21 Thanksgiving Recipes for a Healthy Holiday

It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Don’t worry, you can still relish the mouthwatering delights of this food-filled holiday while staying committed to your weight loss journey. Check out these healthy Thanksgiving recipes to bring along to your gatherings. They’re both delicious and on-plan, allowing you to indulge in the festive feast worry-free while staying on track to slim down. Enjoy guilt-free!

Looking for more healthy holiday tips? find all the guidance you need to get your fill of the festivities (and the food!) with our ultimate guide: 23 Ways to Lose Weight This Thanksgiving >

A Thanksgiving go-to, Green Bean Casserole is often packed with more calories and fat than green beans. But not this Green Bean Casserole! This delicious dish goes heavy on flavor, not on guilt.

Oh yes. The perfect blend of creamy and cheesy, this is one side dish that’s sure to steal the show at your Thanksgiving dinner.

We are so very thankful for recipes like this one, which strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors.

These Garlic Herb Mashed Faux-tatoes sub potatoes with cauliflower for a lightened up take on a seasonal staple. Want to make mashed cauliflower without the time commitment of the crock pot? Check out this alternative cooking method for this delicious dish.

Add a little color to your dinner table with this Stuffed Acorn Squash that’s almost as pleasant to look at as it is to eat!

This delicious Slow Cooker Cranberry Applesauce just might be the easiest recipe on this list. But that definitely doesn’t mean it’s the least flavorful! Serve it right out of the slow cooker for a warm and cozy comfort food you won’t regret eating tomorrow.

Give traditional turkey dishes a break and try this Butternut Squash Turkey Chili. Packed with all of fall’s finest flavors, it’s a satisfying soup known to prompt some bowl-licking around these parts!

Volunteered to bring a post-meal treat? Show up with these Easy Thumbprint Cookies and you’ll forever be assigned to dessert duty.

Butternut Squash Chicken Chowder? Somebody pinch us! This soup is overflowing with flavor and texture. Dive in to a bowl before the main meal is served, and you may just be satisfied enough to skip seconds later.

This pumpkin rice pudding combines two of our favorite things: Pumpkin and rice pudding. Your guests will love the scent of pumpkin wafting through the house. But that’s nothing compared to how much they’ll love eating it.

Are you starting to sense a theme here? We love butternut squash! That’s because it’s a seasonal staple that’s brimming with flavor… and nutrition! This soup might sound basic. But there’s nothing basic about the creamy texture and full-bodied flavor.

When it comes to holiday turkey, the thought of long hours spent on preparation, cooking, and clean-up may cross your mind. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with a game-changing recipe using your Instant Pot. Say goodbye to the lengthy cooking process because in less than an hour, you and your loved ones can savor a delicious homemade holiday dinner. Our turkey breast serves as the perfect foundation for your family’s favorite side dishes. Get ready to feast and make unforgettable memories this holiday season!

Indulge in the irresistible delight of our homemade Crustless Pumpkin Pie, meticulously crafted to perfectly balance those seasonal flavors. This delectable treat allows you to relish in the richness and warmth of autumn without compromising your dietary goals. Enjoy every blissful bite guilt-free!

These Honey Glazed Carrots are seriously scrumptious. We suggest doubling the recipe since side dishes this delicious are sure to go fast.

These healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes put a sweet twist on a Thanksgiving must-have. Sweet and creamy, they’re almost like a diet-friendly dessert.

These rich 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies meet all of our criteria for a five-star dessert. They’re decadent, guilt-free and super simple to make.

This deep red Beetroot Quinoa Salad is a delicious and beautiful compliment to any of your main dishes.

This Fennel Salad with apples and celery is the perfect way to cleanse your palate after some of the heavier Thanksgiving dishes.

These Banana Nut Muffins are the perfect thing to leave out on the table for between meal noshing. Featuring just five simple ingredients and a whole lot of flavor, they’ll be a highlight of your holiday.

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a vibrant veggie dish. Enter Cheesy Root Veggie Tian. It might look and sounds fancy, but it’s really quite simple to make.

These slow cooked kale and beef meatballs is a great alternative for those who are all turkey-ed out! They’re the perfect blend of hearty and healthy.