25 Last Minute Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas (2024)

25 Last Minute Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas (1)

Are you ready for the big day yet?

While in my part of the world, most of us have already started planning for Christmas, I know that a great bunch of you, my friends from across the border, currently have your hands fulltrying to get everything done in timefor Thanksgiving.

Well, that time might be getting short, but despair not: thereare still a few days left to get things all tied up and finalized.

And just in case youaren’t done figuring out your entire Thanksgiving menu just yet, I figured I’d search the web and gather a few more healthy Thanksgiving recipeideas for you…

Hopethis one comes in handy!

25 Last Minute Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas (2)

Thanksgiving Turkey Veggie Tray

I can’t remember ever going to a party where veggies and dip didn’t getserved. They sure are a great way to keep your guests busy, happy and satisfied while they are waiting for the main courseto arrive.

Can you think of a cuter way of delivering said veggies and dip on Thanksgiving? I most certainly can’t — this is simply brilliant!

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  • Thanksgiving Veggie Trayby Eating Richly– Get the recipe here

Figs with Walnuts and Gorgonzola

This simple appetizer looks so fresh and tasty! It certainly is a nice change from the classic Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates.

I’m thinking of adding this one to my personal menu this year… if I can get my hands on the fresh figs, that is!

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  • Figs with Walnuts and Gorgonzolaon Woman’s Day – Get the recipe here

Green Olive, Walnut and Pomegranate Dip

Apparently, this chunky dip is a specialty in the Gilan province of Northern Iran. I personally have never tried it, but I get the feeling that that’s about to change…

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  • Green Olive, Walnut and Pomegranate Dip on Woman’s Day – Get the recipe here

ROSEMARY INFUSED WILD RICE STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Stuffed mushrooms, in my opinion, are simply the best appetizer, no matter what you stuff them with. Rosemary infused wild rice? Now that sounds like a winner to me!

Please send that platter my way…

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  • Rosemary Infused Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms by The Plant Philosophy– Get the recipe here

APPLE AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH WALNUTS AND MARJORAM

How’s about a bowl of soupbefore movin’on to the main course? Apple, butternut squash, walnuts and ginger really sound like a winning combination to me.

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  • Apple and Butternut Squash Soupby The Iron You – Get the recipe here

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3 Easy Steps to a Moist and Delicious Turkey

Let’s face it, no Thanksgiving would be complete without turkey. And if you’re going to put a moist, juicy and flavorful bird on the table this Thanksgiving, brining it is a crucial step that you won’t want to skip!

Then, of course, you have to get the roasting part right, too…

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  • 3 Steps to a Moist and DeliciousTurkey by Delightful E Made– Get the recipe here

HOW TO DRY BRINE A THANKSGIVING TURKEY

If a wet brine is too complicated for you, because you don’t have access to the required equipment you know, then you might want to consider a dry brine instead…

I know I’m definitely trying it this Christmas!

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  • How to Dry Bribe a Thanksgiving Turkey by Wholefully– Get the recipe here

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Quinoa “Stuffing” (Quinoa with Butternut Squash, Cranberries & Pistachios)

Stuffing so stunningly gorgeous and so delicious looking… I say you should definitely serve it “on the side”.

I wouldn’t want to hide that beauty inside a bird.

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  • Quinoa Stuffing by Gimme Some Oven– Get the recipe here

Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprout, and Bread Stuffing with Apples

This one’s a beautiful twist on the traditional bread stuffing.

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  • Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprout and Bread Stuffing by Food52– Get the recipe here

BROWN AND WILD RICE TURKEY STUFFING WITH CHESTNUTS AND DRIED FRUITS

Here’sthe stuffing that was on my personalmenu a couple of years back…If you’re a fan of chestnuts and dried fruits, you’ll be all over that one!

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  • by Yours Truly – Get the recipe here

Clean Eating Mushroom Rosemary Quinoa Stuffing Recipe with Cranberries

How gorgeous does this look? Never mind the turkey, I want to have some of that NOW!

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  • Clean Eating Mushroom Rosemary Quinoa Stuffing by ifoodreal– Get the recipe here

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries

So manyThanksgiving must-haves, all rolled into a single dish. I say this is a definite must-make!

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  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries by Julia’s Album– Get the recipe here

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

I’m not sure whetherthis should be an appetizer, a side, or something that you’d want to have immediately following the main course…

All I know is, a salad this beautiful AND delicious looking, you definitely want to have on your menu!

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  • Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad by Le Creme de la Crumb– Get the recipe here

Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Cranberry Couscous

A saladSO pretty, you may even want to use it as a centerpiece!It looks like jewels in a bowl!

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  • Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Cranberry Couscous by Gimme Some Oven– Get the recipe here

Roasted Root Vegetables Salad

Gorgeous, colorful, filled with so many textures… if you’re planning on serving this salad on Thanksgiving, will you please invite meover?

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  • Roasted Root Vegetables Salad by A Spicy Perspective – Get the recipe here

Crispy Roasted Green Beans

Delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated, does it? Not even on Thanksgiving, it doesn’t.

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  • Crispy Roasted Green Beansby Primavera Kitchen– Get the recipe here

Honey Glazed Hasselback Butternut Squash

Or, sometimes, it can be a tad complicated… but so incredibly worth the hassle! As elegant as it is delicious, this Honey Glazed Hasselback Butternut Squash is guaranteed to be the star of any dinner table.

  • by Yours Truly – Get the recipe here

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Oh my! Roasted Garlic + Mashed Potatoes in the slow cooker? I’m sold! Is there stillroomto put these on the menu? Sure there is! We’ll just have to skip dessert, that’s all.

Maybe…

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  • Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes by Little Spice Jar– Get the recipe here

Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Mash

If you don’t do white potatoes, here’s an amazing alternative! And how colorful, too!

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  • Sweet Potatoes & Cauliflower Mashby The Fit Fork– Get the recipe here

MAPLE CINNAMON ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

For a fan of butternut squash such as myself, this is an absolute must.

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  • Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squashby Life Made Sweeter– Get the recipe here

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE, GRATIN STYLE

Ha! I love it when I browse the Net for recipes and stumble on some of my own.Here’s another one of my creations from a few years back. It’s still just as delicious today, though, I’m sure of it!

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You can find this recipe and many more on allfreecasserolerecipes.com — if you’re looking for a casserole recipe, they’re definitely the place to go!

SCALLOPED SWEET POTATO RING

A new and improved version of the above sweet potato “gratin”, thistrue stunner will definitely steal the show. Try not to putit too close to the turkey, though, otherwise the bird might get a bit jealous!

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  • by Yours Truly – Get the recipe here

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PALEO PUMPKIN PIE

No Thanksgiving meal would be complete without dessert, now would it? And what better way to end this annual feast than with a slice of heavenly Paleo Pumpkin Pie?

With its devilishlysweet, spiced and super richcustard-like fillingandtender-yet-crispycrust, all that topped with a crunchy, honey sweetened crumble, this unconventional Pumpkin Pie is nothing short of spectacular.

Bet it’ll have youcoming back for more… year after year after year!

  • by Yours Truly – Get the recipe here

Paleo Pecan Pie

Or, you could go with this other great classic. Trust me when I say that the “real deal” has absolutely nothing over this Paleo version of Pecan Pie: its filling is perfectlysweet, silky smooth and crunchy at the same time, and tastes like a million bucks, too!

Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back!

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by Yours Truly – Get the recipe here

Baked Pears with Walnuts and Honey

Looking for something a bit on the lighter side? These Baked Pears with Walnuts and Honey sound incredibly refreshing, especially after a big heavy meal like that…

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  • Baked Pears with Walnuts and Honeyby Skinny Taste– Get the recipe here

Pumpkin-Pear Crisps

In case you couldn’t decide between pumpkin and pear. These Pumpkin Pear Crisps sound like a great compromise!

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  • Pumpkin Pear Crispson Bon Appetit – Get the recipe here
25 Last Minute Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest food to eat on Thanksgiving? ›

Go for small amounts of cooked squash, sweet potato, white potato, beans and carrots. Try to use whole-grain breads and cereals whenever possible; they are rich in fiber and the B vitamins that are not so abundant in simple carbohydrates (white and refined grains, cereals, flours and starches).

What to bring to Thanksgiving dinner last minute? ›

Side Dishes:
  1. Easiest Garlic Mashed Potatoes. These slow-cooker potatoes are the perfect last-minute grab...just give yourself enough time for the potatoes to cook (at least four hours on high). ...
  2. Sweet Sautéed Apples. This recipe is so easy and it's very likely you have all of these ingredients on hand! ...
  3. Buttermilk Cornbread.
Nov 19, 2018

What are the 10 most popular Thanksgiving foods? ›

Top 10 Thanksgiving Dishes
  1. Turkey.
  2. Stuffing/Dressing.
  3. Pumpkin Pie.
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Mashed Potatoes.
  6. Ham.
  7. Green Bean Casserole.
  8. Cranberry Jelly.
Nov 22, 2023

How can I make Thanksgiving more healthy? ›

Boiled shrimp with lemon or co*cktail sauce is a healthier pick than fried hors d'oeuvres. Try having a pot of a roasted vegetable soup, such as carrot or butternut squash, on offer for guests to enjoy. Other healthful starters include stuffed mushrooms, raw veggies with hummus, and seasonal fruit.

What is the unhealthiest food at Thanksgiving? ›

14 Unhealthiest Thanksgiving Sides To Avoid This Year
  • Potatoes au gratin. ...
  • Macaroni and cheese. ...
  • Canned cranberry sauce. ...
  • Candied yams. sasazawa/Shutterstock. ...
  • Sausage stuffing. Alivemindphotography/Getty Images. ...
  • Turkey Gravy. Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock. ...
  • Cornbread. Bhofack2/Getty Images. ...
  • Pecan Pie. Nicolasmccomber/Getty Images.
Nov 6, 2023

What is the healthiest way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey? ›

Rustveld suggests air frying your turkey as a healthier alternative to deep frying. It takes less time at 400 degrees, and the end product contains less fat since you do not need to add oil. “Deep frying is not as healthy as air frying, roasting or grilling,” he said.

What Thanksgiving food can I cook the day before? ›

Many Thanksgiving staples can be made entirely ahead of time and reheated before mealtime – think Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, and Apple Pie. Others can get most of the way there with minimal cooking the day of.

What are the top 5 Thanksgiving side dishes? ›

Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes
  1. Holiday Stuffing. This easy recipe for Holiday Stuffing is our number one must-have Thanksgiving side dish!
  2. Best Mashed Potatoes Ever. ...
  3. New Green Bean Casserole. ...
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  5. Baked Cranberry Sauce. ...
  6. Cauliflower Blossom. ...
  7. Butternut Squash Mash. ...
  8. Creamy Corn for a Crowd. ...

What are the top 3 Thanksgiving dishes? ›

The 10 Most Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
  • Roast turkey. We've already filled you in on how to carve a turkey like a chef. ...
  • Stuffing. Good stuffing is key to a successful Thanksgiving dinner. ...
  • Mashed potatoes. ...
  • Green bean casserole. ...
  • Corn casserole. ...
  • Sweet potato casserole. ...
  • Honey-glazed Brussels sprouts. ...
  • Cranberry sauce.
Nov 2, 2022

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

The traditional roasted turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie are on almost every modern Thanksgiving menu, in some form or variation. This menu has evolved over time and continues to evolve today.

What is the most common side dish at Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes are a staple among traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, and this version is so delicious we could eat enough to make it the main course! Not only is it creamy and full of robust garlic, but our secret ingredient (chicken broth) adds a whole extra level of flavor.

What is better to eat than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

So go ahead and shake things up this Thanksgiving with one of these flavorful alternatives to cooking up a whole bird this year, like mushroom, Gruyère, & spinach-stuffed pork tenderloin, vegan mushroom pot pie, or a juicy prime rib. We're not sure how it happened, but Team Delish is all about a Thanksgiving lasagna.

What is a soft food for Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, gravy… Just add these soft, fluffy dinner rolls to the menu, and you'll have checked every box for a classic Thanksgiving feast.

How healthy is Thanksgiving dinner? ›

The traditional turkey-day feast, replete with fatty, high-cholesterol foods like drumsticks, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing, is generally anything but heart-healthy. Try a healthy roasted turkey and gravy recipe for your Thanksgiving meal.

What should I eat on Thanksgiving to not gain weight? ›

5 Healthy Food Swaps to Avoid Weight Gain This Thanksgiving
  • Eat Pumpkin Pie Instead of Pecan Pie. ...
  • Grill Instead of Frying. ...
  • Swap Mashed Potatoes for Mashed Cauliflower. ...
  • Serve Brussels Sprouts Instead of Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Use Wild Rice Instead of Pilaf.

What should you eat instead of turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

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