For me, this is the most anticipated meal of the year. Kind of dramatic, but completely true. Growing up, we only had a full spread, full course meal 3 times a year: Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There were different menus for each holiday, and Thanksgiving always beat the others by a landslide.
It’s not so much the abundance of food, it’s the many bright and abundant colors the season has to offer. Christmas meals tended to be a little more heavy and warm like soups and stews and gumbos, while Thanksgiving gave us squash and collard greens and casseroles and really juicy, really herby turkey. It’s also the first big holiday meal of the season that I typically share with many family members who each bring their own dishes to the feast.
Now with my own family, I keep many of the traditions alive, many of the same recipes, but with some upgraded ingredient swaps here and there. Nothing that changes the flavors that I love, just changes to how the food will make us all feel afterwards. What I mean is, you won’t need to take a nap after 😅
Make sure to check out this article on the many ways to sweeten up those beloved sweet potatoes:
So what’s on the Thanksgiving menu?
A hearty and delicious glucose-friendly menu featuring:
Mulled cider
Citrus herb roasted turkey
Savory squash
Baked spinach and artichoke dip
Almond green beans
And Apple crisp!
If you need ideas or have no clue what to make, these recipes are really simple, and really satisfying. The mulled cider and almond green beans are staples on my menu as they’re not something I grew up with but have since introduced with my own family. I typically take the spinach and artichoke dip to my parents’ house as an appetizer.
More Thanksgiving Menu options
Sometimes you want something different. New flavors, but the same warm and cozy feeling you’re used to. I like adding a piece of tender turkey on top of the Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts. And the Mimosa Mocktails can always be spiked with a sparkling wine — enjoy the mimosa after you finish your complete balanced meal so you don’t spike your blood sugar levels. The Baked Apples with Oatmeal are so easy and SO scrumptious, I can’t wait for you to try them.
Recipes in this menu option:
Mimosa Mocktail
Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tarts
Dijon Roasted Turkey Thigh
Braised Fennel with Orange
Sweet Potato Rosemary Gratin
Baked Apples with Oatmeal
Recipes with image
Grocery shopping list
Additional notes & tips
Nutrition facts (macros and calories per serving)
Thanksgiving Menu (Plant-Based)
While I don’t typically eat fully plant-based, I do make sure all of my meals are plant-forward. Meaning, there are greens and veggies and grains in every meal. This menu is full course and completely balanced. The Ratatouille is a recipe I make throughout the year and it’s perfect for sharing. If you’re feeding more than six people, I highly recommend making two pans because going back for seconds is a given. If you’re a beet lover, this dip is earthy, deep, and slightly tangy. It pairs well with tortilla chips, but you can also eat it with sourdough bread.
Recipes in this menu option:
Classic Virgin Caesar
Balsamic Beet Dip, Brown Rice Tortilla Chips
Pot Pie Chickpea Pasta
Roasted Cauliflower, Squash & Apple Salad
Layered Ratatouille
Cranberry Apple Oat Crisp
Plan includes:
Recipes with image
Grocery shopping list
Additional notes & tips
Nutrition facts (macros and calories per serving)
Thanksgiving Menu (Plant-Based) - Option 2
This low GI plant-based menu for Thanksgiving is fun, bright, and actually really easy to make in single servings. So if you’re solo for the holiday or with one other, I’d definitely try this menu for a refreshing array of flavors as well as nutrition. You’ll feel light and well satisfied after this one and it’s designed that way. My favorite here is the Sparkling Pomegranate Limeade, which is actually a beverage I typically make for New Year’s. And if you’ve never had a cooked kale salad… the Charred Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing will make you a believer. And for the Lentil Mushroom Loaf, I will typically make a homemade gravy to go with it, because I come from a family of “pour gravy over the entire plate”. The dessert is light and comes together in 10 minutes, but be sure to chill your coconut cream overnight!
Recipes in this menu option:
Sparkling Pomegranate Limeade
Butternut Squash Hummus
Lentil Mushroom Loaf
Charred Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
Roasted Maple Mustard Carrots & Parsnips
Whipped Coconut Raspberry Fool
Plan includes:
Recipes with image
Grocery shopping list
Additional notes & tips
Nutrition facts (macros and calories per serving)
Thanksgiving Menu Option 2
Enjoy! 💛