Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I’ve already been thinking about our menu. However, it seems like my family and I will be spending Thanksgiving with my mother-in-law, who lives in the neighboring province. In that case, then she will likely be in charge of deciding the menu and we’ll help out.
If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead and keep things organized (like I do), you might be looking for some inspiration for your Thanksgiving menu. And you’ve come to the right place! I’ve put together a few gluten-free, healthy and delicious recipe ideas to take some of the planning burden off your shoulders.
Healthy Thanksgiving Cold Salad Recipes
1. The Best Kale Salad
This is the BEST kale salad for brain health recipe that you’ll ever need. It may seem simple, but its taste is anything but ordinary. I could make it daily, and my family and I would never tire of its delicious taste.
You won’t regret adding it to your Thanksgiving menu! This salad is a crisp, nutrient-rich delight that dances with flavor and texture. Its dressing is perfect and the best part is, it keeps well in the fridge. Make it the day before, store it in the fridge, and then present it gloriously on your Thanksgiving table when the day arrives.
2. Pasta Salad
This quick and easy gluten-free pasta salad (that’s perfect for meal planning), paired with roast turkey (or chicken if that’s what you prefer, like me) and kale salad make a heavenly trio match.
This pasta salad is a delightful combination of cooked pasta, crisp veggies and a savory dressing. It’s a refreshing and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a Thanksgiving side. The bonus? It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
3. Healthy Chicken (or Turkey) Caesar Salad
This healthy chicken salad recipe can be made with turkey. It combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, with your choice of tender grilled chicken or leftover turkey, all generously coated in creamy Caesar dressing. Topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, this salad is hard to resist.
To make things easier, you can prepare all the ingredients the day before and assemble them just before serving.
4. Flavourful Chicken (Turkey) Salad
Who said that chicken salad can’t be made with leftover turkey and renamed turkey salad? Certainly not me!
While you could make this salad for your Thanksgiving dinner, an even better option is to make it the next day using leftover turkey. Unless, of course, you used chicken, like I did, and then you get to keep its original name, chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans!
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served on crackers, tortillas, toast, lettuce leaves, cucumber rounds or even in a sandwich or wrap. The possibilities are endless and it’s so yummy, that any resistance is futile!
It bursts with flavor thanks to the tangy lemon dressing that combines the zing of Dijon mustard and lemon juice with the creaminess of mayo.
And bonus, it can be stored in the fridge for a few days without losing its texture or taste (just leave the pecans out and add them right before serving).
5. Delicious Quinoa Salad
This quoinoa salad recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and it’s packed with many veggies. The best part is that you can use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge and it will still turn out amazing.
My husband has declared this as one of the best dishes I’ve ever made, and both my children loved it. In conclusion, this recipe has become a staple in our house and frequently appears in our weekly meal plan, including on the Thanksgiving menu.
If you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can easily replace the chicken or turkey in any of the above recipes with mashed chickpeas, pan-fried extra-firm tofu, tempeh or mushrooms.
Delicious Hot Brunch Recipes
1. Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
The casserole is made with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, eggs and bell pepper. It’s rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber and essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice to start your day.
The recipe calls for ground pork, but you can easily swap it with bits of leftover turkey.
2. Spinach Artichoke Casserole
If you had your fill of meat at the Thanksgiving dinner, then this vegetarian recipe is perfect for your next morning’s brunch.
Packed with tender spinach, savory artichokes, colorful veggies and delicious eggs, the casserole is rich in flavor and wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized for the entire day.
3. Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Picture this: juicy ground pork (swap it with leftover bits of turkey) seasoned to perfection, a flavourful tomato sauce and an irresistible blend of herbs and spices.
But the magic truly happens when you layer on layers of tender zucchini, eggs and ooey-gooey cheese. If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious and downright addictive dish, don’t miss out on this low-carb zucchini pizza casserole – it’s a game-changer for your brunch experience.
So there you have it: a few healthy and delicious side dishes and brunch ideas for your Thanksgiving menu. What are your choices for Thanksgiving? Feel free to share all your delicious ideas below!
Happy Thanksgiving Menu Planning! 📝
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