When you eat a Paleo diet, the holidays can be tricky business. And since the end of November is around the corner, there’s a good chance you’re gearing up to make Paleo Thanksgiving recipes. But when so many traditional Thanksgiving foods can be made with a pre-packaged box of mysterious ingredients, things can get a little confusing. To top it off, many store-bought foods are made of a million and five ingredients. It can be tough to know what is actually in your Thanksgiving meal.
That’s where these Paleo Thanksgiving dishes come into play. Often, the secret to making a successful dish is to know what ingredients to buy and how to use them. It also helps to expand your knowledge on Paleo-approved substitutes for things like processed sugar and dairy. All it takes is some time and practice.
Fortunately, Thanksgiving presents the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your Paleo eating lifestyle. You’ll be surprised at how many ways there are to create tasty holiday dish that accommodates your restrictions. If you're attending a Thanksgiving dinner in another home, consider bringing a dish or two to ensure that you have something to eat. It’s also a wonderful way to share delicious Paleo goodness with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
1
Roasted Rosemary Almonds
Start guests off with a delicious snack like these roasted rosemary almonds by Nom Nom Paleo. You can also set out a large bowl for continuous munching throughout the night. To top it off, the cooking process will fill your home with rich aromas and nutty fragrances.
2
Paleo Cran-Cherry Sauce
Going Paleo doesn't mean that you need to serve a Thanksgiving dinner without cranberry sauce. This year, ditch the canned stuff and make Nom Nom Paleo's cran-cherry sauce. It's made with fresh cherries, real cranberries, apple juice, and honey. See you never, canned sauce.
3
Easy Paleo Herb Gravy Recipe
Like cranberry sauce, gravy is another essential at Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of grabbing a jar of salty gravy, make it Paleo with Nom Nom Paleo's herb Paleo gravy version. It calls for ingredients like low-sodium chicken broth, fresh onion, and coconut aminos. So good.
4
Vegan Paleo Bread
A holiday dinner isn't complete without a side of bread. For a Paleo-friendly upgrade from the classic white bread, check out this nut and seed bread recipe from Green Kitchen Stories. It's packed with good-for-you ingredients like almonds, hazelnuts, and pumpkin seeds. You can make it nut-free by only using seeds. Boost the nutrition content even further by adding shredded zucchini, carrots, or apples. Yum.
5
Herbed Popovers with Parmesan Thyme
For another take on the side of bread, turn to Bare Root Girl. This herby popover recipe is made with Paleo-approved ingredients like cassava flour, coconut milk, and potato starch. And when you've been avoiding the baked goods for some time, these can be a real treat.
6
Cream of Turkey Soup
Cream soups are the guilty pleasure of side dishes. And while they're often made with heavy cream and butter, The Healthy Foodie has figured out a way to make an awesome Paleo cream of turkey soup. The secret lies within arrowroot flour, a plant-based thickening agent used in soups and gravies. This particular recipe is perfect for using up leftovers or if you're simply looking for a new take on a turkey dinner.
7
Butternut Squash Quinoa Chicken Soup
For another entrée-worthy soup, make this hearty butternut squash quinoa chicken soup by The Healthy Foodie. It's full to the brim with vitamins, protein, and fiber. The best part is that you can whip this dish up in under 30 minutes.
8
Stuffed Squash with Kale, Pear, and Pomegranate
If you love the combination of savory and sweet, this one's for you. Bare Root Girl brings together flavorful fruits and veggies for a nutritious Paleo stuffed squash. And since it embraces some of the best flavors of fall, you can be sure this one will be a favorite on your Thanksgiving menu.
9
Sweet and Sour Cinnamon Apples
Did you know that you can pickle apples? It might sound strange, but it's actually pretty delicious. Pickling apples is a mini science project in itself; the acidic brine made of lemon juice, salt, and water helps the fermentation process bring out the best flavors. The addition of cinnamon also brings in a festive touch. Check out Bare Root Girls' pickled apples recipe to learn how to make it.
10
Paleo Pumpkin and Carrot Muffins
Processed baked goods are often omitted from Paleo diets. It's not uncommon to miss things like cake and pastries. Thankfully, Nom Nom Paleo figured out a way to make a seasonal Paleo muffin. It's basically mini carrot cakes, making them a must-have for Thanksgiving dinner.
