30+ Alternative Thanksgiving Meals

Ah, Thanksgiving dinner. A table filled with herb roasted turkey, stuffing and all the traditional holiday trimmings…until now.

Though the classic dishes will always have a place in my heart, sometimes they just get, well, boring. That’s why I’ve created the ultimate guide for non-traditional Thanksgiving ideas!

These recipes provide a great twist on your holiday spread, but are still delicious, comforting, and a little bit fancy. I mean, it is still a holiday so it’s gotta feel special! Oh, and they take half the time. So have you put that turkey back in the freezer yet?

Thanksgiving Turkey Alternatives

Alright, first thing’s first. The easiest way to shake up your Thanksgiving is to replace the turkey with an alternative main course, like this Air Fryer Brisket, these family friendly Oven Baked Chicken Tenders, or any of these elevated main dishes below!

PS if you’re not looking to ditch the old bird entirely, then Roasted Cajun Turkey, Air Fryer Turkey Breast, and Air Fryer Turkey Legs are great ways to give her a makeover!

Here are a few of my favorite recipes you’ll want to add to your Thanksgiving menu:

1. Slow Roasted Chicken

A roasted chicken is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner if you’re looking for a bird centerpiece but don’t want to roast a whole turkey! It’s made in one pan, with minimal prep, and only a handful of fresh ingredients. Serve with gravy.

2. Crispy Air Fryer Cornish Hen

Another great option if you want to stick with poultry. Cornish hens are smaller than your average turkey, but just as flavorful, with a crispy skin and a juicy inside. Be sure to pair it with Red Wine Mushroom Bacon Gravy for even more flavor.

3. Creamy Chicken and Rice

Juicy chicken paired with a bowl of flavorful, creamy rice makes for the perfect alternative Thanksgiving dish.

4. Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade

Looking for a Mediterranean flair this holiday? Covered in citrus and Greek flavors, this is a great light substitute for your turkey on Thanksgiving.

5. Oven Baked Chicken and Cauliflower

This quick and easy dinner option is an excellent alternative for your Thanksgiving dinner.It’s covered in bold spices and crisped to perfection in your oven in no time. Be sure to pair it with herbed yogurt sauce!

6. Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Nothing says sophistication like filet mignon! And with this recipe, you’ll have a perfectly cooked steak in 30 minutes. Don’t forget to serve it with blue cheese butter!

7. Juicy Jalapeño Air Fryer Steak

Mouthwatering, juicy, and full of flavor. Prove to your guests that steak cooked in an air fryer is just as good (if not better) than a steak cooked on the grill.

8. Just 15 Minute Air Fryer Pork Chops

Covered in fresh herbs and spices, these pork chops are packed full of holiday flavors and would go great with most all Thanksgiving sides.

9. Slow Cooker Ribs

The perfect dump-and-go meal, just throw your baby back ribs in the slow cooker Thanksgiving morning, and they’ll be done just in time for dinner. Serve with this baked corn casserole for a fall-friendly twist on a BBQ classic.

10. Best Bacon Mushroom Smothered Pork Chops

Great for all your Whole30 and Keto friends coming over for Thanksgiving dinner, this savory dish is made only using one pan and pairs great with your traditional green bean dish.

11. Pistachio Crusted Air Fryer Salmon

Another perfect recipe to quickly throw in your air fryer to be ready in less than 10 minutes.Pair it with air fryer asparagus and roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a full Thanksgiving meal.

12. Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon is a great savory main dish to make for an alternative to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. This seafood recipe is rich, creamy, and easy to make.

13. Salmon Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce

With a perfectly crispy outside and a juicy tender inside, this Salmon Cake recipe will become your go to for a delicious holiday dinner. Plus, if you make too many, you can freeze them and have an easy dinner for the next three months.

14. Air Fryer Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass

An incredibly flavorful main course for Thanksgiving! This simple sea bass recipe only takes minutes in your air fryer but will have you feeling like a master chef.

15. Lemon Orzo Salad With Garlic Butter Shrimp

Packed full of refreshing lemon and dill flavors, this orzo and shrimp salad is easy to make and perfect to bring to a potluck and serve to a large group.

16. Best Ever Seared Scallops

Seafood for Thanksgiving? Yes! Especially when it’s with an amazing Garlic Butter Sauce. Serve over pasta for a more filling dish.

17. Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Rolls

A great vegetarian option! Add a side salad and a piece of bread, and enjoy a delicious Italian inspired meal.

18. Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted Cabbage Steaks are tender with caramelized insides and crispy and flavorful on the outside. This quick and easy recipe is perfect as a main dish!

Non Traditional Thanksgiving Sides

Oh my goodness, I think sides are my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving. I mean, who doesn’t love a plate full of mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and green bean casserole?

But in case you’re looking to change it up, these delicious recipes are sure to bring the comforts of a classic Thanksgiving table to your alternative Thanksgiving meal.

1. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

While sweet potato pie is absolutely delicious, I really love crispy sweet potato cubes in the air fryer. Plus, if you don’t use them all, you can always toss them in a Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl or a Crispy Quinoa Breakfast Bowl later in the week.

2. Creamy Whole30 Mushroom Hasselback Potato Gratin

This Whole30 mashed potato alternative is much healthier but also crispy and creamy.

3. Jalapeño Creamed Corn

Add some heat to your spread! While creamed corn may be more traditional, adding jalapeño makes it a great alternative side dish that packs a punch. If you’re a jalapeño lover you can also try out my Jalapeño Popper Dip with some tortilla chips for an appetizer!

4. Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad

Who thought broccoli could taste so good? Adding cranberry to broccoli salad adds that cozy fall feel to a tasty veggie dish.

5. Best Air Fryer Cauliflower

Adding a homemade Chili Garlic Sauce on top of crispy cauliflower makes for the perfect, flavor-packed, side for an alternative Thanksgiving meal.

6. Roasted Yellow Squash

I like to make this Roasted Yellow Squash recipe every year to add more color to our dinner table. Plus, it’s the perfect healthy side, and it pairs nicely with any main course.

7. Chili Lime Roasted Carrots

The chili lime flavor of these carrots cuts the sweetness and adds a savory punch that pairs perfectly with your favorite protein.

8. Goat Cheese Orzo Pasta Salad

Goat Cheese Orzo Pasta Salad is great to serve for gatherings any time of year. Made with diced asparagus and creamy goat cheese, your guests will absolutely love this orzo pasta salad recipe.

Delicious Desserts to Add to Your Holiday Table:

Okay, I know the title of this post is “Thanksgiving Dinner Alternatives” but no list of Thanksgiving food is complete without dessert!

My mouth is already watering just thinking about all the possibilities you can make to close out your holiday meal. 

But we are talking alternative recipes here…so out with the traditional pumpkin pie and say hello to these delicious chocolatey recipes.

1. Snowball Oreo Cookie Balls

These Snowball Oreo Cookie Balls are great when it’s getting colder, and you want to bring on the snow! It’s also a no-bake recipe, so it’s perfect for when your little ones want to help make your Thanksgiving dessert.

2. Luscious Dark Chocolate Brownies

I could eat these Luscious Dark Chocolate Brownies every single day. These mouthwatering brownies are simple to make and are a great sweet treat to make for friends and family. 

3. Super Easy Oven Baked S’mores

This s’mores recipe is easy to make indoors, gooey, and absolutely delicious. It’s a wonderful way to make a large batch of s’mores all at once!

4. Edible Brownie Batter Cookie Dough 

This chocolatey dessert recipe is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.s

And if you’re looking to add a few traditional dishes to your alternative Thanksgiving meal, I’ve still got you covered!