Looking for easy Paleo Thanksgiving recipes? This roundup of delicious and comforting grain-free Thanksgiving recipes for appetizers, sides and desserts is perfect for your holiday menu.
Paleo Holiday Recipes
The following roundup includes some of my top recommendations for AIP/Paleo recipes for your holiday gatherings.
First up is my AIP Holiday Eats eBook.
AIP Holiday Eats contains many of the holiday classics and some of my Caribbean inspired festive recipes including stovetop stuffing, Caribbean mac and cheese, and baked pineapple ham. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re AIP, paleo, vegan, or working with dietary restrictions like coconut-free. Get your copy here.
And now… the recommendations for your Paleo Thanksgiving menu.
Appetizers
Delicious Paleo Holiday Appetizers and Bite-sized Starters
Paleo Honey Garlic Meatballs (AIP)
Tender meatballs tossed with a gluten-free sticky honey garlic sauce and a definite crowd-pleaser.
Sweet Baked Plantains with Bacon
Easy oven-baked sweet plantains wrapped in bacon are some of the easiest and tastiest gluten-free, Paleo and AIP bite-sized starters around!
Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Crispy, savory and delicious bite-sized appetizers that are AIP/Paleo, Whole30 compliant and super easy to make.
AIP Charcuterie Board
Not sure where to start with a grain-free, dairy-free charcuterie board? I've got ya covered with these AIP/Paleo ideas.
Side Dishes
These AIP and Paleo holiday side dishes that are flavorful and easy to make
Gluten-Free Stuffing Recipe (Egg-Free)
This sweet and savory Stuffing is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish made without eggs or dairy and is AIP-friendly.
Creamy Cauliflower Gratin
A creamy dairy and coconut-free side dish that is AIP, paleo, vegan, and Whole30 compliant.
Butternut Squash Biscuits
A mouthwatering grain-free biscuit recipe that's egg-free, nut-free and paleo.
Hassleback Honeynut Squash
Nightshade free, vegan and paleo, this roasted AIP Parsnip and Carrot mash is the perfect side dish for a hearty holiday dinner.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A holiday fave, topped with (optional) AIP/Paleo gluten-free homemade marshmallows
Sweet Potato and Fennel Gratin
Comfort food to the max in this nightshade-free potato gratin recipe.
Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Biscuits (AIP/Paleo)
These soft and chewy AIP/Paleo biscuits are nut-free, vegan and egg-free.
Vegetable Sides & Salads
Light and vibrant AIP and Paleo veggie sides and salads to accompany your holiday mains
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
This fresh take on the classic Green Bean Casserole is light and bright with a homemade cream of mushroom soup and crispy golden shallots.
Crispy Smashed Broccoli
This crispy smashed broccoli is cooked in a zesty and herbaceous marinade that also serves as a great dipping sauce!
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze
Maple and brussels are a match made in heaven in this recipe, complemented with flaky sea salt to bring it all together.
Golden Beets in Lemon-Garlic Sauce
Sweet and earthy yellow beets in a tangy lemon tigernut sauce with fresh herbs.
Roasted Delicata Squash and Kale Salad
Sweet delicata squash is paired here with finely chopped kale, dried figs, kohlrabi and a basil dressing.
Mains
Don’t want to make a whole turkey this year? My AIP Holiday Eats book contains a great recipe just for a turkey breast roast.
Juicy Air Fryer Chicken
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken with lemon and thyme is the perfect non-turkey poultry main
Baked Chicken Thighs with Cinnamon Apples
A comforting main dish with the warming cinnamon-spice notes of the holiday seaspn
Desserts
Look no further for the perfect Paleo and AIP Holiday Dessert recipes!
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
These Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, spiced take on a classic Fall treat.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies (Gluten Free, Vegan)
These paleo pumpkin spice cookies are perfectly spiced and topped with a creamy, pumpkin-y icing.
Paleo Apple Tart
Made with a quick olive oil pastry, cinnamon, apples and maple sugar, this is the perfect Fall dessert!
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pumpkin Roll Recipe
This super moist, light and fluffy Pumpkin Roll will be a showstopper on your holiday dessert table.
Apple Spice Cake
This paleo cake is made with extra virgin olive oil for a soft, fragrant and absolutely delicious treat that is also AIP and coconut-free
On Thanksgiving….
Debunking the many myths around Thanksgiving doesn’t mean we can’t share food with family and friends. Rather, it means that we’re committed to acknowledging the pain upon which this holiday was founded. This is important so that we can stop perpetuating injurious stereotypes and narratives about indigenous people that continue to contribute to their marginalization in society today.
If you’re interested in (un)learning, here are some great resources for discussion with kids and family about the “myth of Thanksgiving” in the United States.
- The first is a teaching poster designed for educators and students to examine deeper meanings of the Thanksgiving holiday for Native Americans:
- The second is a piece from Bustle on 9 Myths About Thanksgiving That Are Actually Problematic And the Facts Behind Them.
- The third is a piece from the wonderful Rachel Cargle. This one’s great if you recognize the importance of these conversations especially around holidays like Thanksgiving, but are worried on how family will react.
If you enjoyed these Easy AIP/Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes, check out my AIP Holiday Eats eBook. If you try any of these recipes, be sure to snap a picture of the finished product and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @healmedelicious and using the hashtag #healmedelicious.
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