4 Types of Thanksgiving Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with loved ones and enjoy a bountiful meal. But traditional holiday dishes can be heavy and leave you feeling sluggish. Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition to enjoy a festive table packed with health benefits. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, you can create a vibrant, delicious spread that supports your body and satisfies your cravings.

Why Choose Anti-Inflammatory Thanksgiving Foods?

These dishes go beyond flavor—they help reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and leave you feeling energized (not overly full) after your meal. From colorful roasted vegetables to hearty whole grains, anti-inflammatory foods add both nutrition and excitement to your Thanksgiving celebration.

4 Types of Thanksgiving Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Let’s explore four categories of anti-inflammatory foods that deserve a place on your Thanksgiving table, complete with recipe suggestions and easy meal planning tips!

1. Leafy Greens and Cruciferous Vegetables
   Leafy greens (like kale, Swiss chard, and spinach) and cruciferous veggies (such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower) are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that fight inflammation. Roast a tray of Brussels sprouts with a touch of olive oil and garlic, or prepare a kale and pomegranate salad with toasted walnuts for a pop of color and nutrition.
2. Colorful Root Vegetables
   Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets are rich in carotenoids, fiber, and vitamins that help regulate inflammation. Serve mashed sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or try roasted rainbow carrots tossed with a little cumin and honey for a healthy, crowd-pleasing side.
3. Fatty Fish and Plant-Based Omega-3s
   If your gathering includes pescatarian options, consider serving baked salmon with a citrus-herb marinade. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which dramatically help reduce inflammation. For plant-based guests, add walnuts or chia seeds to salads for a similar anti-inflammatory boost.
4. Whole Grains and Legumes
   Swap traditional white bread stuffing for a hearty wild rice and quinoa stuffing mixed with cranberries and pecans. Include lentil or chickpea salads for added protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory benefits. These swaps keep your meal wholesome and filling while supporting digestive and overall health.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this anti-inflammatory Thanksgiving lineup to automatically generate an organized shopping list—sorted by store section for fast, efficient holiday grocery runs!

Instructions

1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, turning once.
2. Prepare Leafy Greens: Massage kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt until softened. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans.
3. Bake Salmon: Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Brush with a mix of olive oil, maple syrup, and thyme. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through. (Or, top salads with walnuts for plant-based omega-3s.)
4. Wild Rice-Quinoa Stuffing: In a bowl, toss cooked quinoa or wild rice with cooked lentils or chickpeas, roasted carrots, toasted pecans, and your choice of herbs. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Weekly Meal Planning

Incorporating these flavorful, anti-inflammatory foods into your Thanksgiving feast makes it easy to build in healthy habits—without missing out on holiday joy. Save and schedule these recipes in advance to simplify preparation and consolidate all your ingredients into one smart grocery list.

Meal Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all your holiday dishes
• Organizes shopping lists by produce, seafood, grains, and pantry for easy shopping
• Reduces food waste and duplicate purchases
• Keeps your Thanksgiving week stress-free and organized

Pro tip: Schedule your Thanksgiving menu to see at a glance which ingredients overlap—so you only buy exactly what you need, and nothing gets left behind.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Enjoy a holiday meal that tastes as good as it feels—with these four types of Thanksgiving anti-inflammatory foods, your body and your taste buds will thank you!