27 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

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Do you want to make Thanksgiving more special but still keep it healthy? These healthy Thanksgiving meals are flavorful, nutritious, extra yummy and easy to make.

So you’ve been eating healthy – or trying to – all year. Finally, Thanksgiving rolls around.

And instead of looking forward to it, you’re afraid of it. That’s because last year you were in a turkey coma.

And you didn’t wake up from it until New Year’s rolled around.

So, what can you do to avoid the dreaded holiday bulge? Make Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes.

That way, you can still eat your cake, ahem Thanksgiving dinner – and have it too.

Today I’m sharing 27 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes. Not only are they healthy, but they’re yummy too.

So you won’t feel like depriving yourself.

You’ll want to save all those tasty leftovers. So make sure you’re equipped with some good food storage containers.

I would go with glass containers like these. Not only are they safe to use in the freezer, but they’re also oven and microwave safe too.

BPA-free plastic containers like these ones are suitable as well.

1. Green Bean Salad with Crispy Fried Onions

Source:allwaysdelicious.com

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without green bean casserole. But making it can be a hassle.

You have to get the onions fried just right. And you have to use up valuable oven space.

This is especially hard when you’re using the oven already. Turkey taking up all the oven space, anyone?

This Green Bean Salad gives you all the flavors of green bean casserole – with way less work.

In fact, it’s ready in under 15 minutes. Lovely!

The radishes add crunchiness and freshness. This is complemented by creamy feta cheese.

And the fried onions are super-crispy. And there’s no guesswork or fear of burning the onions.

That’s because you’re using store-bought fried onions like these.

Per Serving:

Calories: 120
Fats: 9g
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Recipe

2. Herb Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, and Carrots

Source:boulderlocavore.com

Looking to enjoy the bounties of fall? Make this veggie side dish.

You’ve got a medley of fall veggies. You’ve got sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels Sprouts.

And you’re tossing them in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari, garlic, and fresh herbs.

So you get a savory, sweet bowl of pure deliciousness.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also good for you too. You’re getting a ton of immune-strengthening Vitamins A and C.

You’re also getting potassium which promotes healthy blood pressure. And you’re getting a boatload of fiber.

If this dish isn’t healthy, I don’t know what it is. Check out more 200 calorie meals here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 171
Fats: 5g
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 8g

Recipe

3. Roasted Leeks and Peas

Source:thedevilwearssalad.com

Need an elegant veggie side dish? These Roasted Leeks and Peas are a great option.

They look and taste fantastic. You’ll feel like you’re at a fancy restaurant.

You’ve got the sweetness coming from the roasted leeks and peas. And the parmesan cheese elevates it even more.

Meanwhile, the fresh mint gives an incredible explosion of flavor. It’s a dinner party in your mouth.

Per Serving:

Calories: 153
Fats: 9g
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Recipe

4. Roasted Butternut Squash with Spinach and Cranberries

Source:thesuburbansoapbox.com

Not much of a veggie lover? This dish may change all that.

On the menu is tender roasted butternut squash. And it’s been tossed with red onions, fresh spinach, and cranberries.

So, you get a hearty salad that is brimming with flavor.

Besides being yummy, Butternut Squash is good for you too. It’s rich in Vitamins A and C.

And it contains bone-building manganese and magnesium. It even contains brain-boosting B vitamins.

Now you will be peeling your Butternut Squash. Doing this ensures that every last piece of it gets caramelized.

You can do this with a sharp knife. Or, to make it easier, use a vegetable peeler like this.

Per Serving:

Calories: 103
Fats: 3g
Protein: 1g
Carbs: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g

Recipe

5. Easy Roast Turkey

Source:littlesunnykitchen.com

Turkey takes center stage on the Thanksgiving table. So, it’s crucial to make it just right.

But all too often, it’s so dry – you end up drowning it in gravy.

This turkey is juicy, tender, and flavorful. You won’t even miss the gravy – it’s that good.

And it smells so heavenly. That’s because you’re using aromatics like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs.

And it’s so simple to make – no basting or brining needed.

So, you can spend less time babysitting your turkey – and more time with your family. Check out more 400 calorie meals.

Per Serving:

Calories: 386
Fats: 20g
Protein: 47g
Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Recipe

6. Healthy Mashed Cauliflower

Source:foodfolksandfun.net

Do you love mashed potatoes? I do too.

But if you’re watching your carbs, you need to skip the mashed potatoes. And there’s no fun in that.

But what can you have instead? Have this Healthy Mashed Cauliflower.

It’s creamy, smooth, and tasty. You may not even miss the mashed potatoes.

Like your mashed cauliflower extra-creamy? Mash your boiled cauliflower using a food processor.

This food processor should make your mashed cauliflower silky-smooth.

7. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Source:debraklein.com

Looking for a Thanksgiving salad that your family will actually eat? Make this Roasted Butternut Squash Salad.

It’s full of vibrant colors and textures. You’re getting sweetness from the beets and butternut squash.

And you’re getting bitterness from the kale. And the pepitas provides a lovely crunch.

With a salad this good, who needs extra dessert?

Per Serving:

Calories: 203
Fats: 15g
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g

Recipe

8. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Source:ifoodreal.com

Not a fan of regular mashed potatoes? These Mashed Sweet Potatoes are for you.

They’re sweet, creamy, and festive. That’s because you’re adding cinnamon and maple syrup.

Black pepper adds a hint of heat. So, it’s perfect for both adults and kids alike.

In fact, your kids will probably prefer these over traditional mashed potatoes. That’s because of the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Good thing sweet potatoes are good for them too! Sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanins which support healthy vision.

And they contain Vitamin A, which supports the immune system. Love sweet potatoes? Check out these sweet potato breakfast bowl.

Per Serving:

Calories: 203
Fats: 6g
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 34g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 9g

Recipe

9. Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin

Source:bluesbestlife.com

Don’t have the time or energy to make a whole turkey? Not to worry – you can make this Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin instead.

It’s juicy, moist, and delicious. That’s because you’re infusing the tenderloin in chicken broth.

And you’re adding fresh herbs like sage and rosemary.

Best of all, it cooks in just 12 minutes. That’s because you’re using an Instant Pot for cooking it.

So, you’re saving lots of time.

Don’t have an Instant Pot yet? Be sure to put this Instant Pot here on your wish list.

Per Serving:

Calories: 213
Fats: 5.8g
Protein: 42.2g
Carbs: 0.4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g

Recipe

10. Keto Green Bean Casserole

Source:cassidyscraveablecreations.com

Need a keto-friendly side dish? This Keto Green Bean Casserole is an excellent option.

It contains less than 7 grams of net carbs. And it’s so flavorful.

You’ve got tender green beans mixed with creamy umami-filled mushroom sauce. And they’re topped with crispy fried onions. Yum!

Don’t be surprised if you go for seconds.

To keep it keto, you’ll want to use almond flour for your topping. Almond flour is low in carbs yet high in fat.

So, it keeps your body in ketosis. And it’s pretty nutritious too.

In fact, one ounce of almond flour provides 35% of your daily Vitamin E needs. And it doesn’t contain gluten.

Besides using it as a topping, you can use it for baking. If you’re planning to do lots of holiday baking, you can get some almond flour here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 138.61
Fats: 10.45g
Protein: 3.98g
Carbs: 9.79g
Fiber: 3.13g
Sugar: 4.28g

Recipe

11. Keto Pumpkin Muffins

Source:heretocook.com

Do you also need a keto-friendly dessert? I’ve got that covered too.

These muffins are moist, light, and full of warm fall flavors. That’s because you’re using cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree.

Besides being low in carbs, these muffins are also gluten-free. Sweet!

And talking about sweets, you’ll be using a granulated sweetener to make them. I like granulated erythritol because it’s an all-natural sweetener.

So, it doesn’t spike blood sugars. It may even protect against cavities.

If you’d like to get some powdered erythritol, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 180
Fats: 15g
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

Recipe

12. Healthy Butternut Squash Casserole

Source:healthytasteoflife.com

A lot of people are going plant-based. Chances are, you may have one of them at your Thanksgiving table.

So, it’s crucial to have an excellent main dish for them. That’s where this Casserole comes in handy.

It’s warm, flavorful, and super comforting. You’re getting sweetness from the sweet potatoes, raisins, and butternut squash.

And you’re getting warmth from the nutmeg and cinnamon. Meanwhile, brown rice and wild rice provide lots of texture.

Your plant-based eaters will be so thankful. And isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?

Per Serving:

Calories: 327.9g
Fats: 7.6g
Protein: 3.7g
Carbs: 66.5g
Fiber: 2.7g
Sugar: 27.5g

Recipe

13. Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake

Source:heretocook.com

Want to enjoy cheesecake – without all the carbs? Give this Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake a try.

It contains under 6 grams of net carbs. So, it fits easily into your macros.

And it’s delicious, decadent, and moist – just like regular cheesecake. And the ground pecans add a lovely nuttiness to the crust.

Feeling extra indulgent? You can add some homemade keto caramel sauce.

Or, for extra convenience, you can use this sugar-free caramel sauce.

What’s more, this cake serves 8. So, there’s plenty enough for everyone.

Per Serving:

Calories: 414
Fats: 39g
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Recipe

14. Honey Roasted Carrots

Source:dinneratthezoo.com

15. Honey Orange Cranberry Sauce

Source:happy-mothering.com

Not a fan of canned cranberry sauce? Then this Honey Orange Cranberry Sauce will be more your style.

This cranberry sauce is bursting with flavor – good flavor, that is. You’ve got the tartness of the fresh cranberries mingling with the sweetness of the honey.

And the orange extract adds a fresh orange flavor. You’ll love, love, love this cranberry sauce.

Don’t have any orange extract on hand? You can get some here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 103
Fats: 1g
Protein: 1g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g

Recipe

16. Cranberry Sauce with Apples and Clementines

Source:paleolowcarbkate.com

Here’s another Cranberry Sauce recipe. After all, you can never have enough cranberry sauce, right?

This cranberry sauce is vibrant and yummy. You’ve got the sweetness of the clementines, apple sauce, and apples.

These contrast the tartness of the fresh cranberries. And the cloves and cinnamon sticks add holiday cheer.

What’s more, it takes just 25 minutes to make. So you can get back to cooking up a Thanksgiving storm.

Per Serving:

Calories: 63
Fats: 1g
Protein: 1g
Carbs: 17g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 7g

Recipe

17. Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

Source:veganblueberry.com

Looking for a picture-perfect side dish? This is it.

It looks impressive – but tastes even better. This acorn squash is loaded with the good stuff.

You’ve got crunchy pecans, sweet apple, sauteed kale, and tart cranberries. You’ve even got crunchy croutons and fresh herbs.

Your taste buds won’t know what hit them.

Besides being tasty, this dish is brimming with nutrition. It’s rich in potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber.

Who knew healthy eating could taste this good?

Per Serving:

Calories: 385
Fats: 19g
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 56g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 16g

Recipe

18. Mashed Butternut Squash with White Beans

Source:babaganosh.org

Looking for a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes? This dish is a great option.

It’s creamy and tasty. The butternut squash adds a sweet, buttery flavor.

And the roasted garlic adds a smoky sweetness. You’ll be in foodie heaven.

Per Serving:

Calories: 168
Fats: 4g
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 4g

Recipe

19. Roasted Delicata Squash

Source:anediblemosaic.com

Do you love your sweets? This Roasted Delicata Squash will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.

You’ve got the sweetness of the creamy caramelized Delicata Squash. And it’s topped with crunchy hazelnuts and brown butter.

So, you’re getting a meld of textures and flavors.

Besides being sweet, Delicata Squash is good for you too. It’s rich in Vitamins A and C.

And it even contains omega-3s, which promote heart health. So, eat up that Delicata Squash.

Per Serving:

Calories: 137
Fats: 9g
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Recipe

20. Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon, and Goat Cheese

Source:runningtothekitchen.com

Would you rather skip the green beans on Thanksgiving? This green bean dish may change your mind.

On the menu are green beans that have been sauteed in bacon grease. And they’re topped with tart fresh cranberries, crispy bacon, and creamy goat cheese.

Not only is this dish yummy, but it’s so pretty too.

Not a fan of goat cheese? You can use feta cheese instead.

Per Serving:

Calories: 99
Fats: 5g
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Recipe

21. Keto Paleo Stuffing with Sausage, Fruit, and Pecans

Source:eatbeautiful.net

Looking for a Paleo-friendly stuffing? This stuffing is a great option.

It’s hearty and full of yummy flavors. The sausage and bone broth give lots of savory flavors.

And the celery and onions add aromatics. Meanwhile, you’re getting sweetness from the fruit and crunch from the pecans.

Traditional stuffing ain’t got nothing on this stuffing.

To keep it Paleo, you’ll be using homemade coconut bread. So, you’ll need some coconut flour on hand.

If you don’t have any coconut flour handy, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 429
Fats: 39g
Protein: 16g
Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 2g

Recipe

22. Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Source:veronikaskitchen.com

Not a fan of dark meat? Then just make this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast.

It’s crispy and golden on the outside. And the butter and herbs make it juicy and flavorful on the inside.

Best of all, it takes just 2 hours to make. So, you’re not slaving in the kitchen all day.

Winner, winner, turkey dinner. You can have it with a quick carrot and beetroot salad.

Check out more 300 calorie recipes here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 273
Fats: 19g
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Recipe

23. Roasted Butternut Squash Wild Rice Salad

Source:therusticfoodie.com

Not a fan of greens in your salad? This is the salad for you.

It’s a bowl of yumminess. It’s packed with sweet butternut squash, earthy wild rice, crunchy almonds, and tart cranberries.

And there’s not a green in sight.

Per Serving:

Calories: 272
Fats: 11g
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 13g

Recipe

24. Vegan Wellington

Source:mypureplants.com

Need a good vegan main dish for your Thanksgiving table? I’ve got the perfect dish for you.

It’s Beef Wellington “veganized.” And it’s so tasty, even non-vegans will enjoy it.

Good thing it makes 8 servings.

For your “beef,” you’re making a rosemary walnut mushroom filling. You’re also stuffing your vegan pastry with roasted butternut squash.

So, you’ve got some serious umami and sweet flavors happening.

Besides being yummy, this Vegan Wellington is also nutritious. So, you can feel good eating it.

Per Serving:

Calories: 318
Fats: 22g
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g

Recipe

25. Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Source:vidhyashomecooking.com

Time for some Air Fryer Acorn Squash. Yes, you read that right – Acorn Squash fried in your air-fryer.

And it really works.

It’s a tender, sweet, caramelized mass of deliciousness. And it’s topped with crunchy pine nuts.

You’ll want to keep scooping into it. Just saying.

Don’t have an air fryer to make it? This high-quality air fryer here is priced very reasonably.

Per Serving:

Calories: 162
Fats: 11g
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g

Recipe

26. Healthy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Source:runningonrealfood.com

Want to enjoy mashed potatoes – and skip the dairy? These Healthy Vegan Mashed Potatoes are the way to go.

They’re creamy and flavorful. The addition of the roasted garlic really amps up the flavor.

And the chives livens up the mashed potatoes even more.

With a dish like this, who needs butter and cream?

Per Serving:

Calories: 170
Fats: 0.2g
Protein: 4.7g
Carbs: 38.5g
Fiber: 4.6g
Sugar: 1.8g

Recipe

27. Purple Mashed Potatoes

Source:thedevilwearssalad.com

Want to lighten up the mood at your Thanksgiving table? Serve these Purple Mashed potatoes.

They’re creamy, tasty, and are, well, purple! Everyone will be talking about them.

Purple potatoes are also good for you too. They’re rich in anthocyanin antioxidants which reduce inflammation.

So fill up on those purple mashed potatoes.

Per Serving:

Calories: 412
Fats: 26g
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g

Recipe