Thanksgiving potluck dishes don’t have to revolve around beige casseroles, sugar crashes, or foods that leave everyone feeling sluggish. Whether you’re prepping for your office Thanksgiving celebration, a cozy Friendsgiving, or a family gathering, these vibrant, nourishing recipes bring warmth, richness, and seasonal energy to your holiday table.
As a functional dietitian, I love creating festive meals that deliver big flavor and support your body’s natural rhythm. Think: seasonal ingredients, balanced macros, warming spices, and simple prep. Whether you’re craving something plant-forward, gut-friendly, or comfort-food cozy, this lineup gives you crowd-pleasing options for any Thanksgiving potluck.
And remember — whenever possible, choose organic ingredients to maximize flavor, nutrient density, and overall wellness. Your body (and your team) will thank you.
Parsnip, Potato & Ginger Soup
A silky, gut-friendly starter that brings warmth and comfort. It’s rich in fiber, naturally dairy-free, and perfect for a light lunch or appetizer at any Thanksgiving potluck.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 pound parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 pound gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: coconut milk, herbs, or fresh pepper for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in ginger, parsnips, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Add broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are soft (about 20 minutes).
- Blend using an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Swirl in coconut milk or garnish with fresh herbs and pepper as desired.
✨ Make it ahead and reheat on turkey day — it saves oven space and tastes even better the next day.
Roasted Squash & Arugula Salad
Bright, seasonal, and stunning on any Thanksgiving table. This salad holds up well without wilting and brings that perfect sweet-savory fall balance.
Ingredients
- 1 delicata squash, seeded and sliced into half-moons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
- Optional: 2 oz goat cheese
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for a touch of brown sugar sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss delicata squash with olive oil and salt, then roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, roasted squash, pumpkin seeds, and any optional add-ins like goat cheese or quinoa.
- Drizzle with dressing before serving.
✨ Serve chilled or at room temperature. This simple recipe is a perfect balance of savory and sweet fall flavors, ideal for sharing at your Thanksgiving potluck.
Cauliflower Stuffing with Sausage
Paleo Running Momma has a great Paleo twist on the traditional Thanksgiving stuffing! This is one dish that won’t have you ready for a nap shortly after eating it.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into small florets
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 1 Tbsp ghee and more as needed
- 1 lb bulk Italian sausage sugar free for Whole30, homemade or store bought
- 1 medium yellow onion cut in half and sliced thin
- 4 stalks celery chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary minced
- 2 tsp fresh sage minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves removed from stems
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley minced, plus more garnish if desired
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF and lightly grease a large metal baking sheet. Place cauliflower florets on the baking sheet and drizzle evenly with the avocado oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium/med-hi heat and add the ghee. Crumble the sausage into the skillet and cook, breaking up lumps with a spoon, until nicely browned all over – about 5-6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate, then turn the heat down to med-low.
- Add the onions to the skillet, sprinkle with sea salt and stir to coat with cooking fat. Cook over med-low/med heat, stirring occasionally for 5-10 minutes to lightly caramelize, adjusting the heat if necessary. Raise the heat to medium and add more ghee if necessary, then add the celery and cook about a minute to soften, then add the garlic and continue to cook about a minute, stirring to avoid burning.
- Add the fresh herbs and pecans to the mixture and cook, stirring, another minute to toast the pecans. Add the sausage back in, then the roasted cauliflower and toss together to heat through. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste (you may not need to at all) and remove from heat.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or transfer the mixture to a casserole dish so you can reheat it later on, right before serving. To reheat, place the casserole dish in a 400ºF oven, covered with aluminum foil until heated through. Enjoy!
✨ This turkey and cauliflower rice casserole is a perfect balance of savory and creamy, making it a hearty and healthy addition to your Thanksgiving potluck dishes.
Food Should Bring People Together and Support Your Health
If your workplace wants to cultivate a culture of wellness while celebrating the holiday season, our Corporate Wellness Programs are designed to help your team feel energized, empowered, and fully supported.
Led by registered dietitians, we provide:
- Personalized nutrition guidance
- Recipe and meal-planning support
- Seasonal, nourishing food education
- Practical strategies employees can use at home or at work
- Mindful eating, balanced meals, and smarter choices that still feel festive
From crowd-pleasing potluck dishes to everyday habits that sustain energy and performance, we help your organization create ripple effects of health and vitality.
Wishing you and your team a nourishing, joyful holiday season filled with vibrant, delicious dishes everyone will love!
