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.
Asparagus, egg and bacon salad
A protein-packed salad that is sure to become a seasonal family favorite.
Low-carb pumpkin cheesecake mousse
This light and creamy pumpkin mousse is delicious, low-carb and sugar-free. Take that pumpkin pie!
Roasted carrots with gremolata
So simple, yet so yummy. Roasted carrots as a side dish are a real crowd-pleaser.
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
Get fancy this Thanksgiving with these low-carb prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears.
Lower-carb cranberry sauce
Sweetened with just a bit of honey, this refined sugar-free cranberry sauce will brighten up your holiday plate.
Cauliflower sweet potato casserole
Gouda and spiced pecans put a sophisticated twist on this low-carb cauliflower and sweet potato casserole.
Twice-baked cauliflower potatoes
Cauliflower steps up to the plate to make these lower-carb twice-baked potatoes.
Garlic and dill mashed cauliflower
Dill adds an herbal freshness to this creamy, low-carb mashed cauliflower dish.
Brussels sprouts with sage bread crumbs
A few carbs go a long way, as proven by these crispy Brussels sprouts topped with sage and shallot breadcrumbs.
Mashed rutabaga, squash and garlic
Mashed rutabaga, squash and garlic are so creamy and flavorful, you won’t even miss the potatoes.
Cheesy mashed cauliflower gratin
This hearty mashed cauliflower gratin will make you so happy that cheese is low-carb.
Bacon Brussels gratin
Get into the spirit of the season with this truly luscious low-carb bacon and Brussels sprouts gratin.
Candied yams
Pumpkin takes the place of sweet potatoes in this low-carb recipe for candied yams.
Coconut flour biscuits
Coconut flour and gelatin make these low-carb biscuits taste just like the real thing.
French onion-stuffed mushrooms
As a side dish or appetizer, these low-carb French onion-stuffed mushrooms will be a hit.
Mashed carrots and turnips
Mashed potatoes don’t seem so exciting when there’s a vibrant dish of mashed carrots and turnips on the table.
Creamed spinach
No one will guess this creamy side dish is low-carb and easily made with frozen spinach.
Pear and spinach salad
Pecans and blue cheese add complex layers of texture and flavor to this low-carb pear and spinach salad.
Low-carb pecan stuffing
You don’t need bread when you’ve got a low-carb stuffing full of pecans, spices, onion and celery.
Artichoke parmesan stuffing
Low-carb olive oil quick bread provides a base for this Italian-inspired stuffing.
Cheesy cornbread
Eaten as a side or made into stuffing, this low-carb cornbread will be a Thanksgiving star.
Southern-style green beans
Braised until soft, these porky, buttery green beans are a decadent low-carb Thanksgiving side.
Low-carb turkey stuffing
Sausage, nuts and cauliflower are the secret ingredients in this super-savory, low-carb stuffing.
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