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Debra Klein | Easy Plant Based Recipes

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Home » All Recipes » Holidays » Thanksgiving » Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

Published on: November 20, 2020 Last modified: November 22, 2020

I’ve collected a bunch of my favorite Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes for you. You’ll find vegan and gluten-free appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and desserts…..all that taste great and are easy to make.

Family Photo, young kids dressed for the holiday with grandparents.
Celebrating Thanksgiving with my cousins and Grandparents. I am the one on Papa’s lap.

This post has been edited from the original post published on November 20, 2017. 

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

As a child, I always loved Thanksgiving. We went to my Aunts house where there were loads of cousins to play with and my Grandmother always did the bulk of the cooking. I remember it fondly as a day that wasn’t rushed. Grandma made chopped liver (it was the “real deal” but I now make this vegan version and it is super tasty), and the adults sat around in the living room telling stories and laughing away the afternoon while we ran around having a great time, stopping in to steal a nosh and hear some of the grown-up talk from time to time.

It’s been many years since I have been able to spend a Thanksgiving at Aunt Helen’s but I try to create the same chilled vibe that was always present at her house. The key is to plan your menu, get organized, create a time-line, delegate (yes, ask family and friends for help), and be prepared for your guests to show up hungry. Many people try to “save up” for the big meal, and in doing so, arrive HANGRY.  Stick to your timeline. Have some healthy appetizers available to snack on….so your guests can spend some quality time together relaxing. There is no rush.

Stress free thanksgiving menu: make a plan, stick to the plan, ask for help
Holidays and Stress don’t have to go hand in hand.

As a health coach I see what a mine field Thanksgiving can be for some to negotiate. Emotional triggers with family drama can lead to over indulging and then negative self talk and a vicious cycle that begins anew. Here is something I wrote about avoiding holiday fatigue, and another about creating Healthy Habits for the Holiday season to create less stress and make room for more joy. They have helped many, and I hope it will help you too!

Simple Butternut Squash Soup
I always make a pot of Butternut Squash Soup for Thanksgiving. It’s warm and comforting. The perfect snack for after the football game to tide everyone over until meal time.

Healthy Appetizers for Thanksgiving

The most popular recipe on my site is stuffed mushrooms. If you’ve ever tasted them, you’ll know why! You don’t have to tell anyone they’re vegan and gluten-free…and they’ll never guess, they’re so delicious.

White rectangular serving plate with stuffed mushrooms

If you’re looking for something simple to put out, consider this roasted cauliflower hummus It’s nutrient dense….low in calories, high on nutrition and also low in carbs….for those saving up for the more traditional Thanksgiving stuff.

Roasted Cauliflower Hummus with veggies
Roasted cauliflower hummus: all of the flavor, without the extra carbs and calories.

White bean dip is another great choice for Thanksgiving. It can be made in advance, looks awesome on a platter, and it’s fun! See if you can get some of your younger guests to help insert the veggies!

White Bean and Garlic Herb Dip

No plate needed for these fun little vegan meatballs. Tasty sweet and sour sauce will assure these gluten-free appetizers are gobbled up!

cocktail sized meatballs with toothpicks.
Fun Finger Food at its finest! Sweet & Sour Vegan Meatballs are as delicious as they are fun.

Healthy Salads for Thanksgiving

I always serve several salads at Thanksgiving. There are those that want to save all their room for the main event (aka: stuffing and pie), but it’s possible to have some tasty veggies that will help with digestion and nutrition and still have room for the other stuff too. If you put out beautiful salads and veggies, they’ll be able to compete with the heavy stuff on the buffet….remember, we eat with our eyes first!

A great choice is a simple, yet seasonal salad like this butternut squash salad. You can make all the components in advance and assemble at the last minute.

Bright green kale, brilliant orange roasted butternut squash, ruby red roasted beets, plus toasted sunflower seeds and a creamy balsamic dressing drizzled over this salad.
Kale + Roasted Squash and beets for a delicious and seasonal salad.

If your family loves Caesar Salad, then Thanksgiving isn’t the time to deny them. Use this recipe for vegan caesar dressing…..light and delicious…and oh so tasty too!

Close up of dressing with capers and crushed red pepper
Caesar Salad is always a crowd pleaser.

Or, consider this harvest salad.  The dressing is simple, but so flavorful, it’s a wonderful addition to a healthy thanksgiving table.

Harvest Salad + Apple Vinaigrette
The most delicious salad dressing you’ll eat all year!!

If you’ve been invited someplace, bring a healthy salad that is also beautiful.  You will wow your hostess and the other guests will thank you.

I’ve been making this grain-free tabbouleh for years….always to rave reviews.  Your craving for carbs will be satisfied without using any gluten or even grains!  Riced cauliflower and riced broccoli make up the bulk of this dish while the fresh herbs add to the nutritional value and the flavor.  Grain-free tabbouleh can easily be prepped ahead…in fact it tastes better as the components have time to merge.

Winter Tabbouleh
Tasty tabbbouleh is grain-free, vegan, nutritious and delicious.

Delicata squash is simple to make since you don’t have to peel it! Check out this simple recipe for roasted spiced delicata squash. Throw in some pomegranate seeds and this sensational salad is done!

Thanksgiving Salad with roasted squash and pomegranate seeds
Roasted Delicata Squash and pomegranate seeds help round out this salad.

One of the most beautiful salad recipes you’ll find is this roasted veggie salad. I would omit the lentils for Thanksgiving, as there’s so much going on, you may not need a salad that’s so hearty.

close up of a colorful roasted veggie medley salad with lentils too.

Healthy Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

In our house, it’s not Thanksgiving if there isn’t stuffing! This vegan and gluten-free dressing is hands down the best cornbread stuffing out there.

White casserole dish filled with cornbread stuffing, including mushrooms, kale, celery and fresh herbs.

Because we eat with our eyes first……make sure the healthy options are STUNNING like this balsamic roasted root veggies. This is also a great idea when you want to consolidate and not make too many things….you’re covered in taste, nutrition, color, beauty, variety…..the list of virtues for this recipe is endless.

Big chunks of colorful veggies...perfect for a Thanksgiving Side Dish.
A beautiful bowl full of goodness…..a side dish that can easily hold its own in a crowd of contenders.

Brussels sprouts are a traditional Thanksgiving veggie because they are in season right now. My favorite way to enjoy brussels sprouts, is sweet and spicy,  followed closely by this brussels sprouts slaw.

White bowl filled with roasted brussels sprouts and a pitcher of sweet and spicy sauce bring poured over and a lime on the side.

It is hard to plan a healthy menu for Thanksgiving when there are so many traditional dishes that are expected every year. Sometimes the best way to insert more health into the holiday is to revamp some old favorites and make them healthier. Mashed potatoes are no exception. Use this recipe as a guide and try adding in some other white veggies to your batch this year.

Bowl of chunky potatoes with skins on sprinkled with chopped parsley
No need for dairy in these delicious mashed potatoes and root veggies.

Don’t forget to offer some variety in veggies. Just because I love brussels sprouts, I realize that not everybody else does….but they still may want some healthy choices. Try this recipe for broccoli with miso dressing.  Absolutely delish…plus it actually tastes better the next day so when you’re looking for something less gluttonous and rich with fiber you’ll have something at the ready!!

Healthy Broccoli Salad with Simple Miso Dressing
Don’t forget, oven space is at a premium on Thanksgiving. Raw veggie side dishes are the perfect solution.

An assortment of root veggies adds nutrition to traditional mashed potatoes.

I like  to add a bit of color to an otherwise drab assortment on the buffet.  I highly recommend these roasted carrots with oranges  to brighten things up. It’s both nutritious and delicious plus it’s pretty!

Roasted Root Veggies with Oranges. A bright and beautiful side dish for Thanksgiving.

Main Meal Vegan Options

Knowing your audience (eaters) is so important. Make sure, if you are having guests that are vegan or gluten-free…..or if you’re going to someone else’s house, but vegan is important to you….that YOU MAKE A RECIPE that they’ll be able to eat. I can’t stress this enough. Holidays (really, ANY DAY) are not the time for anyone to feel singled out.

Thick Slices of Vegan Meatloaf
Thick slices of vegan meatloaf for a special holiday meal.

Stuffed Butternut Squash is an easy recipe that can be made ahead. Gorgeous presentation too! Look for the mini honeynut squash and each person can have their own!

Stuffed butternut squash with quinoa, kale and dried cherries.
Vegan, Gluten-free stuffed butternut squash. Delicious Thanksgiving main meal or side dish.

Another great option for a vegan and/or gluten-free crowd is this “No Beef” stew. Guests will feel super spoiled with the rich flavor and hearty, filling stew.

Vegan No Beef Stew. Healthy Gluten-free Recipe
Vegan No Beef Stew. Just what you’re craving in this chilly weather.

Stuffed Cabbage is delicious, hearty and totally screams holiday meal! A great choice…and I have tons of tips and trick for you to make this easy recipe.

Vegan stuffed cabbage rolls with red sweet and sour sauce.

Healthy Desserts for Thanksgiving

Let’s talk cranberry sauce for just a second….this recipe for almond thumbprint cookies uses a cranberry chia jam that I served last year in place of the cranberry sauce that I usually serve.  A total hit.  We actually ran out!!  I suggest making a double batch of the jam so you can make the cookies too. They are Ah-mazing!!

Nutritious and Delicious Gluten-free Almond Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Chia jam….aka cranberry sauce!!

Close up of thumbprint cookies with bright red cranberry chia jam. Perfect for Thanksgiving.
Nutritious and Delicious Gluten-free Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Is it even Thanksgiving if there isn’t any pumpkin pie? These mini pies are not only adorable…but they’re so delicious, and also vegan and gluten-free.They check off all the boxes!!

Mini Pumpkin Pies on a red cake stand

I like to have at least one decadent choice on the dessert table.  Checkout this chocolate pie with pecan crust.  Seriously, dessert can be tasty and healthy too……and you don’t even have to tell them how nutritious it is!

Thanksgiving Chocolate Pie
Mousse like texture, in a decadent pie.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Thanksgiving dessert, this apple galette is always a winner…….and so much less fussy than making a pie.

Round free formed galette stuffed with apples.
Apple Galette is always a good choice.

The Thanksgiving meal wouldn’t be complete without an over the top selection of desserts……I have no shortage of ideas for delicious desserts that just happen to be healthy….like these tahini brownies….YUM.

Brownies cut into squares with one missing.
Rich and decadent brownies….Shh! Nobody has to know they’re vegan and gluten-free.

Whatever you decide to make, just know that it’s going to be great. Make a reasonable plan and stick to it. Have confidence that it is ENOUGH, that YOU ARE ENOUGH……you don’t need to make more and more and more….until you are too overwhelmed and exhausted to enjoy being with family and friends.

As an adult I still love everything about Thanksgiving (including the cooking) but I am careful remain true to my goal of creating a relaxed environment where I am able to be present to all of the blessings around me….including the gift of time with my loved ones. Wishing you a holiday filled with love and light, good food, and plenty of time to soak it all in.

Filed Under: Healthy Living, Thanksgiving

Previous Post: « Gluten-free Cornbread Stuffing
Next Post: Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aditi

    November 21, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    Great roundup of delicious healthy alternates for Thanksgiving!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 21, 2017 at 3:49 pm

      Thank you. Have a healthy holiday!
      Reply
    • Helen Walder Rogaway

      November 17, 2019 at 10:03 pm

      Hi Debbie, What a treat your blog is. Phillip is driving up to Portland for the holiday and he is planning to cook the Vegan dishes. I am sure he will be trying some of your recipes. They look soooo good! Yes, I remember the holidays too. We were always a big, happy crowd - glad to be in America and to celebrate together. Most of all, you kids had a lot of fun together. Miss you. Happy Thanksgiving. Love, Aunt Helen
      Reply
      • Debra Klein

        November 17, 2019 at 10:17 pm

        Miss you too.....your house and your kids and YOU were such a big part of my childhood....all happy memories. Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to all of you. XoXo
        Reply
  2. Jessica Formicola

    November 19, 2018 at 2:03 pm

    So many great Thanksgiving recipes! I can't wait to try them!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 19, 2018 at 2:57 pm

      Thank you! Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday.
      Reply
  3. Caroline

    November 19, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    So many ideas, lie the look of some of the salads.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 19, 2018 at 2:56 pm

      Right? Your guests can't get their greens in, if you don't offer some!
      Reply
  4. Courtney

    November 19, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Loving all these healthy sides! Great round up!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 19, 2018 at 2:56 pm

      Thanks Courtney. Enjoy the holiday!
      Reply
  5. Tayler Ross

    November 19, 2018 at 2:50 pm

    This is such a great collection of Thanksgiving recipes! Happy holidays!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 19, 2018 at 2:55 pm

      You too Tayler! A happy and a healthy one.
      Reply
  6. Ginny

    November 19, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    Love this roundup and that you made it into a healthy one for Thanksgiving. I'm going to start at the top and work my way down.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 19, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      Healthy doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions....in fact, healthy is perfect for special occasions because nutritious and delicious aren't mutually exclusive!!
      Reply
  7. Dannii

    November 19, 2018 at 3:13 pm

    There is such a great selection here. We don’t celebrate thanksgiving in the U.K., but I still want to try all of these.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 19, 2018 at 5:22 pm

      No time like the present! These recipes are equally good for lunch or dinner any day!
      Reply
  8. Gloria

    November 19, 2018 at 4:48 pm

    There is something in this collection for everyone. Great for feeding the hungry guests. Looks like you have things covered here from appetizers to dessert.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 19, 2018 at 5:22 pm

      Thank you! That was the goal.
      Reply
  9. Lisa

    November 21, 2018 at 9:59 am

    I think it's always our childhood memories of the Holidays that stick with us -- when we become adults and are actually in charge of "making it happen" it becomes more about logistics, planning, delegating -- as you said. I wish we could go back to those easy childhood days. With all of the rich foods that will be on the table, I agree that we need to have some healthy options, so we don't go into a complete food coma. My favorites here are the roasted carrots, brussels sprouts and tabbouleh -- I think I'd love the tabbouleh the day after Thanksgiving with a slice of turkey... Have a great holiday.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 25, 2018 at 9:01 pm

      Hope you were able to relax on Friday with a nice plate of tabbouleh and a slice of turkey!
      Reply
  10. Dana

    November 21, 2018 at 11:48 am

    Oh man. Holiday fatigue, drama, and family tension is REAL. Haha. And it definitely leads to over-indulging. Especially where wine is concerned. Not a very healthy habit, but in the moment, seemingly necessary. This is such a great roundup of healthier choices. It can be so tough when you're surrounded by heavy carbs and sweets. But if these options are made available, I'd be all over them! I especially love the idea of smashed root veggies. You still get the essence of mashed potatoes, but with way more nutrients :)
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 25, 2018 at 8:59 pm

      Recognizing your triggers and having a plan to stick to your goals is an amazing step towards altering your reality. YAY for you!!
      Reply
  11. Tracy

    November 21, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    Awww great tips, THANK YOU. Feeling like you're not doing enough is definitely the hardest part for me at the holidays. I have this intense fear that there wont be enough food when we ALWAYS have an insane amount of leftovers. Deep breaths and a plan, that'll be my mantra this year!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 25, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      The struggle is real to feel "good enough" in any category!!! This holiday is no exception. Hope it was a peaceful holiday and you were proud of what you accomplished.
      Reply
  12. Cathy

    November 23, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    Hope yours was lovely! Love the family photo! Is that you on his lap!😉. Thank you! Very grateful to have been a part of your journey this year!!!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 25, 2018 at 8:56 pm

      Thanks so much! We had such a lovely holiday....and cooking in the new kitchen made things so easy and relaxing. So much room for everyone (I actually got everyone in the kitchen helping this year) and everything. A JOY to cook in this kitchen.
      Reply
  13. Carmy

    November 23, 2018 at 6:58 pm

    So many ideas! I totally feel you, every Thanksgiving, I feel like I have to add this or that but this year all I wanted was a turkey and mashed potatoes. Easy peasy! It can be such a stressful time and you're correct, we gotta make a plan and stick to it.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 25, 2018 at 8:54 pm

      Right? Nobody ever misses those extra dishes....but we are often much better off to just not do it.
      Reply
  14. Tina

    November 24, 2018 at 6:19 am

    I am loving all these healthy options, and I love the point you make about feeding your guests as soon as they arrive with some healthy appetizers to prevent grumpiness due to hunger. I really want to try out your thumbprint cookies as they are my favorite, and a great holiday cookie.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 25, 2018 at 8:54 pm

      Those thumbprint cookies are so delicious. We eat them year round. So perfect with a cup of tea.
      Reply
  15. Tina

    November 24, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    I view the holidays as a personal obligation to create lovely memories for the children. I remember the hustle and bustle in the kitchen as my parents were buzzing around trying to make everything perfect. The kids job was to stay out of the way and keep ourselves entertained. Your post reminds me of those childhood times. Thanks for this collection of TG recipes, saving this for future reference. Happy Holidays!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 25, 2018 at 8:53 pm

      So interesting to hear how others grew up and what they try to create because of that.....I wish I had spent more time cooking with my grandmother, but I wouldn't trade those times spent with my cousins for anything.
      Reply
  16. Mackenzie

    November 25, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    All of the chaos of the Thanksgiving both gives me energy and drains me at the same time. I get so excited about all the fun cooking, that I often forget to prioritize the time with my friends and family. At the end of the day, I always enjoy the food, but I usually find myself wishing that I had spent more time letting my kids help, or getting to know my friends better. With each year, I work more and more on trying to pick recipes that can be prepared ahead so I have more opportunity to focus on the things I am most thankful for - the people in my life.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 25, 2018 at 8:51 pm

      I hear ya....that's always my goal as well.
      Reply
  17. Traci

    November 26, 2018 at 11:29 am

    Would you believe I usually wait until Thanksgiving Day to finalize my menu? I do it because there are so many choices and I can't seem to settle on them until I'm completely under pressure LOL. Well, this roundup is sweet and wish I had seen it in time for Thanksgiving last week! Pretty sure I'd have knocked out those roasted carrots and that apple galette. Bookmarking for future...thanks for sharing!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 27, 2018 at 9:00 am

      You are not alone in waiting until you have no choice!! Ah....those recipes are definitely favorites and they are good any day of any week....and with the holiday season just beginning, you just may have a chance to make those carrots or the galette!
      Reply
  18. Marisa Franca

    November 26, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    Oh, My!! Such great sounding recipes and I do think that just because it's a holiday you don't have to have high calorie food to celebrate. Your collection of recipes sounds delicious! I think a lot of times people overeat because of stress. If you can make some of these recipes ahead of time -- you'll have delicious recipes and no last minute panic.
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 27, 2018 at 8:58 am

      Well said. Exactly how I think!
      Reply
  19. Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic

    November 26, 2018 at 9:57 pm

    Making a plan and delegating to friends and family is a great way to reduce the stress of hosting a holiday meal. You are so right in that by creating a chill vibe, everyone is able to relax and enjoy themselves. The food round up is gorgeous. Your hummus looks so delicious!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 27, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Right? So many people get hung up thinking they have to do it all themselves! Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness at all....more like strength and confidence. Happy Holiday Season.
      Reply
  20. Amanda

    November 27, 2018 at 7:30 am

    What great ideas for healthier dishes for Thanksgiving! These would be perfect throughout the holiday season, really. I absolutely love the sound of the broccoli salad with miso dressing. It looks like a great dish to have for lunch, too, during this busy and typically indulgent time of year. Those thumbprint cookies would be ideal for a cookie swap as well!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 27, 2018 at 8:54 am

      Thank you. Both are recipe winners all year round!
      Reply
  21. Donna

    November 27, 2018 at 11:54 pm

    I love that you advocate for sticking to the timeline. So many times people have shown up hungry and I have felt compelled to rush and get things on the table...in turn, ruining whatever it is I am cooking and also getting myself all stressed. I am totally whipping up a batch of that amazing artichoke dip for the next big feast to cater for the hangry ones!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 28, 2018 at 9:37 pm

      Taking a minute to prepare a healthy appetizer will definitely save your sanity....and your menu!
      Reply
  22. Christina Shoemaker

    November 28, 2018 at 10:23 am

    So many yummy ideas!! That miso dressing looks especially tasty! And I love how you’ve organized it all to make it easy for overwhelmed meal planners like me!
    Reply
    • Debra Klein

      November 28, 2018 at 9:36 pm

      Thank you. That miso dressing is delish! Hope you were able to get some ideas and feel less overwhelm.
      Reply

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