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) has always 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
4 comments
All of these ideas look just amazing! Unfortunately, my belly is not big enough to try all of this, but it sure looks delicious!
I completely understand – might take a few days for me to have room for all this food 🙂 But having lots of options at holiday meals is the best!
These recipes all look tasty! But then again, I LOVE food – LOL. I might try a few this Thanksgiving. I’m also sharing this on my FB page – Last Stop Healthy…
Thank you for the share, Deirdre! I feel the same way – also a total food lover over here! Stop back by and let us know how you liked the recipes if you try any. And happy Thanksgiving! 🙂