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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCLA chapter.

Thanksgiving is an amazing day. It’s the perfect day for foodies because the entire country is joining us with eating a lot of food. However, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Here are five healthy Thanksgiving dishes to consider adding to your menu:

pumpkin pie on table, fall meal
Photo by Element5 Digital from Stocksnap

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto

 

Risotto is one of the most delicious dishes to eat, and it’s even better with butternut squash. The best thing about this dish is that it only takes 35 minutes to make. 

Ingredients: 

– Butter

– Garlic

– Shallots

– Fresh Sage 

– Butternut Squash 

– Chicken Broth

– White Rice

– Parmesan Cheese 

Gluten-Free Pull Apart Dinner Rolls

Everyone loves Thanksgiving rolls, because they’re the perfect side to the entire meal. However, bread can often leave people feeling bloated and overly full. This year, try making gluten free rolls that won’t make you feel as stuffed. 

Ingredients: 

– 2¾ cups (11½ oz) very good quality gluten-free flour blend

– 1 1/2 tsp xanthan gum

– 2 tsp SAF instant yeast

– 1/4 cup sugar

– 1 tsp salt

– 1 cup warm water (105-110°)

– 2 tbsp butter, dairy-free margarine, or Spectrum shortening

– 1 egg (preferably room temp)

– 1 tsp cider vinegar

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

I love mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving, but I am aware that they aren’t the healthiest option. A healthier potato alternative are these scalloped sweet potatoes! 

Ingredients: 

– 2 heads of garlic

– 2 tbsp olive oil + additional for roasting the garlic

– 1 cup onion finely chopped

– 1 cup + 1 tbsp full-fat coconut milk divided, not light!

– 1 cup + 1 tbsp unsweetened plain almond milk divided

– 1 1/2 tbsp Potato starch *

– 1 tsp sea salt

– 1/4 tsp Black pepper

– 2 lbs sweet potatoes thinly sliced (about 2 very large potatoes) **

– Parsley for garnish (optional)

Sriracha Lime Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Tenderloin

No Thanksgiving is complete without a delicious piece of turkey. Turkey tenderloins can be a healthier alternative given that they’re leaner and have fewer calories than the average breast. The tenderloins go well with a variety of flavors and are naturally gluten free. 

Ingredients: 

– 2 lb turkey tenderloins (typically two per package)

– 3/4 cup chicken stock, divided

– 2 tbsp Sriracha hot sauce

– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1 tsp ground ginger

– 1 tsp garlic powder

– 2 tsp salt

– 1/2 tsp black pepper

– 1 tbsp cornstarch

Pear Crumble With Walnuts

Everyone loves dessert, but not everyone loves the unhealthy calories we get from sugar and carbs. This gluten-free dessert will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your stomach’s desire for sweetness fulfilled. 

Ingredients: 

– 1 tbsp unsalted butter

– 4 medium pears (any variety) cored and diced (skin on or off, your preference)

– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts plus more for garnish

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon (I use Ceylon cinnamon)

– 1/4 tsp kosher or sea salt

– 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Crumble Topping Recipe:

– 1 cup (4.4 oz) almond flour or other gluten free flour

3- /4 cup (3.75 oz) packed gluten-free dark brown sugar

– 4 oz (8 tbsp) cold unsalted butter diced

– 1/2 cup (2 oz) gluten-free rolled oats

We hope you enjoy these delicious healthy alternatives to other Thanksgiving dishes! 

Allison is a feature writer at UCLA who loves hanging out at the beach and eating any kind of dessert.
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