10 Paleo-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

There are only 8 days till Thanksgiving, and I’m SO excited. Not only am I SO very ready to have a week off, see my family, and take lots of pictures (that’s an understatement), but it means the holiday season is almost here, and I can’t wait! I always feel like a little kid when the holidays arrive, because there’s something so magical about it. Christmas is by far my favorite time of year, and it has been since I was just a few years old. Just ask my parents… I go a little Christmas-Crazy sometimes. Ha!

And as much as I love Christmas, I’m also PUMPED for Thanksgiving. The food, the Macy’s parade, and my favorite part- the Campbell Family Annual Turkey Trot. ;) This is our fifth year to do it, and it’s quickly become one of the things I look forward to the most on Thanksgiving Day. This is our second year to have a “race t-shirt” (yes, we’re THAT official), and it’s so fun to see it grow as more and more friends and families come together to have fun before enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones. And we love going all out for the race. From our very own race bibs, fresh wassail and sausage balls at the finish line, to certificates for age division winners, it’s for sure my favorite race to run.
Family traditions like this are what make the holidays so very special to me!

As for my second favorite part of Thanksgiving Day (aka the FOOD), I’ve got you covered with today’s post. Lately I’ve been trying to eat more of a paleo-friendly diet, and not only do I feel better when doing it, but I’m able to get more vegetables, lean protein and healthy carbs in my diet than ever before. And just because it’s Thanksgiving, that doesn’t mean that we have to drown ourselves in rolls, gravy and #allthepie. While I’ll definitely enjoy the homemade food my mom and family members make, I also want to still make good choices with the foods I eat. Which is why I rounded up some of the most mouth-watering and scrumptious paleo-friendly Thanksgiving recipes out there. Not only will you love what you eat, but you won’t have to compromise flavor for healthier food options. Win, win! 

I can’t wait to dig in to some delicious food next week, and try some of these new recipes. I’ve got my eyes on that gorgeous apple tart and how ’bout them roasted brussels sprouts?! Thanksgiving’s gonna taste AMAZING this year! 

10 Paleo-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

Entree

Perfect Whole30 Turkey Breast and Gravy from 40 Aprons
Can we just take a minute to talk about that gravy? Like seriously, that gravy deserves its own post because it looks so creamy, dreamy and decadent. *cue the heart eyes* And y’all… My mouth is seriously drooling looking at that turkey. 

Sides

Whole30 Green Bean Casserole from 40 Aprons
If you know me, you know that green bean casserole is my all-time favorite Thanksgiving side ever. I could eat a whole pan of that stuff, no regrets. Which is why I’m SO excited about this recipe. I know it will take a little more time than if I made my typical green bean casserole, but I feel like it would be totally worth it for a healthier version of my favorite side. 

Roasted Carrots and Mushrooms with Thyme from Kalyn’s Kitchen
Y’all, Kalyn is right… Cooked carrots just don’t get the respect they deserve, and I’m so bad about not cooking carrots like I could! And I think this recipe is the perfect way to get started. Not only does it look super easy, but also deliciously amazing, amiright??

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples from Wholefully
Hellooooo my new favorite Thanksgiving side! I’ve been a huge fan of brussels with bacon for years now, and I love the addition of apples to give this delicious side a little crunch and extra flavor. And check out those gorgeously roasted brussels- that’s what dreams are made of, y’all. ;) 

Mushroom, Bacon and Cauliflower Casserole from Do You Even Paleo
When I think of the holidays, especially the potlucks that surround this time of year, I think casseroles. And let’s be honest… they’re not always the healthiest things out there. And that’s why I’m so excited about this recipe today! Full of flavor, but light on the fats and calories- sign me up! 

“Candied” Maple Roasted Squash from Paleo Running Mom
I love stuffed acorn squash, and this recipe is calling my name with the sweet flavors and whole foods. It’s also gorgeous, and I know it would be a hit on the Thanksgiving table!

Paleo Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce from Persist Mama
Last year I discovered the deliciousness of homemade cranberry sauce, and I’m never going back! This twist on a classic recipe has me jumping up and down in my seat, because I can’t WAIT to give it a try… It looks amazing, and I know it would be a hit at Thanksgiving this year. 

Paleo Butternut Sausage Stuffing with Apples & Cranberries from Paleo Running Momma
I have to admit it. I love stuffing! But I know it’s not really the best stuff for you, which is where this recipe comes in. It has all the stuffing flavors I love, but is full of veggies, apples and even a little pork sausage, just for fun. ;)

Desserts

Apple Tart from Simply Recipes
I’m a huge fan of pretty food, and this apple tart totally fits the bill! I love how it’s such a fun way to mix up your typical apple pie, and it’s paleo friendly. Also, it looks pretty easy to make, and I’m totally sold on the crust. I can’t wait to give it a try this year, because this tart is DEFINITELY on my “to-make” list!

Paleo Pumpkin Pie from Cook Eat Paleo
Because it ain’t Thanksgiving without some pumpkin pie! Nuff said. 

Now it’s your turn to talk! Answer one of these questions in the comments below:
What recipes are on your Thanksgiving menu?
Have you found a delicious, healthier Thanksgiving recipe you want to share?