Thanksgiving is the perfect time to celebrate with family and friends, and what better way to do that than with these 38 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes. Featuring gluten-free, dairy-free, and nutritious options, you’ll find delicious appetizers, mouthwatering mains, flavorful sides, and indulgent desserts to create the perfect celebration menu for all dietary preferences.
As you prepare for your Thanksgiving feast, it’s essential to cater to all your guests’ dietary needs while still delivering on flavor. These healthy Thanksgiving recipes include appetizers that set the tone for the meal, ensuring everyone has something delicious to enjoy right from the start. From a vibrant veggie platter to wholesome dips, these starters will impress and satisfy, making your gathering even more special.
The main course and sides are where the magic truly happens, and these healthy options shine with creativity and taste. Whether you’re serving a succulent roasted turkey or a flavorful vegetarian dish, each recipe is designed to keep the festive spirit alive without compromising on health. And don’t forget dessert! With options that are both sweet and nourishing, you can end your meal on a high note, proving that indulgence and health can go hand in hand this Thanksgiving.
APPETIZERS
The Easiest 15 Minute Appetizer
A simple charcuterie board is the perfect solution for entertaining guests without any baking involved! Just gather some high-quality ingredients, include a couple of classic favorites, and add one or two new items to explore. Enjoy the process of putting it all together and savor the experience.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (Gluten-Free)
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is the perfect way to kick off your holiday gathering. Filled with amazing flavors, this healthy appetizer will please the whole crowd and is gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
Cranberry Salsa
A fun starter to keep guests happily munching while they wait for the turkey! This easy salsa is extra festive with holiday flavors, but also really healthy, gluten free and dairy
Gluten Free Rosemary Sesame Seed Crackers
These homemade gluten free Rosemary Sesame Seed Crackers are super easy to make and are perfect to serve with your homemade dips when you are entertaining guests.
MAINS AND SIDES
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Pecans and Hot Honey
These delicious Brussels Sprouts are gluten free and dairy free, but absolutely bursting with fabulous flavors and textures!
Air Fryer Carrots with Parmesan and Dill
These Air Fryer Carrots are deliciously caramelized and rubbed with a parmesan-dill rub for a bold and sweet flavor that makes the perfect easy side dish.
Roasted Chicken Marylands (Leg Quarters)
Crispy skin Roasted Chicken Marylands (Leg Quarters) are tender, moist and certain to become a favourite. Seasoned with lemon, sage and thyme.
Grains and Greens-Stuffed Squash with Herb Salsa
A gorgeous side dish or vegetarian main, these stuffed squash are a showstopper!
Autumn Kale Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This Autumn Kale Harvest Salad brings together the best of fall’s produce into a beautiful salad. It’s made with thinly sliced kale, pomegranate seeds, Honeycrisp apple slices, candied almond slices, and tossed in a lusciously sweet and tangy Apple Cider Vinaigrette. It’s healthy, simple, and the perfect Thanksgiving salad!
Vegan Pumpkin Risotto
This creamy and cozy one-pot Vegan Pumpkin Risotto is the ultimate comfort meal, but still healthy and family friendly. This 20 minute dish is gluten-free and dairy-free and makes a great side or entree!
Healthy Green Bean Casserole (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)
Skip the canned cream of mushroom soup and make this delicious healthier Green Bean Casserole! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free and SO flavorful!
Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe
This easy and delicious Thanksgiving Maple Pecan Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe combines tender, roasted Kabocha Squash with a flavorful Maple Rosemary Dressing and toasted chopped pecans for a show-stopping and healthy Thanksgiving treat!
Lemon Thyme Pan Seared Turkey Breast Cutlets
Lemon Thyme Pan Seared Turkey Breast Cutlets are perfect for a wholesome, quick and easy weeknight dinner and classy enough for a light Thanksgiving holiday dinner.
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
This healthy sweet potato casserole recipe is a delicious holiday side dish! It’s sweetened with applesauce, perfectly spiced and velvety smooth.
Vegan Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
This vegan roasted garlic mashed cauliflower serves as an ideal accompaniment to turkey or festive meals during the holiday season. It mimics the flavor and texture of classic mashed potatoes, yet it’s crafted from cauliflower, making it a great option for those following a keto lifestyle.
Wild Rice Stuffing
Wild rice, roasted butternut squash, sweet apples, fresh herbs, dried cranberries, pecans and pepitas all come together in this flavorful holiday side dish!
Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is a simple and elegant side dish that will add a bright flavor to your Thanksgiving table.
Sticky-Sweet Maple Glazed Spatchcock Turkey (Guaranteed Juicy!)
Classic Thanksgiving flavor with a cozy fall twist: Maple Glazed Spatchcock Turkey. Juicy, flavorful, & perfectly roasted in 2 hours or less!
Stuffing Balls
These healthy stuffing balls can easily be made gluten free, dairy free, and egg free as needed. With tons of flavor, they’re perfect to make ahead as an easy Thanksgiving side everyone will love.
Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup
Smooth, creamy, and warming, this delicious Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup is the perfect soup to serve alongside your Thanksgiving meal. It’s dairy and gluten-free and made from wholesome ingredients.
Fall Harvest Salad Stuffed Acorn Squash
This fall harvest salad stuffed acorn squash is the perfect flavor combination for a hearty and nourishing fall or winter meal, and it makes for a festive side dish or starter for the holidays!
Lemon Balsamic Asparagus Recipe
This delicious lemon balsamic asparagus recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy side dish for a weeknight meal. It’s tangy, sweet, and very flavorful.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are made with olive oil, so they’re super silky and completely dairy-free. They can be made one day ahead for Thanksgiving dinner.
Roasted Carrots and Brussel Sprouts
A gorgeous platter of Roasted Carrots and Brussel Sprouts in a honey balsamic glaze is the perfect holiday side dish! Two vegetables in one effort gives your guests extra variety while the same cooking method makes it quick and simple to prepare.
Sheet Pan Sausage with Mushrooms and Fennel
Sausage, Mushrooms and Fennel is a great side dish with incredible flavors and textures from roasted Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms and fragrant fennel and herbs. And, the best part is that it can be cooked easily on one sheet pan . . . a simple dish with big flavor!
Butternut Squash Feta Salad
This roasted Butternut Squash Feta Salad is a great healthy Thanksgiving side dish! It’s gluten free and made with hearty greens, feta, toasted walnuts, and maple dressing
The Best Turkey Stuffing Recipe – Easy To Make!
This turkey stuffing is loaded with veggies, protein and flavor… And it’s very simple to make!
Apple Cider Gravy
Apple Cider Gravy is easy to make and perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal that calls for gravy. This low-calorie recipe uses pan juices for rich flavor, making it so delicious you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Whole Honey Roasted Carrots
With a hint of warm sweetness, whole honey roasted carrots are as tasty as they are pretty. Alternatives included for cutting big carrots too!
Blue Cheese and Pear Salad
This Blue Cheese and Pear Salad is perfect for autumn. It features fresh Bartlett pears, blue cheese, candied pecans, and a delightful maple vinaigrette, making it holiday-worthy!!
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving table, combining perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with creamy butternut squash, a touch of butter, and a hint of sweet maple syrup. Lower in carbs than traditional mashed potatoes, this dish offers a nutritious, silky smooth alternative that pairs beautifully with both lunch and dinner. It’s an excellent choice for a vegetarian and gluten-free holiday side that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort.
Roasted Fall Vegetables
No holiday table is complete without a platter of these colorful roasted fall vegetables. They’re topped off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance their natural sweetness.
DESSERTS
Easy Caramelized Air Fryer Pears
These air fryer pears are lightly spiced, caramelized and make an easy dairy free and gluten free Thanksgiving dessert.
Deep Dish Vegan Pumpkin Pie
This smooth and velvety deep dish vegan pumpkin pie is perfect for any Thanksgiving celebration. The crust is made with vegetable oil which makes it incredibly flaky, light, and easy to work with. This recipe is dairy and egg free-yet tastes exactly like traditional pumpkin pie.
Easy Gluten-Free Apple Cobbler
This easy Gluten-Free Apple Cobbler with a cinnamon apples filling and soft oat flour biscuits is the perfect dessert for fall. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Dairy-free and vegan
Healthy Sweet Potato Pecan Pie (Gluten-Free Crust)
Are you team sweet potato pie or team pecan pie? Now you don’t have to choose, because I give you the best of both worlds. A healthy sweet potato pecan pie made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients, no added sugar or nasty corn syrup.
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
This creamy no-bake vegan gluten-free cheesecake is ready to take the stage at your Thanksgiving table. No highly coveted oven space necessary.
Pumpkin Mousse Pie (Gluten-Free)
This Pumpkin Mousse Pie recipe is creamy and delicious. With a chocolate crust and an easy pumpkin mousse filling, this is the perfect dessert for your holiday table. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Tips on Preparing Thanksgiving Recipes
- Plan Ahead: Create a detailed menu and shopping list a week in advance. This helps streamline grocery shopping and allows you to prep dishes that can be made ahead, reducing stress on the day of the celebration.
- Delegate Tasks: Don’t hesitate to involve family and friends! Assign specific dishes or tasks to guests, whether it’s setting the table, making a side dish, or helping with cleanup. This not only lightens your load but also adds to the festive atmosphere.
- Balance Your Menu: Aim for a mix of flavors and textures by incorporating a variety of dishes, including roasted vegetables, hearty grains, and lighter salads. This ensures there’s something for everyone and keeps the meal vibrant and interesting.
- Embrace Seasonal Ingredients: Use ingredients that are in season, like pumpkins, squash, cranberries, and root vegetables. This not only enhances flavor but also keeps your menu aligned with the holiday spirit.
- Consider Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of guests’ dietary needs by including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. This ensures everyone can enjoy the meal and feel included in the celebration.
DID YOU MAKE ONE OF THESE THANKSGIVING RECIPES?
Lastly, if you make one of these Thanksgiving recipes, then I would really love to hear from you. You can either leave a comment or you can tag me on Instagram! It really makes my day when I see your creations of my recipes that I have made or recipes that I have shared.
