Cooking for Thanksgiving can be a challenge, especially if youāre following a Paleo diet. Fortunately, there are a boatload of delicious paleo Thanksgiving recipes out there, so that you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner Paleo style.
The Paleo diet, otherwise known as the paleolithic or ācavemanā diet, is a way of eating like our ancestors used to prior to traditional farming practices. The Paleo way of eating is heavily focused on whole, unprocessed foods and is lacking in dairy, legumes, grains, added sugars, and processed foods.
Following a Paleo lifestyle may support a healthy weight, help regulate blood sugar, and support your heart. And the good news is that if you are committed to paleo, you can still reap the benefits and enjoy your holiday at the same time.
Whether you are looking for Paleo Thanksgiving dinner recipes, Paleo Thanksgiving sides recipes, or Paleo Thanksgiving dessert recipes, we got you covered.
Here are 12 Paleo Thanksgiving recipes that are sure to please the entire family.
Ultimate Paleo Thanksgiving Recipes
Paleo Thanksgiving Appetizers
Start your paleo Thanksgiving feast on a delicious note with these mouthwatering appetizers. From hummus to elk meatballs, these paleo-friendly starters will tantalize your taste buds and set the stage for an unforgettable holiday meal. Your guests won't even miss those traditional, non-paleo options!
Paleo Herb Crackers
These crispy, flavorful crackers are the perfect paleo Thanksgiving appetizer. Made with coconut flour, cassava flour, and a blend of herbs, they're ideal for dipping or topping with your favorite spreads.
Prep Time: 10 minutesĀ
Cook Time: 30 minutesĀ
Serves: 4
Paleo Pumpkin Hummus
This creamy, seasonal dip is a delicious paleo Thanksgiving recipe that captures the essence of fall. Made with cashews and pumpkin puree instead of chickpeas, it's a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's both nutritious and flavorful.
Prep Time: 5 minutesĀ
Soak Time: 2 hoursĀ
Serves: 12
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Elk Meatballs with Sweet + Spicy Sauce
These savory elk meatballs are a unique paleo Thanksgiving appetizer that will impress your guests. Paired with a tangy sweet and spicy sauce, they're packed with protein and bursting with flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutesĀ
Cook Time: 30 minutesĀ
Serves: 15 (45 meatballs)
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Paleo Thanksgiving Sides
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without an array of tempting side dishes. These paleo Thanksgiving recipes offer healthier alternatives to classic favorites.Ā
Packed with flavor and nutrients, these sides perfectly complement your main courses. From spaghetti made from squash to green beans, everyone at your table will leave your Thanksgiving dinner satisfied.
Creamy Spaghetti Squash
This yummy paleo Thanksgiving side or main dish is a wonderful addition to your holiday repertoire. This super simple recipe uses oven-roasted spaghetti squash, plenty of garlic and 2 cut-up CHOMPS jerky sticks of your choice for a savory boost with added protein.
Our delicious CHOMPS jerky is paleo-friendly and packs a flavor punch in this dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 8
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Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
Minimal prep is required to make this paleo Thanksgiving side or appetizer green bean recipe. Simply roast up fresh or frozen green beans wrapped in partially cooked bacon and brush them in a naturally sweet sauce. Yes, thatās truly all there is to it!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 8
Balsamic Beef and Mushroom Salad
This bright and festive salad is the perfect paleo Thanksgiving recipe. This recipe contains only a handful of ingredients but is jam-packed with nutrition and flavor.
It contains a whopping 10 grams of high-quality protein from our CHOMPS original beef sticks, fiber from veggies and chia seeds to keep you full, and a delicious dairy-free dressing.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6
Paleo Thanksgiving Main Dishes
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal deserves special attention. These paleo Thanksgiving recipes deliver all the traditional flavors you crave without compromising your diet.Ā
Whether you prefer turkey, ham, or chicken, these recipes ensure a succulent and satisfying focal point for your holiday feast. Your guests will be impressed!
Rosemary Roasted Turkey
It wouldnāt be Thanksgiving without a delectable, freshly roasted turkey. This recipe is paleo-approved and includes fresh rosemary as the star of the dish. Itās so incredibly simple and delicious, you wonāt even miss the stuffing!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Serves: 8
Orange-Glazed Honey Ham
If ham is a Thanksgiving favorite in your home, youāre going to love this paleo-approved honey ham recipe. The sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the oranges and honey and adds a beautiful crust to this main dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Serves: 10
Roast Whole Chicken with Potatoes and Apples
This one-pan paleo Thanksgiving main dish combines the savory flavors of roasted chicken with the sweetness of apples and the heartiness of potatoes. It's a simple yet elegant centerpiece for your paleo Thanksgiving feast. This paleo Thanksgiving dish is also dairy-free!
Prep Time: 15 minutesĀ
Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutesĀ
Serves: 4
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Paleo Thanksgiving Desserts
End your celebration on a sweet note with these indulgent yet healthy desserts. These paleo Thanksgiving recipes prove that following this lifestyle doesn't mean missing out on holiday treats. From a rich chocolate cake to a decadent no-bake cheesecake, these desserts offer guilt-free ways to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Coconut Flour Chocolate Cake
This delicious chocolate cake is both paleo and keto-friendly. It is made of coconut flour instead of grain-based flour and therefore is also gluten-free. The recipe calls for coconut cream and chocolate chips for added decadence. Enjoy a Thanksgiving treat while still sticking to your paleo lifestyle!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 8
Paleo Apple Pie
This decadent paleo Thanksgiving dessert is sure to gain the approval of any sweet tooth in your house. This paleo apple pie is made with a dairy-free crust, fall spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and warm apples that are baked to perfection.
If you want to really splurge, you can enjoy the pie warm with a dollop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. But the pie is so delicious, you wonāt even need it!
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 10
Pumpkin Chocolate Cashew Cheesecake
This decadent paleo Thanksgiving dessert combines the rich flavors of chocolate and pumpkin in a creamy cheesecake. Made with a cashew base and sweetened naturally, it's a guilt-free indulgence that perfectly caps off your paleo Thanksgiving meal.Ā
The best part about this last item on our list of paleo Thanksgiving desserts? Itās vegan and it doesnāt need to be baked!
Prep Time: 4 minutesĀ
Chill Time: 4 hoursĀ
Serves: 12
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Enjoy a Healthy Paleo Thanksgiving Feast
If you want to stay committed to your paleo diet through the holidays, weāve got enough variety to keep you covered. Our Original Beef or Original Turkey jerky fits nicely into many traditional Thanksgiving recipes, and can also be enjoyed as a convenient and nutritious paleo snack while youāre preparing the big meal.
Plus, all of our delicious CHOMPS jerky sticks are Paleo-approved and contain a healthy dose of grass-fed protein. Browse all of our meat stick options to stock up for your holidays, Paleo style!
