18 Clean-Eating Recipes That Taste Decadent Enough For Thanksgiving

Simple bacon and brussels sprout skewers are a Paleo-friendly and naturally gluten-free appetizer that come together in just a few steps. These satisfying skewers help keep portion control in check — each is just over 150 calories and offers more than 10 grams of protein.

It's possible to warm up with a creamy bowl of hot soup that doesn't lay on the cream or calories too heavily. This light Paleo-approved pumpkin-coconut bisque will curb your dairy cravings.

Loaded with fiber and vitamins, this immunity-boosting cauliflower soup also supports healthy digestion — a win-win combination for your big Thanksgiving meal. It's also a great dish to serve to a group with a mix of dietary preferences, since it's gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and Paleo friendly.

Colorful detox rainbow salad will add some brightness and flavor to your Thanksgiving table. The water content in romaine works to hydrate your body, while the high fiber content in the red cabbage and carrots aids in healthy digestion.

Food journalist Mark Bittman's spicy sweet potato salad can serve as a special side. High-fiber sweet potatoes can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while a spicy, antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together.

Squash is the vegetable of the season, and this roasted butternut squash is a tasty Paleo preparation that's spiced with garlic and rosemary. Everyone will love this special dish.

Lighten up your standard mashed potatoes with this Paleo-friendly twist on tradition: creamy mashed cauliflower. Since the cauliflower has a much quicker cook time than potatoes, this whole recipe comes together in 20 minutes. Even with all the loaded baked potato toppings, each heaping helping of this tasty side clocks in at under 110 calories.

Tons of root veggies and fresh, fragrant herbs make this beef and vegetable stew a fiber- and protein-rich meal that steps away from the traditional turkey.

Who says pecan pie is just for Thanksgiving? With all-natural ingredients and no added sugar, this reinvented Paleo pecan pie recipe is a tasty treat all year round. This dessert's gooey filling, moist texture, and crumbly crust will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.

It's hard to believe, but these chocolate chip cookies are Paleo and vegan! It's tough for these two dietary needs to meet in the middle for a decadent dessert, but these rich-tasting cookies make it happen.

While these sticky, nutty, and decadent apple pecan bars are certainly an indulgence, their natural sugar comes from raw honey and dates rather than refined sources of the sweet stuff — a much better option for healthy folks who are trying to keep their diets as clean as possible.

For a pumpkin-flavored dessert that keeps things clean, bake up a batch of this Paleo pumpkin bread. This holiday treat would be a great breakfast the following morning.