I started getting requests for Thanksgiving recipes and menu ideas back in October, so I thought it would be nice to put together a post full of tasty dishes. There are main dishes, side dishes, savoury snacks, salads, desserts and some fun mocktails. Some are more traditional Thanksgiving recipes, others are suggestions if you fancy something a little different this year!
All these easy Thanksgiving recipes and menu ideas are low histamine, and many are vegan and/or gluten-free recipes too. I hope you enjoy them at your celebrations!
Thanksgiving main dishes
I'm not going to share a turkey recipe as there are so many online to choose from, but I have chicken, vegetarian and vegan options that work perfectly as a main course if you fancy a change from traditional recipes.
Brown butter and sage skillet chicken
A super easy recipe that is also super quick! Perfect if you are pressed for time, and want to spend a bit less energy in the kitchen this year. It also is made on the stove top so saving valuable oven space for other dishes.
Maple ginger chicken traybake with fennel and squash
If you need a very easy weeknight dinner leading up to Thanksgiving, or just want to put your feet up and let the oven do the work on the big day, then this recipe is for you! It's super simple, and very flavourful.
Chicken with apple and honey traybake
Always one of the most popular recipes on the blog, this chicken traybake is just the right amount of sweet from the fruit and honey. Another simple recipe that requires very little 'hands on' time.
Italian herb crusted cod
I know, this isn't very traditional, but if you prefer fish to chicken or a meat main dish, then this herb crusted cod works wonderfully with vegetables and potatoes. It uses dried herbs, and other pantry staples.
Mini squash stuffed with cheese and herbs
A fun vegetarian option, these stuffed squash combine quinoa, cream cheese and thyme for a flavourful main course or side dish. Very simple to make too!
Honey baked ricotta traybake
I've had this dish for my holiday main course twice because I love it so much! The herbs and honey are perfect with the baked ricotta, and feel quite indulgent.
Roasted butternut squash stuffed with rice, pistachios and herbs
A real show-stopper I think! Whether they are vegetarian or not, I think everyone will want a slice of this stuffed butternut squash. It can also easily made vegan by omitting the cheese.
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Thanksgiving side dishes
Just as important as the main course I think, side dishes are always fun and make holiday meals feel special. There are some traditional recipes such as cranberry sauce, as well as some others to try out!
Spiced cranberry sauce (refined sugar free)
A gently flavoured cranberry sauce with hints of spice. Made with maple syrup rather than refined sugar. A perfect pop of sweetness on your plate!
Cranberry sauce (citrus free)
Another cranberry sauce option, this recipe is both citrus free and alcohol free. I've added some cherries for some extra flavour, but these are optional.
Sweet potato casserole
A savoury version of this classic dish, with an oat-pistachio topping that really makes the dish. One to enjoy along with your main course.
Spaghetti squash with garlic and thyme
This feels like quite a fun side dish, with the squash being made into 'spaghetti' strings. Flavoured with garlic and thyme, this is a fragrant dish that can be adapted for as much garlic as you like!
Red cabbage with apple
I wasn't really that fussed about red cabbage - until I tried it a few years ago. It's a great side dish, and the added apple gives some nice sweetness.
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Thanksgiving salad recipes
As a family we tend to have our main meal for the holidays at lunchtime, and then have salads, breads, crackers and cheese in the evening. Some salad ideas you may like to try:
Nutty wild rice salad
This is quite a hearty salad, and feels quite appropriate for the winter time with the nuts, seeds and apple. Lovely as a sharing dish for celebrations with drinks.
Baked stone fruit caprese salad
Such a simple recipe, but ones that looks so pretty I think! So fresh from the fruit, with the creamy mozzarella and herbs really making a lovely salad.
Quinoa and fennel salad
Now and then I make a recipe that I love, but that you guys really, really, really love! So many lovely comments, DMs and shared pictures of you for this recipe so I had to include it in this Thanksgiving recipes and menu ideas post.
Waldorf salad
One of my mum's favourite recipes, this waldorf salad combines celery, apple, blueberries and pistachios for a twist on the classic recipe. I always find kids like this salad too!
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Thanksgiving savoury snacks
Some ideas for savoury sides and snacks for your evening meal, or to have out during the day.
Quinoa seed crackers
The best vegan, gluten free and low histamine crackers, simply made from quinoa, seeds and water and some herbs for flavour. Serve with some of the dips below for your evening meal!
Whipped ricotta dip with herbs and honey
A lovely dip to go alongside salads and crackers, this can be served with crudites for an easy side dish.
Pistachio pesto
A vegan (and gluten-free) pesto that is a nice addition to a buffet-style evening meal. Serve with breads, crackers or crudites. Also lovely to drizzle onto salads.
Roasted beetroot hummus
Made without chickpeas, but roasted beets and tahini, this makes for a very pretty and very tasty side dish for your evening meal. Lovely alongside salads, and with crackers and crudites.
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Thanksgiving desserts
Of course we need some sweet treats on the holidays! Lots to choose from, from crisps to sorbet and the best apple fritters (personal favourite!).
Spiced poached pears (without wine)
These poached pears feel quite indulgent and make for a perfectly sweet way to end your meal. Poached in apple juice rather than wine, and with hints of spice, they are very easy to make.
Blackberry and apple crisp
A classic dessert that feels so cosy in the colder months, this blackberry and apple crisp is so gooey and jammy from the fruit, with an oat topping.
Mango sorbet
A dessert with only two ingredients?! Yes, this mango sorbet is super simple, no churn and you only need frozen mango and maple syrup.
Cardamom apple fritters
One of my personal favourites, these cardamom apple fritters are so fun and kids love them too. I've made this recipe with lots of fruit, and a little less batter so you get all the fruity sweetness.
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Thanksgiving drinks
For those who don't drink alcohol, then I suggest that fun mocktails are a lovely treat for the holidays. Even children can enjoy!
Peach honey mocktail
Made with an easy-to-make peach syrup, this mocktail feels quite indulgent and is perfect for evening drinks with friends and family.
Ginger beer
I always find that people gravitate to ginger beer - even those who usually prefer wine or beer. This is a very easy recipe made with ginger, sugar and sparkling water.
I hope that you find some fun and tasty Thanksgiving recipes and menu idea you like! I'll be adding to this post with new recipes over the holiday period, so keep checking back for new ones!
And, of course, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
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