Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving is all about good food, family and gratitude, but it doesn't have to mean overindulging. This Thanksgiving, enjoy your favorite flavors with lighter, heart-healthy recipes that leave you feeling satisfied instead of sluggish. 

Here are three easy, healthy recipes to try this holiday season. 

Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole

The Maple-glazed sweet potato casserole is a great way to skip all the heavy butter and sugar. Instead, this dish uses a touch of pure maple syrup and olive oil to bring out the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor. A warm, comforting side that's as nutritious as it is satisfying. 

Ingredients: 

1 40-ounce can chopped sweet potatoes or yams in light syrup, drained

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large egg whites

1/4 cup unsalted pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the full recipe, visit the American Heart Association.

Roasted Turkey with Butternut Squash and Asparagus

Roasted turkey with seasonal vegetables is a simple way to enjoy a balanced, protein-enriched meal. This recipe combines lean turkey breast with butternut squash and asparagus, which are all roasted in olive oil and herbs. 

Ingredients: 

For the asparagus: 

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

2 medium garlic cloves, minced or 2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 

1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the butternut squash: 

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking spray

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the roasted turkey:

1 12-pound fresh or frozen turkey, thawed if frozen

2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning, crumbled

1 tablespoon canola or corn oil

1 teaspoon pepper

2 to 3 medium ribs of celery, coarsely chopped

2 medium carrots (about 1 cup)

1 small onion (coarsely chopped)

3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried thyme

3 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

3 medium garlic cloves, minced or 1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic

Cooking spray

For the full recipe, visit the American Heart Association.

Pumpkin Pie Yogurt Parfait

End your Thanksgiving meal on a lighter note with this pumpkin pie-inspired parfait made with Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree and warm fall spices. It’s a perfect dessert or breakfast for the next day. 

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, adjust according to your taste

2/3 cup low-fat Greek yogurt

1/3 cup granola

Sliced strawberries, optional

For the full recipe, visit Healthy Nibbles.