Clean Eating Thanksgiving Recipes for a Healthy Holiday Meal

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and most importantly, delicious food. But with all the indulgent dishes, it can be easy to stray from healthy eating habits.

That’s why clean eating Thanksgiving recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy the holiday without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. These recipes focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients that nourish your body while still capturing the festive spirit.

Whether you’re hosting or attending, these dishes will impress your guests and keep everyone feeling their best.

From vibrant vegetable sides to wholesome mains and guilt-free desserts, clean eating Thanksgiving recipes offer a balanced approach that celebrates seasonal flavors and wholesome ingredients. Embrace the joy of a healthier holiday feast where every bite is satisfying and nourishing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Clean eating Thanksgiving recipes are designed to make your holiday meal both delicious and nutritious. They rely on fresh, whole foods, avoiding heavy creams, refined sugars, and overly processed ingredients.

You’ll find these recipes are:

• Rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries.
• Lower in unhealthy fats and refined sugars, promoting better digestion and sustained energy.
• Full of natural flavors and textures, so you won’t miss the traditional heaviness of holiday fare.
• Easy to prepare, with straightforward steps that don’t require hours in the kitchen.
• Suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

If you want to enjoy Thanksgiving without the post-feast slump, these recipes will definitely become your new favorites!

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large roasting pan with rack
• Large pot for boiling vegetables
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Blender or food processor (optional, for cranberry sauce)
• Oven mitts
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving platters and bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the turkey breast: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
2. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat evenly. Place the turkey breast on the rack in your roasting pan.
3. Roast the turkey: Put the pan in the oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey every 20 minutes with pan juices to keep it moist.
4. Boil sweet potatoes and carrots: While the turkey roasts, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the chopped sweet potatoes and carrots and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Drain and mash: Drain the cooked vegetables and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add almond milk, coconut oil, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or fork to mash until creamy but still slightly chunky.
6. Prepare Brussels sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, sliced garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
7. Roast Brussels sprouts: Roast in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the cooked sprouts and toss gently before serving.
8. Make cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
9. Rest the turkey: Once cooked, remove turkey from the oven and tent with foil. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve: Arrange sliced turkey, sweet potato mash, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce on your serving dishes. Enjoy your clean eating Thanksgiving feast!

Tips & Variations

“When roasting the turkey, use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying it out.”

• For a vegetarian alternative, try a stuffed acorn squash with quinoa, cranberries, and walnuts — a hearty and festive side.
• Swap coconut oil for grass-fed butter if you prefer a richer taste in your mash.
• Add fresh sage or oregano to the herb rub for a different aromatic profile.
• Make the cranberry sauce a day ahead to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Try roasting the Brussels sprouts with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This clean eating Thanksgiving menu pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a light soup starter like a butternut squash soup to keep the meal balanced.

For dessert, consider a fresh fruit salad with a drizzle of honey and chopped nuts, or explore healthy vegan dessert options such as the Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.

To round out the meal, try incorporating other wholesome dishes from our collection like the Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy or the vibrant Best Vegetable Curry Recipe for Rice That Tastes Amazing.

Conclusion

Embracing clean eating this Thanksgiving allows you to enjoy all the flavors of the season without feeling weighed down or guilty. Using fresh, whole ingredients transforms traditional dishes into nourishing meals that celebrate both taste and health.

These recipes are simple yet elegant, making them perfect for any holiday table.

With a focus on nutrient-dense foods like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and lean turkey, your feast becomes a celebration of wellness as well as togetherness. Plus, the versatility and ease of these dishes mean you can spend more time enjoying your guests and less time stressing in the kitchen.

For more wholesome and delicious recipes, be sure to check out our other favorites like Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals.

Wishing you a joyful and healthy Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and good food!

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