If you're tired of the same old Thanksgiving dishes, it's time to switch things up. These 19 non-traditional recipes bring fresh ideas to the table, with bold flavors and unexpected combinations that will make your holiday stand out. Whether you're hosting a big family dinner or just want something different this year, these dishes are sure to impress. Don't let your Thanksgiving be predictable—try something new and shake up your holiday.
1. Chicken Marbella
This dish is perfect for shaking up Thanksgiving with its combination of sweet prunes, tangy olives, and juicy chicken. Ready in just over an hour, it’s a great choice for feeding a crowd with bold, non-traditional flavors. The blend of savory and sweet brings an unexpected twist to the holiday table. After one bite, you might forget all about the turkey.
Get the Recipe: 1. Chicken Marbella
2. Caramelized Onion and Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pockets
These bite-sized puff pastry pockets filled with caramelized onions and pumpkin are a great addition to a non-traditional Thanksgiving. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have an appetizer or side dish that balances sweet and savory perfectly. Their small size might fool you, but the flavor packs a punch. These pockets will leave a lasting impression long after dinner.
Get the Recipe: 2. Caramelized Onion and Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pockets
3. Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
This Hubbard squash pie delivers rich, spiced flavors that will surprise your Thanksgiving guests. In about an hour, you’ll have a dessert that combines orange and cloves in a flaky coconut oil crust. It’s a non-traditional pie that proves vegan options can be just as decadent as the classics. This pie may even steal the show from the traditional desserts.
Get the Recipe: 3. Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
4. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Sweet, tangy pomegranate molasses pairs with crunchy walnuts and juicy chicken in this dish that’s perfect for a non-traditional Thanksgiving main. Ready in an hour, this Persian-inspired recipe is sure to impress. The rich, complex flavors offer a fresh alternative to typical Thanksgiving mains. After this, you’ll have guests asking for the recipe instead of the turkey.
Get the Recipe: 4. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
5. Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
This couscous salad, with Israeli couscous, feta, pumpkin, and fresh herbs, is a vibrant addition to a Thanksgiving spread. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor, thanks to its tangy tahini lemon dressing and turmeric flair. It’s perfect for adding a non-traditional touch to your holiday menu. This salad will keep everyone talking long after the plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: 5. Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
6. Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
This vegetarian moussaka replaces meat with zucchini, offering a lighter, non-traditional addition to Thanksgiving. Baked in just over an hour, its creamy béchamel and seasonal spices are a perfect fit for the holiday. It’s a dish your guests will appreciate among the heavier options. One bite, and this moussaka will earn its place on the table.
Get the Recipe: 6. Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
7. Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
This casserole brings a non-traditional spin to stuffing, layering sweet potatoes, cranberries, and almonds for a balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors. Baked in about an hour, it complements richer Thanksgiving dishes while offering a fresh take on a classic. Your guests will wonder why they haven’t had stuffing like this before.
Get the Recipe: 7. Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
8. Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash and wild rice come together for a hearty, earthy dish perfect for shaking up your Thanksgiving sides. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, and its nutty flavor and slight sweetness make it a standout among the typical fare. Even the pickiest eaters will be impressed with this flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: 8. Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
9. Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried halloumi brings a savory, crispy touch to this salad, making it a unique side for your Thanksgiving table. Ready in just 20 minutes, it pairs perfectly with mixed greens and a zesty dressing. The contrast of textures and flavors will have your guests reaching for seconds. This salad could become a new Thanksgiving favorite.
Get the Recipe: 9. Fried Halloumi Salad
10. Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Light yet flavorful, this tabbouleh salad with bulgur wheat, feta, and fresh herbs brings a refreshing non-traditional element to your Thanksgiving meal. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a side that balances heavier dishes with its bright flavors. This is one salad that’s sure to stand out among the usual holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: 10. Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
11. Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
These apple cranberry muffins combine sweet apples and tart cranberries for a non-traditional Thanksgiving dessert. Ready in just under 40 minutes, their crunchy streusel topping adds a satisfying texture. These muffins might just become a new holiday tradition after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: 11. Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
12. The Ultimate Middle Eastern Appetizer Platter
With hummus, olives, pickles, and more, this Middle Eastern platter brings bold, vibrant flavors to your Thanksgiving table. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have an impressive spread that guests won’t be able to resist nibbling on before dinner even starts. This show-stopping appetizer platter will keep people talking all evening.
Get the Recipe: 12. The Ultimate Middle Eastern Appetizer Platter
13. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Paprika-spiced chicken and roasted veggies make a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a non-traditional Thanksgiving. Ready in 45 minutes, this one-pan meal saves time while bringing smoky, hearty flavors to your holiday table. With just one pan to clean, it’s a holiday win that delivers both convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: 13. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
14. 4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers
These Middle Eastern apple appetizers, spiced with cumin, cinnamon, and sumac, add a burst of non-traditional flavors to your Thanksgiving spread. Each appetizer is ready in under 30 minutes, offering a sweet and savory contrast to typical holiday starters. Your guests will never look at apples the same way again after trying these.
Get the Recipe: 14. 4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers
15. Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Brighten up your Thanksgiving spread with these roasted veggies, combining lemon and turmeric for a fresh, non-traditional flavor. Ready in 40 minutes, this side dish adds a refreshing tang that complements richer dishes. These veggies might just steal the spotlight from the stuffing this year.
Get the Recipe: 15. Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
16. Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
This kale apple salad is a fresh, light option for your Thanksgiving table, perfect for those looking to shake up the traditional menu. In just 15 minutes, it provides a crisp, tangy contrast to the heavier dishes. Even your health-conscious guests will be excited to dig into this one.
Get the Recipe: 16. Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
17. Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
These pickled butternut squash slices bring a unique, sweet-and-savory flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Ready in under an hour, they add a surprising twist to a cheese or charcuterie platter. One bite, and your guests might just forget all about the cranberry sauce.
Get the Recipe: 17. Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
18. Baked Feta Dip with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts
Creamy baked feta with honey, dates, and hazelnuts creates a sweet-and-savory dip that’s perfect for a non-traditional Thanksgiving appetizer. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a dish that might even outshine the turkey. The combination of textures and flavors will have your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: 18. Baked Feta Dip with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts
19. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
These air fryer Brussels sprouts deliver a punch of flavor with their crispy texture, tangy pomegranate, and creamy feta. Ready in 20 minutes, this side dish adds a fresh, non-traditional element to the Thanksgiving table. After serving these, no one will complain about eating their veggies.
Get the Recipe: 19. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
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