If your holiday menu needs to accommodate many different dietary restrictions this year, don’t fret! Thanksgiving dishes are endlessly adaptable and diet-friendly dishes can feel just as indulgent as any traditional fare.
If you're stumped—or simply overwhelmed—by the myriad dietary restrictions you need to meet, we've got you covered! We compiled a list of main dishes, sides, and desserts sure to please everyone at your table.
We've vetted these dishes to make sure there aren't too many hoops to jump through. You'll be able to find everything you need at your local food co-op, and there will be no food processors or niche kitchen gadgets involved. Hooray!
Vegan
Vegans often get the short end of the stick when it comes to this holiday classic! Even though they are a veggie-based dish, mashed potatoes typically come laden with butter, cream, and cheese making them a no-go for the vegan at your table. But these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Love & Lemons are so creamy and delicious, you won't miss dairy one bit!
Vegetarian
If you need a hearty main dish that says "Thanksgiving" but is meat-free, this Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto is it! Unlike traditional risotto which requires a lot of time and attention, this risotto uses nutty brown rice and it is baked (yes, baked!) in the oven, so it only requires a few minutes of stirring at the end. It will be a crowd pleaser among vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
Whole30
That charcuterie board might not be the best hors d'oeuvre for your Whole30 guests, but these easy Sausage and Cranberry Stuffed Mushrooms with Sage are a perfect pre-dinner snack brimming with fall flavors. Bonus: They're also gluten free and paleo!
Keto
Folks following the keto diet are supposed to steer clear of many Thanksgiving staples: sweet potato pie, mashed potatoes, roasted root veggies, apple pie...the list goes on. But Keto Green Bean Casserole is here to save the day! Your keto guests can indulge in this Thanksgiving classic while keeping on track with their diet.
Paleo
No need to leave your Paleo pals behind once dessert is served! This Paleo Pumpkin Spice Cake will be a hit with everyone at your table. It uses gluten-free cassava flour and it's sweetened entirely with honey. Intimidated by the height? Don't be. There are instructions for your typical single-layer cake in the recipe, which isn't to deter you from making a layer-cake if you wish—the sky is the limit!
Gluten Free
We would be remiss to discuss Thanksgiving without talking about stuffing! Traditional stuffing is about as un-diet-friendly as it gets, but this Gluten-Free Stuffing will satisfy even the pickiest stuffing eaters among us. The recipe offers dairy-free and vegan options too!
Time Saver: Olivia's Gluten-Free Rosemary & Sage Stuffing Mix
