Healthy Recipes for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving can always be a tricky time to stay on track with your health goals or your healthy lifestyle, whether you're hosting a gathering or traveling to one. Here are some
of my favorite healthy recipes that can help you have both a flavorful,
fun thanksgiving, and remain on track as well!

If you're planning on having a heavier meal, here are some light appetizers you can easily make ahead of time to serve or bring with you:

      

Warmer finger foods are always fun as well. All of these wonton recipes are fun and healthy for everyone:

     

For the two taco wonton recipes above, you absolutely can't be without this Easy Avocado Dip:

And, finally, for some heartier appetizers, you'll want to check out these:

     

     

My family has always started Thanksgiving dinner with a traditional Italian tortellini soup. However, this light vegetarian seasonal soup would be a perfect start to any Thanksgiving meal. It's smooth and packed with flavor:

Here are some fun, healthy, and seasonal sides to include as well:

     

I hope this helps give you a few ideas as to what you can include in your Thanksgiving day, whether you swap out an older, less healthy recipe on your menu, or you simply bring along a healthier appetizer. For more recipes, you can check out the All Recipes tab, or check out my Pinboards for hundreds of different healthy recipes, especially Healthy Party Ideas.

A website I always check out when I'm busy planning for a party is Raise.com. They have hundreds of different gift cards to buy and sell for a discounted rate. It's such an easy and 

quick way to add some savings to all of your 

holiday and party purchases!

https://www.raise.com/buy-gift-cards
https://www.raise.com/sell-gift-cards 

For more, check out:

     

Cheesy Vegan Quinoa Taco Dip

Cheesy Vegan Quinoa Taco Dip

1/2 cup organic quinoa dry
4 tbsp organic vegan cream cheese
5 tbsp 365 Pepper Duo Hot Sauce
1/8 cup shredded organic vegan cheddar or pepper jack
1 tsp organic paprika
3/4 - 1 cup your favorite organic salsa
1/4 cup no salt added organic black beans
1/4 cup organic yellow corn


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and cook quinoa as directed and add to large bowl. While the quinoa is hot, add in the cream cheese and mix throughly until the cream cheese is melted and mixture is one texture.

Next, add the hot sauce, salsa, and paprika and and combine. Finally fold in the beans and corn and transfer to an oven safe serving dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and sides are bubbling.

Serve with organic tortilla chips and garnish with freshly sliced organic avocado. Enjoy!

Easy Pepper & Lime Salsa!

Peper & Lime Salsa:

1/2 organic red pepper

1/2 organic yellow pepper

1/2 organic orange pepper

1/2 organic red onion, minced

Juice from 1 organic lime

Chopped fresh cilantro to taste

Dice peppers and combine with lime juice, onion, and cilantro. Let sit for 10 minutes or more, stirring occasionally, then enjoy!

This salsa goes great with these Veggies Burgers:

                  

These Tofu Dishes:

                  

And these Wontons:

    

                 

Southwest Taco Wontons

I would also recommend wiping up a side of this Easy Avocado Dip! They are a perfect pairing!

Southwest Taco Wontons:

Makes about 42-48 wontons (depending on how much of the mix you snack on!).

1 1/2 cups cooked organic quinoa

1 cup organic low sodium black beans

3/4 cup organic yellow corn

3/4 cup shredded vegan cheese

1 organic jalapeño, chopped (adjust accordingly to your taste)

1 tbsp freshly squeezed organic lime juice (to taste)

3/4 packet of Simply Organic Southwest Taco seasoning 

1/2 tsp organic canola oil

First, set the quinoa to cook according to instructions and while it is cooking add beans, corn, cheese, and jalapeño to large mixing bowl and combine. In a second mixing bowl, add taco seasoning dry. 

When the quinoa is finished cooking, add it to the bowl with the seasoning and mix thoroughly. Once mixed add to larger bowl with vegetables and mix together also adding in the lime juice. 

Now preheat oven to 325 degrees. 

Place between 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of mixture onto wonton wrappers and fold into a triangle pressing edges together. I find it easiest to quickly shape the mixture into a triangle on one half of the wonton first.  

Once all wontons are complete, using a pastry/basting brush or your finger, very lightly baste the top and edges of each with the canola oil. Using too much will make them feel greasy when you remove them from the oven. Then place in the oven and bake for 12-16 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and enjoy! 

These are also easy to make ahead of time and freeze, or make extra to freeze for later! Just make sure to cook and let cool before freezing! Enjoy!