13 Nutritious Thanksgiving Food Ideas for Kids

When I scroll through Pinterest for interesting and healthy Thanksgiving food for kids, I see a lot of desserts.

I mean, a lot.

Candy doused in chocolate and shaped into pilgrim hats. Bugles paired with M & M’s for a “snack mix.” And leftover Halloween candy corn repurposed into “Turkey Toes.”

Didn’t we just have Halloween? Haven’t our kids already gorged on enough candy? Does Thanksgiving need to showcase more candy?

No wonder it’s so hard for parents to manage sweets! They just keep coming.

This Thanksgiving, I am bucking the trend of candy and desserts. I’m taking a different angle and sharing some ideas that showcase healthy Thanksgiving food ideas for kids. Thanksgiving food you can be proud to serve, knowing that it’s healthy, nutritious and delicious.

After all, there will be plenty of pie to eat!

Appetizer Ideas

Veggie Turkey

Make a veggie turkey using a variety of fresh vegetables assembled into the shape of a turkey. Add dips on the side for those kiddos who love to dip. Note: there’s no recipe here, but this is the list of veggies I use: carrots, celery, black olives, green olives, grape tomatoes, sliced radishes, and gherkins (small pickles). I used fresh thyme for the tail (I have this on hand for my turkey roasting).

Kabocha Flatbread with Roasted Grapes and Shallots

Looking for a great way to diversify your appetizers while challenging your kids’ taste buds? Savory and tasty, this is the recipe for you!

Cheddar Apple Turkey Appetizer

Another cute appetizer that is sure to tempt the taste buds of your little one—and his curiosity! Get the recipe now!

Squash Soup

Flavorful, creamy and showcasing seasonal squash, this squash soup is a nice start to a Thanksgiving meal. If you kids are little, start with a small portion and show them the manners with which soup is eaten: lean over the bowl when eating so they don’t drip everywhere and try not to slurp! This recipe will be a crowd pleaser.

Grilled Corn, Tomatoes, and Avocado in Bread Cups

Colorful and easy to hold for little hands, try these yummy bread cups as an appetizer before the big meal gets underway. Recipe here.

Healthy Side Dish Ideas

Low Sugar Cranberry Salsa

Ditch the canned cranberry sauce and use this fresh take on cranberry relish. Easy-peasy to prepare, and your guests, young and old, will enjoy it. Don’t miss this recipe. 

Green Chile Corn Casserole

This isn’t spicy, I promise! Give it a whirl—you might be surprised at all the little turkeys that ask for more! Get the recipe here.

Carrots with Feta Cheese and Toasted Pine Nuts

Ditch the pine nuts if you have an allergic child at the Thanksgiving table {that’s what I do}. Colorful and nutrient-dense, this recipe will not only tantalize the taste buds, it will also spark the familiarity only carrots and kids can know.

Parmesan Truffle Parsnip Fries

Honestly, I didn’t try parsnips until a couple of years ago. This recipe is just another way to keep them kid-friendly. They look like they’d go great with a turkey sandwich! Make sure this recipe is in your collection.

Carrots, Dates and Mint Salad

What a combination of ingredients! I dare say that not many kids get to eat this combination of flavors on a regular basis. Give this recipe a try!

Apple Waldorf Salad

I smiled when I saw this recipe—it was one of my favorites growing up. My grandmother served it on several holidays, and we devoured it. I bet yours will too! Get the recipe here.

Healthier Dessert Ideas

Fruit Cornucopia

A cornucopia is a symbol of plenty, typically consisting of a goat’s horn overflowing with flowers, fruit, and corn. I don’t have a goat’s horn, but I do have a waffle cone. Fill a waffle cone with fresh fruit! In this cornucopia, I used berries and grapes.

Pumpkin Turkey Muffins

A perfect, morning-after breakfast or dessert idea for all the little ones. These pumpkin muffins get a face-lift with some apples and grapes. Get the recipe here.

What nutritious Thanksgiving food ideas for kids will you be using this year?