Low Calorie Thanksgiving Recipes

Don't miss out on your Thanksgiving dinner classics because you need lower calorie options: we've got them ALL! All the classic dishes with the same great flavor just lightened up....and probably some new favorites too!

Forget Halloween: Thanksgiving can be the scary holiday of the year if you are following a lower calorie eating plan or you just don't want to make it a 5,000 calorie day! We have some delicious recipes that are full of flavor and normal portions too, just fewer calories.

We think your Thanksgiving menu should still be a favorite holiday meal without the worry of over indulging in unwanted extra calories or settling for tasteless calorie-free food. There is a middle ground and a way to have a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast.

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Jump to:

• Starters
• Seasonal Soups and Salad recipes
• Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
• Low Calorie Cranberry Sauce recipes
• Turkey Gravy
• Thanksgiving Main Course recipes
• Low Calorie Thanksgiving Dessert recipes

Starters

Holiday celebrations don't have to have starters but if you are in the mood we have some great options with simple ingredients. Our Skinny Charcuterie Board is a great way to stave off hungry diners until Thanksgiving dinner is served. And if entertaining adults we have some fun skinny cocktails too!

Seasonal Soups and Salad recipes

Whether a starter or a side salad, these add some leafy greens and healthier options for a satisfying meal. Our Pumpkin Curry Soup adds a warming touch with seasonal flavors too.

Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

We are ditching the green bean casserole and marshmallow sweet potato casserole for some healthy Thanksgiving sides.

Lots of simple recipes including classic vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, mixed roast vegetables and most are made in the air fryer too! This makes them fast, healthy and keeps the stove top and oven free for other dishes. Veggie side dishes are nutrient-rich foods

We did not forget the stuffing either. Individual portion size stuffing 'muffins' are perfect to support your healthy eating goals. And we love a starchy side and a great way to scratch that itch is with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes!

Low Calorie Cranberry Sauce recipes

The Thanksgiving table isn't complete without cranberry sauce. Spoiler alert: it's the easiest and fastest Thanksgiving recipe. Pass on the high calorie canned sauce and opt for one of these two lower sugar recipes made with fresh cranberries.

It's one of the Thanksgiving classics you don't have to miss. These lighter options are great not just for a Thanksgiving meal but also the holiday season. They go with roast meats, in sandwiches or wraps, on yogurt and so much more. One of these recipes can be made in the slow cooker too to free up the stove top.

Cranberry sauce is best chilled after cooking so it can thicken making it a great make ahead dish.

Turkey Gravy

Having gravy is non-negotiable for die hard gravy fans but can rack up the calories too. Our Apple Cider Gravy is delicious and can be made in a roasting pan after making a turkey, in a saucepan without turkey pan drippings or even using cooking liquid from our Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe. Very flexible and very delicious.

Thanksgiving Main Course recipes

Making a whole turkey may be traditional but it's not for everyone. Especially if having smaller gatherings, a turkey breast roast is great.

Or change it up with Air Fryer Cornish Hens; everyone gets their own! You can change it up with a vegetarian main dish too for guests who prefer to pass on the meat or for healthy dinner recipes.

Our stuffed acorn squash recipe is a beautiful, delicious great way to change it up on Thanksgiving day!

Low Calorie Thanksgiving Dessert recipes

Yes you can have pumpkin pie; we just made it without the pie crust. And guess what? You won't miss it. We have a couple other fall-themed desserts that are healthier recipes but you'd never know from tasting them. They are a like apple crisp and pear crumble made with mostly fruit.

Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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