7 Healthy & Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes For Fall

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate abundance and togetherness, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice nutrition for flavor. With these 7 healthy & cozy Thanksgiving recipes, you can embrace the rich, comforting tastes of fall while making choices that nourish both body and soul. Each dish is designed to be crowd-pleasing, heartwarming, and perfect for a wholesome autumn feast—a true testament to guilt-free indulgence.

Why Make Healthy & Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes?

These recipes prove you can enjoy traditional Thanksgiving flavors—think warm spices, hearty vegetables, and festive favorites—without heavy cream or processed ingredients. They’re ideal when you want to serve dishes that satisfy everyone at the table, including those looking for lighter or more wholesome options. From satisfyingly savory to lusciously sweet, there’s something here to make your feast memorable and nourishing.

7 Healthy & Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes for Fall

1. **Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette**
2. **Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast**
3. **Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”**
4. **Harvest Quinoa Stuffing**
5. **Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Apples**
6. **Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole (No Refined Sugar)**
7. **Pumpkin Chia Pudding Parfaits**

Ingredients List

Below is a master list for everything you’ll need to make all 7 recipes.

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save these recipes to auto-generate a customizable shopping list sorted by store section, streamlining your Thanksgiving prep and cutting down grocery trips.

Instructions

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: Toss squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway. Cool slightly; toss with greens, cranberries, nuts, and a dressing of 1 tbsp maple syrup + 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar + 1 tbsp olive oil.
2. Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast: Mix chopped herbs with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub over turkey breast; roast at 375°F until cooked (30-45 min, internal temp 165°F).
3. Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes”: Steam cauliflower florets until tender (10-12 min). Blend with salt, pepper, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
4. Harvest Quinoa Stuffing: Sauté chopped onion/celery (if desired) in olive oil. Stir in cooked quinoa, pecans/walnuts, dried cranberries, and herbs. Warm through; season to taste.
5. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Apples: Toss Brussels sprouts and apple slices with a tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tbsp maple syrup. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
6. Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole: Boil sweet potato cubes until soft (15 min). Mash with 2 tbsp maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and a sprinkle of salt. Bake in casserole dish at 350°F for 20 min.
7. Pumpkin Chia Pudding Parfaits: Whisk together pumpkin puree, chia seeds, almond milk, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and honey if desired. Chill overnight to thicken. Layer in jars with granola and pomegranate arils for serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these dishes for a full Thanksgiving spread or select a few to complement your family favorites. Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for a festive finish, and offer Greek yogurt or nut butter as cozy, healthy toppings.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each recipe serves 4–6 and is designed to be nutrient-dense—high in fiber, rich in plant-based proteins or lean meats, and lower in sugar. Caloric content varies, but most dishes are around 150–300 calories per serving, making them lighter alternatives to classic Thanksgiving sides and desserts.

7 Healthy & Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes For Fall (Recap)

These cozy, wholesome recipes bring classic holiday flavors to your table with less guilt and more vibrant produce. They invite comfort, warmth, and celebration into your fall feast—perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Weekly Meal Planning

These recipes aren’t just for Thanksgiving Day—they’re great for planning fall meals all week long. Save and schedule these recipes to plan your meals ahead, auto-generate smart shopping lists, and keep your holiday cooking organized.

**Planning Benefits with CookifyAI:**

– Automatically calculates and consolidates ingredient quantities across your chosen recipes
– Sorts shopping lists by grocery aisle, so you don’t miss a thing
– Helps prevent duplicate purchases and food waste
– Simplifies batch-cooking and reheating—let your leftovers become weeknight dinners!

**Pro Tip**: When planning your Thanksgiving menu and regular meals, schedule your recipes together so your shopping list reflects everything you’ll need for the week. You’ll avoid overbuying and ensure your holiday table has a delicious, healthful spread.

Cook and Prep Times

– Prep Time: 40 minutes total
– Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (depending on recipes and overlapping prep)
– Total Time: 2 hours (for all 7 dishes, with multitasking)

With these 7 healthy & cozy Thanksgiving recipes, you’ll create a nourishing, festive table that everyone will remember—no compromise on comfort or flavor needed!