Our diabetic Thanksgiving dinner recipes feature low-sugar sides, fiber-rich vegetables and lean proteins, for a festive and balanced meal with all the classic flavors.
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Crockpot Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 178 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
2/32
Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this flavorful, easy-fix, tender slow-cooker entree when you're craving turkey. —Maria Juco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked turkey: 173 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
3/32
Mashed Peppery Turnips
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe in an attempt to use up a great turnip harvest from our garden, and to lighten up one of our favorite dishes. By using turnips in place of potatoes, I made a low-carb side. Now we rarely serve plain mashed potatoes! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
4/32
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time my friends tasted my new side dish, they said it was phenomenal. The longer you let it chill in the fridge, the more tender the sprouts will be. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 156 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
5/32
Rosemary Beets
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple side dish, I use a slow cooker and let the beets mellow with rosemary and thyme. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
6/32
Orange Pomegranate Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 62 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
7/32
Spinach, Apple & Pecan Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
One day, company was on the way, and I forgot to buy salad fixings. Scavenging the fridge for ingredients, I pulled these together and invented a salad superstar. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 109 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/32
Honey-Garlic Brussels Sprouts
From the Recipe Creator:
At a holiday dinner recently, I had the best Brussels sprouts ever! They were seasoned to perfection and lightly sweetened. I've tried to re-create the dish, and this comes very close. It has just the right amount of garlic and sweetness. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 100 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/32
Pumpkin Hummus
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 155 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
10/32
Italian Pork Loin
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to change things up during the holidays with pork loin recipes that incorporate my favorite herbs and veggies. This showpiece dish really dazzles my family. —Kim Palmer, Kingston, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork with 2 carrot halves and 1 onion quarter: 295 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/32
Lemon-Pepper Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
12/32
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Neutral-tasting soy milk doesn't detract from the potato flavor in this quick-to-fix version of vegan mashed potatoes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 163 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
13/32
Brussels Sprouts & Kale Saute
From the Recipe Creator:
In an effort to add more greens to our meals, I created this dish—and my kids eat it up. The crispy salami is the "hook." —Jennifer Mcnabb, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 126 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
14/32
Pomegranate Splash Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can't get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with about 4-1/2 teaspoons vinaigrette: 164 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
15/32
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These pumpkin banana muffins are the perfect bite-sized snack for fall. —Desiree Rasch, Blue Springs, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 153 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/32
Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden, honey-sweetened squash is just as hearty and comforting as your favorite potato dish. With its bright color, it makes an attractive side for special autumn meals. —Bianca Noiseux, Bristol, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
17/32
Slow-Cooker Applesauce
From the Recipe Creator:
My sweet and chunky applesauce is a perfect snack or side dish with your favorite entree. Because it's prepared in the slow cooker, you can fix it and forget it before you and the family head out for some fun. —Susanne Wasson, Montgomery, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/32
Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Celery
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed with a succulent combination of wild rice, mushrooms and dried cranberries, these golden hens are sure to become a special-occasion entree in your home. They're a wonderful change of pace from traditional turkey. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 Cornish hen (calculated with skin removed before serving): 336 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Holiday Rice Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
It's nice to prepare a cold salad like this when entertaining because it can be made ahead and doesn't take up valuable oven space. —Debra Walter, Huntington Woods, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 245 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
20/32
Pumpkin Curry Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I whipped this up for my family on Thanksgiving, and everyone was crazy about it! Even my brother, who is one of the pickiest eaters I know, asked for seconds of this curry pumpkin soup. —Kimberly Knepper, Euless, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 155 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
21/32
Green Beans with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They're best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 62 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Sweet Potato Carrot Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet potatoes take a different twist in this whipped side dish that pairs them with carrots. Subtly sweet, it has just a hint of garlic, while the nut and crumb topping adds a fun crunch to any holiday meal. —Diane Molberg, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/32
Minted Beet Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
We have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 123 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
24/32
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds
From the Recipe Creator:
We had leftover roasted butternut squash one night, so I threw it on a salad and topped it with cheese. My family loved it! Now we also add caramelized pumpkin seeds (my brother's idea) and a homemade dressing. —Nicole Sadowsky, Rancho Santa Fe, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 218 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 486mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/32
Kale Quinoa Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor of this kale quinoa salad can't be beat! —Lisa Warren, Washington, DC
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 190 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
26/32
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Pancetta
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic American mashed potatoes take a trip to Italy with the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and pancetta. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 206 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
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Honey-Oat Pan Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender rolls are relatively quick to make. Whole wheat flour and oats make them nutritious, too. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 103 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Roasted Fall Vegetables
From the Recipe Creator:
I love serving this tender veggie side dish as part of a comforting dinner on a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that's not overpowering. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Spicy Applesauce
From the Recipe Creator:
We have an apple-picking party every year. It's a bushel of fun, and I always look forward to cooking a batch of this easy applesauce seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and allspice. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 94 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit.
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Hot Spinach Apple Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Brussels Sprouts Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I like Brussels sprouts, so I'm always looking for new ways to use them. I most often serve this colorful salad with roast pork or duck. —Nancy Korondan, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 171 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable.
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Blue-Ribbon Herb Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
These rolls have been a favorite of ours for nearly 25 years. I even baked them in an old wood stove when we lived on a farm. I developed the recipe using several techniques I learned while studying the art of bread making. The recipe won a blue ribbon at our county fair. —Mary Ann Evans, Tarpon Springs, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 94 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Diabetic Thanksgiving Dinner FAQ
What can people with diabetes eat for Thanksgiving dinner?
People with diabetes can enjoy many classic Thanksgiving dinner recipes as long as the portions are considered and balanced with lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables. Instead of traditional mashed potatoes and gravy, try a lower-carb option like mashed cauliflower or turnips, so you have some carbs left to enjoy dessert.
What is a good diabetic-friendly Thanksgiving dessert?
Diabetic-friendly desserts should be high in fiber, protein and healthy fats to help manage blood sugar fluctuation. Options like gluten-free fig cookies, chai-spiced bread pudding with warm spices or creamy avocado mousse bring seasonal flavor without relying on excess sugar. Desserts with whole ingredients like fresh fruits, nuts and seeds are also excellent choices.
How can you make diabetic-friendly stuffing for Thanksgiving?
The best way to make diabetic-friendly stuffing is to swap in low-carb, high-fiber ingredients. Whole-grain or keto bread makes a great base, or you could use cauliflower as a bread-free alternative. Sauteed vegetables, fresh herbs and lean meats like turkey or chicken sausage boost the flavor. To moisten the mixture, use low-sodium chicken broth instead of fatty drippings, keeping the dish lighter while still tasting like classic Thanksgiving stuffing.
Lucy Wang
Lucy is a first-generation Asian American mom and influencer who loves creating fun, approachable recipes.
