16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

These paleo Thanksgiving dishes will allow you to eat healthier versions of the classics and not break tradition!

Thanksgiving is for feasting. I’ve no intentions of taking that tradition away from anyone because I love it too!

My family (like most families I assume) hasalways eaten the same list of classic dishes at Thanksgiving. They’re rich and sugary and full of carbs and DELICIOUS.

But what if Thanksgiving could be just as delicious without giving up any of your favorite dishes, except the food was much healthier? I know it’s possible, and that’s my goal with this post!

I’ve searched hard and put together a collection of 16 classic Thanksgiving dishes that are delicious but also entirely gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and clean eating.

This list of paleo Thanksgiving recipes is for anyone who just wants a healthier Thanksgiving, but it’s also for people (like me) who have food intolerances and sensitive digestive systems. Enjoy!

Turmeric and Honey Roast Turkey
(paleo-friendly, gluten-free)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (1)

From Paleo Hacks

I love that this post shares all the step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the paleo Thanksgiving turkey, along with the recipes for both the turkey and the glaze. Turmeric is a delicious spice that is incredible for your body, as well! If you prefer not to eat dairy, you can try subbing coconut oil for the butter.

Paleo Cornbread Stuffing
(paleo, gluten-free)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2)

From Cook Eat Paleo

Ok, so it’s not actually cornbread stuffing. It’s a similar tasting, paleo version of cornbread, but without the corn. (Because corn isn’t paleo.) But I bet you won’t know the difference, because this dressing looks incredible.

5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (3)

From Running to the Kitchen

This cranberry sauce recipe is super simple, and by making it in the slow cooker you can save valuable stovetop space! It only has 5 ingredients and it’s refined sugar-free.

Healthy Vegan Green Bean Casserole
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (4)

From Food Faith Fitness

Green bean casserole is Ryan’s favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner, and I’d have to say it’s close to the top of my favorites list as well. This recipe is lightened up using creamy coconut and almond milks.

Whole 30 Mashed Potatoes
(gluten-free)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (5)

From Perchance to Cook

White potatoes aren’t technically paleo, but this is somewhat debated so if you’re not a super strict paleo eater, these should be ok for you! With lots of spices and coconut cream, these are bound to be delicious.

Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (6)

From Andie Mitchell

For those of you who don’t eat white potatoes or just love sweet potatoes more (like I do), this recipe is for you. This recipe is easily adapted to be vegan, too!

Easy Paleo Gravy
(paleo, gluten-free)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (7)

From Cook Eat Paleo

This recipe is easy and totally clean eating! FYI, you do need to blend it after cooking.

Healthy Paleo Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (8)

From Life Made Sweeter

My family’s Thanksgiving meal would not be complete without sweet potato casserole (or sweet potato souffle as it’s sometimes called)! This lighter version is free of refined sugar and uses coconut oil instead of butter.

Holiday Kale Salad
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (9)

From Eating Bird Food

With kale, butternut squash, cranberries, and walnuts, I don’t know how any salad could be more perfect for fall!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (10)

From Julia’s Album

Another fall recipe that will convert perfectly as a Thanksgiving side, I’m pretty obsessed with brussels sprouts, so throwing them together with pecans and butternut squash sounds ideal to me!

Paleo Almond Flour Biscuits
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan-friendly)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (11)

From Wholesome Yum

Biscuits (Cracker Barrel anyone?) along with other bread products are probably the thing I miss most being gluten-free and avoiding carbohydrates. But no more! These biscuits have an almond flour base and only 5 simple ingredients.

3-Ingredient Crock Pot Applesauce
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (12)

From Cook Eat Paleo

3 ingredients and no added sugar. Made in a crock pot so you save valuable stovetop space. Absolutely worth trying in my opinion!

Grain-Free Pumpkin Pie
(paleo, gluten-free)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (13)

From Paleo Hacks

The crust is made with dates and walnuts. Ryan is allergic to walnuts, so I usually sub almonds and it’s never failed me yet! You do need a blender or food processor for this one (unless you’re up for doing a bunch of fine chopping yourself). This paleo Thanksgiving pumpkin pie is sweetened with maple syrup and made creamy with coconut milk. Yum!

Clean Eating Pecan Pie
(paleo-friendly, gluten-free)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (14)

From Feel Great in 8

With an almond flour crust and sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, this pie could be made paleo by subbing coconut oil for the butter. Gotta make this one for my dad. But I must say I love it too!

Paleo Apple Pie
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan-friendly)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (15)

From Bakerita

I’ve never attempted a lattice crust before, but maybe this year is my time! Because this pie looks amazing.

An almond and tapioca flour crust, free of refined sugar, and instructions that make the gorgeous and photogenic crust seem doable!

Crock Pot Fall Cider
(paleo, gluten-free, vegan)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (16)

From Almost Super Mom

This apple cider looks amazing, I imagine it smells heavenly, and tastes even better! This would be perfect for the afternoon, a few hours after or before your big Thanksgiving meal.

Which paleo Thanksgiving dishes are you going to try this year? Tell us how it goes!

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16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to do Thanksgiving without cooking? ›

15 Thanksgiving Recipes That Require Absolutely Zero Cooking
  1. 01 of 16. Chopped Brussels Sprout Salad. ...
  2. 02 of 16. The Best Banana Pudding. ...
  3. 03 of 16. Caprese Appetizer. ...
  4. 04 of 16. Grandma's Stuffed Celery. ...
  5. 05 of 16. Spinach Pomegranate Salad. ...
  6. 06 of 16. Cheese Ball. ...
  7. 07 of 16. Pumpkin Fluff Dip. ...
  8. 08 of 16. Maple-Dijon Brussels Leaf Salad.
Nov 22, 2023

How do you scale down Thanksgiving dinner? ›

6 Scaled-Down Thanksgiving Recipes for Smaller Groups
  1. Cranberry Orange Spritzers, Serves 8. ...
  2. Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin, Serves 4. ...
  3. Glazed Sweet Potatoes and Apples, Serves 4. ...
  4. Cornbread Stuffing, Serves 6. ...
  5. Blue Cheese-Walnut Green Beans, Serves 4. ...
  6. Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, Serves 4.

What can I eat instead of Thanksgiving dinner? ›

25 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
  • 01 of 25. Artichoke Hearts Gratin. ...
  • 02 of 25. Roasted Pumpkin Soup. ...
  • 03 of 25. Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Crostini. ...
  • 04 of 25. Apple Pie Shot. ...
  • 05 of 25. Citrus Turkey Brine. ...
  • 06 of 25. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions. ...
  • 07 of 25. Tangy Honey-Glazed Ham. ...
  • 08 of 25.
Oct 3, 2023

What is the least favorite dish for Thanksgiving? ›

"For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 31% of respondents, 82 million American adults, do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner.

What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›

A Thanksgiving meal is not complete until the turkey is on the table. Turkeys are large, so we get it, but they don't have to be intimidating. The one thing you can do to ensure a bird that stays juicy and doesn't dry out in the oven: Brine it! Get the Dry Brine Turkey recipe.

How do I get rid of my Thanksgiving weight? ›

Avoid Thanksgiving Weight Gain with these 8 Healthy Holiday Tips
  1. Workout the day before and after a holiday. ...
  2. Don't take a vacation from healthy eating. ...
  3. Sample. ...
  4. Walk after your big meal. ...
  5. Stay in your typical healthy eating routine the rest of the day. ...
  6. Provide a healthy Thanksgiving side dish.
Nov 14, 2023

How do you not eat a lot on Thanksgiving? ›

Focus on taking smaller portions of each item so your plate doesn't turn into Thanksgiving Mountain. And after you're done eating, give yourself 10 minutes before going back for seconds. This will allow your body to recognize what you have eaten and you can more easily decide if you are really hungry for more.

How do you not eat too much on Thanksgiving? ›

5 Tips on How to Not Overeat During Holiday Dinner
  1. Plan and prepare for the occasion. Some people expect to overeat, so they skip meals beforehand, “saving” their calories. ...
  2. Opt for healthful and nutritious foods. ...
  3. Be more mindful. ...
  4. Adopt healthy habits. ...
  5. Remember why you're celebrating the holiday.
Nov 15, 2022

What should I do for Thanksgiving by myself? ›

Here are some suggestions for how to spend your day.
  1. At-home spa day. For once you have a whole day free. ...
  2. Volunteer. It's a classic for a reason. ...
  3. Do a deep clean. ...
  4. Cook something special. ...
  5. Hang out with some strangers. ...
  6. A movie marathon. ...
  7. A long walk (or run, or hike) ...
  8. Say “yes” to pity invites.
Nov 20, 2023

What are 3 ways that you can save money on Thanksgiving dinner? ›

But there are several things you can do to save money and still create a traditional Thanksgiving dinner everyone will love.
  • Plan a Budget. ...
  • Scale Back the Menu. ...
  • Start Shopping Early. ...
  • Use Coupons & Savings Apps. ...
  • Buy In-Season Produce. ...
  • Don't Go Overboard on Appetizers. ...
  • Keep Beverages Simple. ...
  • Have a Plan for Leftovers.

What to do if not celebrating Thanksgiving? ›

Just because you're not celebrating Thanksgiving doesn't mean you can't enjoy a traditional meal and quality time with your friends and family. Find other things to do. Not everyone enjoys sitting around the table and eating all day. If that's not your thing, suggest going for a walk or playing games together.

How can I enjoy Thanksgiving without gaining weight? ›

Enjoy the holiday feast without the guilt – or the weight gain.
  1. Workout when you can. ...
  2. Eat breakfast. ...
  3. Bring a healthy dish to pass (and eat). ...
  4. Pick and choose your indulgences. ...
  5. Slow it down. ...
  6. Go easy on the adult beverages. ...
  7. Get active. ...
  8. Shift your focus.
Oct 29, 2018

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