Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

Make Thanksgiving delicious and healthy with these Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes that are sure to make your holidays guests love healthy food!

These healthier Thanksgiving recipes are lighter and lower calorie, made with better for your ingredients and don’t sacrifice flavor. Many of these healthy holiday recipes are also gluten-free and dairy-free which is perfect for those with food sensitivities.

Sometimes the pressure of Thanksgiving and the goal of eating healthy can add stress to your life. I promise you can have both an enjoyable Thanksgiving where you eat what you love and be healthy without depriving yourself of feeling left out.

I’ve been coaching midlife women on sustainable fat loss for over a decade and I always see the typical dieter’s mindset of depriving, restricting and cutting foods out. This only breeds overeating, guilt and shame.

This Thanksgiving holiday it’s time to get out of that dieter’s mindset and instead, think about how you can make small tweaks to recipes you already love and enjoy yearly with your family at the holidays without taking it away and feeling deprived. This low calorie mashed potato recipe is a great example of how small tweaks can make a traditional recipe healthier.

Shifting your mindset away from cutting foods out (a typical dieter’s mindset) to figuring out how to include things you love with small tweaks is how you stay consistent with healthy eating during the holidays and creating balance in your life. Get the right mindset for healthy eating during the holidays!

From desserts to appetizers to salads from breakfast to dinner, I rounded up 50+ Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes ideas for you to make or give you ideas for tweaking your own beloved Thanksgiving recipes. Need more mindset help? Check out healthy eating holiday mindset podcast episode!

Healthy Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas

Looking for healthy breakfast recipes to serve on Thanksgiving? These autumn inspired breakfast ideas are not only packed with nutrients, but they’re also lower calorie, gluten-free and taste good. Check out these healthier Brunch recipes for more breakfast recipe ideas for Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Scones – Serve yourself a treat that’s healthier! These light and airy healthy scones are great for a holiday. They’re best served with a low-calorie pumpkin spice latte.

Pumpkin Protein Shake – No time for breakfast on Thanksgiving? Serve yourself a pumpkin smoothie packed with flavor and 30 grams of protein!

Healthy Ham and Potato Casserole – Start your holiday the hearty way with this wholesome casserole!

Butternut Squash Breakfast Bake – This surprisingly filling and delicious breakfast bake has all the flavors of fall while being healthy. Serve alongside a slice of healthy pumpkin oatmeal bread.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes – These delicious pumpkin pancakes made with coconut flour are packed with fiber to keep you full until your Thanksgiving meal.

Brussels Sprouts Hash with Sausage – This high protein breakfast is simple, tasty and has protein and fiber to keep you full for hours.

Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes – You would never know these healthy pancakes made with cottage cheese are good for you. Don’t like pancakes? Make a batch of healthy cottage cheese waffles instead!

Apple Yogurt Cinnamon Pancakes – These pancakes with protein are loaded with cinnamon sweetened apples on top. Add a serving of butternut squash hash for a filling and enjoyable breakfast that’s healthy!

Chocolate Butternut Squash Muffins – These healthy squash muffins are lower calorie yet packed with tons of flavor. Serve this treat with a slice of crockpot omelette for a balanced Thanksgiving breakfast.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Baked donuts with oats, chocolate and pumpkin that are low-calorie? Yes please!

Healthy Quiche – A lighter, crustless spin on the classic favorite-Quiche Lorraine. Packed with protein it’s both low-calorie and nutritious and goes great with a slice of warm, sugar free pumpkin bread.

High Protein Veggie Egg Bake – Loaded with vegetables and eggs, this simple egg bake is a healthy way to start the day.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes – This cheesy egg back is packed with sausage and shredded potatoes for a pizza flavored breakfast that’s good for you and tasty!

Healthy Appetizer Thanksgiving Ideas

If you need healthy snacks and appetizer ideas for Thanksgiving before the big meal, check out these lighter appetizer recipes for inspiration!

Pumpkin Hummus – Made with no beans, this delicious and healthy dip recipe for Thanksgiving is perfect for dipping crackers and vegetables.

Cranberry Hummus – Spice things up with this fancy hummus recipe with cranberries for a healthy Thanksgiving dip.

Pumpkin Protein Cookie Dough – Delicious for dipping sliced apples and graham crackers into!

Healthy Shrimp Dip – This warm, higher protein dip with shrimp is cozy and comforting.

Healthy Crockpot Chicken Wings – These slow cooker wings are the perfect appetizer to munch on while watching football on Thanksgiving.

Zucchini Parmesan Meatballs – Salty and savory meatballs are a great protein-focused appetizer that makes a healthier snack.

Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Dip – Made with ground turkey, pinto beans, and low-fat cheese, this wholesome dip is packed with protein and fiber while still delivering rich, cheesy, and spicy goodness. 

Healthy Thanksgiving Sides

These healthier Thanksgiving side dishes are not only better for you, but they still taste delicious so that your guests won’t know they are eating lighter versions of traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Stovetop Stuffing – This stovetop stuffing is healthier than the box version and easy to make. Can be made as gluten-free stuffing or regular.

Grain Free Stuffing – Looking for a grain-free stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving? This recipe is for you! It’s filled with delicious flavors and textures while being healthy too.

Brussels Sprouts Casserole – If you’re looking for a warm vegetable that’s creamy and delicious, look no further. This dairy-free casserole is always a crowd pleaser!

Low Calorie Mashed Potatoes – A few sneaky ingredients make this mashed potato recipe lighter. Your guests won’t know they’re healthier!

Low Carb Cauliflower Mash – Looking for a low carb alternative to mashed potatoes? This cauliflower mash is it! Loaded with garlic and milk, it’s creamy and delicious yet lighter.

Best Green Bean Casserole – A healthier green bean casserole that’s creamy and flavorful. Perfect for the holidays or anytime of year!

Bacon Apple Brussels Sprouts – This warm vegetable casserole is incredibly tasty while still being good for you.

Low Sugar Cranberry Sauce – This healthy cranberry sauce has the perfect balance of sweet, tart and that hint of spice, minus all the calories. Easy to make too!

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole – A low calorie and gluten free dish that’s made dairy free and with less added sugar.

Healthy Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad – This creamy salad has a boost of protein and is surprisingly delicious. No boring vegetable taste!

Butternut Squash Salad with Candied Pecans – A delicious autumn salad that’s perfect for adding vegetables to your holiday menu.

Cauliflower Au Gratin – A low carb version of au gratin that will wow your guests with flavor. Use colored cauliflower for more wow factor!

Sweet Potato Gratin – With a tasty dairy-free sauce, this low calorie sweet potato gratin is healthier and simple to make.

Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Salad – Made with roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes and shredded Brussels sprouts this salad is packed with sweet and savory flavors and a lighter dressing!

Wild Rice Casserole – This healthy wild rice casserole is made with mushrooms and onions. A hearty vegetarian or side dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd!

Butternut Squash Salad – This simple salad has an orange dressing that’s beyond delicious. A tasty and healthy side for the holidays!

Roasted Winter Vegetables – Add these perfectly roasted vegetables to your Thanksgiving menu for a boost of nutrients.

Mashed Potato Muffins – Muffins make the perfect pre-portioned way to enjoy mashed potatoes. It’s also a good recipe for leftover mashed potatoes!

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup – Add this warm and naturally sweet soup to your Thanksgiving menu for more nutrients.

Almond Flour Biscuits – This healthy biscuit recipe is healthier than store bought biscuits and better for you! These pumpkin biscuits are another great option too.

Healthy Cornbread Recipe – Made with pumpkin, this healthier cornbread is great for Thanksgiving meals.

Cornbread Muffins – These healthy cornbread muffins are great for portion control. They’re also gluten free and dairy free.

Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts

Want the best Thanksgiving desserts that are healthier and calorie conscious? You’ve got it! These healthier dessert recipes are perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving without sacrificing flavor. If you love, pumpkin flavors get more healthy pumpkin recipe inspiration here!

Healthy Caramel Pecan Pie – The best pecan pie made lower in sugar, lightener with less fat topped over a super simple 3 ingredient gluten free crust.

Low Calorie Pumpkin Pie – Looking for a lighter pumpkin pie recipe? This low calorie recipe for pumpkin is what you’ve been searching for! Simple swaps make it lighter and better for you.

Grain-Free Pumpkin Pie Recipe – With a nutty walnut crust, this pumpkin pie is easy to make ahead of time and gluten-free too.

Almond Flour Pie – Features an easy to make almond flour crust with sliced apples on top. A dessert recipe that comes together easily and is gluten-free!

Low Calorie Pie Crust – Made with just 3 ingredients, this easy and healthy pie crust can be used for desserts, quiches and more!

No Bake Pumpkin Pie – Not a baker? No problem! Make this no bake pie with pumpkin ahead of time, freeze and serve!

Low Fat Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Made with yogurt and a gluten-free crust this low fat cheesecake recipe is perfect for a healthy Thanksgiving dessert.

Healthy Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Cream Frosting – Wow your guests with this homemade coffee cake that’s gluten free and dairy free.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – Your chocolate lovers will be so happy you made these healthy pumpkin and chocolate bars for Thanksgiving.

Healthy Pecan Pie Bars – A healthy spin on pecan pie made free of gluten and refined sugar. Easy to bake and perfectly portioned!

Apple Crumb Bars – Full of oats, warm cinnamon, and fresh, sweet apples, they healthy apple bars are also gluten-free and dairy-free.

Pumpkin Protein Bars – Serve these protein bars as a healthier Thanksgiving dessert option!

Greek Yogurt Cake – With sliced apples on top, this higher protein cake is simple to make, delicious and calorie conscious!

Gluten Free Apple Crisp – The best apple crisp recipe! Made with almond flour, cinnamon and lower sugar.

Healthy Apple Pumpkin Crisp – Sweet with a hint of spice and textures, this healthier dessert is great with some ice cream or Greek yogurt.