23 Thanksgiving Recipes So Good, No One Will Know They’re Actually Healthy

When I tell people I’m vegetarian, the #1 question I’ve always been asked is, “So what do you eat at Thanksgiving?” While a meat-free lifestyle has become more popular since second grade when the other kids called me “veggie girl” (true story), Thanksgiving isn’t traditionally the most plant-based-friendly holiday. Lucky for us health nuts, it’s actually easier than you think to find healthy Thanksgiving recipes, whether you’re vegetarian/vegan or want to add more produce that will make you feel good and help prevent the dreaded post-Thanksgiving food coma.

To prove it, here are 23 Thanksgiving recipes for all your traditional favorites, only they each sneak in some extra fruits or vegetables for more nutritious options. The best part? These recipes are so delicious, your friends at Friendsgiving or that picky uncle who only eats meat and dairy will never be able to tell the difference (because healthy or not, Thanksgiving dinner is meant to be enjoyed). 

Appetizers

1.  Butternut Hummus with Feta & Pomegranates 

Source: Love & Lemons

2.  Sautéed Brussels Sprouts Salad with Mustard Sauce

Source: Cotter Crunch

3.  Kale and White Bean Artichoke Dip

Source: Minimalist Baker

4.  Fall Harvest Salad with Pumpkin Garlic Vinaigrette 

Source: Abra’s Kitchen

5.  Turkey Veggie Tray

Source: Eating Bird Food

6.  Curried Cauliflower, Grape, and Lentil Salad

Source: Minimalist Baker

Main Dishes

7.  Kale and Mushroom Stuffing

Source: Love & Lemons

8.  Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe

Source: Pinch of Yum

9.  Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Source: Minimalist Baker

10.  Vegan and Gluten-Free Gravy

Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

11.  Healthy Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Cashew Cream Sauce

Source: Eating Bird Food

12.  Roasted Delicata Squash

Source: Love and Lemons

13.  Vegan Meatloaf with Chickpeas and Lentils

Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

14.  Kale and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Source: Love & Lemons

Desserts

16.  Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

Source: Minimalist Baker

17.  Feel-Good Apple Muffins

Source: Pinch of Yum

18.  No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars

Source: Eating Bird Food

19.  Cinnamon Baked Pears

Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

20.  Dairy and Gluten-free Carrot Cake

Source: Top with Cinnamon

21.  Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies

Source: Cotter Crunch

22.  Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Scones

Source: Abra’s Kitchen

23.  Paleo Orange Loaf with Dark Chocolate Glaze

Source: Ambitious Kitchen