Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we know how hectic things can get, especially for busy parents and families. But fear not! We’ve got your back with these 5 easy-to-make, healthy Thanksgiving recipes that will save you time without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

1. Turkey Veggie Skewers

Who said turkey has to be a time-consuming affair? Grab some lean turkey breast, cherry tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, and zucchini. Thread them onto skewers, sprinkle with your favorite herbs, and throw them on the grill. Voila! Turkey veggie skewers that are as tasty as they are quick.

Ingredients:

  • Lean turkey breast, cut into chunks
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Colorful bell peppers, cut into squares
  • Zucchini, sliced
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill or grill pan.
  2. Thread the turkey, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini onto skewers.
  3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and veggies are tender.

2. Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Give your Thanksgiving a healthy twist with quinoa-stuffed acorn squash. Cook up some fluffy quinoa, mix it with sautéed veggies, cranberries, and a dash of cinnamon. Stuff the mixture into halved acorn squash and bake until perfection. It’s a wholesome side dish that’s sure to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients:

  • Acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
  • Quinoa, cooked
  • Mixed vegetables (e.g., spinach, bell peppers, onions), sautéed
  • Dried cranberries
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stuff each acorn squash half with the quinoa mixture.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender.

3. Sweet Potato Bites

Say goodbye to mashed potatoes and hello to sweet potato bites! Roast sweet potato slices until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Top them with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chives, and you’ve got a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional spuds.

Ingredients:

  • Sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • Olive oil
  • Greek yogurt
  • Chives, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and sprinkle with chives before serving.

4. Green Bean Almondine

Upgrade your green beans this Thanksgiving with a simple yet elegant almondine twist. Sauté fresh green beans in olive oil, toss in toasted almonds, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a side dish that brings the crunch and a burst of freshness to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans, trimmed
  • Slivered almonds, toasted
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to ice water.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the blanched green beans until slightly browned.
  3. Toss in toasted almonds and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

5. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

For a healthy and hassle-free dessert option, whip up a pumpkin pie smoothie. Blend together canned pumpkin, banana, almond milk, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. It’s like Thanksgiving in a glass without the baking fuss. Bonus: you can even sneak in some greens for an extra nutrient boost!

Ingredients:

  • Canned pumpkin
  • Banana
  • Almond milk
  • Pumpkin spice
  • Handful of spinach (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Blend canned pumpkin, banana, almond milk, pumpkin spice, and spinach until smooth.
  2. Add ice cubes and blend until the desired consistency is reached.
  3. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with extra pumpkin spice for garnish.

 

Enjoy the deliciousness without the hassle!

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your day be filled with good food, laughter, and a lot of gratitude!

Subscribe To Our VIP Newsletter

Join our VIP mailing list to receive additional content that goes even deeper into the latest tips to ensure you and your families health, fitness and wellness.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

JC Guidry
Exercise Physiologist, Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach, Author and Media Fitness Expert with over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Has served over 50,000 sessions from one-on-one, semi-private to large group BootCamp classes. Nationally and locally awarded Fitness expert on both ABC & CBS.