1. Roast turkey
Roast turkey is the classic Thanksgiving dish and is sure to please everyone at the table. Turkey is a lean protein that is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for your holiday meal. It’s also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier option than other meats like beef or pork. No need to alter this classic dish, though we suggest looking for a free-range or organic turkey. If your family is more adventurous, try a Tofurkey. It is a meatless alternative that is seasoned and stuffed like a traditional turkey, and served with gravy, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes.
2. Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a creamy and delicious side dish that pairs well with roast turkey. You can make your mashed potatoes even healthier by using skim milk and avoiding adding too much butter or cream.
3. Stuffing
Stuffing is a flavorful and hearty side dish that is often made with bread, vegetables, and spices. This combination provides a good mix of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you’re looking for a healthier stuffing recipe, try one that uses whole wheat bread or quinoa instead of white bread.
4. Cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce is a tart and sweet condiment that is perfect for topping off your Thanksgiving feast. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and manganese. They’re also thought to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. While cranberry sauce is often high in sugar, you can easily find recipes that use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
5. Green beans
Green beans are a healthy and flavorful vegetable that makes a great addition to any Thanksgiving feast. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and manganese. You can prepare green beans in a variety of ways, such as steaming them, roasting them, or sautéing them with garlic and onions. For a healthier green bean casserole recipe, look for one that uses fresh green beans instead of canned ones and uses Greek yogurt or almond milk in place of cream.
6. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich vegetable that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a nutrient that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and bones. Sweet potatoes can be baked, mashed, or roasted and make a great side dish for Thanksgiving dinner.
7. Pumpkin soup
Pumpkin soup is the perfect starter for your Thanksgiving meal. It’s made with pumpkin puree, so it’s high in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a dollop of yogurt on top before serving for an extra bit of creaminess.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These little green veggies are a powerhouse of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals like iron and potassium. They’re also low in calories, so you can indulge in seconds without feeling guilty.
9. Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie is a beloved Thanksgiving dessert, but it’s often loaded with sugar and calories. These pecan pie bars are a healthier alternative that are just as delicious as the traditional pie. They’re made with whole wheat flour, honey, and pecans, so they’re naturally sweetened and full of healthy ingredients.
10. Pumpkin pie made with Greek yogurt
Pumpkin pie is usually made with lots of heavy cream, which makes it pretty unhealthy. However, you can lighten up your pumpkin pie by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream – just be sure to use plain Greek yogurt so that it doesn’t add any extra sugar to your pie.
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