16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

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)

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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!

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16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

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 is gluten free at Thanksgiving? ›

Here's a list of foods that are usually gluten-free:
  • Turkey (check with the producer to ensure that wheat-based gravy or stuffing hasn't been added to the turkey.)
  • Cranberries and cranberry sauce.
  • Sweet Potatoes.
  • White Potatoes.
  • Fresh, roasted, or steamed vegetables without sauce (sauces often contain wheat)

What do vegans eat instead of turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

by Gardein

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan.

What is healthier than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Try it out on Thanksgiving by substituting tofu for your turkey. Tofu can be cooked in a variety of flavorful ways and comes with a ton of nutritional benefits including a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, and protein.

What is the healthiest meat for Thanksgiving? ›

Turkey is a lean protein and the calories won't get out of hand if you choose a flavorful baked recipe, like Ina's classic herb-roasted bird.

What are the 10 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Our Top 10 Easy Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes w/ Recipes
  • 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 alternative to traditional Thanksgiving dinner? ›

25 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
  • 01 of 25. Artichoke Hearts Gratin. ...
  • 02 of 25. Roasted Pumpkin Soup. ...
  • 03 of 25. Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Crostini. ...
  • 04 of 25. Apple Pie Shot. ...
  • 05 of 25. Citrus Turkey Brine. ...
  • 06 of 25. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions. ...
  • 07 of 25. Tangy Honey-Glazed Ham. ...
  • 08 of 25.
Oct 3, 2023

What gets cooked 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 do most people eat the night before Thanksgiving? ›

If any night is the most critical, it's the night before, when many Americans will bake pies and prepare reheatable dishes, like casseroles and soups, so that Thursday morning doesn't dissolve into chaos.

What is Mirepoix? ›

The culinary term refers to the combination of diced onion, carrots, and celery, gently cooked in fat. Mirepoix is a foundation for many classic dishes, including sauces, soups, braised meat dishes, and other recipes.

Are graham crackers gluten-free? ›

Most of today's graham crackers are made from refined wheat flour. If you are on a gluten-free diet, this is a problem. However, gluten-free grahams are easy to make at home. And even if you aren't gluten-free, making homemade graham crackers is a fun—and tasty—way to experience classic graham crackers in a new way.

Do sweet potatoes have gluten? ›

Are Sweet Potatoes Gluten-Free? Yes, sweet potatoes are also naturally gluten-free. However, as with regular potatoes, when cooking them, you need to ensure that there are no gluten-containing ingredients.

Which food is most likely to contain hidden gluten? ›

Here are some foods likely to contain gluten:
  • Rice mixes.
  • Rye.
  • Sauces.
  • Seasoned tortilla chips.
  • Self-basting turkey.
  • Soups.
  • Soy sauce.
  • Vegetables in sauce.
Aug 7, 2020

What is the best alternative turkey? ›

Alternatives to Thanksgiving Turkey
  • Goose. Another classic bird for special occasions is the goose. ...
  • Capon. Try roasting a capon, voted most popular poultry by Italian and French families who center their holidays around these tender, richly flavored birds. ...
  • Game Birds. ...
  • Ham. ...
  • Wagyu Beef. ...
  • Porcelet. ...
  • Lamb. ...
  • Venison.

What other meat can you cook for Thanksgiving? ›

Here are some big, impressive, delicious pieces of meat you should definitely make for Thanksgiving, instead of turkey:
  • Roast Duck with Plums. ...
  • Garlic Rosemary Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Cream. ...
  • Roasted Capon with Sage Stuffing. ...
  • Jamie Oliver's Best Roast Leg Of Lamb.
Nov 17, 2016

What is cheaper than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Roast chicken is less expensive, easy to roast, delicious, and has less portions than a large turkey, so it is perfect for a single, couple, or small family celebration. A simple chicken stuffed with mirepoix, lemons, fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, sage) and roasted whole is a great alternative to a large turkey."

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