16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

Table of Contents
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 Paleo Cornbread Stuffing (paleo, gluten-free) From Cook Eat Paleo 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Running to the Kitchen Healthy Vegan Green Bean Casserole (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Food Faith Fitness Whole 30 Mashed Potatoes (gluten-free) From Perchance to Cook Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Andie Mitchell Easy Paleo Gravy (paleo, gluten-free) From Cook Eat Paleo Healthy Paleo Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Life Made Sweeter Holiday Kale Salad (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Eating Bird Food Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Julia’s Album Paleo Almond Flour Biscuits (paleo, gluten-free, vegan-friendly) From Wholesome Yum 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Applesauce (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Cook Eat Paleo Grain-Free Pumpkin Pie (paleo, gluten-free) From Paleo Hacks Clean Eating Pecan Pie (paleo-friendly, gluten-free) From Feel Great in 8 Paleo Apple Pie (paleo, gluten-free, vegan-friendly) From Bakerita Crock Pot Fall Cider (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Almost Super Mom Are you onPinterest? If so,pin this postto save it for later! Come follow ourClean Eating RecipesPinterest board for hundreds more recipes! FAQs References

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!

Are you onPinterest? If so,pin this postto save it for later!

Come follow ourClean Eating RecipesPinterest board for hundreds more recipes!

clean eatingfallgluten freeholidayspaleorefined sugar freeThanksgivingvegan

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I make for Thanksgiving dinner instead of turkey? ›

Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Are Better Than Turkey
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. Credit... ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St. Jacques.
Nov 10, 2022

What are 4 commonly consumed foods at Thanksgiving other than turkey? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

What can I make 3 day before Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed Potatoes
  1. Classic Make-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese.
  2. Easy Cauliflower Casserole.
  3. Double-Crust Pie Pastry.
  4. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Homemade Cranberry Sauce.
  6. Lacey's Cornbread Dressing.
  7. 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes To Make The Holiday Just A Bit Easier.
  8. Can You Leave A Turkey Out To Thaw Overnight?

What do vegans eat on Thanksgiving instead of turkey? ›

Vegan Turkey Substitutes
  • Burmese Tofu (aka Chickpea Flour Tofu) ...
  • Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Turmeric-Tahini Sauce & Pistachios. ...
  • Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie With Parsnip & Potato Mash. ...
  • Vegetarian Mapo Tofu. ...
  • Sweet Potato & Chickpea Cakes. ...
  • Vegan Lasagna With Roasted Vegetables. ...
  • Zucchini Verde Enchiladas. ...
  • Nutty Veggie Burgers.

What meat is a popular alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

Sometimes, roasting a whole turkey is just too much—too much time, effort, and maybe even too much food. For smaller crowds, swap the turkey with chicken, Cornish game hens, or stuff and roast individual quails for each guest, which is very elegant for a plated meal.

What are the 10 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Here are our favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes that are delicious and easy to make.
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: Up to 4 people. ...
  • Stuffing. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Baked Corn. ...
  • Mac and cheese. ...
  • Peas & Water Chestnuts. ...
  • Fresh Rolls.
Oct 28, 2021

What is a good protein for Thanksgiving that isn't turkey? ›

16 Thanksgiving Proteins That Aren't Turkey
  • Garlic Roast Beef. ...
  • Maple Walnut Crusted Salmon. ...
  • Stuffed Butternut Squash With Tempeh. ...
  • Beef Wellington With Roast Pumpkin, Parsnip and Mushrooms. ...
  • Cranberry Apple Stuffed Cornish Hens. ...
  • Creamy Mushroom Pork Tenderloin. ...
  • Herb Crusted Lamb Chops. ...
  • Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf.
Nov 21, 2023

What side dishes can be made ahead of time for Thanksgiving? ›

50+ Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Can Make Ahead of Time
  • Stuffing.
  • Potatoes.
  • Cranberry Sauce and Gravy.
  • Vegetable Sides.
  • Casseroles.
  • Rolls, Biscuits, and Bread.

What to cook first on Thanksgiving? ›

Since it's the main event, the turkey should be the first dish you start cooking in the morning. "The resting process is an absolutely imperative part of the cooking process," Holzman said. Many people overcook their turkeys in the oven and overlook letting them rest, rendering the final product dry and rubbery.

What is the number one Thanksgiving side dish? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

How many side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

What is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

What can I buy instead of a whole turkey? ›

Here are our best budget alternatives so you can still enjoy Thanksgiving, without the hefty price tag!
  • Swap your turkey for a rotisserie chicken. ...
  • The free turkey program. ...
  • Get fancy with Cornish game hens. ...
  • Opt for turkey cuts. ...
  • Butterball roast. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Whole roasted cauliflower.
Oct 11, 2023

What types of food were served at the first Thanksgiving besides turkey? ›

So while our Thanksgiving dinner table has a big ol' turkey plated in the center, the first Thanksgiving table was likely filled with ducks, geese, eels, lobster, and venison. Maybe there was a turkey, but it was either missing or too dry for anyone to literally write home about it.

What is good to fix for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Main Course:
  • Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey.
  • Ree's Favorite Turkey Brine.
  • Spinach-Artichoke Dip.
  • Festive Goat Cheese Balls.
  • Cornbread Thanksgiving Dressing.
  • Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes.
  • Make-Ahead Gravy.
  • Beautiful Brussels Sprouts.
Nov 1, 2023

How do you simplify Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Tips To Simplify Thanksgiving Entertaining
  1. Pick the menu early. Don't leave menu planning and shopping to the last minute. ...
  2. Brine your bird. Turkey is the centerpiece of the feast, so give it every opportunity to shine. ...
  3. Start prep work a few days before Thanksgiving. ...
  4. Serve batched co*cktails. ...
  5. Create simple centerpieces.
Nov 1, 2023

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