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These Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes give you every holiday classic, from turkey and stuffing to mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, made lighter and more nutritous. Youāll find mains, sides, desserts, appetizers, and even Thanksgiving breakfast, each with calories and protein per serving, so you can enjoy the feast and still feel good about your plate.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year, and I never want anyone to dread it because theyāre trying to eat healthy. As a nutritionist who lost 80 pounds myself, I know how much pressure the holidays can bring when youāre working toward a weight loss goal.
Iāve spent over a decade coaching women 35+ on sustainable fat loss, and the same pattern shows up every November. We go into the holiday with a dieterās mindset, cutting out every food we love, and it almost always backfires into overeating, guilt, and shame. The truth is you donāt have to skip the stuffing or pass on pie to stay on track.
Instead, itās about making small tweaks to the recipes you already love. Swapping in Greek yogurt for butter, adding cauliflower to your mashed potatoes or sweetening a pie with a little maple syrup instead of corn syrup can save a lot of calories without anyone at the table noticing. Even a cozy side like my butternut squash risotto can feel indulgent while still fitting your goals.
I rounded up my best low-calorie Thanksgiving recipes, with every course covered and a make-ahead timeline to keep the day stress-free. And when the feast is over, turn that extra turkey into a comforting bowl of healthy turkey wild rice soup for an easy, high-protein meal the next day. Enjoy the holiday, eat the foods you love, and donāt feel deprived. Thatās how you stay consistent long after Thanksgiving is over.
Made with Lighter Swaps. Many of these dishes use healthy replacements, like Greek yogurt for butter and sour cream, cauliflower for some of the potato, and applesauce or maple syrup for some of the sugar to make them healthier while maintaining the flavor and texture you know and love.
Protein Boost: Many of these dishes have cottage cheese and Greek yogurt added to boost the protein to fill you up and keep you satisfied.
Focus on Ease: These dishes use simple ingredients, so thereās nothing hard to find. I believe eating healthier doesnāt mean harder.
Plan Ahead: Many of these healthy Thanksgiving recipes are great make-ahead or use other cooking methods like the slow cooker or Instant Pot, to free up the oven.
Turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, and itās naturally one of the leanest, highest-protein foods you can put on your plate. These recipes give you all the classic flavor without spending your whole day basting a giant bird.
Youāll find options for big gatherings, small households, and anyone whoād rather have turkey in a cozy casserole than sliced on a platter. Each one keeps the protein high and the calories in check, so thereās room on your plate for the sides you love, like this butternut squash mac and cheese.
5 from 1 vote
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Calories: 133 | Protein: 28g Cooking your turkey in the Instant Pot takes about 35 minutes, frees up the oven for all your sides, and keeps the lean breast meat incredibly moist. Itās brushed with olive oil and herbs instead of butter, and the drippings turn into an easy gravy right in the pot.
Calories: 391 | Protein: 24g Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with lean turkey sausage, apple, rosemary, cranberries and pecans, so every bite tastes like Thanksgiving stuffing without the bread. Each half is its own serving, which makes it a festive, built-in portion for a smaller gathering.
Calories: 279 | Protein: 40.5gIf youāre cooking for one or two, these cutlets give you a turkey dinner in about 30 minutes without roasting a whole bird. An almond flour crust seasoned with rosemary and garlic bakes up crisp on a sheet pan, so you get that fried crunch without the frying.
Calories: 342 | Protein: 29g This cozy shepherdās pie swaps the beef for lean ground turkey and tops it with garlicky cauliflower mash instead of potatoes, for fewer carbs and more fiber. Itās also a delicious way to use up leftover turkey breast the day after Thanksgiving.
Calories: 278 | Protein: 28.5g Lean ground turkey, spiralized sweet potato, and eggplant bake in a warmly spiced tomato sauce under a creamy dairy-free topping made with almond milk instead of cheese. You can assemble it the day before and bake it while guests arrive, so itās an easy main for a holiday crowd.
Not everyone at the table wants turkey, and thatās okay! These healthy Thanksgiving main dishes include comforting casseroles, easy one-pan dinners, seafood, and a vegetarian option, all lighter than typical holiday fare. Theyāre perfect for smaller tables, mixed crowds, or families whoād rather skip the turkey altogether.
Looking for more inspiration? My healthy fall dinner recipes are packed with high-protein meals for the whole season.
5 from 8 votes
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Calories:Ā 371 | Protein: 40g This cozy casserole has all the creamy comfort of chicken pot pie, made lighter with milk and broth instead of heavy cream and no butter-laden crust. Itās loaded with vegetables and can be assembled the day before, so itās an easy main for anyone at the table whoād rather skip turkey.
Calories:Ā 320 | Protein: 36g Lean chicken thighs roast alongside Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, brushed with a maple-ginger glaze that caramelizes the vegetables. Itās a simple Thanksgiving dinner for a small household.
Calories:Ā 327 | Protein: 29g This Pork Chops Wild Rice Casserole recipe that's quick to make with a few simpleĀ ingredients! A healthy meal that's hearty and comforting.
Calories:Ā 417 | Protein: 52g The Best tasting slow cooked pot roast you will ever eat. Perfectly tender, juicy and delicious! Served with carrots and potatoes for an easy meal.
Calories:Ā 342 | Protein: 42.2g Salmon bakes in a tangy cranberry, balsamic, and orange glaze sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup, so it tastes like the holidays with a lot less sugar than a traditional glaze. Itās ready in about 30 minutes, and a heart-healthy main for a Thanksgiving dinner for two.
Calories:Ā 370 | Protein: 23g Ricotta and an egg white boost the protein in this vegetarian lasagna, while layers of roasted zucchini, mushrooms, peppers and spinach add fiber and plenty of volume. You can roast the vegetables and make the sauce two days ahead, so itās an easy, satisfying main your vegetarian guests will love.
Low Calorie Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potato Sides
Most of us canāt imagine Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole, so I didnāt make you choose. These sides keep the creamy, comforting textures you love with lighter swaps like less butter and less added sugar.
Thereās even a low-carb option if you want to cut back on starches, plus a fun pre-portioned twist thatās perfect for using up leftovers. You get all the classics on your plate with a lot fewer calories.
5 from 1 vote
Low Calorie Mashed Potatoes
Calories:Ā 78 | Protein: 4.1g These creamy mashed potatoes get their lighter profile from a little roasted cauliflower blended in with the potatoes and Greek yogurt in place of butter and sour cream. They taste close to the classic you grew up with, which is exactly what you want on Thanksgiving, and most guests will never guess the secret.
Calories:Ā 127 | Protein: 7g Roasted cauliflower and garlic blend into a silky mash with all the comfort of mashed potatoes and a fraction of the carbs. You can make it ahead in a baking dish and reheat it in the oven while the turkey rests, so itās one less thing to juggle on Thanksgiving.
Calories: 24 | Protein: 1.2g per muffinCreamy mashed potatoes made with Greek yogurt and almond milk bake into golden, crispy-edged muffins that come with portion control built right in. Theyāre a fun twist on the Thanksgiving table and an even better way to use up leftover mashed potatoes the next day.
Calories: 194 | Protein: 3gRoasted sweet potatoes are naturally so sweet that this casserole only needs a tablespoon of maple syrup, and a crunchy pecan and coconut topping replaces the usual brown sugar streusel. A sprinkle of mini marshmallows keeps it looking like the Thanksgiving classic, and the filling can be made up to three days ahead.
Calories: 285 | Protein: 8gThinly sliced sweet potatoes bake under a creamy cashew sauce instead of heavy cream and cheese, making this rich-tasting gratin completely dairy-free. Rosemary and onion on top give it that cozy, savory flavor that belongs on the Thanksgiving table.
Healthy vegetable sides are the easiest way to keep your Thanksgiving plate balanced, and these are anything but boring. Youāll find creamy casseroles made lighter, crispy Brussels sprouts, and colorful roasted vegetables full of fall flavor.
Fill half your plate from this section first, and youāll still have plenty of room for the foods you look forward to all year. For more lightened-up comfort food, check out my healthy casserole recipes.
5 from 7 votes
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Calories: 112 | Protein: 7gThis green bean casserole skips the canned soup and fried onions, using a creamy Greek yogurt sauce and a crispy almond flour and Parmesan topping instead. You get the same comforting Thanksgiving classic with more protein and none of the processed ingredients.
Calories: 162 | Protein: 8gHalved Brussels sprouts bake in a silky cashew cream sauce with thyme and lemon until they turn golden and crispy on top. Itās completely dairy-free but still rich and creamy, and itās always a crowd-pleaser on the Thanksgiving table.
Calories: 150 | Protein: 28gMake butternut squash risotto in the crock pot instead of on the stove. Itās creamy and tender, but you won't be standing at the stove stirring for 40 minutes.
Calories: 151 | Protein: 6gShaved Brussels sprouts and kale are tossed with crispy bacon, sweet apple and a tangy balsamic Dijon dressing in this warm skillet side. It comes together on the stovetop in about 25 minutes, which keeps your oven free for the turkey and pies.
Calories: 166 | Protein: 12gGreek yogurt replaces the heavy cream, and cauliflower stands in for potatoes, turning this cheesy, bubbly side into a lighter, higher-protein dish. Garlic, onion, herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan give it all the cozy flavor you want next to your turkey.
Calories: 105 | Protein: 4gCarrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts roast with rosemary, thyme, and oregano until the edges caramelize and turn crispy. Itās an easy, fiber-rich way to fill half your Thanksgiving plate with vegetables that actually taste like a treat.
Stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a warm basket of bread are what make the holiday feel like Thanksgiving. These versions are lighter than the boxed and canned kinds, made with whole food ingredients, less sugar, and grain-free options for anyone who needs them.
Cranberry sauce and breads are also some of the easiest dishes to make ahead, so theyāre a great place to start your holiday prep.
5 from 3 votes
Healthy Stovetop Stuffing
Calories: 170 | Protein: 3gThis homemade stovetop stuffing skips the added sugar and preservatives in the boxed kind, using toasted whole grain or gluten-free bread, a little olive oil and plenty of carrots, celery and onion. Itās ready in about 30 minutes without taking up any oven space, and you can make it a day ahead and reheat it on Thanksgiving.
Calories: 312 | Protein: 21gInstead of bread, this breadless stuffing is built on lean ground turkey, sweet potato, apple, mushrooms, and celery, with dried cranberries and pecans folded in. Itās hearty enough to double as a main, and you can assemble it the day before so itās ready to bake when the turkey comes out.
Calories: 97 | Protein: 3gThis lightened-up take on a family favorite swaps the four sticks of butter for olive oil and lets nutty wild rice and savory mushrooms carry the flavor. Itās a cozy side that pairs perfectly with turkey and makes enough to feed a crowd.
Calories: 43 | Protein: 0gTart cranberries simmer with orange zest, warm spices, and monkfruit instead of sugar, so you get a sweet-tart sauce with a fraction of the sugar in the canned version. It takes just 20 minutes and keeps up to five days in the fridge, so make it early in the week and cross one thing off your list.
Calories: 156 | Protein: 6gThese gluten, yeast and diary-free biscuits are quick to make, ready in 30 minutes and packed with healthy ingredients. Light, fluffy, delicious and crowd pleasing!
Calories: 166 | Protein: 5gPumpkin puree takes the place of oil in this moist almond flour cornbread, and a touch of honey sweetens it instead of refined sugar. Warm cinnamon and nutmeg give it a festive fall flavor thatās right at home next to turkey and cranberry sauce.
Calories: 205 | Protein: 5gThese pumpkin cornbread muffins use no oil or butter at all, relying on pumpkin for moisture and just a little maple syrup and coconut sugar for sweetness. Baking them as muffins gives you easy, pre-portioned servings, and they freeze beautifully so you can bake them weeks before Thanksgiving.
A crisp, colorful salad is the perfect contrast to all the rich, cozy dishes on the Thanksgiving table. These fall salads are loaded with seasonal produce like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries, with lighter dressings that let the flavors shine.
They add fiber and volume to your plate, which helps you feel satisfied without overdoing it. If you need one more, my balsamic apple walnut salad is another fall favorite.
5 from 2 votes
Healthy Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad
Calories: 153 | Protein: 8gThis creamy crunch salad gets its dressing from protein-rich Greek yogurt instead of mayo, then is tossed with sweet red grapes, crispy bacon, and sunflower seeds. Make it the day before and let it chill overnight, and youāll have a refreshing, no-oven side ready to pull from the fridge on Thanksgiving.
Calories: 249 | Protein: 4gMassaged kale and roasted butternut squash are tossed in a zippy horseradish lemon dressing and topped with cinnamon-spiced pecans candied with a zero-calorie sweetener instead of sugar. You can roast the squash and pecans and whisk the dressing a day or two ahead, then toss it all together right before dinner.
Calories: 335 | Protein: 4gCinnamon-roasted butternut squash is piled warm over mixed greens with low-sugar dried cranberries, then drizzled with a simple orange vinaigrette sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup. With only seven ingredients, itās an easy, bright side that brings the colors of fall to your Thanksgiving table.
Calories: 119 | Protein: 3gShredded Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash roast until caramelized, then get tossed in a tangy Dijon dressing with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This warm, fiber-rich salad uses just a couple tablespoons of oil and works as both a side and a lighter alternative to heavier casseroles.
Pie is non-negotiable at Thanksgiving, so these healthy holiday pies keep the classic flavors with less sugar and fewer calories. Youāll find pumpkin pie made several ways, including grain-free and no-bake versions, plus pecan and apple pies.
Calories: 292 | Protein: 4gThis pecan pie uses maple syrup in place of corn syrup and a mix of whole eggs and egg whites, so it has less sugar and fat than the classic without losing that rich, custardy filling. A drizzle of coconut milk caramel on top makes it feel extra special, and itās best made the day before Thanksgiving, so itās one less thing to bake on the big day.
Calories: 262 | Protein: 6gA nutty crust made from dates, oats, and pecans replaces the usual butter-and-flour pastry, and the creamy filling uses almond milk and just a little coconut sugar. It has all the warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove you expect from Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, and it can be made a day or two ahead.
Calories: 391 | Protein: 8.8gThe star of this grain-free pumpkin pie is an addictive walnut and date crust that skips refined flour entirely. The silky filling is sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and allspice for a cozy, whole-food twist on the Thanksgiving classic.
Calories: 230 | Protein: 4.6gIf your oven is packed on Thanksgiving, this no-bake pumpkin pie is your answer, with a creamy cashew and pumpkin custard over a date and walnut crust. It sets up in the freezer and keeps for up to a month, so you can make it well before the holiday and slice it into easy-to-serve bars.
Calories: 317 | Protein: 4gThis apple pie skips the top crust and lets cinnamon-spiced apples sweetened with just a quarter cup of maple syrup shine on top of a grain-free almond flour crust. Itās a lighter way to enjoy apple pie at Thanksgiving, and it comes together in about an hour.
If youād rather skip slicing pie, dessert bars are easy to portion, travel well, and look great on a dessert table. These healthy Thanksgiving desserts use better-for-you ingredients like oats, pumpkin, and Greek yogurt, with less sugar than the classics.
A few even add a protein boost, and thereās a sweet pumpkin dip thatās perfect with sliced apples. For more fall treats, try my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
5 from 2 votes
Low Fat Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Calories: 249 | Protein: 4gNonfat Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese make these pumpkin cheesecake bars rich and creamy with far less fat than the classic, plus a nice boost of protein. They need a couple of hours in the freezer to set, so make them a few days early and pull them out the morning of Thanksgiving.
Calories: 164 | Protein: 2gThese thick, chewy cookie bars are made with blended oats instead of white flour and sweetened with a little maple syrup and coconut sugar. The pumpkin keeps them moist without any eggs or butter, and kids at the Thanksgiving table will never guess itās in there.
Calories: 180 | Protein: 2.7gAll the flavor of pecan pie gets a chocolatey upgrade in these bars, with a date-sweetened crust and a pecan filling made without corn syrup or refined sugar. Slicing them into squares gives you built-in portions, which makes them perfect for a dessert table or for bringing to someone elseās house.
Calories: 265 | Protein: 6gSweet cinnamon apples are layered between a buttery-tasting oat and almond flour crumb thatās made with coconut oil and unrefined coconut sugar. They taste like a cozy slice of apple pie in an easy, hand-held bar, and they keep in the fridge for up to five days.
Calories: 77 | Protein: 3.6gChickpeas, protein powder and egg whites give these soft, pumpkin pie-spiced bars a protein boost, and dairy-free chocolate chips melt into every bite. At under 100 calories each, theyāre a sweet treat you can enjoy at Thanksgiving or the morning after with your coffee.
Calories: 229 | Protein: 12gThis no-bake cookie dough comes together in five minutes with pumpkin, protein powder, coconut flour and just a touch of maple syrup. Serve it as a sweet dip with sliced apples or crackers on your Thanksgiving dessert spread, and save any leftovers in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Warm apple crisp or a slice of cake is a cozy way to end the meal without a heavy dessert. These lighter versions use simple swaps like almond flour, Greek yogurt, and less sugar while keeping all the cinnamon-spiced flavors of fall.
The crisps are especially good topped with a scoop of Greek yogurt or a little ice cream. Find even more ideas in my low-calorie dessert recipes.
5 from 3 votes
Gluten Free Apple Crisp
Calories: 204 | Protein: 3gSliced apples are tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, walnuts, and a light dusting of almond flour, then sweetened with just a quarter cup of honey for a crisp thatās lower in sugar than most. The almond flour adds protein and fiber, so this homemade dessert feels a lot more satisfying than a typical crumble after a big Thanksgiving dinner.
Calories: 266 | Protein: 4gThis crisp combines two Thanksgiving favorites, with tender apples in a saucy pumpkin-spiced filling under a crunchy oat and pecan topping. Olive oil stands in for butter and honey replaces refined sugar, and you can bake it a day ahead and warm it up just before serving.
Calories: 263 | Protein: 7gGreek yogurt keeps this lemony apple cake moist and tender while adding protein, and monkfruit sweetens it without any refined sugar. Topped with a pretty ring of cinnamon apples, itās a lighter dessert that you can make the day before and serve chilled straight from the fridge.
Calories: 343 | Protein: 8gThis pumpkin spice coffee cake is made with almond and coconut flour and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, then topped with a cinnamon crumb and a creamy dairy-free cashew frosting. Baked in a sheet pan and cut into 16 squares, it serves a crowd as a Thanksgiving dessert and is just as good with coffee the next morning.
A light appetizer keeps hungry guests happy while the turkey finishes, without filling everyone up before dinner. These healthy Thanksgiving dips are lighter than the usual cheese ball and full of festive fall flavors like pumpkin and cranberry.
Serve them with fresh veggies or whole grain crackers for an easy spread. Need more ideas? Browse all my healthy appetizer recipes.
5 from 2 votes
Pumpkin Hummus
Calories: 75 | Protein: 2gThis creamy, bean-free hummus blends pumpkin and zucchini with tahini, lemon, and smoky paprika, which keeps it lighter than traditional hummus while sneaking in extra veggies. It takes just seven minutes and keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks, so make it early and have a festive dip ready for guests as they arrive.
Calories: 61 | Protein: 2.2gTart cranberries give classic chickpea hummus a bright, festive twist and a gorgeous pink color for your Thanksgiving appetizer spread. It blends in five minutes with just a little tahini and olive oil, making it a light, fiber-rich dip to serve with fresh veggies before the big meal.
Calories: 160 | Protein: 21gGreek yogurt and cottage cheese replace the usual cream cheese and mayo in this warm, cheesy shrimp dip, packing in protein while cutting calories. You can mix it the night before and bake it right before guests arrive, so itās a hearty appetizer that wonāt fill everyone up before the turkey.
Starting Thanksgiving with a protein-packed breakfast is one of the best ways to avoid showing up to dinner ravenous. These recipes include savory egg bakes and casseroles that are easy to make for a crowd, plus pumpkin baked goods that feel like a holiday treat. Pair one with my low-calorie pumpkin spice latte for a cozy morning. For even more ideas, check out my healthy brunch recipes.
5 from 9 votes
High Protein Veggie Egg Bake
Calories: 134 | Protein: 18gThisĀ healthy egg bakeĀ is loaded with veggies for a higher protein breakfast that's warm and filling!Ā
Calories: 336 | Protein: 21gThis cheesy ham, potato, and broccoli casserole gets its creamy sauce from cottage cheese and almond milk instead of heavy cream, so itās hearty but much lighter than traditional scalloped potatoes. You can assemble it up to three days ahead and pop it in the oven Thanksgiving morning, which makes it perfect for a houseful of overnight guests.
Calories: 109 | Protein: 16gRoasted butternut squash and spinach are folded into a fluffy egg white bake seasoned with nutmeg and thyme, giving you all the cozy flavors of fall in a light, crustless breakfast. Roast the squash the day before so it comes together quickly on Thanksgiving morning.
Calories: 152 | Protein: 4gGreek yogurt and oat flour make these pumpkin scones lighter and higher in protein than the bakery kind, with just a little butter and maple syrup plus a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. You can make the dough a day or two ahead, so all you have to do on Thanksgiving morning is slice and bake.
Calories: 79 | Protein: 7gCottage cheese, egg whites, and oats blend with pumpkin and warm spices into fluffy, thick pancakes with no added flour or sugar. Make a batch ahead and freeze them for an easy, high-protein holiday breakfast the whole family can enjoy.
Calories: 203 | Protein: 3gButternut squash and ripe banana keep these chocolate chip muffins moist and naturally sweet, with maple syrup taking the place of refined sugar. They freeze for up to two months, so you can bake a batch weeks before Thanksgiving and have a grab-and-go breakfast ready.
Calories: 284 | Protein: 3.5gThese pumpkin oat donuts are baked instead of fried and made with no oil, using a couple tablespoons of peanut butter for richness and a drizzle of dark chocolate on top. Theyāre a fun, festive Thanksgiving morning treat that feels indulgent without the deep fryer.
A little planning is the secret to a Thanksgiving that feels relaxed instead of rushed. When dishes are made ahead, youāre not grabbing whateverās in reach while you juggle five things at once, and staying on track feels a lot easier.
Many of the recipes above can be prepped days in advance, and others use the slow cooker or Instant Pot to make prep easier on the big day. Use this timeline to spread the work out so you can actually enjoy the meal with the people you love.
When
What to do
Dishes
1 week before
Finalize the menu, shop pantry staples, clear out fridge space
3ā4 days before
Thaw your frozen turkey breast in the fridge; make cranberry sauce and dips
Turkey dishes, cranberry sauce, hummus and some other dips
2 days before
Bake bars and breads; chop vegetables
Dessert bars, muffins, prep vegetables for stuffing, casseroles and more
1 day before
Bake pies; assemble casseroles to bake tomorrow; assemble the breakfast bake; make dressings; soak nuts for non-dairy sauce
Pies, vegetable casseroles, and breakfast bakes
Thanksgiving morning
Bake breakfast; start the slow cooker
Breakfast bakes, slow cooker dishes
2 hours before
Cook the turkey breast; bake casseroles
turkey and casseroles
Last 30 minutes
Mash potatoes, toss salads, make gravy from drippings
Meganās Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving Without Feeling Deprived
Eat breakfast. Enjoy a protein-forward breakfast in the morning to keep you from arriving starving, which may lead you to eat more than you planned.
Pick your must-have dishes. Prioritize adding the dishes you truly love to your plate first and skip the ones you eat out of habit or donāt really enjoy.
Build your plate smart. Start with turkey or another protein and vegetable sides first and then add in your higher-calorie favorites.
Not hosting. Bring a dish you trust to the gathering youāre attending. This ensures you have something you know you can trust.
Add in a walk. Just 15-20 minutes after dinner is all it takes. Take the family along with you too.
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe FAQs
Whatās a healthy substitute for mashed potatoes?
Cauliflower mash is the most popular swap. Itās creamy, garlicky, and much lower in carbs and calories than potatoes. If you canāt give up real potatoes (I get it!), try a lighter version made with less butter, or mix half potatoes and half cauliflower so you get the classic flavor with fewer calories.
What healthy dishes can I make ahead for Thanksgiving?
Cranberry sauce, dips, pies, dessert bars, and breads can all be made one to three days ahead, and most casseroles can be assembled the day before and baked on Thanksgiving. Saving only the turkey, the mashed potatoes, and the salads for the big day makes the meal much less stressful. Check out the make-ahead timeline above to plan your time the week leading up to the holiday.
How long do Thanksgiving leftovers last?
Most leftovers keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or in the freezer for 3 to 4 months, according to the USDA. Get them into the fridge within 2 hours of cooking, and reheat them to 165Ā°F before eating. Turkey freezes especially well for quick, high-protein meals in the weeks after the holiday.
Thanksgiving is about gathering around the table with the people you love, and eating healthy doesnāt mean you have to sit out the foods that make the day special.
Pick a few of these healthy Thanksgiving recipes to add to your menu, keep your familyās must-have classics, and enjoy every bite without the guilt. Use the make-ahead timeline to spread out the cooking, so you can spend more time with your guests and less time stressed in the kitchen.
If youāre cooking for someone who eats gluten-free, be sure to check out my healthy gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes too. Iād love to hear which recipes make it onto your table this year, so let me know in the comments below!
Megan is a nutritionist who coaches women 35+ lose weight sustainably. She is the author of the Low Calorie Cookbook, fitness instructor, host of the Dish On Ditching Diets Podcast and creator of Skinny Fitalicious where you get lighter, higher protein recipes. Follow Megan on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for the latest updates.
i don’t even like turkey, so i’ll just eat these pancakes and egg recipes you have … AMAZING! brunch for turkey day sounds sooo much better.
rest up friend. <3
Thanks, I’m taking it easy this week.
I would struggle to choose what I’m going to have from so many delicious recipes!
Enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities!
I’m struggling too LOL. Thanks Neil!
Dude, so many delicious recipes! What are you bringing over to my house?
You tell me!
I’m coming over to your place. The healthified versions look better to me than the standard ones!
Come on over!