10 High-Protein Thanksgiving Recipes Under 440 Calories

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with hearty meals, but traditional recipes can easily tip the caloric scales. If you’re focused on wholesome nutrition without sacrificing flavor, these 10 High-Protein Thanksgiving Recipes Under 440 Calories each offer a healthier take on classic favorites. Each bite promises satisfying nutrition, allowing you to enjoy the season’s best without straying from your fitness goals.

The Ultimate High-Protein Thanksgiving Menu

Don’t settle for just turkey when you can have a full spread loaded with flavor and nutrition. The following recipes deliver plenty of protein for muscle maintenance and energy, all at 440 calories or fewer per serving. Your guests will love the lighter, fresher approach—making these dishes instant crowd pleasers at your holiday table.

10 High-Protein Thanksgiving Recipes

Mix and match these wholesome dishes for a well-balanced feast:

1. **Herb-Rubbed Turkey Breast**
Lean, juicy turkey breast seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic. One serving delivers 34g of protein in just 220 calories.
2. **Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes**
Creamy mashed potatoes lightened up with Greek yogurt for a protein boost—8g protein, 130 calories per serving.
3. **Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Almonds**
Crunchy, nutty, and protein-enhanced—7g protein, 140 calories per serving.
4. **Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Turkey Sausage**
A hearty, festive entrée with 23g protein and only 350 calories.
5. **Garlic Parmesan Green Beans**
Fresh green beans tossed in Greek yogurt and parmesan: 6g protein, 110 calories per serving.
6. **Protein-Packed Pumpkin Soup**
Silky pumpkin puree blended with white beans for extra protein: 10g protein, 180 calories per bowl.
7. **Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad**
Tender chicken with festive cranberries and pecans—24g protein, 250 calories.
8. **Sweet Potato Casserole with Chia Crunch**
Sweet potatoes whipped with eggs and topped with chia seeds: 7g protein, 210 calories.
9. **Veggie Quiche Bites**
Packed with eggs and spinach, these make a great appetizer: 8g protein, 90 calories per bite.
10. **Light Greek Yogurt Cheesecake**
Creamy and dense, rimmed with protein-rich yogurt: 12g protein, 175 calories per slice.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these high-protein recipes to instantly generate a streamlined shopping list—ingredients organized by grocery store section for hassle-free meal prep and efficient Thanksgiving shopping.

Instructions

1. Herb-Rub Turkey Breast: Coat turkey breast with chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast at 350°F for 40-50 minutes or until juices run clear.
2. Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes: Boil, drain, and mash potatoes. Stir in Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds: Halve sprouts, toss with olive oil, roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with toasted almonds.
4. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Halve and roast squash, then fill with a cooked mixture of quinoa and turkey sausage.
5. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Steam beans, toss with Greek yogurt, grated parmesan, and minced garlic.
6. Pumpkin-White Bean Soup: Sauté onion and garlic, stir in pumpkin puree and white beans, add broth, and simmer. Blend until smooth.
7. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Mix chopped chicken, Greek yogurt, cranberries, pecans, and celery.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole: Mash cooked sweet potatoes with eggs, top with chia seeds, and bake until set.
9. Veggie Quiche Bites: Whisk eggs with chopped spinach, season, pour into muffin cups, and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
10. Light Greek Yogurt Cheesecake: Blend yogurt, cream cheese, sweetener, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into prepared crust, bake at 325°F for 35-40 min.

Weekly Meal Planning

These recipes aren’t just for holiday gatherings—they’re fantastic for make-ahead meal prep and healthy eating all week. Save and schedule your Thanksgiving-inspired meals with CookifyAI to plan out a week’s worth of high-protein, calorie-smart eats.

**Planning Benefits:**
– Automatically calculates total ingredient needs across multiple dishes
– Organizes grocery lists by store section
– Eliminates unnecessary duplicate items and forgotten ingredients
– Makes weekly shopping and meal prep efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: Use CookifyAI to schedule these recipes for the week and optimize your shopping list—having precise counts for eggs, dairy, and herbs ensures zero waste and maximum nutrition for your family.

Cook and Prep Times

Total prep and cook times will vary by recipe:
– **Prep Time (per dish):** 10 – 25 minutes
– **Cook Time (per dish):** 15 – 60 minutes
– **Total Time (full menu):** About 2–2.5 hours, but all recipes can be cooked ahead and reheated as needed.

Enjoy a smarter, lighter, and protein-packed Thanksgiving feast with these delicious recipe ideas, perfect for mindful eaters and crowd-friendly celebrations alike!