Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, celebrate, and, of course, enjoy a delicious meal together. But just because the holiday is often known for indulgent dishes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy healthier options that are equally delicious. 

At Culinary Works, we’re all about creating meals that are both satisfying and wholesome. Here are some creative Thanksgiving recipes that are sure to impress your guests with their flavor and nutrition. Plus, they’re simple enough to make at home, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Coconut Milk

This warm and creamy soup is a perfect, healthy starter to set the mood for Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until soft and translucent.
3. Add the roasted butternut squash and vegetable broth to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in the coconut milk, adjust seasoning, and heat gently. Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.

Tip: This soup is naturally dairy-free and has a delightful, subtle sweetness from the butternut squash. It’s rich without being heavy, thanks to the coconut milk.

2. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds

This side dish offers a blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it an eye-catching addition to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet.
2. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are golden and crispy.
3. Remove from oven and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Tip: The pomegranate seeds add a burst of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the maple syrup, making this dish as vibrant as it is tasty.

3. Cauliflower and Quinoa Stuffing

For a healthier twist on traditional stuffing, try this gluten-free version made with quinoa and cauliflower instead of bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 apple, diced
• Fresh thyme and rosemary, chopped (about 1 tablespoon each)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender and golden.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, and apple until soft. Add the cooked quinoa, roasted cauliflower, thyme, and rosemary, stirring to combine.
4. Season to taste and serve warm.

Tip: This stuffing is packed with fiber and protein, thanks to the quinoa and cauliflower, making it a light yet filling option.

4. Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

For a leaner option, skip the whole bird and go for a turkey breast instead. This recipe uses fresh herbs to add flavor without extra fat.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey breast (about 4–5 lbs), skin-on
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, herbs, salt, pepper, and garlic.
2. Place turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast for 1.5–2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: This turkey breast has all the delicious flavor of a traditional roast but with less fat and fewer calories, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious guests.

5. Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding

For a light dessert that’s still satisfying, try this pumpkin chia seed pudding. It’s rich in fiber and has a deliciously creamy texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ cup chia seeds

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Stir in chia seeds, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until it thickens.
3. Serve in small bowls, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

Tip: Chia seeds provide omega-3s and fiber, while the pumpkin adds a dose of vitamin A. It’s a sweet, creamy dessert you can enjoy guilt-free.

BONUS RECIPE: Decadent Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

This comforting, sweet, and crunchy casserole is a must-have side dish that feels more like dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup melted butter
• Pinch of salt

For the Pecan Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
2. Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, melted butter, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Pour into a Casserole Dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter, mixing until it forms a crumbly texture. Stir in the pecans until evenly distributed.
5. Add the Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving. This casserole can be enjoyed as a sweet side dish or dessert!

Tip: This dish is rich and decadent, so a small scoop goes a long way. It’s a perfect way to add a little sweetness to your Thanksgiving table and is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Take a Fun Cooking Class at Culinary Works

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