15 Nutritious and Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes

Here you will find 15 nutrient and flavor-dense recipes that would be a fantastic addition to any Thanksgiving spread.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? We're going to my dad's house on Thursday and to Chris's parents' house on Friday. My dad gets really excited about cooking a turkey, I think because it's very large and he's proud of himself for having mastered it (although I don't recall a turkey in my childhood memories until the popper was invented. Maybe, just maybe it had something to do with the mastery?) He actually cooks turkeys year round. Does anyone else do this?

I'm not sure yet what we'll be bringing and I'll probably entertain myself over the next couple of days flipping through cookbooks and the web for good ideas.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes in case you are also looking around...

If you don't want to cook a turkey, we love this Whole Chicken in the Slow Cooker. It would go great with all the traditional Thanksgiving fixins!

SIDES

Baked Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes in the Crock Pot come in handy when you don't have the extra oven space. Just put them in in the morning (give plenty of time just in case you have some stubborn ones!) and forget about them.

Fennel Apple Gratin (with a delicious lemony-walnut crumb topping) is a unique and beautiful dish that is quite simple to make. Fennel is a herb that promotes good digestion so it would be a welcome addition to the table

How about Green Beans with Balsamic Syrup & Feta? (Unless you can't do without the classic green bean casserole!)

A small bowl of Fall Vegetable Soup is a great starter and can easily be made vegan.

SALAD

Turmeric Mustard Dressing is a delicious, brightly-colored dressing that goes with just about any salad and reduces inflammation too.

Or try something different this year and set up an Autumn Salad Bar next to your turkey.

DESSERT

This Sweet Potato Pie with Lemon Zest (GF) is one of our favorite desserts ever. It can be made with your favorite crust or try this Pecan Nut-Oat Crust (GF). I highly recommend trying it not only with a dollop of whipped cream but also with a spoonful of this classic cranberry sauce.

These Cocoa Anise Cookies with a Lemon Yogurt Glaze taste amazing! No one will ever know they are whole grain and packed with healthy ingredients. And the anise promotes good digestions so guests will thank you!

Need something fast? This Pear Berry Crumble takes only 5 minutes to prep.

A gelatin dessert might be unconventional, but I have to say this Apple Pie Fruit Juice Gelatin is delightful.

BREAKFAST

Have guests staying over? Whip up some eggs and sausage or bacon and serve them with fresh fruit and a Dutch Baby (Puffed Pancake) or Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Muffins. Dutch Babies are simple to make and so pretty in a rustic way! The batter for Sweet Potato Muffins can be made ready the night before. Pour it into greased muffin tins and refrigerate (or freeze!) then bake in the morning.