Most people feel that Thanksgiving isn't complete without a turkey on the dinner table. But for others, the classic bird is just a little boring. Some people don't like the taste, and others might want an alternative to spice up the celebration.
Luckily, there are plenty of other main dish options that can make a delicious and, in many cases, more nutritious Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving is about bringing family and friends together to celebrate and be thankful for all you have. So, if this sounds like your family, know you can still have a memorable meal with your loved ones on Thanksgiving day (no turkey required!)
Here are five festive, nutritious, turkey-free main dish ideas for your Thanksgiving dinner that will keep you and your guests in the holiday spirit without skimping on taste.
Whole Salmon
Tired of spending the whole holiday in the kitchen, crouched down by a hot oven? Try a seafood entree! While it might be a little more expensive if you're serving a larger crowd, a whole salmon can cook in 30 minutes or less, freeing up your oven space for sides and giving you more time to enjoy yourself with family and friends!
Salmon is a healthy choice, packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins. It helps lower triglycerides and blood pressure, and a medium fillet provides vitamin B12 for healthy red blood cells and a functioning nervous system. Plus, it's one of the few food sources of vitamin D for strong bones.
Need a recipe? Try this Festive Whole Baked Salmon recipe from Cooked & Loved.
Roasted Whole Chicken
Turkey gets all the glory on Thanksgiving, but it's not the only bird that you can serve. A roasted chicken works great for smaller parties and it takes you less time to cook. (If you really want to get out of the box, you could also try your hand at cornish game hens or even a whole duck.)
Chicken and turkey are lean proteins, especially if you avoid the dark meat. Chicken only has slightly more fat per serving than turkey, but you can easily keep the saturated fat down by not eating the skin on either of these poultry choices!
Need a recipe? Try this Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables Recipe from the Striped Spatula.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Just because a dish is plant-based doesn't mean it can't still bring that wow factor on Thanksgiving. A stuffed acorn squash is definitely filling and festive enough to please any of your guests. It can even be a pretty healthy main dish if it's stuffed with the right ingredients!
Need a recipe? This Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe from Cookie and Kate is loaded with wholesome ingredients like quinoa and pumpkin seeds that your guests will love.
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
A nontraditional dish like eggplant parmesan can be a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving dinner table. It's warm and comforting, and it's a nutrient-dense and vegetarian-friendly option!
Eggplant is a low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for your holiday meal. When preparing Eggplant Parmesan, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour for the breading to add more fiber and nutrients to the dish.
(Plus, if you don’t overdo it on the cheese, you can enjoy the indulgent dish while keeping your calories, fat, and sodium in check.)
Need a recipe? Try this Healthier Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe from Heather Mangieri Nutrition.
Shepherd's Pie
Want to impress your guests with something comforting and delicious? Shepherd's Pie is the way to go! This classic dish combines savory ground meat with creamy mashed potatoes, saving you from extra dishes and making it a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Shepherd's Pie offers a nutritious alternative to traditional turkey. By using lean ground lamb, beef, or even a plant-based meat substitute, you can create a meal that’s lower in saturated fat compared to some turkey options. Plus, adding veggies like carrots and peas boosts the fiber levels and other essential vitamins to make it a well-rounded dish!
Best of all, you can make it ahead of time - just pop it in the oven and let it cook while you relax and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones!
