Happy Thanksgiving Rockstar!
While the holidays can be a great time to lean on my No Strings Attached philosophy, it’s also really easy to enjoy your favorite flavors of the season while staying right on track with your nutrition.
I am so excited to share these epic recipes with you for your holiday gatherings and beyond – each dish is more scrumptious than the last!
From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got you covered with gluten-free, dairy-free, whole-food-based recipes that could easily become instant favorites of your whole family.
Be sure to leave these bloggers a comment when you stop by – it’s always wonderful to hear feedback from you – and enjoy!
Appetizers
Roasted Red Pepper Pumpkin Hummus
Roasted Red Pepper Pumpkin Hummus from The Betty Rocker
Pumpkin and hummus. Need I say more? This is one of my favorite appetizers for a holiday meal as it is both festive and delicious. It is super versatile so you can enjoy it with crackers, vegetables or even by the spoonful!
Paleo Spiced Nuts
Spiced nuts always remind me of the holiday season and I love this take on them. Rather than being too sweet, they have the perfect amount of spice to balance the flavor. They are great to grab as a snack whether you are entertaining guests or spending quiet time with family and friends. The mix of protein and fiber helps keep you satiated while leaving room for the main event!
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup from blogger Steph Gaudreau
Talk about fall flavor! This soup recipe is so deliciously perfect for a cooler fall day. It’s easy to make, and only uses a few ingredients. Plus, the leftovers freeze really well (if you even have any)!
Vegan Chickpea Cheezy Stuffed Mushrooms
These stuffed mushrooms are the perfect Thanksgiving staple. They have so much flavor and are the perfect amount of “cheesy.” No one will even be able to tell that they are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!
Sweet Potato Spread
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, AND paleo, so it covers all the bases at your Holiday get together. Not to mention it is downright delicious and easy to make! Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite foods because they are packed with nutrients. They are filled with antioxidants which have been shown to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as oral and lung cancers. Who doesn’t need the extra boost this time of year?
Spicy Roasted Almonds
Another nut recipe? Yes! Trust me, you want to make these. I mean, everyone knows that the almonds are the favorites in nut mixes. And this recipe is the perfect burst of spicy and sweet flavors! You may want to double the batch as I can guarantee these are going to go fast.
Sides
Cranberry Orange Sauce
I love this healthy take on a Thanksgiving staple. It is super easy to make with just four ingredients! The cranberries are naturally sweetened using honey (or maple syrup to make it vegan), and the orange gives it a nice, refreshing flavor.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Ok, this recipe is AMAZING. Green Bean Casserole is an essential for Thanksgiving but it is always loaded with tons of dairy, gluten and other ingredients I avoid to feel my best. But not this recipe. It goes above and beyond pretty much any green bean casserole I have ever had. It is THAT good. A “must make” for your Thanksgiving feast!
Whole30 Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are creamy and rich which makes them the ultimate side dish to any entree you choose this Thanksgiving. They are paleo, gluten-free, and vegan, but they honestly taste so much like the real thing that no one will know the difference, only what a good cook you are. 🙂
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Drizzled with Buttery Maple Ghee
In case you need more than the title to convince you, let me assure you these sweet potatoes are unbelievably delicious – your guests will be running for seconds. Not only are they healthy, but they are super simple to make and require only a few ingredients.
Best Paleo Stuffing
This stuffing is hands down my favorite. It tastes exactly like the classic version, which is extra incredible because it contains no bread! This stuffing is grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, and with just a few delicious ingredients – apples, veggies, dates, and almond flour – it is so simple to make.
Paleo Cranberry Stuffing
I love this take on stuffing! Not only does it taste goooooood, but the addition of cranberries make it festive as well. No matter who will be at your table, this recipe is sure to please – it’s grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, AND has vegan/nut-free options!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Bread
I make this bread every year and it never disappoints, which is why it’s one of my all-time favorites! Not only is it on point with flavor, but the ingredients are rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to keep you healthy while lowering your stress levels. Not to mention, your house will smell amazing when this is baking in the oven! Try my tip of adding a little ginger butter for an extra treat. 🙂
Mushroom Gravy Pie With Garlicky Kale Mashed Potatoes
You’ll find all the best parts of Thanksgiving mixed into one this amazing recipe for gravy and mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest. Not only is this dish gorgeous, it is mouth-wateringly tasty, too!
Main Dishes
Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Turkey is definitely delicious all by itself, but when you add in tart cherry flavor, it takes it to a whole other dimension. This recipe is slightly sweet and a bit sticky, which makes it finger-licking good. I guarantee this festive take on a classic staple will be a huge hit!
Damn Good Roast Turkey
The title says it all- this roast turkey is unbelievable! It is made with only a few simple ingredients and roasted to perfection. The turkey comes out tender and flavorful – total crowd pleaser!
Stuffed Turkey Breast
This is a fabulous version of turkey, filled with veggies to pack an extra nutritional punch! Super enjoyable, through and through!
Rosemary Apple Turkey
Apples and rosemary combine to give this turkey a festive flavor. Easy to make, this is definitely a go-to recipe for a delicious holiday meal!
Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
This is a perfect meatless alternative for your Thanksgiving celebration. It is simple to assemble and offers a well-balanced nutritional profile. The quinoa gives you a protein boost, the veggies rock your complex carb requirements, while the nuts and coconut oil provide the healthy fats you need to really thrive. This recipe is a must!
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
This version of Shepherd’s Pie is delightfully comforting and satisfyingly filling. The veggies are packed with so much flavor that everyone at your Thanksgiving dinner will be begging for more. Vegan and gluten-free, this a recipe you will come back to over and over again.
Spinach And Sweet Potato Quiche
This crustless quiche makes an awesome main dish for everyone, especially vegetarians and vegans. The crust itself is made out of chickpeas and nutritional yeast, which makes it both gluten-free and filled with protein. This is easy to make and goes well with all of the staple side dishes of the season.
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa Salad
I’m a big fan of this rendition of stuffed squash – maybe it’s the extra burst of fall flavor from using the butternut variety! Bottom line, this recipe is amazing comfort food without any of the guilt.
The Ultimate Vegetable Lentil Loaf
This hearty and filling lentil loaf makes an incredible main dish for any meal. It is packed full of (you guessed it) veggies and lentils and is topped with a delicious glaze. Also, it’s a very flexible recipe – you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
I just love a healthy take on comfort food! Risotto is one of my favorites, and this recipe definitely nails it. It’s satisfying, delicious, and easy to turn into a vegan dish if you want!
Desserts
Spiced Pumpkin Freezer Fudge
Spiced pumpkin fudge that’s healthy? Yes, please! This recipe creates creamy, nutty, amazing fudge that is jam-packed with fall flavor. The hardest part about these is not eating all the batter.
Pumpkin Pie Tartlets
Pumpkin pie is my favorite holiday dessert so I knew I had to create a healthy version to give me the nostalgia of the flavor but with the healthy, whole foods my body loves, craves, and deserves. This recipe combines pumpkin, blackstrap molasses, cashews, walnuts, and cinnamon to create a nutritious boost to both your metabolism and your cold-fighting defenses, all in the form of a delicious dessert!
Paleo Pumpkin Pie
In my opinion, it’s not Thanksgiving until this classic makes an appearance. This Pumpkin Pie is simply out of this world. It is so creamy and decadent yet healthy enough that you could even have a slice for breakfast. Pie for breakfast…that’s a thing right?
Dark Chocolate Tartlets
I know you are going to love these tartlets just as much as I do! They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and simple to make. The pecans and walnuts give you a boost of healthy fats, antioxidants, and more than 19 vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system strong this season!
No Bake Chocolate Coco Pumpkin Bars
No bake = must make! These ridiculously amazing bars are made with dates, pumpkin, honey, cocoa powder, and a couple other things for a truly spectacular gluten-free treat. The only tricky thing here is deciding how many to share and how many to tuck away for yourself. 🙂
Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie
Another awesome example of nutritious intersecting with delicious! Sweet potatoes are an awesome source of both Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which protect your cells from harmful pollutants and boost your immune system. This yummy pie is gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo-friendly!
Drinks
Vegan Cashew Eggnog
A healthier take on eggnog is a welcome addition to the holiday season! This version is vegan and paleo friendly. Made with cashews, almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup, this eggnog is the best kind of addicting.
Hot Spiced Cider with Rum (optional)
I love making this recipe this time of year as it starts to get cooler out. It makes the whole house smell amazing and is the perfect nightcap to your meal. You can easily leave the rum out to make a non-alcoholic version every age can enjoy!
Warm Spicy Apple and Carrot Juice
If you have been following me for any length of time, you know I love getting nutrients from green smoothies and juices, so when I came across this recipe I couldn’t help but get excited! This warm drink is sweet, spicy, and chock full of Betty Rocker-approved ingredients.
Strawberry Basil Shooters
I make this mocktail recipe at every dinner party I host. The shooters taste great, are loaded with healthy nutrients, and are even beautiful to look at! The strawberries bring taste and fiber while the basil aids in digestion (extra helpful after a large meal). On top of all that, the coconut water will keep you hydrated. Cheers!
Coconut Pumpkin Spice Latte
Growing up, coffee was always offered at the end of a meal, so for tradition’s sake, I’ve included this healthy rendition of a Pumpkin Spice Latte that will knock your socks off. You’re going to love this one!
Hangover Helper
Morning, noon, or night, this drink helps support your liver and kidneys in the detoxification process while also dispelling any gas to remove bloat and discomfort. After an indulgent meal, this can be a handy recipe to whip up!
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! Leave me a comment below and let me know which recipes you’ll be trying – I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!
Looking to balance your nutrition with more healthy recipes?
Try any of my done-for-you Meal Plans! Each unique set of recipes offers vegetarian options, and is gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-approved and family-friendly, and comes with done for you menus, grocery lists and more!
