Paleo Thanksgiving Sides: Healthy & Delicious Recipes

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and savoring delicious food. But when you’re committed to a Paleo lifestyle, navigating holiday dishes can seem tricky. Healthy Recipes can be a part of your lifestyle and your celebration! The Paleo diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods—think lean meats, fish, fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. It steers clear of grains, dairy, refined sugars, and legumes. The benefits? Paleo can help reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and promote a healthier gut—perfect for keeping you feeling your best even during festive gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year or bringing a dish to share, these three Paleo-friendly side dishes will add flavor and nutrition to your table while keeping you aligned with your healthy eating goals.

1. Homemade Cranberry Relish

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 large orange (juice and zest)
• 1/4 cup raw honey or maple syrup (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and discard any that are soft or discolored.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
4. Taste and add more honey if you prefer a sweeter relish.
5. Remove from heat and let cool. The relish will thicken as it cools.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your holiday meal.

This cranberry relish healthy recipe version offers a fresh, tangy, and naturally sweet twist to your Thanksgiving table, without processed sugars. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants!

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2. Sweet Potato Soufflé (Paleo Style)

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (full fat)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or ghee, melted
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of sea salt

Topping (optional but delightful):

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp almond flour
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with coconut oil.
2. Peel and boil sweet potatoes until tender, then drain and mash well.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, coconut milk, coconut oil, beaten eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and fluffy.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. If adding a topping, mix pecans, almond flour, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

This sweet potato soufflé is naturally sweet and creamy, embodying all the flavors of Thanksgiving without dairy or refined sugar. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! No skimping with this healthy recipe will make it a crowd favorite!

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3. Holiday Salad with Pomegranate, Avocado, and Citrus Dressing

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale, etc.)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Citrus Dressing:

• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, sliced avocado, toasted nuts, and red onion if using.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and gently toss to combine.

This vibrant holiday salad brings together the crunch of greens, the tartness of pomegranate, and the creaminess of avocado, topped with a zesty citrus dressing. It’s a refreshing contrast to the richness of other Thanksgiving dishes and adds a burst of color to your plate!

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Wrapping It Up

Eating Paleo at Thanksgiving doesn’t mean missing out on traditional flavors—it’s about enjoying them in a way that makes you feel great. These sides will make your holiday feel indulgent, all while keeping it healthy and nourishing. Share the joy and savor every bite! And don’t forget about the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Recipe, another great side!

For more Paleo recipes and tips, follow My Healthy Living Boutique Pinterest!