Looking for Gluten Free Thanksgiving or Paleo Thanksgiving recipes? This healthy Thanksgiving recipe roundup has everything you need, healthy Thanksgiving desserts included!
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Thanksgiving is a time to feast, but that doesn't mean you have to indulge to the extent that you feel terrible afterward!
Personally, I'm thankful for the ability to provide my family with healthy food, more so than ever after the crazy grocery situation we all faced this year.
And what better way to celebrate health and togetherness than with a feast of healthy (and tasty!) Thanksgiving dishes?
Whether you're responsible for the bird, a couple of sides, or the whole thing, I hope you find a new family favorite in this Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup.
Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes
What time does your family serve the main meal on Thanksgiving? For many families, a late lunch is traditional, leaving an awkward early afternoon time when people are sort of hungry, but don't want to get too full to enjoy the feast. Serving a variety of light appetizers helps ensure guests are comfortable, without feeling prematurely stuffed.
Sweet & Savory Rosemary Pecans
There's a reason this was the very first ever recipe I posted on the Prep Dish blog. These nuts are so deliciously addictive and make the perfect snack to set out for guests while they wait for the main meal. If you're a lover of sweet & salty, these are a must!
The Perfect Cheese Board
A cheese board is a beautiful addition to any holiday spread and I love this type of dish whenever I have company with mixed (or unknown!) diets. Everyone can choose what they like. Dairy free? no problem! Hate olives? Simply skip them. There's something for everyone.
Even if you don't do dairy, you can totally use the cheese board concept to set out a variety of little tastes for people to snack on and enjoy.
Crudités w/ Dairy Free Cilantro Pesto
It's nice to have snacks set our for people, but you don't want them to totally fill up before the main meal. Crudités are the perfect solution, especially when paired with a healthy and delicious dip like my dairy free cilantro pesto. (My Paleo ranch is another great choice and is always a hit with the kiddos!)
Sweet Potato & Pear Soup
With only 6 ingredients, this soup makes an easy appetizer or side dish and the flavors are perfect for Fall. It is super satisfying, but with none of the heavy cream or dairy often found in pureed soups, so it won't leave you feeling overly full or weighed down.
Gluten Free Thanksgiving Sides
While the turkey is a quintessential component of a Thanksgiving meal, for many people, the side dishes are the highlight. Whether you're searching for a healthier version of a Thanksgiving classic or looking to spice up the table with some different sides this year, I've got something for you!
Massaged Kale Salad
I love making kale salads for holiday meals because, unlike most salads, they actually get better after sitting for a day. Make this one the day before to make life easier on Thanksgiving Day.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Food doesn't have to be fussy or complicated to be festive and delicious! Wash and chop the butternut squash the day before and simply pop it in the oven on the actual day. Bonus – roasting squash makes your house smell so good!
Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are one of our most popular recipes and for good reason! Despite having no butter or dairy of any kind, they are SO flavorful. Check out my YouTube video for more details on how to make them.
Roasted Fennel & Fingerling Potatoes
If you're looking for a slightly less traditional menu this year, try roasted fennel and fingerling potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. The potatoes are classic enough to make it feel like Thanksgiving, but the fennel adds a nice surprise.
Polenta
Looking for a non-potato carb? Polenta is a simple base that's goes with pretty much anything and it couldn't be simpler! It's also a nice nod to the traditional Thanksgiving element of corn.
Paleo Thanksgiving Main Dishes
Turkey is obviously the go-to entree for Thanksgiving, but don't feel limited if turkey isn't your thing! There are plenty of special main dishes that, when paired with some classic sides, will create a festive spread.
Turkey & Orange Cranberry Sauce
If you're feeding a smaller crowd this year, a turkey breast is an easy way to go! This recipe uses fresh rosemary and is accompanied by my super fresh and citrusy cranberry sauce.
(Check out my YouTube video on the best way to chop fresh rosemary if you'd like some tips!)
Salt Crusted Whole Fish
If you're not into turkey or you want to offer an alternative, salt-crusted fish is so festive. Crack open the crust at the table so everyone can share in the experience!
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes for Dessert
Sweet Potato Pie w/ Pecan Crust
If you make nothing else from this list, you must make this pie crust. Trust me on this one. Pecans, dates & coconut oil transform into the stuff of Thanksgiving legend. And while I think sweet potato is a fun twist on the holiday pie tradition, you can totally go with pumpkin for the filling if omitting pumpkin pie from the spread would incite a revolt in your family.
AIP Baked Apples
If you have guests with dietary restrictions or are simply looking for a super healthy dessert, these baked apples are a great choice. Sweetened entirely with fruit, they incorporate so many classic Fall flavors.
Cherry Pecan Baked Pears
Similar to my baked apples, this recipe is sweetened with dates and cherries and smells SO good while baking.
Pumpkin Mousse
Looking to spice things up from the traditional pumpkin pie? This pumpkin mousse contains just 4 ingredients and is gluten free and paleo. Adorable mini mason jars to serve it in are optional 🙂
Looking for more holiday meal inspiration?
Check out the Prep Dish Entertainment Bundle! It includes a full prep-ahead Thanksgiving menu plus 11 menus for holidays, Super Bowl and even birthdays!
Want to pair with the perfect wine?
If you're looking for the perfect wine to serve at your Thanksgiving table, I highly recommend checking out Dry Farm Wines! It's organically farmed, sugar free, lower in sulfites and free of toxic additives. It's also keto and paleo-friendly!
Perhaps most importantly, it tastes great and always leaves me feeling good the day after I drink it. If you give it a try, let me know what you think!
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