• Recipes

Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas: A Twist on Old Favorites

Medically reviewed and edited by Harmony Vance, APRN

Are you dreading the damage control you’ll have to do after enjoying that Thanksgiving feast? You’re not alone. 

Due to the abundant drinks and indulgent dishes, most people gain a few extra pounds over the festive season — but you don’t have to.

With some planning, you can create delicious holiday meals that won’t have you reaching for the pants with the extra stretchy waistband.

Keep reading to discover the best healthy Thanksgiving recipes to create delicious and nutritious food this holiday season.

Is it Possible to Plan a Memorable Thanksgiving That’s Healthy, Too?

By focusing on fresh, flavorful ingredients and making simple swaps, you can create a Thanksgiving menu that’s both healthy and delicious.

Opt for seasonal vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and winter squash for rich flavors without extra calories. 

We’re not suggesting you ditch your sweet potato casserole for raw Brussels sprouts, but with a little creativity, you can enjoy all the classic flavors of Thanksgiving in a way that leaves everyone satisfied and feeling good long after their meal. 

We’ll show you how to pack your dishes with wonderful flavors — without the extra fats and sugars that traditional Thanksgiving staples are famous for.

What Ingredients Will You Need to Prepare Your Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner?

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year or preparing a few dishes to take to a loved one’s home, here’s what to add to your grocery list. 

Some of these items you may already have, so check your pantry to ensure you only purchase what you need. 

Pantry staples you may already have

• Canned pumpkin

• Cranberry sauce

• Vegetable broth

• Maple syrup

• Whole grains (such as wild rice or quinoa)

• Fresh herbs

• Coconut milk

• Gluten-free flour (for those who are intolerant)

Ingredients you may need to buy

• Fresh veggies such as green beans

• Sweet potatoes

• Winter squash

• Quality protein, whether a whole bird or a smaller turkey breast

• Fresh fruits

• Low-fat dairy or dairy-free alternatives

• Extra veggies like Brussels sprouts and onions

• Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes to Try 

Healthy Thanksgiving dinner recipes offer a delicious way to celebrate the holiday without overindulging.

Ideas for healthy Thanksgiving appetizers

Start your Thanksgiving celebration with appetizers that offer fresh takes on classic Thanksgiving dishes. 

With options like butternut squash soup and roasted Brussels sprouts, these starters are both festive and nutritious, setting the perfect tone for a memorable meal and a happy Thanksgiving!

Butternut squash soup with coconut milk and fresh herbs

This warm, dairy-free butternut squash soup made with creamy coconut milk and finished with fresh herbs is a comforting, low-calorie holiday meal starter. 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Per serving: 120 calories, 5g fat, 10g carbs, 4g protein

Ingredients: 

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp salt, pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary

Method:

1. In a large pot, combine the diced butternut squash, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and seasonings.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the squash is tender. 

3. Using a stick blender directly in the pot, or after transferring to a blender, blend until smooth. 

4. Top with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a light, dairy-free appetizer option.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with parmesan cheese

Crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts topped with parmesan cheese bring bold flavor to this classic Thanksgiving dish, perfect for adding fresh veggies to the holiday menu.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Per serving: 90 calories, 4g fat, 8g carbs, 4g protein

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

2. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, until golden. 

3. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Healthy mains and side dishes for Thanksgiving

Bring health-conscious choices to your Thanksgiving table with lighter mains and side dishes. 

From herb-roasted turkey and mashed sweet potatoes to gluten-free stuffing, these recipes contain fresh veggies, seasonal flavors, and fewer calories.

Herb-roasted turkey breast with citrus and garlic

This tender turkey recipe is infused with fresh herbs and a citrusy twist, making it a delicious centerpiece for your healthy Thanksgiving dinner.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Per serving: 220 calories, 8g fat, 30g protein

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey breast (4-5 pounds)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, orange zest, and juice. Rub this mixture evenly over the turkey breast. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place the turkey on a roasting pan and bake for about 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

4. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a homemade cranberry sauce for extra flavor.

Low-calorie cranberry sauce recipe

This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce is filled with fresh fruit flavor and light on added sugar — a Thanksgiving favorite that’s both tangy and healthy.

Here’s the recipe for delicious cranberry sauce that’s low in calories:

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Per serving: (1 tablespoon) 15 calories 0g fat 4g carbs 0g protein

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed if possible

• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey adjust to taste

• Zest of 1 orange

• Optional a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth

Method:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, orange juice, maple syrup or honey, and orange zest.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

3. Adjust sweetness if needed and add cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

4. Let the sauce cool then refrigerate The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

5. This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce has the same tangy taste you love without the added sugar. Enjoy it as a refreshing low-calorie option for your Thanksgiving table.

Twice-baked sweet potatoes with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs

These twice-baked sweet potatoes are creamy and flavorful, with Greek yogurt and chives adding a low-fat, tasty spin on a classic Thanksgiving side dish.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Per serving: 140 calories, 4g fat, 20g carbs, 5g protein

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: sprinkle of parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 

2. Bake the sweet potatoes for 30-40 minutes until soft.

3. Cut each potato in half and scoop the centers out into a bowl. Add Greek yogurt or sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

4. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and bake for another 10-15 minutes. 

5. Top with parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.

Quinoa and dried cranberry stuffing with walnuts

A gluten-free twist on stuffing, this wild rice and quinoa mix with dried cranberries and walnuts tastes amazing, adding a healthy, festive touch to the holiday table.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Per serving: 150 calories, 6g fat, 20g carbs, 5g protein

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Method:

1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions, then set aside.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and celery until softened.

3. Add cooked quinoa, walnuts, dried cranberries, and parsley. Season to taste. Serve as a side dish for any Thanksgiving dinner.

A delicious guilt-free dessert to end off the Thanksgiving meal 

The key to creating healthy desserts is using the right sugar substitutes and practicing portion control.

Pumpkin cheesecake with almond flour crust

This almond flour cheesecake is a creamy delight with a subtle sweetness and spiced pumpkin filling, perfectly complemented by a slightly nutty, crumbly almond crust.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Per serving: 200 calories, 9g fat, 15g carbs, 5g protein

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup low-fat cream cheese

1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix almond flour, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil for the crust. 

2. Press the mixture into a baking dish to form the base. 

3. In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. 

4. Pour this mixture over the crust. 

5. Bake for 30 minutes, then let it cool before serving for a delicious, low-sugar twist on traditional pumpkin cheesecake.

Where Can You Learn More About Staying Healthy This Thanksgiving?

Are you concerned about keeping your weight in check over the holidays? Worried about the tempting Thanksgiving spread? LifeMD can help you maintain your progress while you enjoy the festivities.

A team of doctors can advise on healthy eating, weight loss, and weight management, ensuring your holiday feasts don’t derail your goals. 

With the LifeMD Weight Management Program, you’ll have access to quality care from a team of healthcare providers who can offer advice on healthy eating for weight management, along with GLP-1 medications (if clinically appropriate) –ensuring your holiday feasts don’t derail your goals. See if you qualify to lose weight with LifeMD.

Harmony Vance, APRN

Harmony is a family nurse practitioner and has been caring for patients for over 20 years through various roles in the medical field. She graduated in 2018 with a Master's Degree and a focus on family care.

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