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. Luckily 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 that 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 and Pomegranates
2. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts Salad with Mustard Sauce
3. Kale and White Bean Artichoke Dip
4. Fall Harvest Salad with Pumpkin Garlic Vinaigrette
5. Turkey Veggie Tray
6. Curried Cauliflower, Grape, and Lentil Salad
Main Dishes
7. Kale and Mushroom Stuffing
8. Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe
9. Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
10. Vegan and Gluten-Free Gravy
11. Healthy Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Cashew Cream Sauce
12. Roasted Delicata Squash
13. Vegan Meatloaf with Chickpeas and Lentils
14. Kale and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
Desserts
16. Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
17. Feel-Good Apple Muffins
18. No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars
19. Cinnamon Baked Pears
20. Dairy and Gluten-free Carrot Cake
21. Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies
22. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Scones
23. Paleo Orange Loaf with Dark Chocolate Glaze
