Celebrate the Holidays Without Regret with These Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

Of course, it all starts with the perfect turkey—and you've definitely found it here. We swap out butter for olive oil, and keep the salt low, but, garnished with clementines and rosemary, this crispy bird is still flavorful. And it's practically an edible table centerpiece.

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Heart-healthy olive oil, veggie broth, and lime juice keep this lighter take on pumpkin soup flavorful without being unhealthy.

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The purpose of a Thanksgiving salad is to give your guests a break from the heavier fare on the table. That's why we love the idea of dressing yours with a simple, tangy red wine vinaigrette, loading it with crunchy Persian cucumbers, and topping it all off with a smattering of local parsley, basil, and fennel.

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Fresh thyme and toasted hazelnuts come together for a side dish that's as texture-filled and vibrant as it is delicious.

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This lighter-than-expected stuffing is still plenty rich and flavorful.

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Although we love sweet apple cider recipes, this savory take is one of our favorites. The butternut squash gets plenty of savory notes thanks to whole-grain mustard, red wine vinegar, and fresh parsley.

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Believe it or not, you can satisfy picky eaters in a healthy way—even on Thanksgiving! This Waldorf salad splits each ingredient into sections so guests can pick and choose what they like.

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This Thanksgiving salad is full of chopped apple, hazelnuts, crunchy raw sprouts, and Pecorino cheese. It's packed with flavor and nutrition.

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These simply seasoned hasselback sweet potatoes are rich and sweet without being overbearing.

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Wild rice, which has more protein and fewer calories than white or even brown rice, is an excellent ingredient to include. And the nutty flavor is delicious!

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Savory bacon will encourage everyone to take a big heaping of healthy greens at your holiday feast.

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Simple seasonings make this carrot recipe absolutely delicious. Plus, the bright vegetables will be a stunning addition to your Thanksgiving tablescape.

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Want to get a little fancier? This creamy dish would make a great vegetarian entrée, but it's also a delicious side.

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This healthy Thanksgiving side dish is simple and classic, but the best part of this recipe has to be the 20-minute prep time. It doesn't get easier than that!

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Celery root lends unique flavor and freshness, as well as a touch more nutrition to this variation on a classic potato gratin.

Quick tip: A mandoline slices potatoes uniformly and paper-thin.

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Simplify your holiday appetizers this year with a savory tart. Store-bought puff pastry makes it so simple to put together.

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Complemented by fresh tarragon and crisp butter lettuce, there's no doubt that these roasted carrots will be a real crowd-pleaser.

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This Thanksgiving recipe is inspired by the cooking style of New York City chef Tom Valenti. "Sautéed kale is always on my family's Thanksgiving table," he says. "It reminds me of my Italian grandfather, who served the green straight from his garden." To save time, wash, dry, and trim the kale the day before. Store in crisper. Cook only the kale and omit the onions and garlic. Finish the dish by adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.

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The tart taste and firm texture of Granny Smith apples make this a robust, flavorful pie that isn't overly sweet.

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Your grandma's recipe has nothing on this sweet potato pie. The spiced cream topping makes it irresistible.

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