The phrase "healthy Thanksgiving dinner" may seem like a contradiction in terms, with all the butter and cream that usually goes into the making of the meal. But the great American feast can include plenty of simple, delicious recipes that will leave you satisfied, not stuffed. EatingWell's menu includes a traditional Herb-Roasted Turkey with gravy, a tasty Pear, Prosciutto & Hazelnut Stuffing, and a variety of quick, healthy sides such as Sizzled Green Beans. You won't miss the marshmallows in our Potato & Sweet Potato Tart, and Mashed Roots with Buttermilk keeps traditionalists and the diet-conscious happy. Our Chocolate-Pumpkin Cake and Oatmeal-Nut Apple Pie prove that you can have a healthy dessert—and enjoy it too!
Turkey Tips
For golden turkey skin, roast at high heat—475°F—for the first 45 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F.
Turkey meat (and chicken) can be pink when it’s fully cooked. Why? The bones of young birds are porous and allow red pigmentation (hemoglobin) to leach out into the meat. Smoking and grilling can also make the meat pink.
