Thanksgiving is a time for thanks, a time for family… and a time to eat our faces off. If we had to pick one word that describes Turkey Day food in a nutshell, it would be decadent — which isn’t exactly a word you would think to use when you’re talking about a low-carb lifestyle.
And when it comes to Thanksgiving sides, well, we’re talking carb-o-rama under normal circumstances. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls… all carbs. But if you are low-carb, don’t shed any tears and resign yourself to eating nothing but turkey and green beans this holiday just yet — because there are actually a bunch of Thanksgiving sides that are amazing and paleo/low-carb friendly. We’re not lying.
Low-carb doesn’t have to mean low-taste. These Thanksgiving recipes are still all decadence.
Originally published October 2016. Updated November 2017.
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Asparagus, egg and bacon salad
Image Credit: Skinnytaste/Pinterest A protein-packed salad that is sure to become a seasonal family favorite.
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Low-carb pumpkin cheesecake mousse
Image Credit: Sugar Free Mom/Pinterest This light and creamy pumpkin mousse is delicious, low-carb and sugar-free. Take that pumpkin pie!
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Roasted carrots with gremolata
Image Credit: The Organic Kitchen/Pinterest So simple, yet so yummy. Roasted carrots as a side dish are a real crowd-pleaser.
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Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
Image Credit: Fig and Cotton Get fancy this Thanksgiving with these low-carb prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears.
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Lower-carb cranberry sauce
Image Credit: Cook Eat Paleo Sweetened with just a bit of honey, this refined sugar-free cranberry sauce will brighten up your holiday plate.
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Cauliflower sweet potato casserole
Image Credit: With Salt and Wit Gouda and spiced pecans put a sophisticated twist on this low-carb cauliflower and sweet potato casserole.
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Twice-baked cauliflower potatoes
Image Credit: Kirbie's Cravings Cauliflower steps up to the plate to make these lower-carb twice-baked potatoes.
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Garlic and dill mashed cauliflower
Image Credit: Briana Thomas Dill adds an herbal freshness to this creamy, low-carb mashed cauliflower dish.
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Brussels sprouts with sage bread crumbs
Image Credit: With Food and Love A few carbs go a long way, as proven by these crispy Brussels sprouts topped with sage and shallot breadcrumbs.
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Mashed rutabaga, squash and garlic
Image Credit: A Calculated Risk Mashed rutabaga, squash and garlic are so creamy and flavorful, you won’t even miss the potatoes.
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Cheesy mashed cauliflower gratin
Image Credit: Bon Bon Break This hearty mashed cauliflower gratin will make you so happy that cheese is low-carb.
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Bacon Brussels gratin
Image Credit: Love Foodies Get into the spirit of the season with this truly luscious low-carb bacon and Brussels sprouts gratin.
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Candied yams
Image Credit: Keto Diet App Pumpkin takes the place of sweet potatoes in this low-carb recipe for candied yams.
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Coconut flour biscuits
Image Credit: Healthful Pursuit Coconut flour and gelatin make these low-carb biscuits taste just like the real thing.
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French onion-stuffed mushrooms
Image Credit: Holistically Engineered As a side dish or appetizer, these low-carb French onion-stuffed mushrooms will be a hit.
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Mashed carrots and turnips
Image Credit: Bake Eat Repeat Mashed potatoes don’t seem so exciting when there’s a vibrant dish of mashed carrots and turnips on the table.
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Creamed spinach
Image Credit: Ruled.Me No one will guess this creamy side dish is low-carb and easily made with frozen spinach.
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Pear and spinach salad
Image Credit: Snappy Gourmet Pecans and blue cheese add complex layers of texture and flavor to this low-carb pear and spinach salad.
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Low-carb pecan stuffing
Image Credit: Simply so Healthy You don’t need bread when you’ve got a low-carb stuffing full of pecans, spices, onion and celery.
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Artichoke parmesan stuffing
Image Credit: All Day I Dream About Food Low-carb olive oil quick bread provides a base for this Italian-inspired stuffing.
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Cheesy cornbread
Image Credit: Sugar Free Mom Eaten as a side or made into stuffing, this low-carb cornbread will be a Thanksgiving star.
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Southern-style green beans
Image Credit: The Eat More Food Project Braised until soft, these porky, buttery green beans are a decadent low-carb Thanksgiving side.
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Low-carb turkey stuffing
Image Credit: I Breathe I'm Hungry Sausage, nuts and cauliflower are the secret ingredients in this super-savory, low-carb stuffing.
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Pin it!
Image Credit: Yvonna Groom/ SheKnows Pin now, low-carb feast later!
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