40+ Paleo & AIP Recipes to Make for Thanksgiving

Introduction

This Thanksgiving, enjoy a bountiful and inclusive holiday table with these 40+ Paleo and AIP-compliant recipes. From show-stopping mains to delicious sides and irresistible desserts, these recipes are thoughtfully curated to delight everyone—whether you follow Paleo, the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), or just want to introduce more nourishing, whole-food dishes into your feast. The approachable ingredients and simple techniques ensure you can serve up a holiday meal that’s both comforting and mindful of diverse dietary needs.

Why Go Paleo & AIP for Thanksgiving?

With these recipes, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or tradition for dietary compliance. Each recipe focuses on whole ingredients, free of grains, dairy, and processed sugars—avoiding common allergens and inflammatory triggers. This collection empowers hosts to confidently craft a menu that’s satisfying, nutritious, and welcoming to all guests. Even classic staple dishes like stuffing, mashed “potatoes,” and pumpkin pie can be enjoyed by everyone at the table—no one feels left out!

Best Paleo & AIP Thanksgiving Recipes

From the main event to all the festive trimmings, here’s what you’ll find:

• Succulent turkey and roast options with flavorful, herb-infused gravies
• Stuffings made from root veggies or grain-free bread alternatives
• Creative mashed cauliflower and sweet potato variations
• Crispy roasted veggies and vibrant fall harvest salads
• Grain-free, AIP-friendly breads and rolls
• Delightful cranberry sauces without refined sugar
• Desserts that celebrate the season—think pumpkin pies, apple crisps, and cookies
• Satisfying appetizers like bacon-wrapped dates, dips, and more

Mix and match these recipes for a feast that captures all the beloved tastes and traditions of Thanksgiving with added wellness benefits.

Paleo & AIP Thanksgiving Appetizers & Sides

Start your holiday right with a selection of appetizers and sides that are bursting with flavor and nutrition:

• Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus (AIP, Paleo)
• Rosemary Roasted Carrots (AIP, Paleo)
• “Cornbread” Muffins (Grain-free, AIP)
• Cauliflower Mash with Garlic & Herbs (AIP, Paleo)
• Cranberry Orange Relish (No sugar, AIP, Paleo)
• Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Coconut (Paleo, AIP mods)
• Herb-Infused Stuffing (Root veggie base, AIP, Paleo)
• Lemon-Dill Roasted Brussel Sprouts (AIP, Paleo)

Paleo & AIP Main Dishes for Thanksgiving

Feature a stunning centerpiece with these main courses:

• Perfect Whole Roast Turkey with Fresh Herb Gravy (AIP, Paleo)
• Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Sage (AIP, Paleo)
• Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme (AIP, Paleo)
• Maple Glazed Salmon (Paleo, AIP mods)
• Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apple and Ground Turkey (AIP, Paleo)

Paleo & AIP Thanksgiving Desserts

Finish your meal on a sweet note—without the sugar crash or inflammation:

• Coconut Pumpkin Pie Bars (AIP, Paleo)
• Caramel Apple Crisp (Date-sweetened, AIP, Paleo)
• Gingerbread Cookie Bites (AIP, Paleo)
• Vanilla Cinnamon Poached Pears (AIP, Paleo)
• Homemade Cranberry Gummies (AIP, Paleo)

Sample Ingredient List: Paleo & AIP Stuffing

  2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  1 yellow onion, diced
  2 stalks celery, chopped
  3 garlic cloves, minced
  1 apple, diced
  1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped (omit for strict AIP)
  2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
  1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  1/4 cup olive oil
  Sea salt and black pepper, to taste (omit pepper for strict AIP)

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free holiday meal planning.

Instructions: Example for Paleo & AIP Stuffing

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with half the olive oil, sea salt, and herbs. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until just tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a pan. Sauté onion, celery, and apple for 10 minutes until softened.
4. Add garlic and mushrooms (if using), and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
5. Combine roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed veggies in a large bowl. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm as a delicious grain-free stuffing alternative!

Weekly Meal Planning

Thanksgiving prep is made so much easier—and more enjoyable—when you plan in advance. Save and schedule these recipes to coordinate which dishes you’ll make, merge ingredient lists to prevent duplicate purchases, and ensure nothing is forgotten.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all recipes for your feast
• Organizes shopping lists by store section for speedy trips
• Reduces waste and saves money by consolidating overlapping ingredients
• Makes it easy to share your menu and prep timeline with family and helpers

Pro tip: When mapping out your full Thanksgiving menu, use CookifyAI to schedule recipes and enjoy a seamlessly coordinated holiday, spending less time worrying and more time celebrating.

Cook and Prep Times

Because this is a roundup, times will vary:

• Appetizers & sides average: 15-45 minutes
• Main dishes: 45-180 minutes (turkey/roasts), 30-60 minutes (smaller mains)
• Desserts: 25-60 minutes

Total hands-on time for a full menu: Around 2-4 hours, spread over a couple of days for manageable, enjoyable prep.

Delicious, Nourishing, and Inclusive Thanksgiving

With these 40+ Paleo and AIP-friendly Thanksgiving recipes, you can host a truly memorable feast that everyone will feel great about. Each dish is crafted for both flavor and inclusivity—ensuring that no one is left out of the holiday traditions, and everyone heads home satisfied.

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every delicious, nourishing bite!