16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

Table of Contents
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) From Paleo Hacks Paleo Cornbread Stuffing (paleo, gluten-free) From Cook Eat Paleo 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Running to the Kitchen Healthy Vegan Green Bean Casserole (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Food Faith Fitness Whole 30 Mashed Potatoes (gluten-free) From Perchance to Cook Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Andie Mitchell Easy Paleo Gravy (paleo, gluten-free) From Cook Eat Paleo Healthy Paleo Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Life Made Sweeter Holiday Kale Salad (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Eating Bird Food Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Julia’s Album Paleo Almond Flour Biscuits (paleo, gluten-free, vegan-friendly) From Wholesome Yum 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Applesauce (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Cook Eat Paleo Grain-Free Pumpkin Pie (paleo, gluten-free) From Paleo Hacks Clean Eating Pecan Pie (paleo-friendly, gluten-free) From Feel Great in 8 Paleo Apple Pie (paleo, gluten-free, vegan-friendly) From Bakerita Crock Pot Fall Cider (paleo, gluten-free, vegan) From Almost Super Mom Are you onPinterest? If so,pin this postto save it for later! Come follow ourClean Eating RecipesPinterest board for hundreds more recipes! FAQs

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)

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (15)

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!

Are you onPinterest? If so,pin this postto save it for later!

Come follow ourClean Eating RecipesPinterest board for hundreds more recipes!

clean eatingfallgluten freeholidayspaleorefined sugar freeThanksgivingvegan

16 Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I make for Thanksgiving dinner instead of turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

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 Thanksgiving food doesn't have gluten? ›

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 vegetarians eat instead of turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan. Choose one of these plant-based turkey alternatives, or combine more than one in your table, complimenting with veggies, rice, salads, or any other plant-based whole foods ingredients you want.

Why is ham better than turkey? ›

For starters, when comparing the meats, it depends on how each person makes them, but ham tends to be much more flavorful, sweet, and savory than turkey. Turkey tends to be on the more salty and dry side.

What do you say instead of "Happy Thanksgiving"? ›

"May all the good things of life be yours, not only on this day but throughout the coming year." "Wishing you a harvest of blessings, good health and good times." "May you enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving, a joyous holiday season and healthful, Happy New Year."

What is America's favorite Thanksgiving side dish? ›

Mashed potatoes are the front-runner to be on the most plates this Thanksgiving. Turkey no longer reigns supreme. Findings showed that over half of the United States would be content to only have sides on their holiday plates and 67% of Americans prefer side dishes to the main entrée!

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 to cook 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 is a good pre-Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Pasta with Sausage and Arugula

It's easy to justify a pre-Thanksgiving pasta dinner when it feels like a salad, and this recipe does just that. Crumble up bits of spicy Italian sausage and roast them with sliced red onion and fennel: the sausage bits get nice and crispy and help season the vegetables as they cook.

What is surprisingly not gluten-free? ›

Here are some foods likely to contain gluten:
  • Beer, ale and lagers.
  • Bouillon cubes.
  • Brown rice syrup.
  • Candy.
  • Chips.
  • Communion wafers.
  • Couscous.
  • Deli meats.
Aug 7, 2020

Why is turkey not gluten-free? ›

Even if you try to choose the meat from the outside of the bird, the juices flow throughout the turkey and can carry gluten proteins throughout. Unfortunately, this may mean skipping the turkey entirely if it's been cooked with bread stuffing. Ask your host in advance if they plan to cook the stuffing in the turkey.

What potatoes are not gluten-free? ›

While whole potatoes are naturally GF, potatoes that have been processed into potato flakes, French fries, tater tots, and packaged meals, may not always be GF. If the product is not labeled GF, then watch out for wheat, rye, barley, malt, and oat ingredients.

What can replace turkey for a meat? ›

10 Main Course Alternatives to Turkey for Christmas
  • Duck. Another festive bird that offers flavorsome fat is duck. ...
  • Chicken. While chicken might not be the fanciest bird around, it can be a real crowd-pleaser and simple to prepare in a pinch. ...
  • Beef. ...
  • Venison. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Pork. ...
  • Ham.
Dec 16, 2020

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 else is good for 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 types of food were served at the first Thanksgiving besides turkey? ›

So while our Thanksgiving dinner table has a big ol' turkey plated in the center, the first Thanksgiving table was likely filled with ducks, geese, eels, lobster, and venison. Maybe there was a turkey, but it was either missing or too dry for anyone to literally write home about it.

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