Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends for quality time spent together expressing thanks and gratitude, and of course, sharing a delicious meal. The Thanksgiving holiday is known for a traditional meal of roasted and stuffed turkey, often accompanied by many rich sides and desserts. It can often seem hard to stick to a healthy eating plan around the holidays, but you can make some nutritious changes to your menu to lighten things up and add healthy additions to your feast. Check out these 3 recipes that can help you stick to your healthy eating plan while adding plenty of nutrients and flavor to your table.
Harvest Kale and Quinoa Salad
This vibrant salad will bring lots of color to your table as it is loaded with seasonal ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes and crisp apples, and has a nice added crunch with pecans, all making this a great side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of kale, chopped
- 1cup cooked quinoa
- 1 small, sweet potato, cubed and roasted
- 1 apple diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until tender and golden. Cool, cube and set aside.
- In a large bowl, massage chopped kale with a little olive oil until softened.
- Add quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, apple, cranberries, and pecans.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together and toss with the salad.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts:
Per serving (approximately): Serving size: 1 cup; Calories: 130; Protein: 2-3g; Carbohydrates: 17g; Fiber: 3g; Fat: 7g; Saturated fat: 1g; Sodium: 50mg
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
This low carb recipe, with its creamy texture and delicious flavor, is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- I large head cauliflower, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives, optional
Instructions
- Steam cauliflower and garlic until soft (about 10-12 minutes)
- Drain and transfer to food processor
- Add oil/butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with chives if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (approximately): Serving Size: ½ cup; Calories: 60; Protein: 1g; Carbohydrates: 4g; Fiber: 1.5g; Fat: 5g; Saturated fat: 0.5g; Sodium: 50mg
Crustless Pumpkin Pie Cups
Nothing marks the Fall season more than the flavor of pumpkin spice, and this recipe is the perfect healthier, gluten free version of a classic.
Ingredients (makes 6 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin or use silicone liners.
- In a bowl, whisk all ingredients until smooth.
- Divide mixture evenly among 6 muffin cups.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the centers are set.
- Cool completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximately): Serving size: 1 muffin cup; Calories: 85; Protein: 2.5g; Carbohydrates: 12g; Fiber: 2g; Fat: 3g; Saturated fat: 0g; Sodium: 60mg
Including healthier recipes at your holiday meal is a great way to accommodate guests who may have some dietary restrictions, and these are perfect additions which are full of flavor and keep your health in mind! Happy Thanksgiving!