It is almost that time of year again for your family to gather around the table and give thanks. Whether you are the chef in the kitchen or always bring a dish to pass, you should check out these 20 healthy Thanksgiving meal ideas. From starters and side dishes to desserts and drinks, you can put a nutritious twist on all of your favorites. Not only are these options healthy, but they are delicious!
Gingery Sweet Potato Soup
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite. Some families use them in place of traditional mashed potatoes or enjoy a slice of sweet potato pie instead of pumpkin. However, you can feast on creamy garlic mashed potatoes, indulge in pumpkin pie and still eat sweet potatoes thanks to a delicious gingery sweet potato soup.Try serving it before the turkey as an excellent appetizer to the main course. After all, sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which is essential for good vision. You only need one cup of ginger broth for mixing, and you can utilize the rest as a cooking liquid for grains including quinoa.
Mixed Green Salad with Fig-Yogurt Dressing
For this Thanksgiving starter, the salad itself is just as yummy as the dressing. Toss together a healthy variety of lettuces including arugula and watercress to make a mixed green salad. Use low-fat yogurt combined with figs, which are rich in vitamin K, for a nutritious yet delicious salad dressing.
Chunky Cranberry Chutney
Although it is easy to buy a can jellied cranberry sauce on plop it on the table, with a small amount of effort, you can make a much healthier and tastier version. Your family will love a fresh-tasting blend of chunky fruits. You can simmer the cranberries and add orange bits, too.
Calabrese Mustard Greens
From the leaves of the mustard plant, mustard greens tickle your taste buds with a soulful, spunky flavor with a peppery taste. Although they are usually in season from December through April, you can cook this but tasty side dish for Thanksgiving. Mix in calabrese, a variety of broccoli, and add a splash of red wine vinegar to take it from a typical bowl of garlicky greens to everyone’s new favorite.
Roasted Cauliflower with Green Olives and Pine Nuts
Did you know that when you roast cauliflower, it caramelizes the florets into a super-sweet flavor? Counter that with some salty olives and toss in crunchy pine nuts for a to-die-for taste. If you are feeling brave, cut up some roasted chicken or steamed fish to add to the mixture.
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter and Sage
Have you ever considered cooking Brussels sprouts as a Thanksgiving side dish? The healthy veggie might not be your favorite, but roasted Brussels sprouts drenched in brown butter and topped with sage are delicious. Another variety is maple roasted Brussels sprouts. Simply add pancetta and maple transfer a boring green into a tasty treat.
Vegan Creamed Corn
Even though corn is not the healthiest of vegetables, it is still a staple side dish for a Thanksgiving feast. Whether you like to mix the sweet yellow stuff with your mashed potatoes or eat it alone, you should try out a much healthier version. A vegan creamed corn uses coconut milk instead of heavy cream to create the texture; it won’t taste tropical thanks to the traditional spices.
