What to Eat the Day Before Thanksgiving

This menu includes easy make-ahead meals, a one-pot dinner, extra veggies for good measure, and tons of fall flavor!
Chelsey Amer
Hi, I'm Chelsey! My mission is to help make nutrition easy, so you never have to diet again! I want you to feel your best, while improving your relationship with food — without giving up any of the foods you love.
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Chelsey Amer
Hi, I'm Chelsey! My mission is to help make nutrition easy, so you never have to diet again! I want you to feel your best, while improving your relationship with food — without giving up any of the foods you love.
GO TO BLOG
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Pre-Thanksgiving Meal Plan

From breakfast through dinner, you’ll love these simple and easy recipes. The best part: two out of the three recipes can be made 100% in advance (and even frozen). You’ll feel confident knowing you can feed your family nourishing meals the day before a holiday.

Breakfast: Make-Ahead Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

Chelsey Amer

This one-bowl make-ahead breakfast recipe has a hint of fall in every bite as you taste a burst of dried cranberries and a hint of orange weaved throughout. You can make this recipe in advance and freeze it in individual portions as well. I suggest pairing it with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra boost of protein in the morning.

If you’re not a breakfast person, this baked oatmeal also makes a great snack.

Lunch: Warm Quinoa and Lentil Salad

Warm Quinoa and Lentil Salad

Chelsey Amer

Although this is a warm salad by name, you can make this recipe the night before and serve it cold too (or warm it up). Instead of lettuce, this salad uses shredded brussels sprouts for a crunchy green. Adding the warm quinoa and lentils on top lightly wilts the brussels sprouts, making it absolutely delicious with a sweet bite of apples and dried cranberries in every forkful!

You only need 10 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to make this recipe. Shop for the
ingredients here.

Dinner: Pumpkin Lentil “Bolognese”

Pumpkin Lentil “Bolognese”

Chelsey Amer

This plant-forward dinner is perfect for the night before a holiday that tends to be meat-heavy. Although it’s a vegan meal, pumpkin lentil “Bolognese” is hearty, satisfying, and so flavorful, you won’t miss the meat. Plus, in every bite, you’ll get a hint of pumpkiny goodness!

You can make the sauce in advance and freeze it, defrosting the night before to serve with pasta. And yes, you can eat pasta the night before Thanksgiving! Opt for whole-wheat pasta for a punch of fiber.

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