Your Stress-Free, Healthy Thanksgiving Menu

Planned to Perfection!

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family and friends, but let’s be honest—it can be a bit stressful pulling the whole feast together! And if you’re trying to keep things healthy, it might feel even trickier. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Today, we’re sharing a healthy Thanksgiving menu that’s super easy to plan. From tasty appetizers to wholesome mains, sides, and even desserts that won’t make you feel guilty, you’ll find everything you need for a balanced, delicious spread.

Start your Thanksgiving festivities with light yet flavorful appetizers that set the tone for a wholesome meal.

·      Savory Grape Truffles:  These little bites of savory goodness combine grapes, nuts, and cheese for a sweet and salty appetizer that’s as healthy as it is delicious. They’re perfect for snacking on while the turkey finishes roasting.

·      Harvest Farro Salad:  A hearty and nutritious salad with farro, fresh greens, and seasonal fruits like cranberries and apples. This salad is full of flavor with a bonus of   antioxidants, making it a perfect starter for your Thanksgiving meal.

·      Caramelized Pear, Roasted Tomato, and Lentil Salad:  A sweet-and-savory salad with roasted tomatoes, caramelized pears, and protein-packed lentils. This one is not only filling but also loaded with nutrients to keep your guests satisfied without filling them up too much before the main course.

For the centerpiece, we’ve got a twist on the traditional turkey—plus a vegan main not to be missed—along with side dishes that make for a true feast. 

·      Pineapple-Cider Hot Brined Roast Turkey:  This juicy turkey is brined in a sweet pineapple-cider mix that tenderizes as well as adds a unique tropical flavor to the Thanksgiving classic.

·      Slow Roasted Herbed Whole Cauliflower:  This roasted cauliflower is seasoned with herbs and spices and roasted until golden. It’s an ideal centerpiece for any plant-based eaters at the table or a wonderful side for everyone else.

·      Vegan Green Bean Casserole:  A healthy, plant-based twist on the classic green bean casserole, made with a creamy vegan sauce and topped with crispy onions.

·      Hidden Banana Caramelized Onion Stuffing:  A flavorful stuffing that sneaks in bananas for natural sweetness, balancing out the savory caramelized onions and herbs. It’s a unique take on stuffing that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe – trust us!

·      Banana Sweet Potato Puff:  This sweet potato dish is naturally sweetened with bananas, offering a lighter, healthier take on the classic sweet potato casserole. The result is a fluffy, slightly sweet puff that pairs perfectly with turkey and veggies.

Add what is a holiday gathering without a sweet finale? We suggest at least one fruit forward dessert, followed by something a bit more decadent. 

·      Simply Good Cobbler:  For dessert lovers who don’t want to overdo it, this light and fruity cobbler is made with fresh seasonal fruit and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a perfect end to a meal without the heaviness of more indulgent desserts.

·      No-Bake 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cake:  This no-bake cake is as simple as it gets—just three ingredients and no oven required! It’s a great way to satisfy that chocolate craving while keeping things light and easy.  The best part?  It’s both vegan and gluten free!

Published November 1, 2024