40+ Paleo & AIP Recipes to Make for Thanksgiving

Introduction

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table and enjoying a delicious feast with loved ones, but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your healthy habits or dietary needs. These 40+ Paleo & AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) Thanksgiving recipes will help you create a memorable holiday meal, brimming with flavor and tradition—without grains, dairy, refined sugar, or inflammatory ingredients. From hearty mains to decadent desserts, this guide will ensure everyone at your table feels satisfied and included.

Flavorful Thanksgiving, Reimagined

The beauty of Paleo and AIP cooking for Thanksgiving lies in how it highlights seasonal produce and wholesome ingredients. Think savory roasted meats, vibrant vegetable sides, and even allergy-friendly versions of classic dishes like stuffing and pies. Serving a holiday meal that’s both nourishing and familiar will make your gathering a true crowd-pleaser—and you’ll never miss the conventional ingredients.

Crowd-Favorite Paleo & AIP Thanksgiving Dishes

This collection features everything you need for a complete festive menu, including:

– Show-stopping protein mains (herb-roasted turkey, pork tenderloin, rosemary chicken)
– Crave-worthy sides (cauliflower “stuffing,” sweet potato casserole, AIP rolls, roasted Brussels sprouts)
– Comforting AIP-friendly gravies and sauces (mushroom gravy, homemade cranberry sauce)
– Creative appetizers & soups (butternut squash soup, deviled sweet potatoes)
– Decadent yet wholesome desserts (pumpkin pie with AIP crust, apple crumble, coconut whipped cream)

Simplified Cooking for Special Diets

Each recipe in this roundup is free of gluten, grains, dairy, and processed sugars, with many specifically tailored to be AIP-compliant (no eggs, nuts, nightshades, or seed-based spices). The ingredient lists focus on real, whole foods like root vegetables, pastured meats, vibrant fresh herbs, and natural sweeteners. These recipes are crafted to be straightforward, so you can spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these recipes to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient Thanksgiving grocery trips and meal prep!

Instructions

1. Choose your favorite mains, sides, and desserts from your 40+ Paleo & AIP Thanksgiving recipes.
2. Shop for high-quality, whole ingredients with an organized list (see meal planning tip above!).
3. Prep vegetables, herbs, and proteins ahead to save time on the big day.
4. Follow each individual recipe for assembly and baking instructions—many can be made ahead and reheated, or assembled and finished just before serving.
5. Don’t forget to serve with AIP-friendly gravy, cranberry sauce, and plenty of fresh herbs for garnish.

Weekly Meal Planning

These 40+ Paleo & AIP Thanksgiving recipes are fantastic for planning meals before, during, and after the holiday. Use them for prepping leftovers, feeding family during extended visits, or laying out a week of healthy, celebratory meals.

Save and schedule your recipes to plan Thanksgiving Day itself plus adjacent family meals. Generate smart shopping lists that automatically total shared ingredients like herbs, root vegetables, and pantry essentials, making big holiday grocery trips less intimidating!

Planning Benefits:

– Combines ingredient amounts across all chosen recipes for no-stress shopping
– Sorts shopping list by section for time-saving grocery runs
– Reduces the risk of forgetting key ingredients—no last-minute store trips
– Prevents waste by tracking overlapping items such as coconut milk or fresh rosemary

Pro tip: Schedule recipes to see how staples overlap (e.g., if both your stuffing and dessert use apples, you’ll get the precise quantity). Smarter lists = less food waste and a happier, healthier holiday.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: ~30 to 90 minutes per recipe (many can be prepped ahead)
Cook Time: Varies by dish (30 minutes for sides, up to 3–4 hours for whole turkey)
Total Time: 2–4 hours for a full menu (with make-ahead options for convenience)

40+ Paleo & AIP Thanksgiving Recipes (Recap)

With over forty flavorful, wholesome recipes spanning savory mains, festive sides, and irresistible desserts, you can create a Thanksgiving feast that satisfies everyone—while supporting your wellness goals. These Paleo & AIP recipes ensure no one misses out on the joy of the holiday meal. Use smart meal planning to make your Thanksgiving (and the week ahead) both effortless and memorable!