When Thanksgiving Day rolls around, are you the first in line for the stuffing? We're not saying there's anything wrong with your family's special recipe, but if it's made with white bread and butter, it's not exactly the healthiest. Here are some alternatives that are equally tasty, but with healthier twists.
— Additional reporting by Michele Foley
Vegan: Cranberry-Pear Wild Rice Stuffing
Like traditional stuffing, this vegan version [1] is made with whole-grain bread and wild rice. It's also flavored with a sweet hint of pears, red onions, apple cider, and dried cranberries. All that for 178 calories a serving and more than four grams of fiber.
Paleo and Gluten-Free: Sausage, Apple, and Butternut Squash Stuffing
Forget the bread and cook up this Paleo-inspired stuffing [2] made with sausage, apple, and butternut squash. At 179 calories per serving, this stuffing will make you feel good about going back for seconds.
Gluten-Free and Vegan: Zucchini, Squash, and Mint Quinoa Stuffing
Another gluten-free alternative, this nontraditional stuffing [3] is made with fluffy quinoa with the Fall flavors of zucchini, butternut squash, and dried cranberries. It's 221 calories a serving and offers almost seven grams of protein.
Gluten-Free: Southern-Style Cornbread Stuffing
For a little taste of the South, make this gluten-free cornbread dressing [4]. It's spiced with cumin and cayenne pepper and can also be made vegan with a few simple substitutions. If you aren't gluten-free, you can easily make this recipe using a regular cornbread mix. You'll love that it's just 189 calories per savory serving.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Butternut Squash Quinoa
This butternut squash quinoa [5] is similar to risotto but is a great low-fat substitute to stuffing. It only takes about 35 minutes to prepare and has rich flavors with veggies like mushrooms, onions, and a hint of garlic.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Millet, Lentil, and Pomegranate Salad
For a guilt-free side dish, make this millet, lentil, and pomegranate salad [6]. Millet, a small seed similar to rice [7], is the base of this unique stuffing substitute. Pomegranates add tartness, while lemons, parsley, and green onions keep with the simplicity of this vegan, gluten-free dish.