25 Whole Food Recipes for Thanksgiving

Here in California, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of fresh produce in markets year round and we food bloggers like to make the most of it! If you are hosting the biggest eating day of the year, you want to create a memorable feast, and one sure way to do that is using fresh, seasonal produce in new and creative ways while maintaining the tradition that comes with Thanksgiving. With this curated list of of 25 deliciously wholesome recipes from my California cohorts, I hope you’ll discover a dish that your family and friends will request year after year.

One thing I am grateful for this Thanksgiving is the ever-widening group of like-minded, food obsessed virtual friends that food blogging has brought into my life. Over the years, these peers have become my “tribe” and  provided inspiration when creativity escapes me. Feast your eyes on these 25 sensational dishes from this talented community. I’m quite certain that there is a dish here that is calling your name!

Leading off with Authentic Suburban Gourmet’s lovely Spicy Pear and Honey Crostini (above) because you absolutely MUST have a tasty tidbit to keep the hunger pangs at bay while the bird is in the oven and savory aromas fill the house!

Root vegetables rule in this pretty Parsnip and Carrot Gratin – Liz the Chef

No need to be apprehensive about chestnuts: Red Wine Braised Chestnuts and Pearl Onions – Cooking on the Weekends

Two autumn favorites star in this stunning Heirloom Apple and Sweet Potato Tian – Jolly Tomato

Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce – Family Spice

A fresh, lively Apple, Walnut, Endive and Arugula Salad from Mimi Avocado brightens the palate.

After tasting this award-winning Blue Ribbon Coffee-Toffee Pecan Pie your family will demand it every year! Thank Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious.

Rolls seem boring when you can have Green Chile Cornbread – Nibbles and Feasts

The under-used celery root is the perfect low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes: Celery Root Purée – Liz the Chef

Recruit the kids to cut out star shapes for Cranberry Jicama Appetizers – Jolly Tomato

A guilt-less gratin with only 1 T. of butter and very little cheese: Cauliflower with Manchego and Pancetta – She’s Cookin’

Add a luxurious touch with Truffled Potato Gratin – In Erika’s Kitchen

A surprising and delicious combination: Creamy Swiss Chard with Coconut – Sippity Sup

Kick things up a notch with spicy Chorizo Pistachio Pear Stuffing from Presley’s Pantry

 An elegant fresh green salad balances all the rich fare. Asian Pear Salad withAsian Pear Salad with Cranberries & Pecans – She’s Cookin’

This beautiful edible blossom could steal the turkey’s glory! Roasted Delicata Squash Blossom – My Man’s Belly

Spice up your cranberry sauce!  New Mexican Hatch Chile Cranberry Sauce – Shockingly Delicious

Change things up in the potato category with Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes – Cooking on the Weekends

Chestnut and Mushroom Soup is a rich and “meaty” soup perfect for non turkey lovers and vegetarian guests at your table – A Communal Table

Weary of the ubiquitous green bean casserole? Try Roasted Green Beans & Scallions – Sippity Sup

For the traditionalists at heart, Moist Stuffing with Swiss Chard to up the nutrition factor – Family Spice.

A Cream of Chanterelle Mushroom Soup with Fennel Sprouts is sure to impress your family and friends – Rustic Garden Bistro

Like Southern spoonbreads, this luscious Corn Pudding with Hatch Chiles is a crowd pleaser – She’s Cookin’

Spice up the spuds with Guajillo Spiced Scalloped Potatoes – Nibbles and Feasts

 This gorgeous Pumpkin Flan could easily replace the traditional pumpkin pie as a family favorite – Presley’s Pantry

I hope you found some inspiration among these delectable dishes. Most of the recipes above are vegetarian, and many are gluten free or can be modified for gluten free diets. And,  if you’re craving more – check out this earlier Thanksgiving roundup of easy, vegetable-centric sides. Thank you to all my friends for sharing their creativity 🙂