Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes for a Clean & Delicious Holiday

Introduction

Hosting Thanksgiving while sticking to a paleo diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or tradition. These Paleo Thanksgiving recipes deliver all the classic, comforting tastes of the holiday—with a fresh, clean-eating twist. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these dishes prove that wholesome, grain-free, and dairy-free meals can please any crowd and leave everyone feeling satisfied.

Why Choose Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes?

Paleo Thanksgiving recipes stand out for their rich flavors and focus on natural, whole-food ingredients. By skipping processed sugars, dairy, grains, and legumes, you create a memorable meal that’s both delicious and easier for your body to digest. Your table will be filled with vibrant, seasonal veggies, perfectly roasted proteins, and creative, satisfying sides—making these recipes perfect for anyone aiming for clean eating while celebrating.

Signature Paleo Thanksgiving Dishes

A classic roast turkey flavored with fresh herbs, savory root vegetable stuffing, and creamy cauliflower mash are just a few ways to capture the essence of Thanksgiving, paleo-style. Each dish is crafted to bring balance—think crispy-skinned turkey, fluffy “potatoes” made from cauliflower, and hearty stuffing with sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries all without compromising on taste.

Highlight Recipe: Paleo Herb-Roasted Turkey with Root Vegetable Stuffing

The star of the table, this herb-roasted turkey is marinated in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper for deep flavor. The stuffing brings together diced sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, apples, and dried cranberries, tossed with sage and baked until golden. The result is a comforting pairing that’s both satisfying and true to paleo principles.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Paleo Thanksgiving

Pair the main course with sides like maple-roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower “mashed potatoes,” and a fresh fall salad with citrus vinaigrette. Finish the meal with a classic paleo pumpkin pie or apple crisp, made with almond flour crusts and natural sweeteners. These dishes bring color and nutrition to the table while making everyone feel included.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This menu serves 6–8 adults, with each portion containing ample protein from turkey, antioxidants from colorful vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and nuts. Calorie counts are moderate, and the focus on fiber-rich produce means everyone stays satisfied—without the heavy, sluggish feeling often associated with big holiday meals.

Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes for a Clean & Delicious Holiday (Recap)

Clean, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, these paleo Thanksgiving dishes let everyone savor their favorites without worry. Whether you’re new to paleo or a seasoned pro, this menu brings comfort, nutrition, and celebration to the holiday table.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to create a personalized, organized shopping list for the entire Thanksgiving spread. Ingredients are automatically sorted by grocery store section saving you time and energy when stocking up for the big day.

Instructions

1. Prep the turkey: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin. Stuff the bird with lemon halves. Place in a roasting pan, breast side up.
2. Roast the turkey: Cook for about 2.5–3 hours (or 13–15 minutes per pound), basting occasionally with pan juices, until a thermometer inserted in the thigh reads 165°F. Tent with foil if it browns too quickly. Let rest 20 minutes before carving.
3. Prepare the stuffing: While turkey is roasting, toss sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, apple, and cranberries with olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly in a large baking dish. Roast in the oven for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and golden.
4. Make cauliflower mash: Steam cauliflower florets until very soft (about 10–12 minutes). Drain well, then use a food processor or blender to puree with ghee or coconut oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, until smooth and creamy.
5. Roast Brussels sprouts: Toss halved sprouts with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway, until crisp and browned. Drizzle with maple syrup and toss with slivered almonds before serving, if desired.
6. Serve: Carve the turkey and serve with stuffing, cauliflower mash, and Brussels sprouts for a festive paleo feast.

Weekly Meal Planning

These paleo Thanksgiving recipes are a smart choice for efficient weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your holiday meal prep, generate detailed shopping lists, and see how your ingredients overlap with other planned dishes.

Meal Planning Benefits:

– Consolidates total ingredient amounts for all your recipes
– Organizes your list by grocery section for fast, stress-free shopping
– Prevents overbuying and food waste—just what you need for the holiday rush
– Makes it easy to coordinate prepping dishes over several days

Pro tip: If you’re prepping multiple meals for the week, schedule them in advance. CookifyAI will ensure shared ingredients like olive oil, spices, and fresh veggies are tallied for perfect planning and zero last-minute store runs.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Enjoy a clean, comforting holiday feast—minus the stress!