Thanksgiving Meals for Every Dietary Restriction

Mariah Cressy

Thanksgiving can be stressful, even if you’re just showing up for the meal. But if you’re responsible for helping to cook for your family and friends and have to take into consideration all the dietary restrictions out there, it can just be too much.

As a self-proclaimed nutrition nerd, I’m well-versed in the different diets of today — so let me translate all the obscure jargon into something you can serve at Thanksgiving with confidence. I’ve rounded up the following classic Thanksgiving side-dish recipes that check all those hard-to-decipher dietary restriction boxes.

Vegan & Gluten-free (dairy-free, vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free)

Wild Rice & Mushroom Stuffing by Detoxinista

This side-dish twist on classic Thanksgiving stuffing is filling and savory, with simple ingredients you probably already have on-hand for Thanksgiving prep.

Whole30, Paleo, & Keto (grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free)

Crispy Creamy Green Bean Casserole by The Castaway Kitchen

With a new spin on the cream of mushroom sauce, this is not your ordinary green bean casserole. But this creamy and decadent rendition won’t leave your guests wanting.

Paleo (grain-free, gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, option for vegan-friendly/dairy-free)

Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole by One Lively Life

This three-step recipe checks so many of the dietary boxes and includes an easy how-to if you need to also make it vegan, too.

Whole30 & Paleo (grain-free, gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, vegan-friendly, dairy-free)

Kickin’ Cranberry Sauce by Melissa Joulwan’s Well Fed

Dessert on Whole30 is technically off-limits, but this is a whole-food way to skirt that rule — you’re welcome.

Keto (grain-free, gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly)

Keto Mashed Cauliflower by Savor + Savvy

Your keto friends are probably bummed that they can’t partake in mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving, but you can swoop in with this recipe and save the day!