53 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes for a Vibrant Table

What Makes a Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe?

Healthy Thanksgiving recipes balance flavor, texture, and seasonal produce without sacrificing indulgence.

Salads and Starters

Salads and starters include vibrant options like red cabbage and radicchio salad with pomegranate seeds.

Vegetables and Other Sides

Vegetables and other sides feature crunchy salads and plant-forward dishes such as roasted cauliflower salad with feta and dates.

Stuffing, Grains, and Potatoes

Stuffing, grains, and potatoes include gluten-free options like wild rice dressing and mashed baked potatoes with chives.

Mains

Mains range from turkey legs to vegan tofurkey with mushroom stuffing and gravy.

Desserts

Desserts include vegan chocolate mousse with sesame brittle and gluten-free coconut turmeric pie.

Festive Red Cabbage and Radicchio Salad

Deep purple cabbage, bitter radicchio, juicy citrus, and ruby-red pomegranate seeds make a strong case for putting salad front and center.

Pear Salad With Honey-Roasted Seeds

Thinly sliced pears get a shower of honey-roasted seeds and shaved cheese for a fresh, acidic kick.

“in the midst of a rich meal something fresh and acidic keeps your taste buds awake”

Shaved Fennel Salad With Croutons and Walnuts

Walnuts, Parmesan, croutons, and lemon give this fennel salad plenty of flavor and texture.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad With Feta and Dates

Caramelized cauliflower, warm feta, crunchy pistachios, and sticky dates meet peppery arugula and a tangy vinaigrette.

Radicchio and Apple Salad With Mustardy Croutons

Bitter radicchio meets sweet apple and mustardy croutons in this hearty autumn salad.

Kale Salad With Pecan Vinaigrette

Kale softens and the nutty pecan vinaigrette works its way into the leaves after dressing.

Bitter Greens With Cranberry Dressing

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for turkey; a tart dressing brings holiday spirit to bitter greens.

Spiced Lentil and Carrot Salad

Warm spices and sweet carrots give this lentil salad plenty of character with plant-based protein.

Pumpernickel Panzanella

Panzanella isn’t just for summer; swap tomatoes for oranges and add bitter chicories and shaved fennel.

Smoky Carrot Dip

Roasted carrots, chickpeas, almonds, and smoked paprika blend into a vibrant dip with protein.

Beet and Hazelnut Dip

Hazelnuts bring out the earthy sweetness of beets, while garlic and lemon keep everything lively.

Marinated Olives and Feta

A jar of olives, a block of feta, and garlicky olive oil make this bright, briny appetizer.

Yuzu Kosho Deviled Eggs

Yuzu kosho gives deviled eggs a jolt of citrusy heat, while pickled shallots and radishes bring brightness.

Deviled Cashews

Deviled cashews are seasoned with chile powder, fried curry leaves, and crispy onions.