Easy, Healthier Recipe Alternatives to Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes

By Melody Chi on November 20, 2014

Main Dish:

Image via Flickr

Turkey smothered in fat-filled gravy may be the tradition, but that doesn’t mean it should be the only option.

The following two main dishes provide creative, flavorful alternatives so you can have your Thanksgiving masterpiece be impressive yet still healthy.

1) Roasted Turkey with Balsamic Sauce (instead of traditional Roasted Turkey with Drippings Gravy)

Image via Flickr

This lighter main dish is the answer for those bold enough to take on cooking an entire turkey.

However, this very easy recipe guarantees that even your first attempt won’t turn into a complete kitchen meltdown.

As a bonus, the recipe even uses the de-fatted pan drippings for the Italian vinegar-brown sugar sauce, so you won’t waste any part of your bird AND you’ll have a tasty glaze that makes sure the turkey is moist and delicious.

2. Glazed Turkey Breast with Fruit Stuffing (instead of traditional Roasted Turkey with Drippings Gravy)

Image via Flickr

For those like me who don’t want to attempt roasting an entire bird, this recipe that uses only a whole turkey breast is just right.

But don’t think that makes this dish any less inspiring!

Featuring a straightforward rub, fruit stuffing and glaze, this is one main spread that will dazzle your guests long after it’s all gobbled up.

Side Dishes:

Image via Flickr

Let’s be honest: as much as we just focused on the main dish, side dishes are typically more enjoyable than some plain old turkey anyway. That means people typically try to wow their guests with over-the-top recipes, something that usually comes at the expense of nutrition.

But not anymore! These four creative recipes will allow you to both be healthy and awe your entire party.

3. Mashed Cauliflower (instead of Mashed Potatoes)

Image via Flickr

It might seem like a cruel trick to switch our favorite tubers with cauliflower, but let me assure you, this mashed cauliflower dish isn’t just a second-best substitute!

With the same consistency and color as mashed potatoes, this side will fit perfectly as a staple in your food line-up.

Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make: just boil the cauliflower and then puree it with a few ingredients, and you have an entire healthy side dish.

And yes, if you’re feeling a little bereft from the lack of carb-y calories, you can still load up your cauliflower with garlic, butter, or chives for some extra zesty spice.

4. Sausage and Herb Stuffing (with Vegetables) (instead of traditional Sausage and Herb Stuffing)

This is what you can replace with healthier vegetable stuffing! (Image via Flickr)

As much as I love bread, it gets rather boring if it’s the major ingredient in every side, as it seems many Thanksgiving dishes tend towards. After all, a little variety in your meal is perfect to keep your range of guests entertained and satisfied.

This dish mixes it up by being made of an assortment of vegetables (like cauliflower, squash, and celery) instead of the typical bread or croutons.

This alternative ensures that the stuffing is still filling and hearty, but also healthier and slimmer on the calories.

And turkey or pork sausage is still included for extra flavor, so the meat lovers at your table won’t be complaining any time soon!

5. Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale (instead of French’s Green Bean Casserole)

Image via FoodNetwork.com

One of the worst things that can be said about a Thanksgiving dinner is that it’s bland. Well, worry no more, because this flavorful dish will give your meal just the right amount of kick!

Like the title suggests, this sautéed side contains vitamin-packed veggies such as green beans and kale, but don’t take that to mean it’s icky.

Red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese and lemon juice make this dish stand out in flavor without having to resort to fatty French fried onions and condensed soup like a traditional green bean casserole.

6. Fresh Green Bean Casserole (with Crispy Onion Straws) (instead of French’s Green Bean Casserole)

Image via FoodNetwork,com

Another alternative to traditional green bean casserole is a fresh green bean casserole with homemade, baked onion slices to replace those French fried onions.

This recipe incorporates sour cream, chicken broth and thyme to wow the crowd with savory tastiness.

Breads:

7. Apple Corn Muffins (instead of traditional Dinner Rolls)

Image via Flickr

Like I said before, I think we’ll all agree that bread is a wonderful thing. However, classic dinner rolls can put you into a carb-and-sugar coma faster than you can say “pass the butter.”

These muffins, on the other hand, skimp on the sugar and instead use fresh apples and egg whites to ensure the best flavor and healthiest option.

Desserts:

Whoever said to save the best for last was obviously thinking about dessert at Thanksgiving.

Your meal may be great, but to finish strong, choose one of these two luxurious replacements for boring pumpkin pie or repetitive casseroles.

8. Sweet Potato with Pecan Casserole (instead of traditional Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole with Marshmallows)

Image via FoodNetwork.com

Sweet potatoes are often treated as pumpkin’s less liked little brother, but this dessert will prove that opinion wrong by the first bite.

This casserole is sweetened with naturally delicious sweet potatoes and honey instead of tons of sugar, making it a healthier but equally tasty substitute for most meal-enders.

Brown sugared pecans and a handful of spices perfectly round out the dish with a crunchy zing.

9. Apple Crisp (instead of Pumpkin Pie)

Image via FoodNetwork.com

Not a fan of sweet potato OR pumpkin? Then go for this more classic (but by no means boring!) take on dessert.

Made with tart Granny Smith apples that are balanced out by rich brown sugar and sweet maple syrup, this scrumptious dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds no matter how stuffed they are.

Granted, this dessert isn’t much healthier than pumpkin pie, but everyone has to indulge now and again, right? And let me tell you, you will want to indulge in this yummy treat!

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