Gluten-free Dairy-free Thanksgiving Recipes

Holidays should be stress-free and delicious, even when you need gluten-free, dairy-free, or Paleo-friendly Thanksgiving recipes. Whether you want to prepare an entire allergen-friendly menu or add a few inclusive side dishes for guests with sensitivities, this collection offers crowd-pleasing options that are simple to make and full of flavor.

Our family of seven has eaten gluten-free, dairy-free, and mostly Paleo for years, and I’ve learned how to make holiday food both comforting and accessible. These recipes are tried-and-true favorites—kid-approved, easy to prepare, and designed to keep your Thanksgiving table full and satisfying for everyone.

Below you’ll find main dishes, sides, and desserts you can rely on for a delicious, allergen-friendly feast.

Main Dishes

Brined Turkey

A well-brined turkey makes all the difference. This classic method delivers consistently moist, flavorful turkey—swap coconut sugar for brown sugar if you prefer a refined-sugar-free option. It’s a reliable centerpiece that keeps even skeptical turkey eaters coming back for seconds.

Honey Orange-Glazed Ham

A homemade honey-orange glaze takes this ham beyond the store-bought packets. Using whole-food ingredients, the glaze balances sweet and citrus notes for a crowd-pleasing main dish that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and Paleo-friendly.

This recipe is included in the author’s cookbook.

Our Favorite Sides

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

These are the crispy roasted potatoes you’ve been searching for—tender inside and golden-crisp outside. A few simple techniques produce a dependable, budget-friendly side that complements any holiday main.

Budget-friendly, dairy-free, gluten-free, kid-friendly, Paleo, vegan option.

Gluten-free Dairy-free Macaroni & Cheese

This macaroni and cheese delivers the gooey comfort you want without dairy or gluten. Made with real ingredients, it’s one of those dishes that disappears fast from the holiday table.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan option.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A smooth, creamy mashed potato recipe that uses dairy-free techniques and a few helpful tricks to yield silky texture every time. Simple, comforting, and a staple at our weekly dinners.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, kid-friendly, Paleo, vegan option.

Paleo Dinner Rolls

A soft, well-tested Paleo dough that works for rolls, pizza crust, breadsticks, and cinnamon rolls. Grain-free and allergen-friendly, these rolls are a great option for guests avoiding gluten and dairy.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free (Paleo).

This recipe is included in the author’s cookbook.

Kale Salad

A quick, store-kit–inspired kale salad made dairy-free and Whole30-compliant. The sweet dressing and dried fruit help win over kids while adding color and texture to the holiday spread.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, kid-friendly, Paleo, Whole30.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Flavorful and easy to prepare in the oven or air fryer, these sweet potatoes are a favorite for special occasions and everyday dinners alike.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo, vegan option.

Fall Punch

An easy, no-added-sugar punch sweetened with natural fruit juices and pumpkin spice—perfect for kids and adults who want a festive beverage without refined sugar.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, kid-friendly, Paleo, Whole30.

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips

A bright, colorful fruit salsa that kids request at every holiday. Flexible and easy to adapt to seasonal fruit, it’s a light, refreshing addition to your menu.

Crispy Smashed Brussel Sprouts with Garlic Aioli

Air-fried or oven-roasted, these Brussels sprouts come out perfectly crispy with a savory, dairy-free aioli. Even guests who usually skip their veggies may change their minds.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, keto-friendly, Paleo, vegan option.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Bright, easy, and quick to assemble, this salad with a creamy poppyseed-style dressing adds fresh color and flavor to your table.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, kid-friendly, Paleo, vegan option.

Paleo Fruit Salad

A simple, elegant fruit salad elevated with a few thoughtful ingredients; easy to prepare ahead and serve alongside other sides.

Must-Have Desserts

Chocolate Cream Pie

A rich, no-bake chocolate cream pie with a crunchy gluten-free crust. This dessert is indulgent, easy to assemble, and consistently earns compliments at holiday gatherings.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and keto options available.

Mini Oreo Cheesecakes

No-bake, individually sized cheesecakes made with a gluten-free, dairy-free twist—perfect for parties and easy to serve.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan option.

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Seasonal, moist pumpkin cupcakes that capture fall flavors without dairy or gluten—an easy treat even non-pumpkin fans enjoy.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo option.

Easy Apple Pie Bars

All the flavor of apple pie in a quick, hands-on recipe—crumbly gluten-free crust and a simple apple filling make this a holiday favorite that comes together fast.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan option.

Gluten-free Vegan Oreo Truffles

Three-ingredient, no-bake truffles that recreate a classic treat in a gluten-free, dairy-free version—easy, elegant, and freezer-friendly.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan.

Peanut Butter Pie

A no-bake peanut butter pie that takes minutes to prepare and disappears quickly—rich, simple, and crowd-pleasing.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan option.

Paleo Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Soft, pumpkin-spiced cookies with a delightful frosting—great for making ahead and serving at holiday dessert tables.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo option.

Grasshopper (Mint Oreo) Pie

A minty, no-bake pie that’s easy to make ahead and keeps well in the fridge. A fun, nostalgic option that’s been adapted for allergy-friendly diets.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan option.

No-bake Dairy-free Cheesecake

A fuss-free cheesecake that’s perfect for making ahead. Creamy, kid-friendly, and suitable for guests with common allergies.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan option.

Pumpkin Spice Oreo Truffles

A seasonal spin on Oreo truffles with warm pumpkin spice—no-bake, festive, and easy to make for parties or dessert platters.

Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan option.

Paleo Chocolate Cake

A moist, simple chocolate cake that rivals traditional versions—grain-free, dairy-free, and adaptable for several dietary needs. A top pick for serious cake lovers.

Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, with nut-free and keto options.

Paleo Cherry Crisp

An easy, fruity crisp with a buttery, grain-free topping. It’s quick to prepare and freezer-friendly, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for any holiday table.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, vegan option.