Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and FOOD! Why not ditch the traditional Thanksgiving dishes this year and try out some healthy recipes instead? In this article, we will share five perfect recipes for a healthy Thanksgiving. They are all healthy and delicious, and your guests will love them!
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Why You Should Opt For A Healthy Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, most people are starting to think about what they will eat. For many, this means feasting on turkey, stuffing, and pies. However, it is essential to remember that what we eat can significantly impact our health, especially for people who are already struggling with weight issues or other health problems.
That’s why, if you’re looking to make this Thanksgiving healthy, you should consider choosing healthy alternatives to some of your favorite holiday dishes. Plenty of healthy recipes can replicate the flavors of traditional Thanksgiving fare without all the unhealthy fats and calories. And by making these healthier choices, you can help reduce your risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. So, this Thanksgiving, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of good health by choosing healthy options. Your body will thank you for it!
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
It’s no secret that Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in delicious, typically unhealthy foods like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. But when you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet or are simply trying to avoid packing on the pounds this holiday season, it can be tough to choose healthier options over traditional dishes.
Fortunately, plenty of healthy recipes out there are not only delicious but can help you stick to your diet or weight loss goals. So, if you want to enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving this year, here are some of our favorite recipes that fit the bill!
Pilgrim Salad
A pilgrim salad is a dish typically served during the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. The salad is usually served chilled or at room temperature, and it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until it is ready to serve. Making a pilgrim salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without having to cook a traditional turkey dinner.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup diced red pepper
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 3 tablespoons diced red onion
- 3 tablespoons diced red pepper
- 3 tablespoons diced celery
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the greens, red onion, red pepper, celery, and onion. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy vegetable perfect for Thanksgiving. This recipe is simple, but you can easily customize it with your favorite spices or seasonings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp. honey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, stirring once or until tender.
- Whisk together red onion, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle over roasted Brussels sprouts and serve immediately.
Wild Rice And Bulgar Stuffing
Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in rich, flavorful foods like stuffing. However, traditional stuffing recipes are often made using high-fat and high-calorie ingredients like butter, cream, and sausage that can quickly derail your healthy diet.
This wild rice and bulgar stuffing recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional stuffing recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions: 1. Cook the wild rice according to package instructions. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and raisins in olive oil and butter until softened. 3. Add the cooked wild rice and chicken broth to the pan and stir to combine. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. 4. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. 5. Serve warm or cold.
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in delicious traditional foods like sweet potato casserole. While this yummy side dish is a favorite at Thanksgiving dinners, it can also be full of calories, sugar, and fat that can derail your healthy diet.
This healthy version is the perfect option if you’re looking for a lighter alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes, onion, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
- Add black beans and salsa.
- Beat sour cream until light and fluffy.
- Pour over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Healthy Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in traditional turkey recipes. However, these recipes can often be full of saturated fat and calories that can quickly derail your healthy eating goals.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, this recipe for grilled turkey breast is the perfect way to enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving without sacrificing your health.
Ingredients:
- 1 turkey breast
- 1 cup of uncooked white rice
- 1 can of cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup of stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and diced onion.
- Place the turkey breast in the bowl and coat it in the mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, cook the turkey for about 10 minutes per side or until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Serve the turkey hot with any extra toppings you’d like!
Will You Opt For A Healthy Thanksgiving This Year?
In conclusion, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving recipes that you can try this year. Whether you’re looking for a lighter version of your favorite side dish or craving grilled turkey instead of roasted, plenty of options are available. So will you opt for a healthier Thanksgiving this year? The choice is yours!
