AIP Thanksgiving Roundup (paleo)• Heal Me Delicious

Here is a roundup of some great AIP, paleo, and many coconut-free recipes that are perfect for a holiday celebration.

collage of four pictures with the words Paleo, AIP thanksgiving roundup in the center. in the top left there is an image of a turkey breast crusted in herbs sliced on a wooden cutting board. in the bottom left there is a white square casserole dish with cauliflower gratin, in the top right is an image of a hassleback butternut squash topped with crispy sage and garnished with chicory and in the bottom left there is an image of a white plate with crispy brussels sprouts and a drizzle of maple glaze

On Thanksgiving….

Before I get to sharing recipes, it’s important to me to address the “myth of Thanksgiving” that exists in North America, both here in Canada and in the United States. That is, the somewhat glorified portrayal of harmonious relationships between Indigenous people and colonists, the celebratory feasts that they supposedly collectively held and in turn, that non indigenous folks continue to hold on the November holiday today. Debunking the many myths around Thanksgiving doesn’t mean we cannot share food with family and friends but rather, that we are committed to acknowledging the pain upon which this holiday was founded, and to stopping the perpetuation of injurious stereotypes and narratives about indigenous people that continue to contribute to their oppression and 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.

Recipe Roundup

The following roundup includes some of my top recommendations for recipes for holiday gatherings.

First up is my AIP Holiday Eats eBook.

collage image of sauteed greens, apple galette, mac and cheese, bacon wrapped dates and herb roasted turkey breast

AIP Holiday Eats contains many of the holiday classics and some of my AIP Caribbean inspired festive recipes including AIP stovetop stuffing, Caribbean baked mac and cheese, apple galette, 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.

Here are several other AIP/paleo recipes on the blog that are great for holiday celebrations:

Appetizer Ideas

Crispy Cauliflower Bites

grey speckled plate with air fryer cauliflower bites surrounding a small white bowl with green cilantro lime sauce with two small white plates with crispy cauliflower florets, a lime wedge and a light pink cloth napkin in the top left corner

Side Dishes

Carrot Parsnip Mash

Nightshade free, vegan and paleo, this roasted AIP Parsnip and Carrot mash is the perfect side dish for a hearty holiday dinner.

white round casserole dish with orange coloured parsnip and carrot mash topped with fresh thyme. There is a stainless steel spoon in the dish and a beige colored cloth napkin to the left of the dish

one half of a honeynut squash, sliced with crispy sage and chicory on a white platter

Veggie Sides

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze

close up shot of a white plate with a light brown rim with roasted brussels sprouts against a white background. There is a black spoon in the top left of the frame drizzling a maple glaze onto the sprouts

Creamy Cauliflower Gratin

Here’s a creamy dairy and coconut-free side dish that is AIP, paleo, vegan, Whole30 compliant and sure to please.

white baking dish with cauliflower gratin and herbed topping

In this salad, sweet delicata squash is roasted with red onions and paired with finely chopped kale, dried figs and kohlrabi. The basil balsamic dressing is one of my absolute favorites and is so delicious from the fresh basil. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving salad!

Large white platter with Roasted Delicata Squash and Kale Salad, two serving spoons and a pink cloth napkin

Beet and Citrus Salad

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.

But you can also opt for something else altogether ….

One-pan dish of Chicken Thighs with Apples.

cast iron pan with chicken thighs, apples and fresh thyme with a brown cloth napkin

This one-pan dish is simple to make and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s got all the holiday flavors of cinnamon and apple and the fresh herbs of thyme and bayleaf that compliment the poultry so well.

Pulled Pork: Honey Garlic Pulled Pork or BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork

oval white casserole dish with bbq pulled pork and a large stainless steel serving spoon

Desserts

Pumpkin Pie

This AIP, paleo pumpkin pie is also coconut-free!!

pumpkin pie in glass dish with a pie knife holding up a slice of pie with a dollop of coconut whipped cream

Move over pumpkin! This Apple Spice Cake is made with extra virgin olive oil for a soft, fragrant and absolutely delicious treat that is AIP, paleo and coconut-free. It’s paired with a vanilla frosting that beautifully compliments the apple and spices.

four slices of apple spice cake on white plates and crystal saucers with a light brown cloth napkin

If you enjoyed these AIP Thanksgiving options, 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.