With a lot of my readers being American, I couldn’t ignore the fact that today is Thanksgiving in the USA. So if you’re American – Happy Thanksgiving – and if not – how about having your own international Thanksgiving day? It’s often quite hard to get hold of Turkey where I live in Australia, but I find it a little easier to obtain at this time of year, thanks to the American Expats who live here!
If you are celebrating Thanksgiving, how can you accommodate your guests while still keeping it Paleo? Fortunately there are several options out there that will be great for everyone, using a few substitutions to the traditional Thanksgiving menu.
Substitution Ideas For Traditional (Non Paleo!) Thanksgiving Recipes:
- Substituting bread crumbs. A lot of recipes will ask for bread crumbs when you are cooking. A good alternative to bread crumbs is crushed up pork crackling/ pork rinds. Just crush them to the same consistency as you would bread crumbs – or alternatively try ground nuts.
- Instead of sugar, if you can, try to omit entirely. If you can’t, try a more natural sweetener, like raw honey.
- Substitute starch with spaghetti squash, butternut squash, or acorn squash.
- If you are planning on making a salad use a natural dressing like olive oil and lemon or lime.
- If you’re making a dessert, a recipe may call for whipped cream. An alternative to whipped cream is chilled coconut milk – both healthy and delicious.
- Instead of making a traditional desert, keep it simple with berries in coconut milk.
Cooking for a group of family and friends is a great chance to show case your Paleo diet – and show that eating healthy food does not sacrifice amazing tasting food.
Paleo Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
If you’re putting together a full Paleo-friendly Thanksgiving feast, there are plenty of ways to stay true to tradition without compromising on health. The key is to focus on whole, seasonal ingredients and natural flavours that don’t rely on processed shortcuts. Whether you're preparing a small gathering or a larger festive table, here are a few menu ideas to inspire your Thanksgiving celebration:
- Starter: Roasted butternut squash soup with a swirl of coconut cream and fresh herbs.
- Main: Herb-roasted turkey with garlic, rosemary, lemon and a side of rich homemade pan juices (no packet gravy here!).
- Stuffing: Ditch the bread and make a delicious stuffing with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery, onion, herbs, and chopped walnuts.
- Sides: Try roasted brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, or mashed cauliflower with garlic and ghee as a creamy alternative to potatoes.
- Dessert: Baked cinnamon apples with chopped pecans, or a pumpkin custard made with coconut milk, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg.
By creating a festive menu from clean, whole ingredients, you’ll impress even the non-paleo guests at the table — and avoid the heavy food coma that often follows a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Entertaining Guests with Dietary Differences
Hosting Thanksgiving can be tricky when your guests have different dietary preferences or health considerations. Fortunately, many Paleo dishes are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and grain-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. If you’re accommodating vegetarians or people with nut allergies, consider serving a few additional dishes, such as a hearty roast vegetable medley or a coconut milk-based soup without added nuts.
It’s helpful to label dishes or let guests know which options are Paleo, nut-free, or dairy-free. If someone offers to bring a dish, encourage them to focus on a simple wholefood recipe. A fresh salad, baked sweet potatoes or a fruit platter are safe bets and pair well with most holiday menus.
Making the Day More Meaningful
Beyond the food, Thanksgiving is a chance to slow down, reflect and reconnect with loved ones. Take a moment during your meal to express gratitude — whether that’s by going around the table sharing one thing you’re thankful for, or simply acknowledging the effort that went into preparing the meal.
Gratitude is a powerful practice with many health benefits. Studies have linked regular gratitude expression with improved mental health, better sleep, stronger relationships and a more resilient immune system. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or making this simple practice a daily habit, especially as the year winds down and the festive season ramps up.
Keeping Your Energy Balanced
One of the lesser-discussed challenges of holidays like Thanksgiving is how tiring they can be — physically and emotionally. Planning ahead can make a huge difference. If you’re hosting, prepare as much as possible in advance. Roasting veggies or baking your dessert the day before frees you up to enjoy the day with your guests. Choose dishes that can be made in one tray or pot to cut down on washing up.
If you're a guest, offer to bring a paleo-friendly dish so you know there's at least one thing you can enjoy. And try to carve out a little time in the morning for movement or quiet reflection — even a 10-minute walk or a cup of tea outdoors can help you stay grounded and energised throughout the day.
Leftovers the Paleo Way
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving? The leftovers. With a bit of creativity, you can repurpose them into completely new meals that stay within your Paleo template. Here are a few ideas:
- Turkey hash: Combine chopped turkey with sweet potato, onion, and spinach for a quick breakfast hash.
- Stuffing-stuffed capsicums: Use leftover grain-free stuffing to fill halved capsicums and roast them for an easy lunch.
- Bone broth: Simmer the turkey carcass with veggies, herbs and apple cider vinegar for a deeply nourishing broth.
- Salads: Add chopped roast turkey to a bed of leafy greens, avocado, and roasted pumpkin, topped with olive oil and lemon.
Freezing some of the leftovers in small portions is a great way to stock your freezer with quick Paleo meals for busy days.
Creating New Traditions
If you’re not American, Thanksgiving can still be a meaningful occasion to gather with friends or family and reflect on the year. Starting a tradition of your own — like an annual gratitude meal, a nature walk, or even cooking something seasonal with loved ones — helps build deeper connections and creates special memories.
For Australian readers, this time of year is ideal for celebrating abundance. Local produce like mangoes, avocado, zucchini, and fresh herbs are in season, and the longer days offer more time for outdoor activities and alfresco dining. Embrace the opportunity to create a celebration that blends Paleo principles with your local environment and culture.
Final Thoughts on a Paleo Thanksgiving
Whether you're an American celebrating the holiday or simply using it as an excuse to bring people together, Thanksgiving can easily fit into a Paleo lifestyle. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can prepare a festive meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Use this opportunity to showcase how good Paleo food can taste, share your love of whole foods, and maybe even inspire someone at your table to rethink their own food choices.
So go ahead — roast that turkey, pile your plate high with greens and root veg, and give thanks for real food, real connections, and real health. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a time to share thanks for the blessings in your life – a worthwhile thing to do if you’re American or not. Are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year?
