With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you might think it’s time to re-visit your classic recipes. But if you’re looking for something a little bit different to grace the table on Thanksgiving Day while still embodying the cozy winter vibes we all know and love, then we’ve got the perfect healthy Thanksgiving recipe for you.
Cindy Gordon from Vegetarian Mamma and Jessie Shafer from The Real Food Dietitians share their favorite unique and healthy Thanksgiving recipes that you might like to try yourself. From a vegetarian spin on the classic meatloaf to side dishes that’ll threaten to steal the limelight, there is a healthy Thanksgiving recipe for everyone to enjoy this year.
Beyond Meat Meatloaf
By Vegetarian Mamma
Thanksgiving and turkey used to be synonymous. However, that is all changing. It doesn’t mean that vegetarians and/or vegans have to resort to only eating sides (but as you’ll see below, they can and are still delicious in their own right), but they can have their own main meals too without compromising on flavor and quality.
“Thanksgiving is all about comfort food, so why not take a comfort food classic and turn it vegetarian?” says Gordon. “Enjoy all the flavors of a traditional meatloaf with a plant-based protein swap instead of meat.”
This vegetarian dish is full of flavor, which, as Gordon points out, means “it makes delicious leftovers for the next day. Throw a cold slice of this into a sandwich and enjoy with your leftover mashed potatoes and corn.”
Dietary: Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan (use a flax egg)
Get healthy Thanksgiving recipe here.
Vegan Pumpkin Soup
By Vegetarian Mamma
Need a warm, hearty soup to warm you up? “Vegan Pumpkin Soup is the thick and creamy fall soup of your dreams,” gushes Gordon. “Make the most luscious low-carb soup with canned pumpkin puree and coconut milk topped with pumpkin seeds for a yummy crunch.”
This healthy Thanksgiving recipe puts a vegan spin on the classic pumpkin soup. It’s low carb and cozy, not to mention a simple recipe to make. It uses your basic pantry staples, so you don’t have to search for obscure ingredients.
Not to mention, “it’s loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters,” so everyone at the dinner table will enjoy it. And if you have some left that you want to eat in the following days, store it in an air-tight container for up to 4-5 days and simply re-heat it on the stove when you’re ready.
Dietary: Vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free
Get the healthy Thanksgiving recipe here.
Herb-Roasted Parmesan Acorn Squash
By The Real Dietitians
Thanksgiving isn’t just all about the mains. The side dishes can really enhance your meal and palette and complete the Thanksgiving experience—just take a look at this oven-roasted acorn squash recipe.
Shafer describes this as, “A Thanksgiving side dish that is full of flavor and so easy to make. It requires just five basic ingredients, plus salt and pepper.” And, “It’s seasoned with a coating of Parmesan and fresh herbs.”
It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy seasonal foods but in a new and creative way. “A lot of people only know acorn squash from being coated in butter and brown sugar,” explains Shafer. “This healthy Thanksgiving recipe provides a unique savory flavor profile that goes so well with fresh acorn squash.”
Dietary: vegetarian, gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free.
Get the healthy Thanksgiving recipe here.
Roasted Brussels Sprout with Bacon and Balsamic
By The Real Dietitians
If you want to wow your guests (and yourself), then try this Roasted Brussel Spout recipe. Even as a simple and easy-to-make side dish, it won’t go unnoticed. Shafer comments, “The Brussels get coated in an easy oil-and-vinegar seasoning then roasted on a sheet pan. Before serving, toss the roasted Brussels with the remaining ingredients.”
The “caramelized and roasted Brussels sprouts with dried cranberries, pecans, and feta” results in a perfectly balanced sweet and savoury dish. As Shafer sums it up, “It couldn’t be easier to prep and add to your Thanksgiving menu.”
Have leftovers? Store them in a glass storage container in the refrigerator and you can have it for lunch or dinner for up to 4 days (if it lasts that long).
Dietary: gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free, dairy-free (omit the feta), Paleo (omit the feta).
Get the healthy Thanksgiving recipe here.
If you’re looking for healthy Thanksgiving recipe ideas to grace the table this year, then try these unique meals. They’re simple yet delicious and cater to different diets so there will be something for everyone. Go ahead and give them a go—your tastebuds (and guests) will thank you!