Nutrient-Dense Thanksgiving Recipes for a More Nourishing Holiday

By Melissa Zitt

The holidays are full of traditions - parades and football, matching pajamas and cheesy movies, family road trips and joyous gatherings - but let's be honest, we're here for the food.

That's why we're sharing some of our favorite holiday recipes that bring all the flavors you love with ingredients that love you back.

If need help with specific substitutions to fit your dietary needs, please reach out to me! [email protected] 

Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Prunes

This is one of my favorite appetizers year round due to how easy it is to put together, even the day before. Feel free to swap the almond for the stuffing of your choice or no stuffing at all. You can also swap the prunes for dates (though prunes have a slightly preferred nutrient profile + less sugar). Recipe at FoodNetwork.com.

Sage Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushrooms are one of the most nutrient dense foods we enjoy and are perfectly complimented with the savory flavors of fall. This mouthwatering recipe is also highly customizable, including leaving out the sausage for a lighter appetizer. Recipe at Wholesomelicious.com.

Deviled Eggs - 12 Ways

It isn't a party until you bring out the deviled eggs! Get creative (my preferred flair is pickled jalapenos) or keep it classic, just be sure to use a seed oil free mayonnaise like Primal Kitchen. Recipe at OneLovelyLife.com.

Of course, you can't go wrong with a veggie platter, shrimp cocktail, or charcuterie board - no recipes required!

Side Dishes

Grain Free Root Vegetable Stuffing

This grain-free stuffing is loaded with herbs, veggies, and savory flavor while staying surprisingly light. It’s a perfect option if you want the cozy comfort of classic stuffing without the heaviness—or the gluten. Recipe at WellnessMama.com.

Butternut & Sausage Stuffing

This is quite the twist on classic stuffing, so much so that I consider it it's own category of side - but one definitely worth including in this list! Recipe at PaleoRunningMama.com.

Cauliflower & Mushroom Stuffing

If you want the flavors of stuffing without the bread, this cauliflower version hits every note. It’s veggie-packed, low-carb, and shockingly satisfying. Recipe at HealthyRecipesBlogs.com.

Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole skips the processed ingredients and instead uses fresh green beans, a creamy, dairy-free sauce, and gluten free fried onions. It’s a healthier upgrade that still delivers all the nostalgic comfort. Recipe at MarysWholeLife.com.

Green Beans Almondine

This is quite possibly my favorite vegetable dish any time of year. It is fresh, it is bright, and it is simple - three qualities that perfectly balance the rest of the Thanksgiving meal. Recipe at LoveAndLemons.com.

Garlic Cauliflower Mash

This garlic cauliflower mash is silky, flavorful, and an easy way to boost veggies without sacrificing that creamy, mashed-potato feel. It’s a perfect lighter side that still feels cozy and indulgent. Recipe at HealthyRecipeEctasy.com.

Classic Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes

By swapping out butter and milk for dairy free alternatives, this Thanksgiving staple is ready for just about anyone's plate. Tip: If you want the classic potato taste and texture but the lighter/lower carb benefits of a cauliflower mash, try a half and half mix! Recipe at RealFoodWithJessica.com.

Paleo Gravy

I am a firm believer that if you do your potatoes right, you don't even need gravy. Turkey? Not so much. Here's how you can make a delicious gravy - sans gluten. Recipe at CookEatPaleo.com.

Roasted Garlic Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Someone has to say it: sweet potato casserole should be a dessert, not a side dish. This twist on the classic balances the already sweet yams with savory roasted garlic that won't have you in a sugar come before getting to the pumpkin pie. Recipe at ChelseaJoyEats.com.

No Sugar Added Sweet Potato Casserole

If you want to stick to the classics, this is a great way to do so while being mindful of your sugars. Use ghee instead of coconut oil to really bring out that nostalgic taste. Recipe at JoyFoodSunshine.com.

Maple Bacon Roasted Butternut Squash

The simplicity of this dish makes it a fantastic choice if you, ya know, want to sit down at all in the 48 hours prior to Thanksgiving Dinner. If you want to make this dish a little lighter, you could consider using the bacon fat rendered from another dish but not add the bacon itself. Or not. Recipe at PaleoRunningMama.com.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Why do so many Thanksgiving recipes include bacon? Well, if you don't know by now, I'm not sure I can explain it to you. Luckily, roasted Brussels sprouts are perfection with or without it. The trick is making sure you do not overcrowd your baking pan so they don't accidentally steam. Recipe at NomNomPaleo.com.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

This salad is a great way to include the fiber packed, nutrient dense Brussels Sprout in a way that travels well and keeps beautifully on the buffet. Leave off the sweet potatoes if you're looking for quicker prep or lower carb. Recipe at TheEndlessMeal.com.

Paleo Cranberry Sauce

Naturally sweetened and bursting with flavor, you'll never get your sauce from a can again. Recipe at MarysWholeLife.com.

Paleo Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are just a must but gluten free versions can be tricky. This recipes makes it about as simple as it can get while getting fairly close to a classic texture. Recipe at BakeItPaleo.com.

The Best Gluten Free Rolls Ever

If you're looking for a gluten free dinner roll that is indistinguishable from the real deal, THIS is that recipe. It's not easy, it's not "healthy", but it is the best gluten free bread I have ever had. Recipe at MyGluten-FreeKitchen.com.

Desserts

Apple Pie Bars

With an almond flour crust and gooey apple filling, these bars will scratch the itch of an apple pie without the fuss of a gluten free crust. Recipe at PaleoRunningMama.com.

Maple Pumpkin Pie

This is a classic dish that is a must have for many households. This gluten free, dairy free, low sugar recipe let's you have your pie and eat it too. Recipe at OneLovelyLife.com.

Paleo Pie Crust

Do you have a family favorite pie recipe that you can't do without? Make it gluten/grain free with this pie crust recipe. Recipe at PaleoRunningMama.com.

Pecan Pie Bars

This may be a good time to note that "Paleo" does not equal "low sugar". But if pecan pie is a must have on your menu, this recipe does it's best to improve upon a conventional recipe. If you're wanting a pie instead of a bar, you can make the filling from this recipe and pair it with the pie crust above. Recipe at PaleoRunningMama.com.

Bonus: Turkey Bone Broth

Turn that turkey carcass into a collagen rich bone broth to use in leftover turkey soup! Recipe at TheForkedSpoon.com.