Enjoy these healthy Thanksgiving dinner recipes. They’re nutritious, extra delicious, and will make your celebration even more special without breaking your diet.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with family and friends. And you can’t have Thanksgiving without Thanksgiving dinner, right?
But Thanksgiving dinner can leave you feeling quite stuffed. In fact, the average person consumes over 4500 calories in one sitting!
That’s more than double your daily calorie allowance.
So how can you avoid the dreaded Thanksgiving bulge? By making Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes.
That way, you’ll have all the yummy flavors of Thanksgiving Dinner. Yet, you’ll still fit into your skinny jeans.
Today I’m sharing healthy Thanksgiving dinner recipes. Not only are they healthy, but they taste absolutely delicious.
To save those yummy leftovers, you’ll want to have a good set of food storage containers.
I recommend glass containers like these over plastic ones. That’s because glass is better at keeping your food fresh longer.
Not a fan of glass containers? These BPA-free plastic food containers are another excellent option.
1. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Source: allnutritious.com
We know we should eat more veggies. But Thanksgiving is the time for indulging – not eating rabbit food.
That’s where my Brussels Sprouts with Bacon comes in handy. They taste like anything but rabbit food.
That’s because you cook the Brussels Sprouts in bacon fat. So, you’re getting delicious umami flavors.
You’re also adding date paste. This gives the Brussels Sprouts a lovely caramel flavor.
Plus, you’re serving them with crispy bacon. And tell me: “Who doesn’t love bacon?”
Per Serving:
- Calories: 251
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 7.6g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8.6g
2. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Broccoli
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
I love having turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, as I’m sure many of you do too. But there’s so much work involved to actually make it.
This Instant Pot Turkey Breast allows you to eat your cake, ahem turkey – and have it too. With this, you don’t have to baste or babysit your turkey.
Simply put your turkey breast in the Instant Pot. And away you go.
What you get is a juicy, moist, flavorful turkey. As an extra bonus, you’re left with a delicious broth.
So, you can make homemade garlic butter gravy.
It’s so easy to make too. Just pour your broth into a saucepan.
Then add cornstarch and water, whisking well. Once thick, add lemon juice and seasoning.
Don’t have an Instant Pot handy? Save time and money with this Instant Pot here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 267
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 37g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
3. Cheesy Garlic Broccoli
Source: allnutritious.com
Are you looking for a vegetarian dish everyone will enjoy? Give my Cheesy Garlic Broccoli a try.
It’s packed with bubbly cheese. And the broccoli is nicely caramelized.
So, it tastes sweet instead of bitter. And the garlic adds pleasant savoriness.
Besides being delicious, this dish is also very nutritious. It’s full of calcium which is vital for strong bones.
And it contains a ton of fiber. In fact, one serving contains 40% of your daily fiber needs.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 363
- Fats: 20g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 6.7g
4. Smothered Cabbage
Source: budgetdelicious.com
Now time for some smothered cabbage. Before you skip it, hear me out.
It’s refreshingly light. But best of all, it takes great too.
That’s because you’re cooking it in chicken stock. And you’re adding bacon too. Yum!
And the shallots add a lovely sweetness. It’s a party in your mouth.
Cabbage is good for you too. It’s rich in Vitamins C and K.
These vitamins support a healthy immune system and blood clotting. Cauliflower also provides inflammation-fighting antioxidants.
So, eat up that Cabbage!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 179
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 11g
5. Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole
Source: healthyslowcooking.com
Want to enjoy Thanksgiving – without any meat? Try this Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole.
Fresh, vibrant veggies are topped with chickpeas, vegan gravy, and stuffing. So, you’ve got all the classic holiday flavors “veganized.”
And it’s very filling too. Even your non-vegan family/friends will enjoy it.
That’s because of the chickpeas. They are a great source of plant-based protein.
They also contain folate, which helps build your DNA. And they’re high in fiber which promotes healthy digestion.
Not a fan of chickpeas? You can use crumbled tempeh or vegan chicken.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 411
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 47g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 9g
6. Instant Pot Baby Potatoes
Source: budgetdelicious.com
Wondering what to serve with your turkey? Serve these Instant Pot Baby Potatoes.
Baby potatoes are cooked in a mixture of butter, olive oil, garlic, and spices. What you get are tender, buttery morsels of goodness.
You’ll all want seconds. Good thing one serving contains just 211 calories.
Now you’ll be cooking your baby potatoes with the skin on. So, you may want to use organic baby potatoes.
Or wash your baby potatoes well with a vegetable brush. This one here is made with food-grade materials.
So, you don’t need to worry about any nasty chemicals.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 211
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
7. Italian Carrot Salad with Basil
Source: cookingwithmammac.com
There’s often some sort of salad at the Thanksgiving table. More often than not, it’s a glorified bowl of lettuce, tomatoes, and maybe cucumbers.
So everyone politely takes a small helping – and barely touches it. With this Italian Carrot Salad with Basil, you won’t have that problem.
The Italian vinaigrette adds a pleasant tanginess. This complements the sweetness of the carrots.
And the basil leaves add an extra pop of flavor.
Besides being tasty, this dish is also nutritious. It’s rich in immune-boosting vitamins.
And it contains potassium that supports heart health.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 105
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
8. Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Source: thekitchengirl.com
Are you having a smaller get-together? Make life easier with this Herb Roasted Turkey Breast.
It’s tender, juicy, and infused with fresh herbs. These include sage, thyme, and rosemary.
So, you’re getting lots of complex flavors – without all the effort.
In fact, you’ll need only 10 minutes to prep this dish. Then you’ll bake it for 50 minutes.
Winner, winner, turkey dinner.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 204
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
9. Green Bean Almondine
Source: veronikaskitchen.com
Want to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner even more? Serve this Green Bean Almondine.
You’ve got tender, perfectly sauteed green beans. And they’re tossed with a creamy lemon-butter sauce.
And topped with crunchy toasted almonds. The lemon juice adds an extra burst of freshness.
Who knew veggies could taste so yummy?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 133
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
10. Holiday Chickpea Veggie Loaf
Source: watchlearneat.com
Looking for a great vegan main course? This Holiday Chickpea Veggie Loaf is sure to steal the show.
It’s moist and full of holiday flavors. That’s because of the sauteed onion, carrots, celery, thyme, and sage.
And it’s topped with a creamy, decadent vegan gravy. So, it’s hearty and comforting too.
What’s more, this veggie loaf is nut-free and gluten-free too. So, it suits various dietary needs. Yay!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 225
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 0g
11. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Source: organizedisland.com
Are you looking for a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Give these Baked Sweet Potatoes a try.
Sweet potatoes are tossed in olive oil and a few spices. This lets the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shine through.
Sweet potatoes are also a powerhouse of nutrition. Just one cup of baked potatoes provides almost 800% of your daily Vitamin A needs.
And it provides 50% of your Vitamin C needs. It’s even rich in manganese which builds strong bones.
Who says satisfying your sweet tooth has to be wrong?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 178
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
12. Caramelized Onions Sauteed Green Beans
Source: joyousapron.com
Not a huge fan of green beans – especially at Thanksgiving dinner? This dish may change your mind.
To start with, you’re sauteing your green beans in garlic butter. Okay, enough said.
Then you’re topping them with caramelized onions. This adds a nice layer of savory and sweetness – you won’t know what hit you.
And you’re topping them with crunchy almonds. Need I say more?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 126
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
13. Butternut Squash Barley Risotto
Source: all-thats-jas.com
Craving some Italian food? This Butternut Squash Barley Risotto has your name written all over it.
It’s vibrant, colorful, and super comforting. The sweetness of the corn and butternut squash complements the saltiness of the parmesan cheese.
And the barley adds a pleasant, toothsome nuttiness.
In fact, I prefer this risotto to regular risotto. That’s because you’re using barley instead of rice.
Barley is even more nutritious than brown rice. It contains double the amount of fiber.
Barley is also rich in bone-building magnesium.
Besides using barley in risotto, you can also add it to soups, stews, and stuffing. If you’d like to give it a try, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 386
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 56g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 8g
14. Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic and Onions
Source: runningonrealfood.com
Do you love garlic? Then you’ll love these Sauteed Green Beans.
They’re full of garlic and onions. So you’re getting lots of savory notes.
This is offset by the sweetness of the maple syrup. And the almonds add a nice crunch.
Meanwhile, the fresh thyme takes things up a notch. You’ll be in foodie heaven.
Besides being yummy, this dish is also nutritious too. It provides close to 30% of your daily fiber needs.
And it’s rich in fiber too.
Now the sodium content is high. But to lower it, you can use this unsalted vegetable stock instead.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 155
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 6.3g
- Carbs: 25.6g
- Fiber: 7.6g
- Sugar: 11.5g
15. Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
Source: theroastedroot.net
Are you looking for a low-carb side dish? This Creamy Cauliflower Casserole is a great option.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and tastes incredible! The coconut milk adds a nice smooth texture – with a bit of sweetness.
And the cheddar and jack cheese add ooey-gooey goodness. Meanwhile, the cider vinegar adds some tang.
And the caramelized onions add loads of flavor. No one will believe this casserole is keto – nor will they care.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 185
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber:
- Sugar: 2g
16. Juicy Turkey Roast
Source: all-thats-jas.com
You can’t have Thanksgiving without turkey, right? But cooking a whole turkey can be tricky.
Cook it too long, and you have dry turkey. Undercook it, and you’ll give everyone food poisoning.
This Juicy Turkey Roast takes the guesswork of out cooking turkey. It’s super easy to prepare – and it doesn’t use a ton of ingredients.
And it’s tender on the inside yet golden-crispy on the outside. The lemon, onion, and seasonings make the turkey so yummy.
To make sure your turkey is cooked, check the internal temperature. You’ll want the internal temperature of your turkey to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
I like this meat thermometer here. Not only is it accurate, but it’s super fast too.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 561
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 84g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
17. Whole30 Mashed Potatoes
Source: aubreyskitchen.com
You can’t have Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes, either. But sometimes, mashed potatoes can be hit-or-miss.
These mashed potatoes are ultra-smooth – no pesky lumps in them at all. The ghee makes them nice and buttery.
And the almond milk adds a lovely creaminess.
The secret to them not having any lumps is how you mash them. You’ll be mashing them with a food processor like this.
This makes mashing them so simple – and it saves your arms too.
Besides being yummy, these mashed potatoes are good for you too. They’re rich in Vitamins C and potassium.
These are important for healthy blood pressure and a robust immune system.
These mashed potatoes are also rich in fiber. In fact, one serving provides about 30% of your daily fiber needs.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 460
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 62g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
18. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans
Source: hoorahtohealth.com
Are you looking for a show-stopping side dish? This is it.
It’s so beautiful and colorful. You won’t want to eat it up – but you’ll be glad when you do.
The tartness of the fresh cranberries pairs nicely with the sweetness of the butternut squash.
And the pecans add a pleasant crunch. Your tastebuds and tummy will be very happy.
What’s more, one batch makes 12 servings. So, there’s plenty for everyone.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 122
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
19. Butternut Squash, Apple, and Kale Salad
Source: theshortordercook.com
Looking for even more Butternut Squash goodness? Here you go!
This salad is full of lots of goodies. You’ve got the sweetness of the Butternut Squash, apples, and golden raisins.
This is offset by the bitterness of the kale. And you’ve got pecans for crunch.
And the icing on top of the cake is the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette. It has a great balance of acidity, heat, and sweetness.
It’s an explosion of flavor and nutrition.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 361
- Fats: 25.5g
- Protein: 4.5g
- Carbs: 35.5g
- Fiber: 6.4g
- Sugar: 16.1g
20. Maple Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Source: thegourmetrd.com
Not a fan of regular mashed potatoes? Try these Maple Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
They’re a sweet lover’s dream. That’s because you’re using sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
And these mashed sweet potatoes are just as creamy as regular potatoes.
Now, these mashed sweet potatoes do take some time to make. But to cut down on time, dice your sweet potatoes very small.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 228
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 41g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 13g
21. Whole Roasted Cabbage
Source: eatsomethingvegan.com
Looking for a vegan alternative to turkey? Try this Whole Roasted Cabbage.
No, it doesn’t taste like turkey. But it tastes pretty good.
And it looks just as festive. You’ve got well-seasoned whole Cabbage.
And it’s nestled in a bed of potatoes – just like traditional turkey.
To complete it, you’ll be serving it with homemade mushroom sauce. But for extra convenience, you can use this prepackaged vegan mushroom sauce instead.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 392
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 59g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
22. Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash
Source: masalaandchai.com
Do you enjoy everything sweet? This Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
It’s decadent, creamy, and has yummy sweet flavors. This is offset by the tartness of the pomegranate.
And the creaminess of the squash is complemented by the crunchiness of the walnuts. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
It’s also good for you too. That’s because it’s rich in Vitamins A, C, and fiber.
So, you’re doing your tummy and immune system a wealth of good.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 244
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 51g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 32g
23. Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf Stuffing
Source: profusioncurry.com
Do you love stuffing? I do too!
This stuffing is tender, flavorful, and so fragrant. The smell of it will have your family coming to the kitchen.
So make sure you have some snacks handy.
The onions, celery, and carrots add lots of savory notes. And the ginger adds a bit of heat.
Meanwhile, the lemon juice adds tanginess and freshness. And the walnuts add crunch.
Besides adding texture, wild rice is good for you too. It’s full of fiber.
And it contains magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. So, it’s excellent for your bones.
Besides adding it to stuffing, you can use it in soups and salads. If you’d like to get some wild rice, you can get some here.
As an added bonus, this stuffing is vegan. So, you can serve it to your vegan family and friends.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 273
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 13g
24. Fall Salad with Delicata Squash
Source: thefamilyfoodkitchen.com
Not a big fan of salad – especially on Thanksgiving? This Fall Salad may change your mind.
It’s crunchy, savory, sweet, and hearty. The slight bitterness of the baby kale is balanced by the sweetness of the Delicata squash and apples.
And you’re getting tartness from the pomegranate seeds and lemon juice. Meanwhile, the cheddar cheese adds creaminess.
This salad definitely doesn’t taste like bird food. Yet, it’s so good for you.
That’s because it’s rich in potassium, calcium, Vitamins A and C. And it’s packed with protein.
So, you actually feel full after eating it.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 491
- Fats: 33g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 19g
25. Thanksgiving Salad
Source: shekeepsalovelyhome.com
Do you love salads? This one is sure to blow your mind away.
It’s elegant, festive, and full of fall flavors. You’re getting the sweetness from the pear and roasted beets.
This is complemented by tart cherries, spicy arugula, and savory shallots. The creamy feta cheese adds saltiness.
And the apple cider vinaigrette adds a pleasant tang. This salad is sure to disappear quickly.
So, load your plate well the first time!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 343
- Fats: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 19g
26. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Source: debraklein.com
Time for some Vegan Shepherd’s Pie. Yes, you read that right – shepherd’s pie without meat.
It’s creamy, silky, savory, and full of umami flavors. You’re definitely not going to miss the meat.
Unlike traditional shepherd’s pie, you’re using mashed sweet potatoes. This adds sweetness and brightness.
You’ll also be using mushrooms braised in red wine. So, make sure you have some bubbly on hand.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 359
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 47g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 20g
27. Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin
Source: bluesbestlife.com
When it comes to turkey, there are 2 types of people – those who love dark meat and those who don’t.
This can be a problem – particularly if your entire family loves just white meat. You end up cooking a whole turkey and letting the dark meat rot.
That’s where this Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin comes in handy. It’s white meat only – so you don’t have to worry about food waste.
And it’s tender yet flavorful. That’s because you’re infusing chicken broth. And the fresh sage and rosemary add lots of holiday spirit.
Now, that’s a winning combination.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 213
- Fats: 5.8g
- Protein: 42.2g
- Carbs: 0.4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
