18 Clean-Eating Recipes That Taste Decadent Enough For Thanksgiving (2024)

Updated on 11/19/2016 at 8:05 PM

Bacon and Brussels Skewers

Simple bacon and brussels sprout skewers are a Paleo-friendly and naturally gluten-free appetizer that come together in just a few steps. These satisfying skewers help keep portion control in check — each is just over 150 calories and offers more than 10 grams of protein.

Kabocha Squash Hummus

For an alternative to traditional hummus (which, unfortunately, isn't allowed on a Paleo plan), look to seasonal kabocha squash hummus for inspiration. It's high in vitamin A from the squash and brings healthy fats from the tahini and olive oil to your table.

Brussels Sprouts Chips

Looking for a high-fiber and low-calorie salty starter? It's time to whip up a batch of crispy brussels sprouts chips made from the roasted veggie's leaves. In less than 10 minutes, you'll be snacking on a vitamin-rich Paleo recipe you'll want to grab by the handful.

Pumpkin Bisque

It's possible to warm up with a creamy bowl of hot soup that doesn't lay on the cream or calories too heavily. This light Paleo-approved pumpkin-coconut bisque will curb your dairy cravings.

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Loaded with fiber and vitamins, this immunity-boosting cauliflower soup also supports healthy digestion — a win-win combination for your big Thanksgiving meal. It's also a great dish to serve to a group with a mix of dietary preferences, since it's gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and Paleo friendly.

Carrot and Cabbage Detox Salad

Colorful detox rainbow salad will add some brightness and flavor to your Thanksgiving table. The water content in romaine works to hydrate your body, while the high fiber content in the red cabbage and carrots aids in healthy digestion.

Spicy Sweet Potato Salad

Food journalist Mark Bittman's spicy sweet potato salad can serve as a special side. High-fiber sweet potatoes can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while a spicy, antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Squash is the vegetable of the season, and this roasted butternut squash is a tasty Paleo preparation that's spiced with garlic and rosemary. Everyone will love this special dish.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Lighten up your standard mashed potatoes with this Paleo-friendly twist on tradition: creamy mashed cauliflower. Since the cauliflower has a much quicker cook time than potatoes, this whole recipe comes together in 20 minutes. Even with all the loaded baked potato toppings, each heaping helping of this tasty side clocks in at under 110 calories.

Cumin-Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Instead of going for a seriously sweet sweet potato side, try this savory recipe that's perfect for Paleo and vegan eaters — and it's only 157 calories per serving.

Sausage, Apple, and Squash Stuffing

Meet your new favorite gluten-free and Paleo stuffing. Sweet butternut squash stands in for cubed bread, while high-quality sausage and an assortment of other traditional ingredients like apples, celery, and onion round out the recipe.

Simple Roast Turkey Breast

If you're doing a big bird for a crowd, it's easy to keep it Paleo, but if you're working with a smaller group, this simple roast turkey breast is a great recipe to bring your table.

Beef and Vegetable Stew

Tons of root veggies and fresh, fragrant herbs make this beef and vegetable stew a fiber- and protein-rich meal that steps away from the traditional turkey.

3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce

Skip the canned stuff loaded with sugar and preservatives, and cook up your own three-ingredient Paleo cranberry sauce at home.

Pecan Pie Bars

Who says pecan pie is just for Thanksgiving? With all-natural ingredients and no added sugar, this reinvented Paleo pecan pie recipe is a tasty treat all year round. This dessert's gooey filling, moist texture, and crumbly crust will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's hard to believe, but these chocolate chip cookies are Paleo and vegan! It's tough for these two dietary needs to meet in the middle for a decadent dessert, but these rich-tasting cookies make it happen.

Apple Pecan Bars

While these sticky, nutty, and decadent apple pecan bars are certainly an indulgence, their natural sugar comes from raw honey and dates rather than refined sources of the sweet stuff — a much better option for healthy folks who are trying to keep their diets as clean as possible.

Paleo Pumpkin Bread

For a pumpkin-flavored dessert that keeps things clean, bake up a batch of this Paleo pumpkin bread. This holiday treat would be a great breakfast the following morning.