40 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Make You Feel Good
You won't miss out on any of your favorites.
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The holiday season isn't necessarily the best time to start a new healthy eating routine. You're bound to indulge in plenty of party foods and a slice each of everyone's Thanksgiving pies. But that doesn't mean you can't add a few healthy Thanksgiving recipes to your holiday menu! In fact, it might be a good way to balance out a few of those heavier dishes. Whether you're looking for something vegetarian, gluten free, or just a few healthy Thanksgiving sides that won't weigh you down, this list has tons of lightened-up options for your Thanksgiving menu.
But don't worry, you won't miss out on any traditional holiday flavors! There's plenty of vegetable side dishes, like mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash casserole, and maple bacon Brussels sprouts. Plus, there are tons of creative and fresh ideas like seasonal Thanksgiving salads and a protein-packed pumpkin hummus that's sure to get the holiday started. We've also included a slew of air fryer Thanksgiving recipes that are great for making lean turkey breast and crispy sides. As for your Thanksgiving desserts? If baked apples weren't on your menu before, they will be now.
At the end of the day, it's really all about moderation. You can focus on portion control like making mini pumpkin cheesecakes or fill up your plate with veggies first before sampling desserts. No matter what you decide, knowing you have a least a few healthier options will make you feel good while celebrating.
Roasted Delicata Squash
There are so many reasons to love winter squash! And delicata squash is no exception, especially because it's one of the easier veggies to roast. You don't need to peel it!
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Thanksgiving Salad
There's nothing boring about this colorful salad! It's packed with flavorful mix-ins, like fennel fronds, pickled apples, smoked almonds, and blue cheese.
Get the Thanksgiving Salad recipe.
Spatchcock Turkey
The protein in turkey will keep you feeling satisfied and when it's seasoned with this smoky rub, it's anything but bland. The spatchcocking method also helps to keep the whole bird nice and moist.
Get the Spatchcock Turkey recipe.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, which helps support healthy vision. Plus, they're filling and will keep everyone around the table feeling satisfied.
Get the Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
Is it a Southern Thanksgiving without okra? Nope! Make it way healthier by skipping the oil and crisping it up in the air fryer instead. That way, you can give it an extra dip in that zesty sauce!
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Making your own cranberry sauce from scratch means that you can adjust the amount of sugar depending on your preferences. Ree's version opts for a natural sweetener like maple syrup, which is better for you, too!
Get Ree's Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
The beautiful orange flesh of acorn squash is sweet and nutty, making it the perfect vessel for a fall meal. Fill it up with sausage, rice, and even more veggies to make it a hearty addition to the table.
Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
If you've never tried raw Brussels sprouts before, now is your chance! The fall veggie can be shredded and added to a hearty slaw-like salad that's nice and crunchy.
Get the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Baking potatoes is a healthier alternative to mashed because you can control the amount of butter or sour cream you put on your portion. Plus, making them in the air fryer is saves time and oven space!
Get the Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Skip the heavy green bean casserole and make these tender green beans slow cooked in a brothy tomato sauce instead. We promise you won't be disappointed―they're topped with bacon!
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Mushroom Gravy
Even vegetarians can enjoy the gravy with this recipe that's made from savory mushrooms. Serve it up over any healthy holiday main dish to make it feel extra luxurious.
Get the Mushroom Gravy recipe.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Instead of sugar, these carrots are sweetened with natural maple syrup. Add fresh thyme and shallots to make them sweet and savory at the same time!
Get Ree's Maple-Glazed Carrots recipe.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
If you want to skip the marshmallow-topped dish this year, try these twice-baked sweet potatoes instead. They're still plenty sweet thanks to the maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutty oat topping.
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Couscous Salad
This beautiful salad will add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table. The fresh veggies, bright herbs, and pomegranate seeds are such a nice change of pace from the heavier dishes.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without turkey! Luckily, this one made in an air fryer is a lean, good source of protein.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of those veggies that's great to add into your diet if you're looking to eat healthier. It can easily be spiced up depending on your preferences, like this version made with seasoned salt, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Keep things simple by making this quick and easy green bean recipe. It's the perfect way to add something green to your plate.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to regular potatoes because they're lower in carbs and packed with vitamins. But don't worry, they still get extra creamy and fluffy in this mashed sweet potato dish!
Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Carrot Salad
Just because you're serving salad, doesn't mean it needs to be boring. This fresh carrot salad has seasonal apples, crunchy pecans, and sweet raisins for a ton of flavor and texture.
Get the Carrot Salad recipe.
Baked Apples
This warm, comforting fall dessert is lightly sweetened and loaded with oats and dried cranberries. Plus, it’s a fun way to eat an apple.
Get the Baked Apples recipe.
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