Many of us, myself included, have friends and family that come to visit from other states, towns, and countries during the holidays. This Thanksgiving my siblings are coming to visit and I’m planning to have 20-25 people gather in my home to cook together, share a meal, and connect in gratitude over delicious food and conversation.
Below are some of the healthy Thanksgiving recipes that we are planning to make. I encourage you to do the same.
As you know from previous blog posts, my diet is gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, mostly organic, and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Similarly, the healthy Thanksgiving recipes that I’m sharing also fit those criteria.
Stuffing
This is one of my favorite healthy Thanksgiving stuffing recipes! It’s made with almond flour, instead of bread, making it lower in carbs than more traditional stuffing recipes. If you prefer a vegetable-based stuffing option, this recipe is also delicious.
Confetti Cauliflower Rice
If you typically have rice as part of your Thanksgiving spread, trade it out for one of my favorite rice alternatives – cauliflower! Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, but it’s also lower in carbohydrates than rice, making it a great addition to your healthy Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving Salad
Instead of a heavy salad with a dairy-based dressing, I make a light brussel sprout salad with a simple, yet delicious, lemon vinaigrette. This recipe contains goat cheese, which pairs nicely with brussel sprouts but feel free to omit it if goat cheese doesn’t work for your dietary needs.
Green Bean Casserole
This Thanksgiving staple usually contains a rich, dairy-based cream of mushroom soup. This healthy Thanksgiving recipe for green bean casserole from Detoxinista doesn’t contain dairy, but it ’s just as rich and creamy thanks to a parsnip and mushroom puree.
Gravy
This gravy is simple to make and delicious. It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends, even if they eat differently than you do.
Pumpkin Pie
It’s not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, in my opinion, so I had to include a healthier alternative to traditional pumpkin pie on my list of healthy Thanksgiving recipes. This pumpkin pie has a delicious pecan crust and is made with almond milk, instead of cow’s milk, making it gluten-free and dairy-free.
Dairy-Free Whipped Cream
Keep your Thanksgiving dessert as healthy as can be with my favorite dairy-free whipped cream. It’s made with coconut milk and sweetened with just a touch of honey.
No doubt after preparing all of these healthy Thanksgiving recipes, you’ll have leftovers. Be sure to save them and make this delicious turkey soup. It’s perfect for post-Thanksgiving lunches or you can freeze it to enjoy during colder months.
I hope these healthy Thanksgiving recipes make it to your holiday table and are enjoyed by your family and friends, whether they are typically healthy eaters or not.
One final tip for anyone hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year – you don’t have to do everything on your own. Invite your family and friends to help you cook and clean. You can connect with just as much meaning away from the table, and keep stress levels low, by sharing the load.
xo,
P.S. This is the last blog post in a series of four on being and eating healthy during the holidays. If you missed the first three blog posts in the series on – immune boosting tips, the importance of gratitude, and how to maintain your healthy diet during the holidays – be sure to check them out!