When I tell people I’m vegetarian, the #1 question I’ve always been asked is, “So what do you eat at Thanksgiving?” While a meat-free lifestyle has become more popular since second grade when the other kids called me “veggie girl” (true story), Thanksgiving isn’t traditionally the most plant-based-friendly holiday. Lucky for us health nuts, it’s actually easier than you think to find healthy Thanksgiving recipes, whether you’re vegetarian/vegan or want to add more produce that will make you feel good and help prevent the dreaded post-Thanksgiving food coma.
To prove it, here are 23 Thanksgiving recipes for all your traditional favorites, only they each sneak in some extra fruits or vegetables for more nutritious options. The best part? These recipes are so delicious, your friends at Friendsgiving or that picky uncle who only eats meat and dairy will never be able to tell the difference (because healthy or not, Thanksgiving dinner is meant to be enjoyed).
Appetizers
1. Butternut Hummus with Feta & Pomegranates
Source: Love & Lemons
2. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts Salad with Mustard Sauce
Source: Cotter Crunch
3. Kale and White Bean Artichoke Dip
Source: Minimalist Baker
4. Fall Harvest Salad with Pumpkin Garlic Vinaigrette
Source: Abra’s Kitchen
5. Turkey Veggie Tray
Source: Eating Bird Food
6. Curried Cauliflower, Grape, and Lentil Salad
Source: Minimalist Baker
Main Dishes
7. Kale and Mushroom Stuffing
Source: Love & Lemons
8. Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe
Source: Pinch of Yum
9. Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Source: Minimalist Baker
10. Vegan and Gluten-Free Gravy
Source: Jessica in the Kitchen
11. Healthy Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Cashew Cream Sauce
Source: Eating Bird Food
12. Roasted Delicata Squash
Source: Love and Lemons
13. Vegan Meatloaf with Chickpeas and Lentils
Source: Jessica in the Kitchen
14. Kale and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
Source: Love & Lemons
Desserts
16. Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
Source: Minimalist Baker
17. Feel-Good Apple Muffins
Source: Pinch of Yum
18. No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars
Source: Eating Bird Food
19. Cinnamon Baked Pears
Source: Jessica in the Kitchen
20. Dairy and Gluten-free Carrot Cake
Source: Top with Cinnamon
21. Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies
Source: Cotter Crunch
22. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Scones
Source: Abra’s Kitchen
23. Paleo Orange Loaf with Dark Chocolate Glaze
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
