15 Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
Thanksgiving is all about comfort, flavor, and family — but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your healthy eating goals! These 15 healthy Thanksgiving dinner recipes bring you all the traditional tastes of the holiday with a wholesome twist.
From lightened-up casseroles and roasted veggie sides to lean turkey dishes and fresh seasonal salads, these recipes are packed with nutrients and festive flavor.
Whether you’re planning a full healthy Thanksgiving menu or just looking for a few lighter sides to balance your feast, these dishes are nourishing, delicious, and totally satisfying. Perfect for a cozy family gathering or a mindful Friendsgiving, these healthy Thanksgiving recipes prove that you can indulge — the smart way
1- ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
This Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delicious and easy way to make brussels sprouts in your oven.
You’ll only need a few ingredients and about 30 minutes to have this wonderful side dish ready to serve with your dinner.
2- Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes would work as well as our Protein-Packed Mashed Potatoes as a topping for our Sheep’s Pie.
3– RED KURI SQUASH SOUP
You will love this healthy, creamy, and delicious red kuri squash soup flavored with ginger, coconut milk, and apple!
4- Pan Roasted Broccoli
Looking for a vegetable side dish that’s as tasty as it is easy to make?
Look no further than this 1 Pan Roasted Broccoli, with a lemon basil dressing, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts!
5– JUICY CAST-IRON ROAST CHICKEN
This is the juiciest and most flavorful cast-iron roast chicken with finger-licking pan juices and deliciously flavored with Italian seasoning and creamy Brie cheese.
6- KETO SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
This keto sweet potato casserole recipe is actually a butternut squash cauliflower casserole, but tastes like the real sweet potatoes! Making healthy low carb sweet potato casserole is quick and easy.
7- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Make holiday meals easier this year with Instant Pot Turkey. It’s quick, simple, and doesn’t take up needed space in the oven.
8- Shepherd’s Pie No Lentils
A comforting and easy vegan shepherd’s pie without lentils. Each bite is so comforting, with the bottom veggie layer seeping into the creamy potato layer to create a deep flavour and amazing golden crust.
9– Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are an easy, sheet pan side that is crispy & delicious! Pair with all sorts of chicken and pork entrées to make an amazing dinner.
10- MUSTARD CHICKEN BREASTS
These are the juiciest brined and baked mustard chicken breasts out there that are also easy-to-make; perfect for keto and low carb enthusiasts!
11- ASPARAGUS SALAD
Crisp, crunchy asparagus tossed in a sweet-tart balsamic vinaigrette with tangy feta cheese, grape tomatoes, and toasted walnuts.
A perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken, potato salad, steak or other meats. Great for picnics and BBQ or meal prep!
12- Sweet Pear Flatbread
Indulge in a delectably sweet fruit treat! This made-from-scratch flatbread is topped with creamy ricotta and maple spread, fresh pear slices, chopped walnuts, mint, and a drizzle of honey.
13- Mashed potatoes without butter
Delicious, creamy, and savory Mashed Potatoes without Butter or Milk, thanks to my favorite no longer secret ingredient!
These potatoes are made with just 3 simple ingredients and are ready in under 20 minutes. They are quick, easy, and totally tasty! Serve them for weeknight dinners, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinner.
14- OVEN-BAKED POTATOES
Delicious oven-baked potatoes with carrots and heavenly seasoned with Jamaican curry and caraway fruits. A perfect plant-based side dish for (Holiday) dinner—gluten-free!
15- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto
The instant pot butternut squash risotto is a healthy, creamy and a one-pot vegan dish.
This is way better and easier than the traditional risotto because it is prepared with the Instant pot pressure cooker.
Conclusion
Eating well on Thanksgiving doesn’t mean giving up the flavors, comfort, or joy that make the holiday special.
These healthy Thanksgiving dinner recipes prove that you can enjoy a nourishing feast filled with vibrant ingredients, lighter twists on classics, and dishes that leave you satisfied—without the heaviness.
Whether you’re looking to balance the menu, accommodate different dietary needs, or simply bring more wholesome options to the table, each recipe offers a delicious way to celebrate. Here’s to feeling good, eating well, and savoring a Thanksgiving meal that’s as nourishing as it is memorable.
