17 Recipes for the Ultimate Paleo Thanksgiving Meal (You’re Welcome) (2024)

We could comb the Internet for billions of paleo Thanksgiving recipes to keep you and yours on the clean-eating wagon during this notoriously un-paleo holiday. However, we wanted to make it easier than that, so instead we put together a meal plan that we think everybody’s going to love. From hearty vegetable side dishes inspired by traditional holiday fare to creatively tasty pies, nobody’s going to even notice that the store-bought dinner rolls are missing. These are the only recipes you need to host a perfectly paleo Thanksgiving. Start doling out the potluck assignments for this feast now.

1. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Shockingly, once you get down to business, you’ll realize that so many “normal” Thanksgiving foods are paleo already (or almost). This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser any day of the week. (via Fig + Cotton)

2. Stuffed Mini Portobello Mushrooms: At Thanksgiving, make-ahead apps are a must. These savory fungi poppers can be assembled beforehand and then baked about 25 minutes before you’re ready to serve. Hold the Parmesan, and they’re 100% paleo-fied. (via Worthy Pause)

The Salads

3. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: Toasted hazelnuts, pomegranate and oranges make this just about the most seasonal salad we ever did see. This blogger calls it a “Christmas salad” but we think it’ll do nicely for either holiday. (via A Thought for Food)

4. Cranberry Vinaigrette: If you don’t have time to assemble something complicated on Turkey Day, a no-frills massaged kale salad dressed with this cranberry vinaigrette will keep things festive with tart cranberries, shallots, thyme and honey for sweetness. Kale salads hold up pretty well, so you can even dress it earlier in the day and it’ll be fine. (via Healthy Seasonal Recipes)

The Bird

6. Umami Gravy: The power of porcini mushrooms, fish sauce and quality meat juice does wonders for this amazing gravy recipe. (via Nom Nom Paleo)

The Sides

7. “Cornbread” Sausage Stuffing: Being paleo is great and all, but stuffing is THE. BEST. Unfortunately, it’s made entirely with bread (SAD FACE), but this blogger hacked a stuffing recipe that combines a grain-free “cornbread” with lots of herbs and umami. Let’s all thank her right now. (via Deliciously Organic)

9. Fluffy Mashed Cauliflower: So, the jury is out on weather or not potatoes are considered paleo (we like to think yes), but regardless where you stand on that issue, this fluffy mashed cauliflower with roasted garlic will stand in for mashed potatoes without the carbo-load. You can make the classic version or jazz it up with spices, herbs or whatever you like best. (via Worthy Pause)

10. Green Bean Casserole: Again, you simply cannot have Thanksgiving without certain dishes. And that includes a rich and creamy green bean casserole that tastes like it’s terrible for you, but really isn’t. (via Fed + Fit)

13. Roasted Broccolini With Curry Aioli: It’s hard to put into words just how gosh darned delicious this roasted broccolini is. These lightly charred veggies are paired with a tangy curry aioli that you’ll want to slather on the turkey too. (via Worthy Pause)

The Pies

15. Apple Pie: This is paleo? This?! Make an extra one for us, please. You can just leave it on the windowsill, and we’ll come by later. (via Zenbelly)

16. Maple Spiced Pumpkin Pie: The crust is made with a blend of almond and tapioca flours and the filling is sweetened with maple syrup rather than sugar. Rest assured, you will struggle not to eat this pie before the guests arrive. Stay strong. (via Worthy Pause)

We know everybody has different Thanksgiving traditions. Did we miss anything that’s always on your family’s table?