20 Friendsgiving Recipes Even Your Most Health-Conscious Friends Will Love
While your stomach is gearing up for (or settling down from) Thanksgiving dinner with your family, there's another tradition to celebrate: Friendsgiving. Whether you're the one hosting, or you just need to come with a dish or two in hand, you'll need something creative, delicious, and healthy, depending on the company you keep. You're in luck! We've rounded up a range of healthy appetizers, side dishes, and desserts that are sure to please a crowd. There's even a turkey recipe in this list! Keep reading for the goods, and get ready to have the most talked-about dish at the party.
:upscale()/2019/10/31/834/n/40038730/ca85fb825dbb2f6eeeaee0.82048331_avocadodeviledeggs-5.jpg)
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs just got better with this avocado twist. This appetizer is packed with protein and healthy fats, and it takes just 25 minutes to make.
Get the recipe:avocado deviled eggs
:upscale()/2019/10/07/912/n/40038730/185f73f22d5012e4_pumpkin-hummus-4.jpg)
Pumpkin Hummus
This pumpkin-infused hummus will look right at home on your Friendsgiving table. Serve it with pita bread or some vegetables for a simple appetizer.
Get the recipe:pumpkin hummus
:upscale()/2019/10/07/075/n/40038730/6e165f30a09abb37_Healthier-Spinach-Artichoke-Stuffed-Mushrooms-Show-Me-the-Yummy-2_2x.jpg)
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms With Crab
Many stuffed mushroom recipes call for cream cheese, but this portioned appetizer swaps in Greek yogurt for extra protein. It's sure to hold you over until you cut into the turkey.
Get the recipe:spinach artichoke stuffed mushrooms with crab
:upscale()/2019/10/07/083/n/40038730/b1fcc0bda7b0b83b_Cheese-and-Cranberry-Fig-Jam-Crostini-7.jpg)
Cheese Crostini With Cranberry Fig Jam
The classic cheese crostini gets a festive upgrade with this fresh cranberry fig jam. The toasted baguette slices feel much more special than crackers, too.
Get the recipe:cheese crostini with cranberry fig jam
:upscale()/2019/10/01/093/n/40038730/b844b2ac355a8ac4_Golden-Sweet-Potato-Soup-with-Burrata-and-Sage-Pesto-1.jpg)
Golden Sweet Potato Soup With Burrata and Sage Pesto
This sweet potato-based soup makes the perfect starter, and topped with burrata cheese and sage pesto, it'll taste just as good as it looks.
Get the recipe:golden sweet potato soup with burrata and sage pesto
:upscale()/2019/10/07/095/n/40038730/39df4ee32c1d7bec_rs-Cranberry-Citrus-Salad-Goat-Cheese-Pecans-DelightfulEMade.com-vert2.jpg)
Cranberry Citrus Salad With Goat Cheese and Pecans
This salad is packed with Thanksgiving-inspired flavors from the cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese. Serve the homemade balsamic citrus dressing on the salad or on the side.
Get the recipe:cranberry citrus salad with goat cheese and pecans
:upscale()/2019/10/01/093/n/40038730/0646c14a5d52878a_Herb-Roasted-Turkey-Breast-Recipe-Cookin-Canuck-4.jpg)
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
You can't have a proper Friendsgiving without turkey, right? If you're serving a smaller crowd (or working with a small kitchen because of that apartment life), this herb-roasted breast will be just enough.
Get the recipe:herb-roasted turkey breast
:upscale()/2019/10/07/922/n/40038730/ba4aae494e467ad0_GARLIC_LOVER_S_MASHED_CAULIFLOWER___Dolly_and_Oatmeal.jpeg)
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
If you have any friends who are low-carb, they'll appreciate you swapping out potatoes for cauliflower — but honestly, this recipe is so good, everyone will want seconds.
Get the recipe:garlic mashed cauliflower
:upscale()/2019/10/01/093/n/40038730/a5ce2790275c36bc_Parmesan-Roasted-Butternut-Squash-Recipe.jpg)
Roasted Butternut Squash Parmesan
Another time and space saver: the healthy, one-pan dish. For this tasty side, you'll need just butternut squash, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and thyme.
Get the recipe:roasted butternut squash parmesan
:upscale()/2019/10/07/117/n/40038730/e5e93348fe76e986_Bacon-Wrapped-Asparagus-Oven.jpg)
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
This bacon-wrapped asparagus requires just four ingredients (great on a budget!), and it's sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Get the recipe:bacon-wrapped asparagus
:upscale()/2019/10/07/934/n/40038730/df5efb4a53e83bb3_keto-low-carb-riced-cauliflower-stuffing-picture.jpg)
Keto Riced Cauliflower Stuffing
Forgoing stuffing on Thanksgiving just isn't an option, but if you want to make it a bit healthier, this sausage and cauliflower recipe will do the trick.
Get the recipe:keto riced cauliflower stuffing
:upscale()/2019/10/07/086/n/40038730/6c86c3d74c1fb9ed_Paleo-Vegan-Sweet-Potato-Casserole_-2.jpg)
Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is typically considered a side dish, but it could work as a dessert, too. You won't miss the marshmallow topping because of all the yummy ingredients inside (think: maple syrup and cinnamon).
Get the recipe:Paleo sweet potato casserole
:upscale()/2019/10/01/094/n/40038730/c80f7616a4bcfdd3_grilled-broccoli-apple-cider-vinaigrette-13.jpg)
Grilled Broccolini With Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Greens have a place at Thanksgiving, too, and topped with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, they're decidedly on theme for Fall.
Get the recipe:grilled broccolini with apple cider vinaigrette
:upscale()/2019/10/07/074/n/40038730/0eb95b75e567c5a4_Honey-Butter-Roasted-Acorn-with-Burrata-and-Pomegranate-1.jpg)
Honey Butter Roasted Acorn With Burrata and Pomegranate
If there's such a thing as Fall on a plate, it has to be this side dish, packed to the brim with seasonal ingredients. Plus, it's so beautiful, everyone will want to 'gram it.
Get the recipe:honey butter roasted acorn with burrata and pomegranate
:upscale()/2019/10/07/105/n/40038730/18eadebb58789097_roasted-veggies.jpg)
Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Buy carrots in a variety of colors for a prettier plate. If you have any friends who are vegan, simply swap out the honey for maple syrup and this dish works for everyone.
Get the recipe:honey balsamic roasted carrots
:upscale()/2019/10/07/939/n/40038730/1a3b8f8da8435b15_healthy-cranberry-sauce-2.jpg)
Cranberry Sauce
Even if you don't care for cranberry sauce, there's probably someone at the party whose Friendsgiving wouldn't be complete without it. This recipe still contains some sugar, but it's a healthier option than what you'll find in a can.
Get the recipe:cranberry sauce
:upscale()/2019/10/07/098/n/40038730/8e613adf57b868b2_pecan-pie-bars-4.jpg)
Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie typically packs more calories, fat, and sugar than pumpkin, but that doesn't mean you can't have it. These pecan pie bars have an almond flour crust and are packed with natural sweeteners instead of processed sugars.
Get the recipe:pecan pie bars
:upscale()/2019/10/07/912/n/40038730/d2ffc44cdc30e64f_instant-pot-pumpkin-cheesecake-22.jpg)
Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
If you have an Instant Pot, creating this healthier cheesecake is so simple (and just look at those layers!).
Get the recipe:Instant Pot pumpkin cheesecake
:upscale()/2019/10/07/922/n/40038730/47173bbd0008023b_paleo-vegan-apple-crisp-with-coconut-flour-image.jpg)
Paleo Vegan Apple Crisp With Coconut Flour
If you want a departure from pecan or pumpkin, this delicious, crustless apple crisp will hit the spot.
Get the recipe:Paleo vegan apple crisp with coconut flour
:upscale()/2019/10/07/912/n/40038730/c99e19921968e56c_pumpkin-bar-3.jpg)
Pumpkin Pie Bars
These dairy-free bars are so good that you'll want to squirrel away a few for yourself before serving them to your friends.
Get the recipe:pumpkin pie bars