If I’m being completely honest, I’ve never actually cooked a full Thanksgiving meal. I’m more of a “show up with the dessert” kind of girl. But as someone who cares about what goes into her body, and is always trying new recipes, I had to make this list.
Because here’s the thing: most Thanksgiving recipes we find online aren’t really healthy. Most of the time, they contain way too much refined sugar, heavy dairy, and other questionable ingredients I wouldn’t actually use or even buy.
So instead of scrolling Pinterest for “healthy” recipes that still sneak in canola oil, I rounded up 22 actually clean Thanksgiving recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re hosting or just bringing a dish, that won’t make everyone feel like they need a nap right after eating.
Everyone has a different idea of what “healthy” means. What I might consider healthy might not be healthy for you, and vice versa.
Here’s how I vetted the recipes in this article:
- No vegetable or seed oils (like canola, soybean, or sunflower).
- No refined white sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- No ultra-processed ingredients or shortcuts from a can.
- Used whole food ingredients
Basically, if it’s made with real ingredients your body recognizes, it made the cut.
So grab your golden latte, pin this for later, and get ready to bookmark your new go-to healthy Thanksgiving recipes for a cozy, balanced holiday
If you’re into non-toxing living, just like me, chances are you’re probably slowly swapping a few things around your house, and especially your kitchen. Here are my non-toxic kitchen essentials, from pans, to wood cooking sets, here you’ll find all the healthier alternatives to products we use every day.
DISCLOSURE: When you make a purchase through the links on any of our articles, it helps keep our site running at no additional cost to you. We really appreciate your support!
Healthy Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Will Love
The sides are what make Thanksgiving. I could happily skip the turkey if it means another scoop of roasted veggies or that perfectly crispy potato situation. These healthy Thanksgiving sides are cozy, flavorful, and actually made with ingredients that won’t leave you in a food coma.
Maple-Bourbon Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Once fall hits, I cannot stop using maple syrup in everything, and I have actually been making these brussels sprouts non-stop. They’re sweet, smoky, and crispy in all the right ways. These Brussels sprouts are coated in a maple glaze and tossed with just enough bacon to keep things interesting.
I personally choose to skip the bacon and the bourbon. I replace the bourbon with apple cider vinegar, and it tastes amazing. You’ll love these, even if you’re not the biggest fan of brussels sprouts (I wasn’t either).
👉 Recipe: 30-Minute Stovetop Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Rosemary Parmesan Sweet Potatoes
If you love sweet potatoes, you’ll be obsessed with this recipe. Crispy edges, herby parmesan flavor, and way more wholesome than the brown-sugar-and-marshmallow version. Perfect if you want that comfort-food vibe without the sugar bomb.
I have actually tried this recipe and loved it. Simple, easy, and delicious.
👉 Recipe: Rosemary Parmesan Sweet Potato
Air-Fryer Green Beans
Might be basic recipe, but there’s no Thanksgiving, without a delicious side of green beans. Simple, crunchy, and done in under 10 minutes. These air-fried green beans prove that “healthy” doesn’t have to mean boring. Sprinkle a little sea salt or Everything But The Bagel seasoning on top.
👉 Recipe: Air-Fryer Green Beans
Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf
Basically Thanksgiving in edible form. The sweetness of honeynut squash paired with tangy cranberries and hearty wild rice makes this one feel like a main dish, but it’s technically a side, and it’s perfect for impressing guests.
👉 Recipe: Roasted Honeynut Squash Stuffed with Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf
One Pot Sourdough Wild Mushroom Stuffing
This side is cozy, earthy, and made with sourdough bread and mushrooms for that rich, umami flavor, without the processed ingredients hiding in boxed stuffing mixes. Everything cooks in one pot (we love an easy cleanup moment), and the sourdough gives it that perfect chewy texture.
👉 Recipe: One Pot Sourdough Wild Mushroom Stuffing
Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole
The classic, but make it clean. This lighter casserole skips the processed sugar and instead uses naturally sweet ingredients, plus a crunchy oat and pecan topping that tastes like dessert.
If you must add marshmallows, then you could buy this healthier alternative or make your own marshmallows. Apparently, they are actually easy to do and have many health benefits.
👉 Recipe: Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole Without Marshmallows
Sweet + Spicy Turmeric Roasted Carrots
These carrots bring color and antioxidants to your plate. The combo of honey, turmeric, and a hint of cayenne makes them feel fancy without extra effort.
👉 Recipe: Sweet + Spicy Turmeric Roasted Carrots
Hasselback Potatoes
Forget about the turkey, I could just eat a thousand of these potatoes. The crispy-on-the-outside, tender-inside texture of these potatoes is unreal. Drizzle them with good olive oil and sea salt (I like the flaky kind), and you’ve got a side that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier.
👉 Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Low Sugar Cranberry Sauce
Forget the canned stuff, this cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a hint of honey. It’s naturally sweet, tangy, and adds the perfect bright pop to balance all the savory dishes. Plus, it actually tastes like real fruit, without any “natural or artificial flavors”.
👉 Recipe: Low Sugar Cranberry Sauce
Healthy Thanksgiving Mains
I’ll be real, I’ve never roasted a whole turkey in my life. It just feels like such a main-character energy move that I’m not ready for (yet). But I do appreciate a good main dish that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and doesn’t rely on butter, heavy cream, or mystery ingredients.
Whether you’re hosting or just contributing the “healthy option” to the table, these mains keep all the cozy holiday vibes — minus the bloat and food coma.
Air-Fryer Tandoori Turkey Breast
Think of this as a spicy, flavorful twist on traditional turkey. The tandoori seasoning adds warmth and color, and since it’s air-fried, the skin gets crispy without drowning in oil. Perfect if you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, and not cooking a whole turkey.
👉 Recipe: Air Fryer Tandoori Turkey Breast
Easy Oven-Baked Tri-Tip Roast
If you’re not a turkey person, this one’s your move. This juicy tri-tip roast is seasoned simply but comes out perfectly tender every time. It’s high-protein, impressive-looking, and doesn’t require any fancy chef skills, just your oven and a good meat thermometer. Perfect if you want something hearty.
👉 Recipe: Easy Oven-Baked Tri-Tip Roast
Thanksgiving Turkey Without Brining
If the idea of brining a turkey stresses you out, this one’s for you. It’s juicy, flavorful, and uses clean ingredients like avocado oil, herbs, and citrus instead of butter and salt overload. No overnight soaking required, just good, simple flavor.
👉 Recipe: Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Turkey Meatloaf
Comfort food, but still healthy. This turkey meatloaf is moist (sorry, I had to say it), packed with protein, and the glaze on top gives it that perfect sweet-savory balance. Great option if you’re feeding a smaller group or don’t want to deal with carving.
👉 Recipe: Turkey Loaf
Baked Salmon in Foil with Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme
For anyone who secretly prefers fish over turkey, this baked salmon is delicious and so easy. It’s packed with flavor, cooked in foil for easy cleanup, and full of anti-inflammatory fats. Honestly, it might steal the show. I make this recipe almost every week, and I love it every single time.
👉 Recipe: Baked Salmon in Foil with Garlic, Rosemary, and Thyme
Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast
A classic, done clean. Olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice, that’s all you really need. It’s the kind of simple, no-fail recipe that even non-chefs (hi, me) can pull off without a meltdown.
👉 Recipe: Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast
Mushroom + Lentil Loaf
Plant-based girls, this one’s for you. It’s hearty, savory, and holds together beautifully, no dry or crumbly veggie loaf here. Serve it with a side of cranberry sauce and roasted carrots for the full cozy-holiday moment.
👉 Recipe: Mushroom + Lentil Meatloaf
Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts
I’m a firm believer that dessert is non-negotiable, even on a healthy Thanksgiving menu. The goal isn’t to skip dessert; it’s to make versions that don’t leave you in a sugar crash two hours later. These healthier takes on the classics are cozy, sweet, and made with real ingredients you can actually pronounce.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Blondies
These pumpkin blondies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, like a pumpkin pie and a cookie had a baby. They’re gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and honestly taste even better the next day (if they last that long).
👉 Recipe: Gluten-free Pumpkin Blondies
Spelt-Flour Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is one of those desserts that feels healthy, but this one actually is. Made with spelt flour, olive oil, and maple syrup, it’s sweet but balanced, and the cream cheese frosting? Chef’s kiss. This is the kind of dessert that even your “I don’t like healthy food” uncle will go back for.
👉 Recipe: Healthy Spelt-Flour Carrot Cake
Mini Pecan Pies
These bite-sized pecan pies are rich, nutty, and sweetened with pure maple syrup. They look adorable on a dessert table and taste like the holidays in one bite.
👉 Recipe: Bite-Sized Pecan Pies
Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Buns
Cinnamon buns for breakfast or dessert? Absolutely yes. These are soft, fluffy, and made with Greek yogurt for extra protein and that perfect tangy flavor. They taste bakery-level but are even better.
👉 Recipe: Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Rolls
Healthy Pumpkin Pie
A classic, reimagined. This pumpkin pie uses real pumpkin purée, coconut milk, and pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. It’s dairy-free, refined-sugar-free, and still hits that creamy, spiced perfection we all want in a Thanksgiving dessert.
👉 Recipe: Healthy Pumpkin Pie
Dutch Apple Pie
Buttery crumble, warm cinnamon apples, and a crisp oat topping: basically autumn in a bite. This lighter Dutch apple pie skips the refined sugar but keeps all the comfort. Serve it warm with a scoop of coconut milk ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a clean, cozy masterpiece.
👉 Recipe: Dutch Apple Pie
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that eating healthy isn’t about missing out, it’s about swapping the stuff that doesn’t serve you for things that actually make you feel good. These healthy Thanksgiving recipes are proof that Thanksgiving can be just as cozy, delicious, and satisfying without the bloat or sugar crash.
