We get it: “Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes” can sound like code for bland, boring, and totally unsatisfying.
But here’s what we believe at West Holistic Medicine: Nourishing your body and enjoying delicious food aren’t mutually exclusive. Here’s 15 Thanksgiving recipes for just that!
1. Herb Butter Maple Roasted Turkey
Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you satisfied longer. The herbs provide anti-inflammatory benefits, while a touch of maple syrup adds just enough sweetness without overdoing it. Blood sugar tip: The protein-fat combo from turkey and butter will help buffer any carbs on your plate!
2. Browned Butter Green Beans with Hazelnut Dukkah
Green beans are packed with fiber to slow glucose absorption, while healthy fats from the browned butter and hazelnuts keep you full and steady. Dukkah adds anti-inflammatory spices without any sugar. Blood sugar tip: Eat this first on your plate to create a fiber buffer before the starches!
Recipe written by Jamie Vespa MS, RD. Grab it here!
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes and are rich in fiber and vitamin A. This paleo version skips the marshmallows and refined sugar! Blood sugar tip: Keep portions moderate (½ cup) and pair with protein and healthy fats to minimize spikes.
4. Clean Ingredient Brownie Trifle
Made with whole food ingredients and naturally sweetened, this dessert delivers chocolate satisfaction without refined sugar crashes. Blood sugar tip: Enjoy after a full meal when your digestion is already working and pair with a handful of nuts or dollop of Greek yogurt to slow sugar absorption.
Recipe by Downshiftology. Grab it here!
5. Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
While dates are naturally sweet, the fiber in them combined with the protein and fat from bacon creates a balanced bite. The savory-sweet combo satisfies cravings without overdoing it. Blood sugar tip: Limit to 2-3 pieces and have them alongside other protein-rich appetizers.
Recipe by What Molly Made. Grab the recipe here!
6. Anti-Inflammatory Harvest Casserole
Loaded with colorful vegetables and anti-inflammatory ingredients, this casserole is nutrient-dense and fiber-rich. It’s naturally lower in carbs compared to traditional casseroles. Blood sugar tip: This can be your carb for the meal – it’s already balanced with veggies and healthy ingredients!
Recipe by Paleo Running Momma. Get the recipe here!
7. Cranberry, Orange, and Ginger Mocktail
Skip the blood sugar rollercoaster of sugary cocktails! This refreshing mocktail uses real fruit and anti-inflammatory ginger. Blood sugar tip: Enjoy with your meal rather than on an empty stomach, and sip slowly to avoid consuming too much natural sugar at once.
Recipe by Slow the Cook Down. Grab it here!
8. Apple Pie Bars
These grain-free bars use almond flour for protein and healthy fats, plus real apples for fiber. No refined sugar means steadier energy! Blood sugar tip: Have a small piece after dinner when your metabolism is primed, not as a standalone snack.
Recipe by Paleo Running Momma. Grab it here!
9. Grain-Free, Gluten-Free Stuffing
Traditional stuffing is a blood sugar bomb. This grain-free version uses nutrient-dense ingredients that won’t spike your glucose. Great for those with gluten sensitivities too! Blood sugar tip: Still contains carbs, so stick to a ½-1 cup serving and load up on turkey and veggies first.
Recipe by 40 Aprons. Grab it here!
10. Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought!)
Store-bought cranberry sauce is packed with added sugars. Homemade lets you control the sweetness while keeping the tart, antioxidant-rich cranberries as the star. Blood sugar tip: Use sparingly as a condiment (1-2 tablespoons) rather than a side dish.
Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen. Grab it here!
11. Maple Roasted Carrots in Tahini Sauce with Pomegranate and Pistachios
Carrots provide fiber and beta-carotene, while tahini adds healthy fats and protein. The pistachios provide extra protein and a satisfying crunch. Blood sugar tip: The fat from tahini and nuts helps slow the natural sugars in carrots and maple – but keep the maple drizzle light.
Recipe by Closet Cooking. Grab the recipe here!
12. Balsamic Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables loaded with fiber and detox-supporting compounds. The bacon adds savory satisfaction and healthy fats. Blood sugar tip: This is a blood sugar superstar – eat plenty! The fiber and fat combo makes this dish extremely stabilizing.
13. Harvest Salad with Candied Pecans
Starting your meal with a fiber-rich salad is one of the best blood sugar hacks! Leafy greens, healthy fats from pecans, and a variety of colorful veggies set you up for success. Blood sugar tip: Eat this FIRST before anything else on your plate to create a glucose buffer.
14. Homemade Turkey Gravy
Homemade gravy lets you skip the MSG, artificial flavors, and hidden sugars in store-bought versions. Made from turkey drippings, it’s naturally flavorful. Blood sugar tip: Gravy is mostly fat and flavor – pour it on! It actually helps slow digestion of other foods.
15. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
These no-bake treats use pumpkin for fiber and nutrients, plus they’re grain-free and naturally sweetened. The healthy fats keep them satisfying. Blood sugar tip: Have 1-2 truffles after your meal, and consider pairing with herbal tea to slow down and savor them mindfully.
Recipe by Paleo Running Momma. Grab it here!
Your Healthiest Thanksgiving Yet
There you have it — 15 recipes that prove healthy holiday cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. Whether you’re making one dish or the entire spread, these recipes will help you feel energized, satisfied, and ready to actually enjoy your day.
Remember: Thanksgiving is about gratitude, connection, and celebrating with the people you love. Food is meant to nourish you and bring you joy — not stress you out or leave you feeling terrible afterward.
Need personalized support with nutrition, blood sugar balance, or gut health?
At West Holistic Medicine, we offer integrative primary care, nutrition counseling, acupuncture, and more to help you feel your best — not just on the holidays, but every day.
👉 Ready to start feeling amazing? Learn more or book a visit at westholisticmedicine.com
Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡