Diabetic-Friendly Isn’t Devoid of Flavor
When people see “diabetic recipes,” they automatically assume the worst. They probably won’t taste as good. They’ll probably have god-awful ingredient swaps that ruin the whole thing. And next thing you know, Thanksgiving is ruined before it’s even started. But diabetic-friendly recipes don’t have to mean depressing dishes. In fact, a few simple tweaks can turn everyday plates into healthier options that still pack the flavor!
1. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Okay, we know what you’re thinking: there’s no way to make Brussels sprouts taste good. Ah, that’s what you think! Shaved sprouts only serve as the crunchy base for all kinds of goodies: fresh lemon juice, shaved almonds, chives, and even grated cheese can turn your simple side from zero to hero.
2. Roasted Garlic Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are already the heart-smart option we crave, but they’re especially helpful for diabetics. If you couldn’t already tell from the name, they also pack a sweeter punch than their cousins, and you can easily up the ante with a little garlic, cinnamon, or smoked paprika.
3. Squash With Ricotta Salad
If you’re looking to ditch russet potatoes, you can always swap in butternut squash—and top it with cheese, of course. Don’t be so quick to dismiss this classic Thanksgiving ingredient; with a little lemon and ricotta, you have a nice, fluffy side without all the excess fat.
4. Green Beans With Almonds
Green beans likely conjure images of thawed, unseasoned vegetables from a bag, so we don’t blame you if you hate them. However, it’s time to flip the script! Pan-seared green beans with a bit of garlic and some sliced almonds are unlike anything you've had from childhood.
5. Lemon Asparagus
Asparagus is another healthy veggie with a bad rap. Instead of unseasoned spears, squeeze some fresh lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil. You can also top with a pinch of grated cheese or even freshly grated lemon zest!
6. Cauliflower Stuffing
Here’s the thing with cauliflower: people don’t season it and then claim it tastes bad! It doesn’t taste bad, it’s just waiting for your creation! Mixed with a bit of onion and carrots, this simple-seeming veggie boasts a healthy calorie count packed with flavor. Fresh parsley, rosemary, and even some chopped walnuts make it even better.
7. Soy Milk Mashed Potatoes
There’s no reason to turn your back on Thanksgiving staples. All you need is one little swap for a diabetic-friendly recipe: soy milk. Trust us, you won’t even taste it, but you will have a healthier alternative with a nice, mild flavor. You can also use vegetable stock.
8. Butternut Squash Soup
What’s Thanksgiving without a little soup? Butternut squash, curry powder, vegetable broth, and cubed pumpkin serve as the base for this delicious bowl. Best of all, it’s ready in just under an hour, so you can bring a fresh pot to the cookout!
9. Slow Cooker Applesauce
You’re probably used to applesauce loaded with sugar, but you don’t actually need all that bad stuff to enjoy a spoonful of it. Instead, leave out the sugar and focus on cinnamon. Paired with apples, it’s an easy-peasy two-ingredient recipe that’s ready in a few hours.
10. Pumpkin and Cauliflower Mash
Alright, maybe soy milk isn’t your thing. No problem—you don’t even need potatoes for a great-tasting mashed side! Pumpkin and cauliflower provide a nice, thick dish similar to everyone’s favorite side. You can season it with garlic and fresh thyme for a pinch of flavor, too.
11. Mini Turkey Meatballs
Would you believe us if we said a bit of ground turkey and egg whites could help you whip up healthy meatballs? It’s true! You don’t even need breadcrumbs for this recipe, easily swapping in oats instead. Some fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil help keep everything together, so you'll get the perfect consistency every time.
12. Roasted Carrot Soup
If you have carrots, onions, chicken broth, and ginger at home, you have just about everything you need for a hearty bowl of carrot soup. A pinch of cumin and parsley never hurt anyone either, and you’ll have a great pot anyone can sink their spoon into.
13. Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Who said heat wasn’t allowed in the winter? That’s the best time for a spurt of hot sauce! Brussels sprouts are already low in carbs, so you have a healthy base for this side dish, but with a tablespoon of sriracha, some honey, and lemon juice, you also have the tastiest plate at the table.
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14. Gingerbread Cake
There’s no shame in dessert—Thanksgiving isn’t complete without one, and even diabetic-friendly recipes bring the sweetness you’re after. Take gingerbread cake, a fluffy option packed with whole wheat flour and applesauce instead of your typical ingredients. It’ll still taste amazing, but now everyone can enjoy.
15. Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
Speaking of whole wheat flour, we aren’t done with it yet. It’s actually one of the only ingredients you need for this dessert (though you can also use almond flour). Pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and chocolate chips add the sweetness, and you’re good to go in about an hour.
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16. Almond Snowballs
Boy, we hope you like almonds ‘cause this recipe calls for a ton of them! Almond flour and almond extract provide the foundation for unsweetened coconut and just a pinch of ground cinnamon. You’ll likely get at least 24 cookies out of any recipe, too, so people won't go hungry.
17. Baked Apples
It’s Thanksgiving, and that means apple desserts! Believe it or not, you don’t need sugar for this either. Apples, cinnamon, and a bit of butter capture the heart of the season without adding all those unnecessary calories.
18. Low-Carb Tiramisu
We know that tiramisu typically requires some elbow grease and someone’s family recipe, but this twist is ready in just a few minutes. Toasted almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar-free whipped cream provide the flavor you know and love, now with a diabetic-friendly adjustment.
19. Brie and Apple Pecan Bites
We’re not done with the beloved apple-cinnamon combo yet, but we are throwing some cheese in there for this one! You can top crackers or even thinly sliced apples with pecans and cubed brie; the whole thing will make you feel like you’re dining with afternoon tea.
20. Pumpkin Cookies
You know what? At the end of the day, sometimes we just want a good cookie. Well, you’re in luck! With a little almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, rolled oats, and maple syrup, you’ll have delicious cookies that everyone can get a piece of.
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