1
Dinner
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
A from-scratch Healthy Green Bean Casserole with crisp-tender green beans, a creamy Greek yogurt mushroom sauce, and a crunchy baked shallot topping. No canned soup, all the holiday comfort.
55 minServes 8
10 Lighter Thanksgiving Recipes
Sides, mains, desserts and leftover ideas for the holiday table, each a little lighter than the classic version.
By OliviaUpdated November 3, 2026
The 10 recipes
- 1. Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- 2. Stuffed Acorn Squash
- 3. Harvest Kale Salad with Maple Cider Dressing
- 4. Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
- 5. Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal
- 6. Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt Bars
- 7. Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
- 8. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- 9. Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
- 10. Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
2
Dinner
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash filled with turkey sausage, quinoa, sage, spinach, cranberries, and pecans, then baked under golden Parmesan. A high-protein, gluten-free fall dinner.
1 hr 5 min29 g proteinServes 4
3
Lunch
Harvest Kale Salad with Maple Cider Dressing
A hearty Harvest Kale Salad with roasted butternut squash, crispy chickpeas, apple, pecans, cranberries, and goat cheese in a tangy maple cider dressing. Great for meal prep and holiday tables.
40 minServes 4
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4
Lunch
Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup with mushrooms, carrots, fresh herbs, and leftover turkey, made silky with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Cozy, high-protein, and made in one pot.
1 hr 10 minOne pan29 g proteinServes 6
5
Breakfast
Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal
Cozy Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal with fresh cranberries, orange zest, toasted pecans, and Greek yogurt baked into a creamy, sliceable breakfast. Make it once and eat it all week.
50 minServes 6
6
Dessert
Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt Bars
Silky Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt Bars with a press-in almond flour crust, lightly sweetened with maple syrup. Gluten-free, lower in sugar, and made a day ahead.
1 hr 10 min + 5 hr chillServes 16
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7
Dinner
Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
A cozy Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie with chopped turkey, carrots, celery, and peas in a thyme and sage gravy, topped with golden mashed potatoes. The best way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
1 hr 5 min29 g proteinServes 6
8
Appetizers
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
A sweet, tart, and gently spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip spooned over a whipped cream cheese and Greek yogurt base. Made with half the usual sugar and prepped the day before.
15 min + 4 hr chillServes 12
9
Breakfast
Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
Silky, high-protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bites with bacon, spinach, and Gruyère, baked in a gentle water bath for that coffee-shop sous vide texture. Make a batch ahead for easy weekday or holiday breakfasts.
40 minServes 6
10
Dinner
Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy Greek yogurt mashed potatoes made with garlic butter and chives instead of heavy cream. A lighter, slightly tangy holiday side that’s ready in 30 minutes.
30 minServes 6
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Hi, I’m Olivia
I make easy, lighter comfort food that still tastes like Sunday dinner. Every recipe here is tested in my own kitchen.