Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (2024)

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (1)

Between the pies, casseroles, and pumpkin beer, Thanksgiving pretty much equals an automatic food coma. Unless, of course, you've filled your festive table with the following better-for-you dishes.

From autumn-inspired salads to cleaned-up desserts, these 26 recipes will completely transform your Thanksgiving—and keep you from feeling like a sloth all day on Black Friday.

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1

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (2)

This shredded fall salad is savory and a bit sweet, making it the perfect side salad to go with Thanksgiving meat and potatoes.

Ditch the bacon and it's vegetarian-friendly, too.

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Per serving: 292 calories, 24 g fat (4 g sat), 16 g carbs, 9 g sugar, 148 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein

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2

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (3)

These creamy crab-stuffed mushrooms are the ideal Thanksgiving finger food, providing fats and protein that'll keep you satisfied until dinner.

Plus, they’re super low-carb!

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Per serving: 196 calories, 14 g fat (4 g sat), 4 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 415 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 14 g protein

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3

Low-Carb Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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Brussels sprouts are a super-easy side to pair with turkey, chicken, or ham— and these crispy sprouts pack loads of crunchy goodness.

Add whatever spices you like for extra kick!

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Per serving: 155 calories, 10.6 g fat (1.5 g sat), 13.6 g carbs, 328 mg sodium, 3.3 g sugar, 5.8 g fiber, 5.1 g protein

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4

Three-Ingredient Biscuits

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Skip the long list of ingredients in many store-bought mixes and make these easy biscuits instead. Made with just three ingredients, they still pack loads of buttery flavor.

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Per serving: 185 calories, 9 g fat (5.4 g sat fat), 22.1 g carbs, 364.6 mg sodium, 1.6 g sugar, 0.8 g fiber, 3.8 g protein

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5

Curry Roasted Cauliflower Sweet Potato Salad

Complete with a creamy curry sauce, this veggie-loaded side dish is packed with fiber and antioxidants.

What’s more, it’s Whole30-approved and vegan.

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Per serving: 213 calories, 10.2 g fat (1.4 g sat), 26.4 g carbs, 10.4 g sugar, 6.3 g fiber, 5.9 g protein

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6

Low-Carb Pumpkin Soup with Bacon

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (7)

This lower-carb, dairy-free soup satisfies your hunger 'til the main courses come out without bogging you down too much.

Top it with your favorite herbs for extra oomph.

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Per serving: 95 calories, 4 g fat (1 g sat), 7 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 282 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 5 g protein

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7

Classic Ham Steak with Red-Eye Gravy

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (8)

Sick of turkey? This ham steak with coffee-infused gravy is a unique crowd-pleaser.

The best part: It's done in 15 minutes.

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Per serving: 417 calories, 32 g fat, 0.3 g carbs, 0.2 g sugar, 1730 mg sodium, 31 g protein

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8

Paleo Delicata Squash Bake

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Squash, cranberries, pecans—this colorful side dish screams holiday season! It's packed with antioxidants, fiber, and protein that fill you up (and really pops on the table).

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Per serving: 239 calories, 13 g fat (8 g sat), 28 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 100 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 7 g protein

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9

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (10)

These vegan pumpkin pie cheesecake bars taste just like the real deal. Made with pumpkin, cashews, pecans, cinnamon, and coconut, they pack healthy fats you'll feel good about enjoying.

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Per serving: 435 calories, 34.2 g fat (17.1 g sat), 28.2 g carbs, 13 g sugar, 12 mg sodium, 4.9 g fiber, 7.3 g protein

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10

Cinnamon Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet and nutty casserole uses coconut oil and coconut sugar to create a still-sweet but lower-sugar version of the classic Thanksgiving side.

Oh yeah, it also comes together in just 30 minutes.

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Per serving: 282 calories, 8.4 g fat (5.5 g sat), 49.4 g carbs, 12.8 g sugar, 49 mg sodium, 5.8 g fiber, 3.1 g protein

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11

Butternut Squash and Beet Harvest Salad

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (12)

This tasty, vegetarian-friendly fall salad gets lots of color and nutrition from beets, squash, seeds, and cheese. It's a great way to sneak some greens into your feast.

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Per serving: 223 calories, 13.9 g fat (9.1 g sat), 20.7 g carbs, 7.3 g sugar, 312 mg sodium, 4.3 g fiber, 7.1 g protein

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12

Low-Carb Loaded 'Potato' Casserole

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (13)

Made with cauliflower instead of potatoes, this casserole delivers on flavor while keeping carbs low. Plus, it's topped with bacon, so enough said.

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Per serving: 334 calories, 28 g fat (14.6 g sat), 11.3 g carbs, 597 mg sodium, 5.3 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 11.5 g protein

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13

Roasted Pumpkin and Halloumi Salad

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (14)

Salty Halloumi cheese pairs beautifully with fall flavors like pumpkin and almonds in this meatless salad. Chock-full of color and nutrition, it's another feel-good side dish.

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Per serving: 537.6 calories, 43.9 g fat, 17.8 g carbs, 6.7 g fiber, 19.4 g protein

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14

Mashed Potato Cones

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Honestly, these mashed potato cones are just plain fun. They're also a great way to enjoy biscuits and mashed potatoes without going totally overboard on portions.

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Per serving: 399 calories, 23.1 g fat (7.5 g sat fat), 42.3 g carbs, 386.5 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 3.5 g fiber, 5.9 g protein

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15

Mushroom and Sage Rolled Turkey Breasts

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (16)

Feeling fancy? Make this stuffed turkey for Thanksgiving this year. That mushroom and sage filling is absolutely to-die-for.

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Per serving: 311 calories, 11.39 g fat (5.66 g sat fat), 1.9 g carbs, 1130 mg sodium, 0 g sugar, 0.7 g fiber, 45.3 g protein

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16

Crispy Oven-Fried Green Beans

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (17)

Introducing green beans your Thanksgiving guests will actually want to eat. These 'fried' beans offer a satisfying crunchy, crispy texture without tons of breading or frying oils.

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Per serving: 145 calories, 11.6 g fat (7 g sat), 7.6 g carbs, 465 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 5.2 g protein

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17

Paleo Stuffing

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Because a Thanksgiving without stuffing just ain't right...swap that usual box recipe with this paleo stuffing. It provides a balance of fat, carbs, and protein, so you feel satisfied but not, well, stuffed.

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Per serving: 269 calories, 19 g fat (3 g sat), 18 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 19 3mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 9 g protein

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18

Paleo Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars

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Made with maple syrup, these paleo and vegan-friendly pumpkin pie bars feature an ooey-gooey caramel topping and sweet, crunchy pecans.

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Per serving: 328 calories, 15 g fat, 45 g carbs, 28 g sugar, 191 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 2 g protein

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19

Paleo and Vegan Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (20)

Ice cream is officially a Thanksgiving staple with this paleo and vegan pumpkin pie blend. It's great atop a slice of pie, or you know, just in a bowl.

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Per serving: 150 calories, 13 g fat (7 g sat), 7 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 6 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein

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20

Healthy Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Bread

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (21)

With a sweet maple glaze and soft center, this clean pumpkin bread is plenty flavorful, complete with spices like ginger and nutmeg, and a little vanilla.

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Per serving: 202 calories, 7.2 g fat (4 g sat), 31.7 g carbs, 16.4 g sugar, 3.4 g fiber, 3.1 g protein

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest food to eat on Thanksgiving? ›

White turkey meat, plain vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, thin gravy, and pumpkin pie tend to be the best bets because they are lower in fat and calories. However, if you keep your portions small, you can enjoy whatever you like.

How to have a healthy Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Healthy Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving
  1. Avoid skipping meals. ...
  2. Be conscious of portions. ...
  3. Avoid running to the sofa after finishing a meal. ...
  4. Enjoy the moment, do not punish yourself. ...
  5. Mix in a few healthy alternatives in your holiday recipes. ...
  6. Avoid holiday shopping when hungry. ...
  7. Eat slowly. ...
  8. Think of color when cooking.
Nov 18, 2022

What can I make for Thanksgiving dinner instead of turkey? ›

Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Are Better Than Turkey
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. Credit... ...
  • 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. Jacques.
Nov 10, 2022

How do you make a healthy Thanksgiving plate? ›

Start by filling half your plate with vegetables, then pile one-quarter up with turkey breast, and leave the remaining one-quarter for starchy sides. Here, some more expert-approved guidelines for keeping portions in check this Thanksgiving Day.

What is the unhealthiest food for Thanksgiving? ›

Worst: Sausage Stuffing

It's often made with fatty processed meat, butter or margarine, and refined bread or rice. It's a high-calorie food that packs a load of fat, carbs, and nitrates, which are cancer-causing. If you add dried cranberries, there's a good chance they're sweetened and add sugar to your stuffing.

What is the key ingredient to a perfect Thanksgiving Day dinner? ›

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner in the United States typically includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Side dishes may vary, but often include vegetables like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.

What is an ideal Thanksgiving dinner? ›

And it's hard to beat a traditional Thanksgiving feast, from turkey to stuffing to allllll the potatoes with enough gravy to top it all off. And you must save room for dessert.

How do you simplify Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Tips To Simplify Thanksgiving Entertaining
  1. Pick the menu early. Don't leave menu planning and shopping to the last minute. ...
  2. Brine your bird. Turkey is the centerpiece of the feast, so give it every opportunity to shine. ...
  3. Start prep work a few days before Thanksgiving. ...
  4. Serve batched co*cktails. ...
  5. Create simple centerpieces.
Nov 1, 2023

What do you say instead of "Happy Thanksgiving"? ›

"May all the good things of life be yours, not only on this day but throughout the coming year." "Wishing you a harvest of blessings, good health and good times." "May you enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving, a joyous holiday season and healthful, Happy New Year."

What is the most wanted alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

What is good to fix for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Main Course:
  • Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey.
  • Ree's Favorite Turkey Brine.
  • Spinach-Artichoke Dip.
  • Festive Goat Cheese Balls.
  • Cornbread Thanksgiving Dressing.
  • Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes.
  • Make-Ahead Gravy.
  • Beautiful Brussels Sprouts.
Nov 1, 2023

What are the healthiest foods to eat on Thanksgiving? ›

Eat white turkey meat rather than the dark stuff, which contains twice as much fat. If you're preparing the meal, cut back on salt and butter in the side dishes. Go for small amounts of cooked squash, sweet potato, white potato, beans and carrots.

How do you have a healthy Thanksgiving? ›

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 is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›

Even though turkey is usually the star of the show, some people give their guests other main dish options. One popular one is roasted ham, often prepared with honey or molasses so that it glistens (shines) on the dinner table.

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.

Is turkey from Thanksgiving healthy? ›

As long as you don't eat too much turkey, it is a healthy way to get the protein you need. It's also a good source of beneficial vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin. Turkey is also an excellent source of selenium.

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 Thanksgiving food is low in calories? ›

Foods like white turkey meat, roasted veggies, salad, sweet potato casseroles, thin gravy, and pumpkin pie are usually the healthiest options on the table, however, eating anything in moderation is always the healthiest thing you can do.

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