Thanksgiving For All! We’ve Got the Ultimate Menu for Everyone’s Diet

With so many allergies, diets, and food preferences to consider, what’s a host to do when planning a memorable Thanksgiving dinner menu? Don’t sweat it, because we have recipes that everyone can feast on. From gluten-free pie to paleo Thanksgiving recipes like tart cranberry sauce, we’ve rounded up our top picks for festive foods that’ll work for (almost) everyone.

Thanksgiving Meal Planning Tips

Two words: plan ahead. This is the secret to a successful and stress-free dinner party of any size.

• Start a spreadsheet. Open a planner, a spreadsheet, or your favorite note-taking app and title it “Thanksgiving.” A few weeks out, crack open your cookbooks, visit your favorite blogs, and read through guides like this one to brainstorm your menu.
• A family affair. Include your family in brainstorming for the big day, and make a note of any special requests in your meal planning document. If you’re not traveling or seeing extended family this year, take the opportunity to create a new tradition or try new dishes.
• Share the load. If you’re in a pandemic pod and safely hosting a group, ask them to bring a dish. Especially if someone has a special dietary requirement, it’ll ensure there’s something on the table they’ll happily enjoy.

How to Use This Guide

Our guide has 21 Thanksgiving menu ideas to mix and match for your healthiest Thanksgiving dinner yet. Dishes are organized by category for easy scanning and include diet notes for reference. After browsing all the options, scroll down to our menu planner where you’ll find custom menus based on your diet of choice.

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Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Set out something to tide you over until the main event.

Pumpkin Hummus (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian)

Stay on brand with a seasonal hummus recipe that combines pumpkin puree with chickpeas for a healthy snack that’ll keep you satisfied until dinner.

Rosemary and Lemon Spiced Nuts (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian)

This make-ahead snack is the perfect nosh to leave on the counter. Make it paleo- and Whole30®-friendly by omitting the sugar and using ghee instead of butter.

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Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes Ever

You can’t have Thanksgiving without turkey (unless you’re vegetarian or vegan, that is).

Garlic and Lemon Roasted Turkey (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Keto)

Butter-flavored coconut oil infuses the skin of this easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe that’ll be the showstopper of your table. Baste the skin as it roasts for added crispness.

Coconut Oil-Basted Turkey (Gluten-Free)

Hot tip: slather rich fat (like coconut oil) over the skin to help it get extra crisp. Aromatics like rosemary, sage, and thyme will make the kitchen smell divine, too.

Superberry-Ginger Cranberry Sauce (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian)

Enhance every bite of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing with a classic condiment sweetened with maple syrup. We upgraded this recipe with spicy ginger and tart goji berries for added nutrition.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower (Vegetarian, Paleo)

If you’re skipping out on the bird, serve this stunning vegetarian dish as your centerpiece instead.

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Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

There’s nothing boring about these creative Thanksgiving side dish ideas that work for everyone’s diet.

Caramelized Leek, Onion, and Mushroom Stuffing (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

One of the best Thanksgiving side dishes has to be stuffing. We’ve banned bread in this tasty recipe that combines pear, caramelized onions, and earthy kale. For a dairy-free option, swap out the ghee for EVOO or coconut oil. You can also make this dish vegan or vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Pumpkin Swirled Mashed Potatoes (Vegan, Vegetarian)

In the classic Thanksgiving side dishes department, nothing beats mashed potatoes. But even without cream, these silky potatoes melt in your mouth. The pumpkin swirl and rosemary gravy takes this mash from basic to next level—a beautiful addition to any Thanksgiving spread.

Pan-Roasted Broccolini With Anchovy Sauce (Gluten-Free, Whole30®, Paleo, Keto)

Don’t be put off by the anchovies—they melt into a savory sauce that adds the perfect salty note to each bite. Bonus: this dish is ready in just 15 minutes. Roast the broccoli while the turkey rests and you’ll be set for dinner.

Green Bean Casserole (Keto, Vegan, Whole30®, Paleo, Gluten-Free)

Our modern spin on classic green bean casserole is a home run for just about every diet. The vegetables are baked with a cashew-based sauce, seasoned with nutmeg and sage, and finished with a crispy shallot topping.

Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower (Keto, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30®, Paleo)

Serve this silky cauliflower in lieu of potatoes and no one will miss the spuds. This veggie dish is made with lots of garlic, coconut milk for creaminess, and vegetable broth.

Parsnip-Apple Purée (Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian)

Another potato-free purée option is our parsnip and apple mash that uses coconut milk and ghee for richness. Make this side in advance, then keep it warm over a pot of simmering water until you’re ready to serve.

Mushroom Stuffing (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian)

Gluten-free baguettes let you recreate the stuffing recipes you crave without the potential stomach discomfort. Mushroom broth adds rich flavor, while a trio of dried herbs (sage, rosemary, and thyme) takes each bite to new heights.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Keto)

Having something bright and fresh on the table helps balance richer dishes. (Plus, including a cold Thanksgiving side dish means you’re not fighting for oven space.) Salty cheese, zesty lemon, and fresh mint mingle temptingly with crunchy Brussels.

Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls (Gluten-Free, Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian)

If traditional rolls are off limits, bake a batch of our garlicky knots made with paleo-friendly flours and lots of fresh parsley.

Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian)

Colorful Thanksgiving side dishes always make a statement. This vegan version of sweet potato casserole hits all the right flavor notes, and dairy-free mini marshmallows add a sweet topping.

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Easy Thanksgiving Desserts

For a post-dinner treat, celebrate the season with Thanksgiving dessert recipes like paleo-friendly pie, keto pudding, a vegan crumble, and more.

Pecan Pie With Chocolate Crust (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegetarian)

Nothing against pumpkin pie, but pecan pie is just as worthy of your dessert spread. Traditional recipes are often made with corn syrup, but our maple syrup and date filling (and a simple gluten-free chocolate crust) make every bite irresistible.

Cranberry Pecan Apple Crumble (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian)

A fall-inspired fruit crumble is the way to go for an easier-than-ever dessert. The topping is made from one of our favorite gluten-free granolas—just add a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Maple Pumpkin Pie (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegetarian)

Pumpkin pie purists will love this paleo-friendly option made with a nutty crust, silky pumpkin filling, and lots of warm spices.

Pumpkin Truffles (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian)

Here’s a make-ahead dessert that’s almost too cute to eat. Each morsel features five simple ingredients including sweet pumpkin, two kinds of gluten-free flour (almond and coconut), chocolate chips, and maple syrup.

Pumpkin Spiced Chia Seed Pudding (Gluten-Free, Keto, Vegan, Vegetarian)

It’s a departure from traditional pie, but this unique Thanksgiving dessert lightens things up after a big meal. Plus, the individual portions look cute in a cup. Make this the night before and leave it in the fridge until it’s time to serve.

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How to Plan a Thanksgiving Menu for 6 Diets

A dish for every diet means everyone can enjoy the bounty. Compiled from our recipes above, simply pick and choose your favorite recipes to create a dream menu.

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

• Pumpkin Hummus
• Rosemary and Lemon Spiced Nuts
• Garlic and Lemon Roast Turkey
• Coconut Oil-Basted Turkey
• Superberry-Ginger Cranberry Sauce
• Caramelized Leek, Onion, and Mushroom Stuffing
• Pan-Roasted Broccolini With Anchovy Sauce
• Green Bean Casserole
• Parsnip-Apple Purée
• Mushroom Stuffing
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Pecan Pie With Chocolate Crust
• Cranberry Pecan Apple Crumble
• Maple Pumpkin Pie
• Pumpkin Truffles
• Pumpkin Spiced Chia Seed Pudding

Keto Thanksgiving Recipes

• Garlic and Lemon Roast Turkey
• Pan-Roasted Broccolini With Anchovy Sauce
• Green Bean Casserole
• Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls
• Pumpkin Spiced Chia Seed Pudding

Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes

• Garlic and Lemon Roast Turkey
• Superberry-Ginger Cranberry Sauce
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower
• Caramelized Leek, Onion, and Mushroom Stuffing
• Pan-Roasted Broccolini With Anchovy Sauce
• Green Bean Casserole
• Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower
• Parsnip-Apple Purée
• Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls
• Pecan Pie With Chocolate Crust
• Maple Pumpkin Pie
• Pumpkin Truffles

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

• Pumpkin Hummus
• Superberry-Ginger Cranberry Sauce
• Pumpkin-Swirled Mashed Potatoes
• Green Bean Casserole
• Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower
• Mushroom Stuffing
• Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Cranberry Pecan Apple Crumble
• Pumpkin Truffles
• Pumpkin Spiced Chia Seed Pudding

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

• Pumpkin Hummus
• Rosemary and Lemon Spiced Nuts
• Superberry-Ginger Cranberry Sauce
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower
• Pumpkin-Swirled Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower
• Parsnip-Apple Purée
• Mushroom Stuffing
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Pecan Pie With Chocolate Crust
• Cranberry Pecan Apple Crumble
• Maple Pecan Pie
• Pumpkin Truffles
• Pumpkin Spiced Chia Seed Pudding

Whole30® Thanksgiving Recipes

• Pan-Roasted Broccolini With Anchovy Sauce
• Green Bean Casserole
• Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower