A Healthy Thanksgiving Menu: Delicious Gluten-, Grain- & Dairy-Free Recipes
from Dee Davidson, FDN-P
The holidays are meant to be enjoyed — and that includes the food! But if you’re working to balance hormones, heal your gut, or support blood-sugar stability, traditional Thanksgiving recipes can leave you feeling bloated, tired, or inflamed.
The good news? You can celebrate and feel amazing.
These simple, whole-food recipes are naturally gluten-, grain-, and dairy-free — but full of flavor, comfort, and love.
Appetizer: Roasted Carrot Hummus with Veggie Spears
Why I love it: Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and beta-carotene for hormone support — and much lighter than traditional dips.
Ingredients
3 large carrots, peeled & chopped
1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove
Juice of ½ lemon
½ tsp cumin
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Roast carrots at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until tender.
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Serve with cucumber rounds, bell-pepper strips, or celery sticks.
Side Dish: Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans & Rosemary
Why I love it: Naturally sweet, rich in potassium and fiber, and perfect for balancing blood sugar when eaten with protein.
Ingredients
3 large sweet potatoes, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tbsp chopped pecans
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Sea salt to taste
Directions
Toss all ingredients together and roast at 400°F for 30–35 minutes.
Stir halfway through until the edges caramelize.
Main Dish: Herb-Brined Roasted Turkey (Tender & Juicy)
Why I love it: Slow-roasted and infused with herbs — no need for butter or flour-based gravies.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
1 cup sea salt
½ cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage
1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
Olive oil for brushing
Directions
Dissolve salt and coconut sugar in 2 gallons of water; add herbs, lemon, and onion.
Submerge turkey and brine overnight (8–12 hours) in fridge.
Pat dry, brush with olive oil, and roast at 325°F until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 13–15 min/lb).
Let rest 20 minutes before carving.
Non-Alcoholic Drink: Sparkling Cranberry-Citrus Spritzer
Why I love it: Refreshing, festive, and supports liver detox pathways — no refined sugar needed.
Ingredients
½ cup 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
1 cup sparkling water
Juice of ½ orange
1 tsp raw honey or monk-fruit sweetener (optional)
Fresh rosemary or cranberries for garnish
Directions
Mix cranberry juice, orange juice, and sweetener in a glass.
Top with sparkling water and garnish. Cheers!
Dessert: Pumpkin Coconut Custard Cups
Why I love it: Naturally low sugar, high in fiber, and rich in minerals and healthy fats — the perfect hormone-friendly treat.
Ingredients
1 can organic pumpkin puree
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 eggs
¼ cup maple syrup or monk fruit syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of sea salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Pour into ramekins and bake 35–40 minutes until set.
Cool and top with coconut whipped cream or chopped pecans.
Dee’s Holiday Wellness Tip
Before the big meal, take 3 deep breaths to shift into “rest and digest” mode. Eat slowly, chew well, and focus on gratitude — your nervous system and digestion will thank you.
Stay Connected
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Wishing you a delicious, balanced, and joyful Thanksgiving!
Dee Davidson is a Board-Certified Functional Health Practitioner based in North Attleboro, MA, specializing in hormone balance, mineral restoration, gut health, and women’s wellness. She helps women ditch surface-level solutions and address the real root causes of fatigue, hormonal chaos, and burnout—so they can finally feel like themselves again.