The Best Low-Calorie Dishes For Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is synonymous with indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your health goals. In this article, I present a collection of mouthwatering low-calorie Thanksgiving dishes that prove you can savor the flavors of the season without the guilt. From succulent roasted turkey breast to creative vegetable sides and guilt-free desserts, I’ve curated a diverse selection of recipes that will make your Thanksgiving table a haven for wholesome choices.

Join me on a culinary journey that demonstrates how you can enjoy the warmth and togetherness of Thanksgiving without compromising your health and wellness goals. Let’s celebrate the season with gratitude, flavor, and a commitment to a healthier you!

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The Best Low-Calorie Dishes For Thanksgiving

The Best Low-Calorie Dishes For Thanksgiving

Roasted Turkey Breast

Ingredients:
- 1 turkey breast (4-5 pounds)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey breast generously with salt and pepper, making sure to season both sides.
4. Rub minced garlic over the surface of the turkey breast.
5. Place lemon slices on top of the turkey breast.
6. In an oven-safe dish, drizzle olive oil and place the seasoned turkey breast.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Steam or boil the cauliflower until it’s fork-tender.
2. While the cauliflower is cooking, sauté minced garlic in a small pan until fragrant but not browned.
3. Drain the cauliflower thoroughly and transfer it to a food processor.
4. Add the sautéed garlic, low-fat cream cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, similar to traditional mashed potatoes.

Green Bean Almondine

Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced almonds and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet.
4. Sprinkle lemon zest and juice over the beans.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Sauté for a few minutes until the beans are heated through and coated with the almond and lemon mixture.

Quinoa Stuffing

Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced almonds and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet.
4. Sprinkle lemon zest and juice over the beans.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Sauté for a few minutes until the beans are heated through and coated with the almond and lemon mixture.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey or stevia
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or blemished berries.
2. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and honey or stevia.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness, if needed.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.

Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:
- 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they become translucent.
2. Add the cubed pumpkin to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Reheat the soup before serving.

Herb-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until they are well-coated.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly crispy, stirring once or twice during the cooking process.

Mixed Berry Parfait

Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons honey or stevia
- 1/4 cup granola (optional)
Instructions:
1. In serving glasses, layer the low-fat Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey or stevia.
2. Repeat the layers as desired.
3. Top the parfait with granola for added texture and crunch if desired.

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