38 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes for a Delicious, Nutritious Celebration
Healthy Thanksgiving recipes don't have to be boring!
Whether you have certain dietary requirements (Vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free? We've got you!) or you're just trying to save room for your favorite pie recipe, these healthy Thanksgiving recipes will keep you on track this holiday. We rounded up all of our best nutrient-packed Thanksgiving side dishes and healthy Thanksgiving dinners so you can stay full and satisfied — but not stuffed — all night long.
Herb-Roasted Turkey
Good news! The star of the show is naturally healthy. Snag slices of the breast meat for the leanest option.
Get the recipe for Herb-Roasted Turkey »
RELATED: 33 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests
Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries and Feta
Packed with antioxidant-rich berries, Swiss chard and 100% whole grains, this vegetarian main is hefty enough to keep you satisfied and good for your heart, too.
Get the recipe for Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries and Feta »
Spice-Roasted Carrots
Spice up this traditional holiday side with paprika and nutmeg.
Colcannon
Add some greens to your mashed potatoes to make them healthier for the holidays!
Get the recipe for Colcannon »
RELATED: 46 Easy Mashed Potatoes To Help You Find the Ultimate Holiday Side
Best-Ever Vegan Gravy
While there's still a decent amount of (vegan!) butter in this gravy, it's lighter than the typical turkey drippings recipe.
Roasted Cranberry Sauce
Lower the amount of sugar in this classic side for a slightly tangier take.
Classic Roast Turkey
Let's start with the basics, shall we? This beautiful roasted bird keeps it classy, classic and straightforward. Perfect for a first-timer.
Creamy Roasted Squash Puree
Turn roasted squash into a sweet and smooth puree by simply blending in a food processor.
Beet Tapenade Endive Boats
In a bowl, toss 6 oz cooked beets (cut into 1/4-inch pieces), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon orange zest and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Fold in 1/4 cup green olives (chopped), then spoon onto endive leaves and sprinkle with chopped basil.
Roasted Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
Load up on these crispy sprouts and you'll forget all about the gravy.
Get the recipe for Roasted Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts »
Oysters With Mustard-Horseradish Relish
This light app won't fill you up before dinner!
Get the recipe for Oysters With Mustard-Horseradish Relish »
Rosemary-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Skip the marshmallow-topped casserole and opt for this equally sweet and creamy side instead.
Gingery Cucumber Endive Boats
In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon honey to dissolve. Stir in 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon olive oil, then toss with 1 small Persian cucumber (cut into 1/4-inch pieces), 1 small red chili (finely chopped) and 1 small ripe mango (cut into 1/4-inch pieces). To serve, spoon into endive leaves and top with black sesame seeds, if desired.
Mushroom and Chile-Garlic Green Beans
Get double the veggies in one epic side dish, topped with melted chile-garlic butter.
Get the recipe for Mushroom and Chile-Garlic Green Beans »
RELATED: 21 Green Bean Recipes For Thanksgiving That Will Make These Veggies the Life of the Party
Spicy Acorn Squash With Feta
Add a kick to simple roasted squash with paprika and a pinch of cayenne.
Endive Boats With Golden Raisins and Scallion Relish
In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup golden raisins (chopped), 1 scallion (finely chopped), 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Fold in 1/4 cup roasted almonds (chopped). To serve, place a small dollop of ricotta into an endive leaf and spoon raisin mixture on top.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Not the super heavy version you’re used to, but equally great with fresh herbs and nuts for a little crunch.
Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots
Rainbow carrots and a squeeze of fresh lime juice make this sweet and spicy side extra bright.
Glazed Green Beans
The sweet-sour glaze on these fresh green beans makes 'em irresistible.
Pickled Mushrooms
A big splash of sherry vinegar provides the right among of oomph for this tangy app. Serve with cocktails!
Get the recipe for Pickled Mushrooms »
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Tropical Sunset Slush
Horseradish, Tomato and Steak Pasta
