Diabetic Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes With Tips

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a fresh and wholesome twist on a classic Thanksgiving meal, perfect for maintaining my health goals without sacrificing flavor. The combination of roasted veggies, juicy turkey, and the tangy-sweet cranberry sauce is like a comforting hug in every bite, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for Friendsgiving or just dinner with the fam.

I enjoy using these wholesome ingredients for what I consider a delicious, diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving dinner. My all-time favorite is roasted cauliflower—no, make that riced cauliflower—flavored with the classic combo of olive oil, garlic, and onion powder.

That crunchy, slightly sweet, riced cauliflower mound is just so much fun to eat. Plus, it’s a whole lot healthier than mashed potatoes.

Then we have balsamic Dijon Brussels sprouts and turkey breast, which is unadulterated, low-carb ribeye roast. And don’t even get me started on the cranberry sauce; suffice it to say that it’s flavor-enhanced and totally sugar-free.

Ingredients

Cauliflower contains few carbs, is high in fiber, and is loaded with vitamins.

Brussels sprouts are abundant in vitamins K and C and are filled with fiber.

Olive oil: Fats that benefit the heart and enhance flavor.

Maple Syrup (sugar-free): Delivers sweetness without raising blood sugar levels.

Turkey Breast: An excellent source of lean nutrition, high in protein, low in fat.

Cranberries possess a sour taste, are very high in antioxidants, and are high in fiber.

Baguette made with whole wheat: Carbohydrates, complex.

Fibers, source of.

Greek Yogurt: Protein-packed, with a creamy texture, and low in carbohydrates.

Green beans are rich in fiber and nutrition and they add crunch.

Almonds contain fats that are good for the heart, a sizable amount of protein, and are rich in dietary fiber.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chopped Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (sugar-free version for diabetics)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 whole wheat baguette, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice (no sugar added)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• Stevia or monk fruit sweetener to taste
• 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
• 2 pounds turkey breast, skinless
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain and unsweetened
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup almonds, slivered and toasted
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

Instructions

1. Your oven should be set to 400°F (200°C) ahead of time. Cauliflower florets are to be placed on a sheet pan for baking, then drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with all of the following: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bake them in the oven for 20–25 minutes, during which time you should not be shy about turning them halfway through for even browning and tenderness. The finished florets should be tender and nicely browned; they are to be served piping hot.

2. As the cauliflower is in the oven, set to roasting, the next step in the process is to ready the Brussels sprouts. This involves mixing balsamic vinegar, a good Dijon mustard, and some sugar-free maple syrup in a bowl. Once these ingredients are well combined, the next step is to toss the Brussels with this mixture and lay them on a baking sheet. They need to then go in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes. A good way to assist this step of the process is to throw the Brussels on a second baking sheet and have them in the oven at the same time as the cauliflower.

3. The preparation of the cranberry sauce begins with the heating of the cranberries and the other ingredients. These ingredients—water, orange juice, and orange zest—are placed in a saucepan over medium heat. They are brought to a boil, at which point they erupt into a frothy, foamy concoction. The mixture is then reduced to a simmer and allowed to thicken. To sweeten the deal, a low-calorie sweetener is added at the end.

4. Cut the whole wheat baguette into slices and toast them in the oven or a toaster oven until they are crisp and golden.

5. Combine lemon juice, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt with Greek yogurt for a simple yet exquisite dipping sauce.

6. In a large frying pan, over medium-high heat, warm the chicken broth. Add in the turkey breast, and the herbs—rosemary, sage, and parsley. Cook the turkey breast for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until you get a nice reading of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.

7. After cooking, take the turkey from the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

8. Boil the green beans for 3 minutes, then transfer them immediately to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps the beans from getting too soft. Drain the beans after a couple of minutes in the ice bath and set them aside.

9. In a skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine. Add the blanched green beans and almonds. Sauté for 5 minutes until green beans are heated through and almonds are lightly toasted.

10. Plate the roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, turkey slices, cranberry sauce, green beans with almonds, and toasted baguette slices with yogurt dip. Serve it up on a festive platter, and you have my idea of a diabetic-friendly Thanksgiving meal.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet (2)
3. Large bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Saucepan
6. Large frying pan
7. Skillet
8. Medium pot
9. Ice bath (bowl with ice water)
10. Spatula or tongs
11. Knife
12. Cutting board
13. Measuring spoons
14. Digital food thermometer
15. Whisk or fork
16. Serving platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I prepare any components of this dish in advance?Q: Can I make the cranberry sauce and turkey breast marinade in advance?

  A: Yes, you can make the turkey breast marinade and the cranberry sauce the day before to save time on Thanksgiving.

• Q: What is a suitable substitute for turkey breast for a vegetarian option?For a meat-free option, try using a combination of roasted vegetables or a lentil roast to take the place of turkey breast.
• Q: How can I adjust this recipe for someone with a nut allergy?Simply omit the almonds from the green bean dish or replace them with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.
• Q: Is there an alternative to whole wheat baguette for those avoiding gluten?A: Gluten-free baguettes or crackers can be used to maintain the dish’s gluten-free status.
• Q: Can I use a regular sweetener instead of monk fruit sweetener?For purposes of being friendly to diabetics, it’s best to use monk fruit or stevia. If, however, you’re not worried about how much sugar you’re using, then you can just use a regular sweetener.
• Q: How can I ensure the turkey remains moist?A: To slice the turkey breast so that it retains its moisture and is easy to eat, cook the breast to a safe internal temperature of 165°F and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
• Q: What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option?To prepare a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt for a yogurt alternative made from coconut or almond.

Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon avocado oil can substitute in for 1 tablespoon olive oil, giving the dish a different flavor profile.
A sweetener for maple syrup (sugar-free version) that can be used in the place of 1 tablespoon in recipes is liquid stevia. A few drops of this no-calorie sweetener will produce a sweetness level similar to that of maple syrup, but without the sugar.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves can be substituted with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme if fresh is not available.
If preferred or more readily available, 2 pounds of skinless turkey breast could be substituted with chicken breast.
1/4 cup of orange juice (no sugar added) can be replaced with 1/4 cup of unsweetened apple juice for a different fruit flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Optimize Roasting Roast the cauliflower and Brussels sprouts on separate baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which promotes even browning. You can also use convection roasting to enhance caramelization.

2. Enhance Flavor with Marinade For an extra flavor boost, allow the turkey breast to marinate in the lemon juice, herbs, and a splash of olive oil for at least an hour before cooking. This will infuse more flavor and keep the turkey moist.

3. Cranberry Sauce Consistency If you prefer a smoother cranberry sauce, after cooking, use a blender to achieve your desired texture. Just be careful with hot mixtures and allow it to cool slightly before blending.

4. Perfectly Toasted Baguette Brush the baguette slices with a little olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder before toasting for added flavor and a crispier texture.

5. Green Beans with a Crunch To maintain a vibrant color and crispness in the green beans, don’t skip the ice bath step. For additional brightness and acidity, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the green beans and almonds just before serving.