The holiday season isn’t necessarily the best time to kick off a new healthy eating routine. Thanksgiving, in particular, is a full day dedicated to food, so you’re bound to indulge in all the sugary sweets, starchy sides, and seasonal cocktails that make this holiday one of a kind. Although traditional Thanksgiving dishes like buttery mashed potatoes and creamy pumpkin pie aren’t known to be especially healthy, that doesn’t mean you can’t supplement your spread with a few nutritious options! In fact, since classic Thanksgiving foods are notoriously heavy, adding a few lighter bites is a great way to balance out your holiday menu.
Whether you’re looking for gluten-free fare, vegetarian alternatives, or nutrient-dense sides that won’t weigh you down, you’ve come to the right place! Our list of healthy Thanksgiving recipes (that definitely don’t skimp on holiday flavor or comfort!) has all of these and more. Think: vegetable side dishes like mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash casserole, and maple bacon Brussels sprouts. Plus, there are plenty of new and creative ideas like seasonal Thanksgiving salads and a protein-packed pumpkin hummus that’s sure to get the festivities started. We’ve also included a slew of air-fryer Thanksgiving recipes, which are great for making lean turkey breast and crispy sides sans oil. As for Thanksgiving desserts? If baked apples weren’t on your menu before, they will be now!
At the end of the day, though, it’s all about moderation. You can focus on portion control, whether it’s making bite-sized versions of your favorite holiday treats or filling up your plate with mostly veggies before adding on the other more decadent dishes. No matter what you decide, knowing you have at least a few healthier options will make you feel good as you celebrate.
Carrot Ribbon Salad
Fall is the perfect time of year to cook fresh and flavorsome carrots, and this ribbon-style iteration makes eating the in-season vegetable so much more fun! Add Ree Drummond’s carrot ribbon salad, coated in a lemon-tahini dressing, to your menu, and watch mouths water!
Get Ree’s Carrot Ribbon Salad recipe.
David Malosh
Air Fryer Cauliflower
If you’re looking for a lighter appetizer to serve before your feast, ditch oily crackers and fried chips and give these air-fried cauliflower bites a try. They’re smoky, spiced, and perfect for dipping into the accompanying remoulade-inspired sauce.
Get the Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe.
Stacy K. Allen
Mock Apple Pie
While, yes, traditional apple pie has plenty of produce, if you want something less calorically dense, swap apples for zucchini! Truly, this pared-back version tastes just like the original, thanks to the warm spices, brown sugar, and flaky crust!
Get the Mock Apple Pie recipe.
C.W. Newell
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato casserole is loaded with butter and sugar, which can detract from the vitamins and minerals brimming inside this root vegetable. Grilled sweet potato rounds, on the other hand, are a healthier option that taste just as seasonal and delicious. Plus, preparing them is less involved and much quicker!
Get the Grilled Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Gordon Sawyer
Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates
Green beans are another vegetable whose casserole counterpart isn’t nearly as healthy as the real thing. This recipe from Ree breathes new life into the go-to Thanksgiving veggie by including pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and parsley—in our opinion, the perfect balance of flavors.
Get Ree’s Sautéed Green Beans with Pomegranates recipe.
David Malosh
Turkey Meatballs
If you’re hoping to switch things up without entirely straying from tradition, consider whipping up turkey meatballs. They’re protein-packed and satiating, and you won’t have to carve an entire bird or wait hours for them to cook. If you do prefer a full turkey, though, you can always serve these meatballs as an appetizer!
Get Ree’s Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Antonis Achilleos
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
This healthy Thanksgiving recipe might not be the most conventional, but it’s certainly lighter than the usual pumpkin treats! Just like pumpkin pie, these cookies are sweet and spiced, but the oats offer a bigger boost of fiber. The smaller portion sizes also minimize the amount of sugar and butter in each bite.
Get Ree’s Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
Stacy K. Allen
Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash
Round off your Thanksgiving spread with a nutrient-dense and holiday-approved salad! With baby kale, dried cranberries, roasted pepitas, and acorn squash, this medley calls on all the freshest (and healthiest!) flavors of the season.
Get Ree’s Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash recipe.
David Malosh
Stuffed Butternut Squash
Hearty and healthy, this Thanksgiving side will appeal to everyone’s taste buds. In Ree’s recipe, butternut squash is halved, scooped, and roasted before being stuffed with rice, mushrooms, Gruyère, and sausage. To make it more of a light side and less of a filling meal, you can always remove the sausage, though!
Get Ree’s Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe.
C.W. Newell
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, especially this yummy version, deserve a spot on every Thanksgiving dinner table. With this healthy Thanksgiving recipe, you’ll get roasted sprouts that are crisp and golden and a burst of sweet-yet-tart flavors from the balsamic glaze.
Get the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts recipe.
C.W. Newell
Roasted Delicata Squash
There are so many reasons to love winter squash! And delicata squash is no exception, especially because it’s one of the easier veggies to roast. You don’t need to peel it!
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Danielle Daly
Thanksgiving Salad
There’s nothing boring about this colorful salad! It’s packed with flavorful mix-ins, like fennel fronds, pickled apples, smoked almonds, and blue cheese.
Get the Thanksgiving Salad recipe.
Danielle Daly
Spatchcock Turkey
The protein in turkey will keep you feeling satisfied and when it’s seasoned with this smoky rub, it’s anything but bland. The spatchcocking method also helps to keep the whole bird nice and moist.
Get the Spatchcock Turkey recipe.
Danielle Daly
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, which helps support healthy vision. Plus, they’re filling and will keep everyone around the table feeling satisfied.
Get the Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Will Dickey
Air Fryer Okra
Is it a Southern Thanksgiving without okra? Nope! Make it way healthier by skipping the oil and crisping it up in the air fryer instead. That way, you can give it an extra dip in that zesty sauce!
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Will Dickey
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Making your own cranberry sauce from scratch means that you can adjust the amount of sugar depending on your preferences. Ree’s version opts for a natural sweetener like maple syrup, which is better for you, too!
Get Ree’s Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Ralph Smith
Stuffed Acorn Squash
The beautiful orange flesh of acorn squash is sweet and nutty, making it the perfect vessel for a fall meal. Fill it up with sausage, rice, and even more veggies to make it a hearty addition to the table.
Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Will Dickey
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
If you’ve never tried raw Brussels sprouts before, now is your chance! The fall veggie can be shredded and added to a hearty slaw-like salad that’s nice and crunchy.
Get the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Baking potatoes is a healthier alternative to mashed because you can control the amount of butter or sour cream you put on your portion. Plus, making them in the air fryer is saves time and oven space!
Get the Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe.
Will Dickey
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Skip the heavy green bean casserole and make these tender green beans slow cooked in a brothy tomato sauce instead. We promise you won’t be disappointed―they’re topped with bacon!
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Mushroom Gravy
Even vegetarians can enjoy the gravy with this recipe that’s made from savory mushrooms. Serve it up over any healthy holiday main dish to make it feel extra luxurious.
Get the Mushroom Gravy recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Instead of sugar, these carrots are sweetened with natural maple syrup. Add fresh thyme and shallots to make them sweet and savory at the same time!
Get Ree’s Maple-Glazed Carrots recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
If you want to skip the marshmallow-topped dish this year, try these twice-baked sweet potatoes instead. They’re still plenty sweet thanks to the maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutty oat topping.
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Couscous Salad
This beautiful salad will add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table. The fresh veggies, bright herbs, and pomegranate seeds are such a nice change of pace from the heavier dishes.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey! Luckily, this one made in an air fryer is a lean, good source of protein.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of those veggies that’s great to add into your diet if you’re looking to eat healthier. It can easily be spiced up depending on your preferences, like this version made with seasoned salt, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Green Beans
Keep things simple by making this quick and easy green bean recipe. It’s the perfect way to add something green to your plate.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to regular potatoes because they’re lower in carbs and packed with vitamins. But don’t worry, they still get extra creamy and fluffy in this mashed sweet potato dish!
Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Carrot Salad
Just because you’re serving salad, doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. This fresh carrot salad has seasonal apples, crunchy pecans, and sweet raisins for a ton of flavor and texture.
Get the Carrot Salad recipe.
Will Dickey
Baked Apples
This warm, comforting fall dessert is lightly sweetened and loaded with oats and dried cranberries. Plus, it’s a fun way to eat an apple.
Get the Baked Apples recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Roasted Root Vegetables with Pecan Crumble
Seasonal root vegetables take center stage with this gorgeous Thanksgiving side dish. There’s just enough sweetness from the pecan crumble to satisfy anyone in the family.
Get Ree’s Roasted Root Vegetables with Pecan Crumble recipe.
Ralph Smith
Mini Apple Pies
If apple pie is a must-have on your holiday menu, consider these miniature versions that are perfect for portion control. You can have a taste of the Thanksgiving favorite without going overboard.
Get the Mini Apple Pies recipe.
Ralph Smith
Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Swap out heavy cream in favor of healthy coconut milk in this seasonal soup recipe. It’s simple, creamy, and full of fall flavors.
Get the Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Quinoa and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Serve this show-stopping edible bowl as a vegetarian main course or a hearty side. It’s filled with healthy quinoa, mushrooms, and plenty of fresh herbs.
Get Ree’s Quinoa and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Ralph Smith
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This comforting one-skillet dish combines Brussels sprouts with the cheesy goodness of a classic baked gratin. Plus, the panko bread crumb topping adds a bright and crispy taste to it.
Get the Brussels Sprouts Casserole recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
Wild rice is a healthy whole grain that adds texture (and fiber) to this broccoli casserole. It’s a hearty addition to your holiday table.
Get Ree’s Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Garlic Green Beans
Sometimes simple is best! All you need for these green beans is a good amount of chopped garlic.
Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Butternut Squash Casserole
Instead of your typical marshmallow-topped casserole, try something savory (and smoky) instead! This veggie-packed dish is filled with hearty squash, kale, caramelized onions, and a little bit of bacon.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
Will Dickey
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
This healthy side is anything but boring—it’s loaded with flavor from bacon, cayenne pepper, and real maple syrup.
Get the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Will Dickey
Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Turkey is a relatively lean protein, so you don’t need to leave it off your healthy Thanksgiving menu. Just keep in mind that this big 20-pound turkey should be eaten in moderation—it’s meant to feed a crowd!
Get Ree’s Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey recipe.
Ralph Smith
Turkey Meatballs with Cauliflower Mash
Lean ground turkey meatballs are a delicious alternative if you don’t want to make a whole bird. Serve them with a lower-carb cauliflower mash instead of the usual potatoes.
Get Ree’s Turkey Meatballs with Cauliflower Mash recipe.
Ralph Smith
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
It’s all about the portion size with this tasty pumpkin dessert (plus, they’re surprisingly low in sugar). The bite-sized cheesecakes will help you stick to your healthy eating plan.
Get the Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes recipe.
Will Dickey
Gluten-Free Wild Rice Stuffing
Whether you have gluten-free guests at your holiday table or you just want to cut down on the carbs, this rice-based stuffing is a great alternative. It’s loaded with sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Gluten-Free Wild Rice Stuffing recipe.
Natalie Perry/The Pioneer Woman
Healthier Pumpkin Bread
This entire loaf of bread (including the frosting) only contains five tablespoons of added sweetener! So you can enjoy the flavors of the season without the guilt.
Get the Healthier Pumpkin Bread recipe.
Erica Kastner/The Pioneer Woman
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
You would never guess that this velvety soup is actually vegetarian and vegan-friendly! Instead of heavy cream, it’s made with healthy and flavorful coconut milk.
Get the Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
Will Dickey
Winter Salad
Adding a big, colorful fall salad to your Thanksgiving menu is one of the best ways to incorporate some nutrition into your holiday feast. This one is packed with shredded veggies, kale, pomegranate seeds, and nuts.
Get the Winter Salad recipe.
Natalie Perry/The Pioneer Woman
Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus
If you love protein-packed hummus, you’ll go crazy for this seasonal twist made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Serve it with your favorite sliced vegetables for a healthy Thanksgiving app.
Get the Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus recipe.
Ralph Smith
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Swap out the heavy béchamel sauce found in traditional mac and cheese for this healthier version made with butternut squash. It’s just as creamy and delicious!
Get the Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe.
The Noshery/ The Pioneer Woman
Lightened Up Sweet Potato Casserole
Do yourself a favor and skip the added sugar—this casserole dish is naturally sweetened with a hint of maple syrup. The crunchy, savory topping balances it all out.
Get the Lightened Up Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Dara Michalski / The Pioneer Woman
Beautiful Brussels Sprouts
This gorgeous, colorful side dish will steal the show at your Thanksgiving dinner. Add a sprinkling of healthy pomegranate seeds for an extra boost of nutrition.
Get Ree’s Beautiful Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Ralph Smith
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