12 Garden Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes

If you’re a woefully bad cook, then you know the struggle come Thanksgiving Day – and the misery that comes with trying to find a restaurant that’s open. Some people treat Thanksgiving like a regular day off, watching TV and enjoying junk food, while for others, it’s a grand ball overflowing with delectable platters of food. 

Yet, whether you’re alone or attending a celebration that rivals a feast for a king, there’s always simple dishes that you can whip up to celebrate the holidays. This Thanksgiving, bring the taste of the garden into the home with these mouthwatering homemade dishes, including several lesser-known recipes that go beyond just turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce (although these are great too). 

Growing an Herb Garden or Apothecary Garden

Instead of reaching for the salt shaker, try using herbs to naturally season your food. An herb garden is a great way to help reduce your sodium intake. Many herbs can be substituted for salt in recipes, adding a natural, piquant flavor to your dishes. Those looking to start an herb-themed garden can grow herbs in specialized raised garden beds or indoor self-watering planters. As long as you have a sunny spot, you should be able to grow most herbs. 

1. Mashed Potatoes

Most would agree that mashed potatoes are a crucial part of a Thanksgiving meal, going well with gravy and other savory sauces. People often overestimate the effort required to make mashed potatoes – all it requires is potatoes and a few simple ingredients that can already be found in the house. Real butter is recommended for a creamy texture, and garlic and herbs can be sprinkled in for extra flavor. 

Recipe: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/how-to-make-mashed-potatoes/  

2. Ambrosia Salad      

Ambrosia salad is a great, retro-styled dessert that’s thrown together using mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and fresh berries straight from the garden. In Greek mythology, ambrosia was the food of the gods, consumed to retain their immortality. Loaded with fluffy marshmallows and whipped cream, ambrosia salad certainly looks the part. Don’t forget to serve it in a jade-green salad dish, which nicely complements the neutral oranges and whites. 

Recipe: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/ambrosia-salad/  

3. Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes                   

An unconventional yet snappy appetizer that combines the refreshing crunch of cucumbers with the heat of New Orleans, shrimp and cucumber canapés can be made in minutes. Despite its simplicity, it’s addictive enough to have neighbors hounding you for the recipe all day. It’s also filling and can probably double as a light meal if you’re just making them just for yourself, à la girl dinner style. 

Recipe: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/shrimp-and-cucumber-canapes/ 

4.Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms 

For a recipe that can easily feed a crowd while utilizing leftovers from the garden, try this stuffed portobello mushroom recipe. The instructions call for smoked paprika, a useful spice to have in the kitchen that brings out the meaty flesh of the mushrooms. It’s a hearty dish that’s also healthy, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary weight gain. 

Recipe: https://www.veganblueberry.com/vegan-stuffed-portobello-mushrooms/ 

5. Peas and Pancetta with Lemon 

Main dishes are important, but it’s the sides that really enhance the meal. Easily impress your family and friends with this savory side, amplified by the bright, clean notes of lemon. The addition of pancetta, a cured, unsmoked pork product that originates from Italy, helps elevate the dish so it’s just not plain vegetables. 

Recipe: https://whatsgabycooking.com/peas-and-pancetta/  

6. Buttery Whiskey-Glazed Pearl Onions

Pearl onions are underrated vegetables that are often used in braises and stews as substitutes for regular onions, lending a distinct, extraordinary flavor that ordinary onions fail to provide. These minute-sized onions are great whether eaten alone or with a bite of turkey. They can also be made ahead of time and reheated – to save further time, purchase frozen pearl onions, which don’t require any peeling. 

Recipe: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/buttery-whiskey-glazed-pearl-onions/  

7. No-Bake Cranberry Pie 

If you’re averse to turning on the oven, this no-bake cranberry pie is perfect for when you want to indulge your sweet tooth but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Keep in mind that it requires overnight chill, so be sure to plan accordingly. For a more intense color and flavor, use homemade cranberry sauce. 

Recipe: https://bestrecipebox.com/no-bake-cranberry-pie/ 

8. Rosemary Dinner Rolls       

One of the few times when fresh herbs are better than dried, rosemary is the star of the show, pairing deliciously with the golden-brown fluffiness of the bread. An easy and cozy dinner solution, they’re perfect for a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Best served warm, they should be baked on the day of the meal.  

Recipe: https://www.cookingclassy.com/rosemary-dinner-rolls/  

9. Blood Orange Cocktail with Thyme               

Depending on your location, blood oranges are typically in season from early winter to early spring, arriving on time for Thanksgiving. Serve it with your Thanksgiving meal as a refreshing palate cleanser. For the mocktail version, substitute vodka with NA tequila. 

Recipe: https://thefancypantskitchen.com/recipe/blood-orange-thyme-cocktail/ 

10. Sheet Pan Turkey with Sage and Brown Butter

Sage, paprika and brown butter come together to create a fantastically crispy and juicy turkey. The earthy, slightly camphorous flavor of sage may be too astringent for some, but in this case, it’s well-hid among the richer flavors. For best results, make sure that the turkey is spatchcocked – split open and flattened – ask the butcher to do this for you.  

Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sheet-pan-turkey-with-sage-and-brown-butter-3561245 

11. Green Goddess Hummus               

Green goddess hummus is an aptly named hummus that is infused with herbs like tarragon and basil. Instead of taking hours of prep work, assuage empty stomachs in minutes with this flavorful recipe. And the best part is, it’s not a typical Thanksgiving dish, which means that you can enjoy it anytime you have fresh herbs handy. 

Recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/green-goddess-hummus-recipe/  

12. Herb-Roasted Tri-Colored Carrots

Get picky eaters to eat their vegetables with this visually appealing side. The strong flavor of carrots become less apparent when cooked, instead taking on a subtle sweetness that nicely complements meats. Seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and parsley, the carrots are roasted until the edges are slightly caramelized and the centers are tender. 

Recipe: https://www.averiecooks.com/herb-roasted-tri-colored-carrots/