I’m hosting my very first Thanksgiving Dinner for my in-laws this year and that means I need a strategic plan for the Big Day! Between prepping the side dishes, homemade pumpkin pie, and the main star of Thanksgiving Turkey, I want to try to carve time for easier meals in the days leading up to Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Week is filled with so much prep and a very full shopping list as we dream up what will be featured on our dinner table. Now that I’ll have some extended family as guests in our home this is a great time to think about the easy recipes we can make to help craft ease in our very busy Thanksgiving prep days.
Today I’m sharing 7 favorite recipes that are perfect for easy meals before Thanksgiving. They are dishes that come together quickly making these easy dinner ideas ones to reach for as we balance our cooking game plan for the Big Day.
7 Days Before Thanksgiving Meal Idea: Crispy Chicken Cutlets
These Crispy Chicken Cutlets are perfect for any night of the week! They also make one of those awesome make-ahead recipes so make a double batch to have on hand for easy lunches while working on pie dough to freeze in the days before Thanksgiving.
6 Days Before Thanksgiving Meal Idea: Roast Carrot Tart in Puff Pastry
I love a dinner idea that can be mostly hands off and this Roast Carrot Tart in Puff Pastry is a great one to try. You can even add it to your collection of easy Thanksgiving recipes and feature it as an appetizer or side for your holiday table. Nevertheless, I love the buttery crust from the puff pastry and the caramelized sweetness of the roast carrots. Serve with a side salad for an easy yet elegant dinner in the midst of all the holiday cooking.
5 Days Before Thanksgiving Meal Idea: Papas Con Chorizo
These Papas con Chorizo Tacos (Potatoes with Mexican Sausage) is ready quickly and also uses turkey chorizo, a lighter and lower fat alternative to pork chorizo. Tacos are always a go-to in our housse for fast and furious weeknights. I like that a dinner idea like this steps outside of the classic dishes we’re preparing to enjoy for delicious Thanksgiving recipes. You can also opt to make this a more plant-forward dinner by marinating your favorite tofu crumbles.
4 Days Before Thanksgiving Meal Idea: Fall Harvest Salad with Roast Delicata Squash
I love this Fall Harvest Salad for a great warm salad option. Make it a main course with some roast chicken or cooked beans of your choice. The bonus: this salad is one of those classic Thanksgiving recipes I keep on hand for holiday gatherings. Make a double batch for the whole holiday table. Or, keep this one in your back pocket for some leftover turkey for a great post-Thanksgiving lunch.
3 Days Before Thanksgiving Meal Idea: 30 Minute Pasta with Heirloom Tomato Sauce
This 30 Minute Pasta Dinner is an easy way to pull together dinner fast and keep it mostly hands off while your working on holiday dinner sides like tender green beans or dinner rolls. Roast tomatoes and cook up your pasta. Toss with a generous grate of parmesan cheese and you’ve got a cozy meal to kick off the holiday season of meal prep.
2 Days Before Thanksgiving Meal Idea: Easy Broccolini and Beans Pasta Salad
I love adaptable meals and this Easy Broccolini and Beans Pasta Salad is a great example. In lieu of pasta, you can also add warm quinoa. For extra greens, you can add shaved brussels sprouts. Add in diced roast sweet potatoes or autumn squash for that hint of autumnal sweetness. Omit the parmesan from the dressing to make it a vegan meal that fuels you for late night turkey seasoning or brining.
1 Day Before Thanksgiving Meal Idea: Grilled Salmon Burgers with Fresh Cabbage Slaw
It’s the day before Thanksgiving and we are busy finalizing our prep list and final prep schedule. These Grilled Salmon Burgers are ready in 15 minutes making it the perfect stress-free Thanksgiving dinner day before option. Quick cooking time means we have plenty of time to prep our roasting pan for our delicious turkey dinner.
Final Thoughts on Easy Meals Before Thanksgiving
That last thing we need as we gear up to prepare all the Thanksgiving sides and whole turkey for our holiday feast is to plan a whole other menu for meals in the days before. I hope these easy meals before Thanksgiving give you the inspiration to cook nourishing meals as you prepare to gather with your loved ones.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving as we embrace this season of gratitude. And for a delicious seasonal sampler of recipes to try, check out my mini e-book, A Season of Thanks: Deliciously Seasonal Recipes for Your Holiday Table!
Cheers to a nourishing season ahead. 🧡
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