19+ Heart Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and indulging in delicious food. However, it can also be a challenge for those trying to maintain a heart-healthy diet. With traditional Thanksgiving dishes often laden with butter, sugar, and salt, it's important to find alternative recipes that are just as delicious but also good for your heart. In this article, we'll provide you with a mouth-watering heart-healthy Thanksgiving recipe that will satisfy your taste buds without compromising your health. Let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Potato, Pepper
Start your Thanksgiving morning off right with these delicious breakfast cups! Made with eggs, bacon, and a crispy hash brown crust, these cups are the perfect way to fuel up before a day of cooking and eating. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and popped in the oven for a quick and easy breakfast.
2of 20
Thanksgiving Breakfast Frittata
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shallot
If breakfast cups aren't your thing, try a frittata instead. This classic egg dish is packed with Thanksgiving flavors like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. It's a hearty and filling breakfast that will keep you going until the big meal. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes for the ultimate breakfast spread.
3of 20
Roast Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Boneless Turkey Breast, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Fresh
If you're not cooking for a big crowd, a whole turkey can be a bit overwhelming. Opt for a turkey breast instead, which is easier to manage and cooks faster. This recipe calls for a flavorful marinade and a quick roast in the oven. It's the perfect size for a small Thanksgiving gathering.
4of 20
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Butter Margarine, Medium Onion, Celery Stalks, Kosher
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without stuffing, and this recipe is a must-try. Made with a mix of bread, herbs, and sausage, this stuffing is full of flavor and will be a hit with your guests. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for a stress-free holiday.
5of 20
Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Sweet Onion, Garlic
A perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, these stuffed mushrooms are filled with a savory mix of sausage, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. They're easy to make and can be served hot or at room temperature. Your guests won't be able to resist these tasty bites!
For a classic Thanksgiving dinner, you can't go wrong with a roasted turkey. This recipe calls for a simple seasoning mix and a homemade gravy to top it off. Make sure to let the turkey rest before carving to ensure tender and juicy meat.
7of 20
No-Grain, All-Veggies Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Parsnip, Small Carrot, Sweet Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil
If you're looking for a healthier option, this no-grain stuffing is the way to go. Made with a variety of veggies, it's packed with nutrients and flavor. Plus, it's gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
8of 20
Grain-Free Alternative to Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Red Pepper, Yellow Onion, Zucchini, Olive
This grain-free stuffing is perfect for those following a paleo or gluten-free diet. Made with cauliflower and almond flour, it's a delicious alternative to traditional bread stuffing. Don't be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!
9of 20
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Cooked Brown Rice, Onion, Garlic, Potato
No one wants to waste Thanksgiving leftovers, and this casserole is the perfect way to use them up. Layered with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, it's a one-dish meal that will have you feeling thankful for days to come.
If you're trying to stick to a clean eating plan, this turkey recipe is for you. It's made with a simple herb rub and baked in the oven for a healthier alternative to traditional roasted turkey. Serve with your favorite clean side dishes for a guilt-free Thanksgiving meal.
11of 20
Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Garlic Powder, Caraway Seeds, Onion Powder
Another option for those following a paleo diet, this stuffing is made with a mix of nuts, apples, and herbs. It's a flavorful and nutrient-dense side dish that will satisfy even the non-paleo eaters at your Thanksgiving table.
12of 20
Leftover Turkey Soup - Easy Day After Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Diced Onion, Carrot, Diced Celery, Garlic
After a day of indulging, a warm bowl of soup is just what you need. This recipe uses leftover turkey, veggies, and rice to create a hearty and comforting soup. It's the perfect way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers and warm your soul at the same time.
13of 20
Low Carb Paleo Cauliflower Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Olive Oil, Poultry
Another low-carb stuffing option, this one uses cauliflower as the base instead of bread. It's packed with veggies and topped with bacon for a delicious and healthy side dish. Plus, it's gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting the cheese.
14of 20
Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce, and this homemade version is a must-try. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and honey, it's a sweet and tangy addition to your holiday spread. Plus, it's so easy to make, you'll never go back to the canned stuff.
15of 20
Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
Thanksgiving is all about the sides, and this list wouldn't be complete without mentioning a few more delicious options. From green bean casserole to sweet potato casserole, there are so many classic and tasty sides to choose from. Don't be afraid to mix it up and try something new this year!
16of 20
Keto Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Fresh Cranberries, Water, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice
For those following a keto diet, this cranberry sauce is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Made with Swerve sweetener instead of sugar, it's a low-carb and delicious option that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it's so easy to make, you might even want to have it on hand year-round.
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for Thanksgiving, and this recipe is sure to please. Made with cream cheese for added richness, these mashed potatoes are smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. Don't be surprised if your guests ask for seconds (or thirds).
18of 20
Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
If you're a traditionalist when it comes to Thanksgiving, then this stuffing recipe is for you. Made with white bread, onions, celery, and herbs, it's a classic and delicious side dish that will transport you straight to Grandma's house. Just be sure to save room for seconds (and leftovers).
19of 20
Savory Pumpkin Hummus | Vegan & Gluten Free...
Main Ingredients: Garbanzo Beans, Lemon Juice, Tahini Paste, Olive Oil
Looking for a unique and healthy appetizer for your Thanksgiving gathering? This savory pumpkin hummus is the perfect option. Made with chickpeas, pumpkin, and fall spices, it's a delicious and festive dip that will pair perfectly with veggies and crackers.
20of 20
OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
And for those with a sweet tooth, these adorable OREO cookie balls are the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. Shaped like turkeys and dipped in chocolate, they're a fun and tasty treat for kids and adults alike. Plus, they're easy to make and can be customized with different decorations for a fun and festive touch.
The Main Dish: Roasted Turkey with Herbed Quinoa Stuffing
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey, approximately 12-14 pounds
1 cup quinoa
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add in the quinoa, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add in the celery and carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Stir in the cooked quinoa, herbs, and dried cranberries. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
Stuff the turkey with the quinoa mixture, making sure to pack it in tightly.
Roast the turkey in the oven for approximately 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F.
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Why It's Heart-Healthy:
This roasted turkey with herbed quinoa stuffing is a heart-healthy alternative to traditional stuffing made with white bread. Quinoa is a whole grain that is high in fiber and protein, making it a great choice for those watching their cholesterol levels. The addition of fresh herbs not only adds flavor but also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. By using low-sodium chicken broth and limiting added salt, this recipe helps to keep sodium levels in check, which is important for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
So this Thanksgiving, don't sacrifice your heart health for flavor. Try out this delicious heart-healthy Thanksgiving recipe and enjoy a guilt-free holiday feast with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2016__11__2016-11-14-SCMashedPotatoes-3-d7c6359f7b544d1dbbbd641c21eb6023.jpg)
