She Strengthens

Revamp Your Thanksgiving Spread with These 29 Fresh and Healthy Ideas

Rethink Your Stuffing Game

This year, ditch the same old stuffing recipe and try something new. Here are six innovative ideas to get you started:

• Simple Vegan Stuffing: Swap out butter and eggs for vegan substitutes and add green lentils for a protein-packed twist.
• Herb-Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Wild Rice Stuffing: Impress your guests with these show-stopping game hens filled with wild rice stuffing and homemade triple-herb butter.
• Wild Mushroom, Swiss Chard, and Sausage Stuffing: This savory stuffing is packed with flavor from wild mushrooms, sourdough, and ground pork.
• Southern Cornbread Stuffing: Moist and fluffy, this cornbread stuffing is infused with parsley, sage, and thyme for a sweet and herby taste.
• Bacon and Onion Stuffing: Because everything is better with bacon, right?
• Low-Carb Paleo Cauliflower Stuffing: A paleo-friendly option that’s low in carbs and big on flavor, thanks to roasted cauliflower and toasted pecans.

Squash and Potatoes Take Center Stage

These comforting sides are sure to become new Thanksgiving traditions:

• Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash: A flavorful and filling main dish or side, packed with seasoned quinoa, chickpeas, and tomatoes.
• Buttermilk Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes: Add a tangy twist to your mashed potatoes with buttermilk and pumpkin puree.
• Maple and Molasses Glazed Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and crunchy, these sweet potatoes are elevated by a rich maple and molasses glaze.
• Buckwheat Gnocchi with Butternut Squash: Soft and pillowy gnocchi meet earthy butternut squash in this unique side dish.
• Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Gratin: A creamy and nutritious gratin that’s perfect for a crowd.
• Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Casserole Cups: Adorable, nutritious, and easy to make, these casserole cups are a winner.
• Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes: Smug-worthy sweet potatoes packed with ginger, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
• Garlic Roasted Potatoes: A classic side dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Salads and Veggies Get a Holiday Makeover

Add some freshness to your Thanksgiving spread with these innovative salads and veggie dishes:

• Wild Rice and Butternut Squash Salad: A hearty salad packed with wild rice, butternut squash, and pistachios.
• Harvest Cobb Salad with Butternut Squash: A seasonal twist on the classic Cobb salad, featuring butternut squash, toasted pecans, and maple vinaigrette.
• Tangy Glazed Stovetop Brussels Sprouts: A quick and easy side dish that’s sure to convert even the most skeptical sprouts haters.
• Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Kale: A creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Holiday Cranberry Jalapeño Dip with Cream Cheese: A spicy and addictive dip that’s sure to be a hit.
• Perfect Pomegranate Salad: A quick and easy salad featuring pomegranate, goat cheese, and spinach.
• Pear and Spinach Salad with Cranberry-Orange Vinaigrette: A refreshing salad that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Other Grains to Try

Shake things up with these innovative grain-based recipes:

• Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Wild Rice Soup: A comforting and nutritious soup that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Apple Quinoa Lentil Loaf: A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional Thanksgiving staples.
• Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad: A hearty and flavorful salad that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Slow Cooker Wild Rice Stuffing: A dairy-free and vegan stuffing option that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
• Wild Rice and Carrot Soup: A simple and comforting soup that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Orange-Scented Quinoa: A nutty and zesty side dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
• Instant Pot Wild Rice with Dried Cranberries and Pecans: A quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for the holidays.

With these 29 fresh and healthy ideas, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and delicious Thanksgiving spread that your guests will love.