Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a delicious feast, but for those following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, traditional holiday dishes can be challenging to navigate. Luckily, AIP Thanksgiving recipes offer a variety of flavorful, nutrient-dense alternatives that honor both your health needs and the spirit of the season.
From tender, herb-infused turkey to vibrant vegetable sides and naturally sweetened desserts, these recipes are crafted to avoid common inflammatory ingredients while delivering comforting, festive flavors.
Whether you’re new to AIP or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, this collection of AIP Thanksgiving recipes will help you create a memorable and healing holiday meal everyone will love.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best AIP-friendly dishes that capture the essence of Thanksgiving without compromising your dietary goals. Ready to impress your guests with wholesome, savory, and sweet options?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
AIP Thanksgiving recipes are designed to be free from grains, dairy, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs, and nightshades — all common triggers for autoimmune symptoms. Despite these restrictions, these dishes remain incredibly satisfying and rich in flavor.
By focusing on whole, nutrient-packed ingredients like fresh herbs, root vegetables, and quality proteins, AIP recipes promote gut healing and reduce inflammation. These recipes also embrace seasonal produce and classic holiday spices, ensuring you don’t miss out on the comforting tastes of Thanksgiving.
Plus, many of these recipes are simple to prepare and adaptable, making your holiday cooking stress-free and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- Whole Turkey or Turkey Breast (organic, free-range preferred)
- Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley
- Garlic and onion powder (AIP compliant)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (omit pepper if sensitive)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- Carrots, parsnips, and turnips (root vegetables for roasting)
- Butternut squash (cubed)
- Coconut milk (full fat, canned)
- Fresh cranberries
- Maple syrup (pure, for natural sweetness)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cauliflower (for mash)
- Bone broth (chicken or turkey, homemade if possible)
- Gelatin (for AIP-friendly cranberry jelly)
- Fresh ginger
- Seaweed flakes (optional, for mineral boost)
Equipment
- Roasting pan (for turkey and vegetables)
- Large mixing bowls
- Blender or food processor (for purees and mashes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Medium saucepan (for sauces and cranberry jelly)
- Baking sheet (for roasting root vegetables)
- Whisk (for mixing sauces)
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey all over with olive oil and season generously with sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with drippings for extra moisture.
- Prepare roasted root vegetables: While the turkey roasts, toss cubed sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, and butternut squash with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh herbs. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 30-40 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Make cauliflower mash: Steam cauliflower florets until very tender. Blend in a food processor with a little coconut milk, sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare AIP cranberry jelly: In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, maple syrup, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and grated fresh ginger. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and soften, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in dissolved gelatin, and pour into a mold. Refrigerate until set.
- Make bone broth gravy: Collect turkey drippings and mix with warm bone broth in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat to combine. Thicken slightly by simmering gently, then season with sea salt and a pinch of fresh herb flakes.
- Serve: Carve the turkey and arrange on a platter alongside roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, cranberry jelly, and bone broth gravy.
Tips & Variations
For a richer turkey flavor, brine your bird overnight in a saltwater solution using sea salt and herbs.
If you’re sensitive to garlic or onion, try using asafoetida powder in very small amounts as a substitute for savory flavor.
- To add extra nutrients, sprinkle roasted vegetables with seaweed flakes or drizzle with a little avocado oil before serving.
- Try swapping cauliflower mash with mashed celery root or parsnips for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- For a festive twist, add grated fresh turmeric to your roasted veggies or mash.
- For dessert, consider pairing this meal with an AIP-friendly Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan or a creamy coconut milk-based pudding.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 4-6g |
| Sugar | 6-8g (mostly from natural sources) |
| Sodium | 450-600mg |
Serving Suggestions
This AIP Thanksgiving feast pairs beautifully with light, refreshing salads made from seasonal greens and AIP-friendly dressings. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with olive oil and lemon juice or a warm sautéed kale side dish.
For drinks, herbal teas such as ginger or chamomile complement the meal well, and a sparkling water with fresh citrus slices can refresh the palate.
To round out your holiday menu, explore other creative AIP-friendly dishes like Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy or a comforting bowl of All Day Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Comfort Meals.
Conclusion
Celebrating Thanksgiving while following the AIP diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or tradition. With these wholesome and delicious AIP Thanksgiving recipes, you can enjoy a nourishing holiday meal that supports your health and delights your guests.
By focusing on fresh herbs, nutrient-dense vegetables, and carefully chosen fats and proteins, you’ll create dishes that are both healing and festive.
Remember, the key to a successful AIP Thanksgiving is planning ahead, embracing seasonal ingredients, and making substitutions that honor your body’s needs. Whether you’re serving a family gathering or a quiet meal, these recipes offer comfort, joy, and vibrant flavors that truly capture the spirit of the season.
For more innovative and healing recipes to complement your Thanksgiving feast, check out Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals and Vegetarian Brown Gravy Recipe That’s Easy and Delicious. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
📖 Recipe Card: AIP Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey with Sweet Potato Mash
Description: A delicious AIP-friendly roasted turkey paired with creamy sweet potato mash. Perfect for a healthy and allergy-friendly Thanksgiving meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT2H30M
Total Time: PT2H50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10 lbs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Rub turkey with olive oil, salt, rosemary, and thyme.
- Place turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 2 to 2.5 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Mash sweet potatoes with coconut milk, olive oil, salt, and cinnamon.
- Let turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.
- Serve turkey slices with sweet potato mash and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 | Protein: 50g | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 25g
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