Holidays are a time to honor traditions, break out our best recipes, and celebrate in high style. Still, it can’t be denied that the usual Thanksgiving menu is rough on those with dietary restrictions, and generally leaves most of us feeling as overstuffed as the turkey! Years ago I decided to take our Thanksgiving dinner in a healthier direction. I can now say with confidence that it really is possible to host a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving meal.
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None of us miss the traditional versions of classic Thanksgiving recipes and prefer the taste and quality of these easy but homemade dishes. You can host your best Thanksgiving ever with a little pre-planning with some of these delicious recipes. Or if you’re bringing a dish over to the family Thanksgiving for a potluck-style event, there are plenty of options to choose from!
Our Favorite (Healthy) Thanksgiving Recipes + Menu Plan
Here are our favorite Thanksgiving Day recipes, from our family to yours! I adapted them back when I was completely grain-free and (mostly) paleo, so they’re definitely healthy. While our family does include some dairy and a few grains in our weekly menu, you’ll find plenty of allergen-friendly options here.
Meal Prep! Busy? Save Time + Eat More Protein With my High-Protein (Family-Friendly) Bulk Meal Prep Guide.
This saves me so much time each week and keeps my family fueled! Download it free here: If you’d like to try this menu, I’ve included my complete shopping list below. Mom disclaimer: No, I do not make all of these recipes from scratch every year! This is just a list of our favorites we’ve compiled over time. Some years we’re more motivated than others (read: when it’s not a baby year or the year of a worldwide pandemic). Usually, I prioritize making the main portion of the meal from scratch and keep dessert simple. Even some fresh fruit or grain-free chocolate chip cookies from Thrive Market keep my crew happy. And as my kids have gotten older they’ve taken charge of many of our meals and family dishes which helps things go even smoother! Enough from me, let’s dive into all the yummy recipes!
Appetizers
I like to have these around while I’m cooking/baking… along with a good glass of wine of course! They also help when you have little ones with big tummies who have a hard time waiting for the main meal to make its appearance. Another easy option to add is a plate full of chopped raw veggies with some dipping sauce, like high-protein ranch dressing or homemade French onion dip made with shallots.
- Deviled Eggs (Traditional or Japanese)
- Charcuterie Board
The Thanksgiving Meal
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a Thanksgiving turkey at the holiday meal! First, I highly recommend brining your turkey a few days to a week before the holiday. It helps the drier turkey breast meat especially to have so much more moisture and flavor. I quarter an onion and a lemon and place them inside the cavity before tying. Then, I rub butter on the outside and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, garlic, and basil. You can find my turkey recipe for brined and roasted turkey here. You can also use the drippings to make your own turkey gravy. Just add a little arrowroot or organic cornstarch to the drippings and cook on the stove until thickened.
Side Dishes
- Grain Free Veggie Stuffing Recipe
- Green Bean Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Mashed “Fauxtatoes”
- Cranberry Sauce
- Maple Tarragon Carrots
- Apple Kale Salad
- Bacon and Sea Salt Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Fresh Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan