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 Alfano

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 foods? ›

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? ›

Boiled shrimp with lemon or co*cktail sauce is a healthier pick than fried hors d'oeuvres. Try having a pot of a roasted vegetable soup, such as carrot or butternut squash, on offer for guests to enjoy. Other healthful starters include stuffed mushrooms, raw veggies with hummus, and seasonal fruit.

How do you plan a 20 Thanksgiving dinner? ›

A Classic Thanksgiving Menu to Feed a Crowd
  1. Crisp-Skinned Butterflied Roast Turkey With Gravy. ...
  2. Basic Cranberry Sauce. ...
  3. Classic Sage and Sausage Stuffing (or Dressing) ...
  4. The Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole. ...
  5. The Best Roasted Sweet Potatoes. ...
  6. Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  7. Ultra-Fluffy Mashed Potatoes. ...
  8. Butternut Pumpkin Pie.

What are the top 5 Thanksgiving side dishes? ›

Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes
  1. Holiday Stuffing. This easy recipe for Holiday Stuffing is our number one must-have Thanksgiving side dish!
  2. Best Mashed Potatoes Ever. ...
  3. New Green Bean Casserole. ...
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  5. Baked Cranberry Sauce. ...
  6. Cauliflower Blossom. ...
  7. Butternut Squash Mash. ...
  8. Creamy Corn for a Crowd. ...

What is the most loved Thanksgiving dish? ›

The 10 Most Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
  • Roast turkey. We've already filled you in on how to carve a turkey like a chef. ...
  • Stuffing. Good stuffing is key to a successful Thanksgiving dinner. ...
  • Mashed potatoes. ...
  • Green bean casserole. ...
  • Corn casserole. ...
  • Sweet potato casserole. ...
  • Honey-glazed Brussels sprouts. ...
  • Cranberry sauce.
Nov 2, 2022

What is the most nutritious 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.

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

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.

What is the healthiest way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey? ›

Rustveld suggests air frying your turkey as a healthier alternative to deep frying. It takes less time at 400 degrees, and the end product contains less fat since you do not need to add oil. “Deep frying is not as healthy as air frying, roasting or grilling,” he said.

How much food do I need for 20 people for Thanksgiving? ›

How Much Food to Make for Thanksgiving
Menu ItemSmall (2 to 4 )Large (14 to 20 )
Appetizer13 to 4
Soup4 cups16 cups
Turkey (whole)6 pounds18 to 25 pounds
Salad12 to 3
9 more rows
Oct 29, 2021

How much stuffing do you need for 20 people? ›

I think it's safe to plan for 1 1/2 pounds per person. What's the worst that could happen? A leftover turkey sandwich?! 3/4 cup of stuffing per person should be plenty.

What is the least favorite side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

According to the poll by Tastes Better from Scratch, green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole were the least-liked Thanksgiving side dishes.

How many sides should a Thanksgiving dinner have? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

What can I have for Thanksgiving instead of turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

What are the 3 most popular food dishes served on Thanksgiving? ›

Turkey, cranberry sauce, yams, pumpkin pie. 90% will eat at least one of those foods on thanksgiving.

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

My brother's birthday is November 26, so we usually celebrate it while the family is together for Thanksgiving. Traditional Thanksgiving foods include roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. These dishes often vary by region and family traditions.

What is a list of traditional Thanksgiving food? ›

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner has Turkey, stuffing (also called bread dressing), gravy, potatoes (mashed or scalloped), rolls with butter, green beans or some other cooked green like cabbage or collards, one orange thing (cooked carrots, sweet potato casserole, or squash), something cranberry flavored, and pie ( ...

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

FoodTimeline library Food Timeline> What does the average American eat for Thanksgiving? If you ask the "average" American today what he eats for Thanksgiving he will likely answer turkey & stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes and pies (yes, plural!).

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