going to eat on Thanksgiving dinner, you actually need something to prepare or cleanse your palate with, like this shaved Brussels sprouts fruit salad from Running to the Kitchen. Don't worry, because this is definitely not a boring salad. How can it be when it's made with wonderful ingredients like cranberries, pears, and apples?
9. Bacon and Leek Stuffing with Sage and Pecans
What's a Thanksgiving dinner like without getting a bite of stuffing? It's like having a missing piece in a puzzle! A decent heap of this leek stuffing from Simply Scratch will complete any table on Thanksgiving, so be sure to check the recipe out.
10. Buckwheat Mushroom Risotto
Yes, risotto has a spot on the Thanksgiving table! This buckwheat mushroom risotto by the Clean Eating Goddess is still delicious despite being free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. Apparently, you can do without them to make a dish this yummy and beautiful.
11. Healthy Cranberry Sauce
The key to making a delicious, healthy cranberry sauce? Don't use a lot of refined sugar! This recipe from Mid-Life Croissant shows you two ways of making a cranberry sauce from scratch using fresh and natural ingredients. Make this, and you won't have to put up with a shockingly sweet, store-bought sauce.
12. Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Crust
With this recipe by the Ambitious Kitchen, you won't have to miss out on sweet potato pie this Thanksgiving! This pie is relatively lighter compared to those made with processed or refined ingredients. For the crust, the recipe requires crumbled pecans instead of flour, making the pie gluten-free. What makes this recipe even more awesome is that it can easily become paleo by simply replacing the brown sugar with coconut sugar.
13. Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt Parfaits
There's no better time to enjoy a pumpkin pie parfait than Thanksgiving. But this Destination Delish recipe is not just for dessert; it can be turned into your go-to breakfast all year round as well. Once you learn how to make this, we bet you'll keep your fridge well stocked with pumpkin pie parfait!
A photo posted by Homemade Recipes (@homemaderecipesofficial) on
14. Apple Crumble
If you want a super low-key, healthy dessert, try this recipe by Amy's Healthy Baking. It's filling enough to serve as a go-to breakfast, but it is also light enough to be taken as an after-dinner treat on Thanksgiving.
Watch this video from Sarah Fit for more healthy Thanksgiving recipes!
There are always new ways to celebrate holidays with less guilt and regret (you know, when it comes to food)! With these healthy Thanksgiving recipes, you will still be able to enjoy food without having to compromise your health. Don't deprive yourself of eating good, delicious meals you like, but do make it a point to use less high-calorie ingredients.
Have you tried any of these Thanksgiving recipes? Which among them is your favorite? Let us know what you think by writing a comment below!
Up Next: 19 Leftover Turkey Recipes To Extend Your Thanksgiving Celebration
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
