Thanksgiving is an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, share gratitude, and enjoy a feast that warms the heart and soul. But what if this year, your holiday meal could also nourish your body and support a healthier environment? By choosing organic ingredients, you can craft a Thanksgiving spread that is delicious, rich in nutrients, and free from synthetic hormones and harmful chemicals. In this article, I’ll share a collection of healthy organic Thanksgiving recipes that bring seasonal flavors to your table without compromising taste or nutrition. From the herb-roasted turkey to indulgent yet wholesome side dishes, these recipes will help you create a meal that your family will love and feel good about eating.
You may be wondering why organic. The benefits of choosing organic are numerous. Eating as much organic as possible is vital for promoting overall health and well-being. Since organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), you reduce exposure to harmful chemicals that affect your long-term health. Pesticides and herbicides have been associated with hormonal disruption, respiratory and skin irritation, gut health concerns, and potential issues related to fertility and reproductive health.
On the other hand, organic foods are richer in nutrients, including antioxidants, than conventionally grown foods. Not only that but organic choices tend to be tastier. Choosing organic also supports farming practices prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Additionally, organic farming reduces pollution, conserves water, and minimizes carbon emissions. All these factors support environmental sustainability.
Now, let’s look into these delicious organic Thanksgiving recipes:
Organic Herb-Roasted Turkey
Ingredients:
- 1 organic turkey (10-12 lbs)
- 1/4 cup organic olive oil or melted grass-fed butter
- 2 tbsp fresh organic rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh organic thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh organic sage, chopped
- 1 organic lemon, halved
- 1 organic onion, quartered
- 3 organic garlic cloves, smashed
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Rinse the turkey and pat dry. Stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, and garlic.
- Mix olive oil or butter with herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub generously over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Roast in the oven for about 3-4 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
- Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Organic Sweet Potato Mash with Coconut Milk
Ingredients:
- 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup organic coconut milk
- 2 tbsp organic maple syrup
- 1 tsp organic cinnamon
- 1 cup organic almond flakes
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions:
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain.
- Mash sweet potatoes with coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until creamy.
- Serve warm and sprinkle the almond flakes. You may add more maple syrup on the top.
Organic Green Bean Almondine
Ingredients:
- 1 lb organic green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp organic cold-pressed olive oil
- 3 organic garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup organic slivered almonds
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam green beans until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and almonds until golden, about 2 minutes.
- Toss green beans in the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Organic Honey-Glazed Carrots with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb organic carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
- 2 tbsp organic butter or coconut oil
- 2 tbsp organic raw honey
- 1 tsp fresh organic thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh organic parsley, chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or boil the carrots until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey until combined.
- Add carrots to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens.
- Sprinkle with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper before serving.
Organic Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 2 cups organic wild rice, rinsed
- 4 cups organic vegetable broth
- 1 organic onion, diced
- 2 organic celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup organic fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup organic pecans, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh organic parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp organic olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook wild rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- Sauté onion and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Stir cranberries, pecans, parsley, and sautéed vegetables into the cooked rice.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Organic Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans
Ingredients:
- 1 lb organic Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp organic olive oil
- 2 tbsp organic maple syrup
- 1/2 cup organic pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Add pecans to the baking sheet and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the pecans are toasted, and the sprouts are caramelized.
- Serve warm for a sweet and savory side dish.
Organic Pumpkin Pie with Almond Flour Crust
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups organic almond flour
- 2 tbsp organic coconut oil
- 1 tbsp organic maple syrup
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) organic pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup organic coconut milk
- 1/3 cup organic maple syrup
- 2 organic eggs
- 1 tsp organic cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp organic nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp organic ginger
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Press into a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the filling ingredients until smooth. Pour into crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Let cool before serving.
Organic Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 5-6 organic apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp organic lemon juice
- 1/4 cup organic maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp organic cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp organic nutmeg
Topping:
- 1 cup organic rolled oats
- 1/2 cup organic almond flour
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil or butter, melted
- 1/4 cup organic maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions:
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of organic coconut milk ice cream.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with coconut oil or butter.
- Toss apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix oats, almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
As you can see, eating healthy is not difficult – it’s a matter of choosing ingredients that are not damaging to your health. By eating organic, you are not only enhancing your health but also contributing to a healthier, more environmentally friendly future for the planet and future generations. These dishes are wholesome and packed with seasonal flavors perfect for a healthy Thanksgiving feast. Try one of these organic Thanksgiving this holiday and be delighted!
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
