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

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 food? ›

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

How can I make Thanksgiving more healthy? ›

Lighten Your Recipes
  1. Skip the cream. Use Greek yogurt or whole milk instead in mashed potatoes, creamy soups, and creamed onion or spinach recipes.
  2. Reduce the sugar. Cut it back by 10 to 25 percent in baking recipes. ...
  3. Add some fiber. ...
  4. Upgrade the stuffing. ...
  5. Be sodium savvy. ...
  6. Boost nutrition.
Nov 22, 2021

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 the most important meal on Thanksgiving? ›

Turkey. Some would say a turkey is the most important food item at the table. A turkey is the center of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, 88 percent of Americans eat Turkey on Thanksgiving, with 46 million Turkeys eaten on the holiday.

What is the most unpopular Thanksgiving food? ›

The Most Disliked Traditional Thanksgiving Foods
  • Ham — 25.57%
  • Coleslaw — 25.57%
  • Pumpkin Pie — 24.28%
  • Mashed Potatoes — 18.66%
  • Macaroni and Cheese — 17.47%
  • Carrots — 16.98%
  • Apple Pie — 16.29%
  • Corn — 15.50%
Nov 21, 2023

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

The traditional roasted turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie are on almost every modern Thanksgiving menu, in some form or variation. This menu has evolved over time and continues to evolve today.

What are 4 other traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

We can't imagine a Thanksgiving spread that didn't include roasted turkey with all the fixings, a smorgasbord of creamy casseroles, and of course, several pies (we're talking pecan, pumpkin and sweet potato). Don't forget buttery rolls, cranberry sauce, or corn pudding either.

What is the healthiest 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 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.

How healthy is Thanksgiving dinner? ›

The traditional turkey-day feast, replete with fatty, high-cholesterol foods like drumsticks, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing, is generally anything but heart-healthy. Try a healthy roasted turkey and gravy recipe for your Thanksgiving meal.

What is a basic Thanksgiving dinner menu? ›

Classic Thanksgiving Recipes

Stuffing, cranberry relish, pumpkin pie: there are so many delicious dishes that deserve a place on the table each year—including the turkey, of course! This butter-basted bird is stuffed with onion, celery, carrots and apple for a lightly-seasoned main that's tender and juicy.

What to bring to Thanksgiving dinner as a guest? ›

Here are a couple of suggestions:
  1. Flowers (arranged in a vase or container)
  2. Cornucopia.
  3. Box of chocolates.
  4. Box of teas.
  5. Gourmet treats like specialty cheeses, jam containers, crackers or a beautifully packaged gourmet gift basket.
  6. Wine.
  7. Holiday drink mix.
  8. Book.
Nov 16, 2023

What is a traditional Black Thanksgiving dinner? ›

You will likely be eating roast turkey, barbecued turkey, deep fried turkey, glazed country ham, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes mashed and covered with marshmallows, corn, cornbread, yeast/potato rolls, black eyed peas, rice, gravy, potato salad, cranberry sauce from ...

What is a list of traditional Thanksgiving food? ›

We can't imagine a Thanksgiving spread that didn't include roasted turkey with all the fixings, a smorgasbord of creamy casseroles, and of course, several pies (we're talking pecan, pumpkin and sweet potato). Don't forget buttery rolls, cranberry sauce, or corn pudding either.

What are the main foods in Thanksgiving? ›

Many of the dishes in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner are made from ingredients native to the Americas, including turkey, potato, sweet potato, corn (maize), squash (including pumpkin), green bean, and cranberry.

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

Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries. These foods have become synonymous with Thanksgiving, but how did they end up on tables from Maine to California?

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