35 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

Sticking to your health goals doesn’t mean skipping the mashed potatoes and gravy! You can still enjoy a hearty, delicious Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings. These healthy Thanksgiving recipes were created by a registered dietitian to be higher in protein and fiber and lower in sodium, sugar, and calories so you can relax, indulge, and still feel good afterward.

People seem to have two approaches to eating around the holidays: everything flies out the window or they desperately try to stick to their eating goals.

I prefer a middle ground – the 80/20 approach. When you eat well 80% of the time, it’s perfectly okay to indulge the other 20% of the time.

And when you can layer in delicious meals that fit your macros and taste like you’re indulging? That’s even better!

Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes

I’ve got dozens of healthy recipes for you to choose from, including appetizers, entrees, side dishes, salads, and even desserts. 

You could easily plan out your whole holiday menu right here! (Hint, hint)

Appetizers

Grape and Cheese Skewers

Fresh grapes with gouda, prosciutto, and arugula have so much flavor, and you’re even getting some greens!

Turkey Charcuterie Board

I love a good charcuterie board, and this one is loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to stick with you.

Pumpkin Pie Hummus Recipe

You truly would not know there are chickpeas in this hummus! Pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber and antioxidants, too. 

Turkey Deviled Eggs

Cute, right? These deviled eggs rely on Greek yogurt, not mayo, so they are way lower in fat and calories while offering plenty of protein.

Sparkling Cranberries

These sparkling cranberries are stunning and a delicious sweet-tart pop. You can have them as an appetizer or use them as a pretty topping for desserts!

Mains

Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast

Lean turkey breast is an incredible source of protein and is ready in just 30 minutes, too!

Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Chicken

You don’t actually have to have turkey if you don’t want to! We love to make a whole chicken in the slow cooker with all the vegetables for a simple, balanced meal. 

Turkey Roast in Crock Pot

Prefer a slow-cooked turkey? This method locks in moisture while infusing tons of flavor from the carrots, onions, and fresh herbs.

Lasagna without Ricotta

This is easily the most decadent lasagna you’ll ever have! The homemade bechamel sauce makes it so creamy and indulgent, yet way lower calorie than traditional lasagna thanks to a few key swaps.

Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken

For an elevated occasion, stuff chicken breast with apple and brie then coat with maple, garlic, and Dijon. So good!

Healthy Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

What’s Thanksgiving dinner without the sides? There are so many ways to make your favorite side dishes a little lighter while still maximizing flavor. 

Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes

Cream cheese and Greek yogurt make these potatoes rich and fluffy with just a little tanginess. 

Healthy Turkey Gravy Recipe

Traditional turkey gravy is usually very high in fat and calories from the drippings. Using chicken or turkey broth lightens it up instantly!

Sweet Potato Casserole without Marshmallows

I know, it’s sacrilege to ditch the marshmallows, but you’ll see why we love this one after the first bite.

Sourdough Apple Cranberry Walnut Stuffing

Sourdough bread with sweet apples, cranberries, and walnut makes the perfect healthier stuffing. 

Green Beans with Cranberries and Almonds

These colorful green beans look and taste gourmet with dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and plenty of fresh orange juice.

Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce

Instead of high fructose corn syrup or a mountain of sugar, make your own cranberry sauce with orange juice and honey!

Butternut Squash Apple Bake

If there is one recipe you try from this list, make it this one! It’s a play on my mother-in-law’s favorite side dish and the buttery mixture of maple syrup and warm spices is so good.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Balsamic and Maple Syrup

You can convince even the pickiest eater to love brussels sprouts when you pair them with bacon, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. 

Simple Baked Mac and Cheese without Flour

Instead of making a roux with butter and flour, this version uses fat-free evaporated milk and lots of real cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy sauce. 

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk

Sweet potatoes are nutritionally dense, high in fiber, and loaded with antioxidants while also being totally delicious, especially when mashed with coconut milk, maple syrup, and lots of warm spices.

Seasoned Green Beans with Bacon

A little bacon makes these green beans extra savory and they’re still a lighter option than green bean casserole. 

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes

This side blurs the line between sweet and savory with roasted sprouts and sweet potatoes with cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and a little maple. 

Green Beans with Red Peppers

We love the two-tone effect with this one and it’s a great way to add more veggies to your plate!

Healthy Salads for Thanksgiving

Kale and Beetroot Salad

Kale, roasted beets, and carrots are so delicious in a little maple Dijon dressing, plus you get plenty of fiber and nutrients at the same time. 

Brussels Sprouts Apple Salad

I love the texture of shaved Brussels sprouts! The parmesan cheese makes it a little salty and savory while the maple Dijon dressing, apples, and cranberries balance it out.

Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate

Honestly, this is a side you could even eat as a main! The combination of quinoa, pomegranates, feta, and roasted butternut is so filling and a great option for vegetarians.

No Mayo Waldorf Salad

Traditional Waldorf salad is loaded with calories from mayo and sour cream, but this version uses a simple homemade vinaigrette instead.

Cruciferous Crunch Salad

There are so many reasons to load up on cruciferous veggies including fiber, lots of vitamins, and even cancer prevention! This salad has all the best flavors, including feta, almonds, bacon, and apple.

Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts

If you have a sweet tooth that goes out of control around the holidays, you’re in the right place. All of these recipes are made without any refined sugar and with extra fiber whenever possible. Don’t worry – they do not taste “healthy!”

Pumpkin Pie without Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk adds a ton of sugar to pumpkin pie! This version uses almond milk and maple syrup instead, and still tastes rich and flavorful.

Whole Wheat Apple Pie

Whole wheat actually adds a nice nuttiness to the crust while increasing the fiber content. Easy swap!

No Bake Apple Crumble {Gluten-Free}

You read that right – no baking! The combination of cooked apples with the buttery almond flour topping is incredibly flavorful and such a cinch to make.

Sweet Potato Bars

The date-sweetened crust is made with nuts, oats, and coconut oil while the sweet potato layer uses eggs, milk, and maple syrup. Just sweet enough but with plenty of texture from the crust!

Pumpkin Date Balls

With pumpkin, dates, nuts, and spices, these little bites make the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.

Healthy Pumpkin Cake Recipe with Applesauce

If you crave decadence but don’t want to spend all your calories in one place, you’ll love this recipe. It’s not just a cake; the hot water melts the coconut sugar and pecan topping into a rich, buttery sauce!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

These bites of goodness have a chewy, nutty crust and a creamy vegan cheesecake layer. They’re perfectly portioned and a great option to serve on your dessert table!