No-Bake Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes to Keep You on Track This Holiday

Who says Thanksgiving has to be all about endless hours in the kitchen? These no-bake side dishes are quick, delicious, and perfect for those who want to enjoy the holiday without the cooking marathon. They’re also a great way to stay on track with your weight loss goals, especially if you’re using GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide), by offering healthy alternatives to traditional high-calorie options.

Zesty Avocado & Shrimp Salad Cups – GLP Elite™

For a dish as beautiful as it is tasty, these avocado and shrimp salad cups bring a fresh, tangy twist to the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado, diced
• 6 shrimp, cooked and chopped
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Romaine lettuce leaves, for serving

Instructions:

1. Combine diced avocado, shrimp, lime juice, and cilantro in a medium bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon the mixture into romaine lettuce leaves for easy serving. Garnish with extra cilantro for a festive touch.

Servings: 3 servings of protein and 4 servings of fat.

Why It Works for Weight Loss: Avocado provides healthy fats, shrimp adds lean protein, and lime juice gives a refreshing zing—all while keeping it fresh and light.

Festive Pumpkin & Greek Yogurt Parfaits – GLP Elite™

Add a dessert-like flair to your table with these pumpkin and Greek yogurt parfaits that taste indulgent without any guilt. Layered and topped with crunchy pecans, they’re a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 4 pecans, chopped
• Stevia® or another zero-calorie sweetener (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Mix Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl until smooth. Sweeten with Stevia to taste.
2. Layer in a small glass, alternating yogurt mixture with chopped pecans. Top with a final sprinkle of pecans for crunch.
3. Serve chilled for a cool, creamy treat.

Servings: 1 serving of protein, 1/8 serving of complex carbs, and 1 serving of fat.

Why It Works for Weight Loss: Greek yogurt and pumpkin offer protein and fiber, while pecans add healthy fats and a crunchy contrast.

Southwest Bell Pepper & Black Bean Bites – GLP Elite™

These stuffed bell pepper bites are packed with protein-rich black beans and a hint of Southwest flavor for a bold, colorful side.

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into bite-sized boats
• ½ cup cooked black beans
• ¼ cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Mix black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Spoon the black bean mixture into each bell pepper “boat.”
3. Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro for a colorful presentation.

Servings: 2 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of complex carbs.

Why It Works for Weight Loss: Bell peppers are packed with vitamins, and black beans provide fiber and protein. The Southwest flavors are vibrant without extra calories.

Sweet Apple & Celery Waldorf Remix – GLP Elite™

This take on a classic Waldorf salad brings crunch and sweetness in a lighter, GLP Elite™-friendly version.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, diced
• ½ cup diced celery
• 6 walnuts, chopped
• 2 Tbsp nonfat Greek yogurt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• A dash of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine apple, celery, and walnuts.
2. Mix Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and a dash of lemon juice in a separate bowl, then pour over the apple mixture.
3. Stir until well combined and serve immediately.

Servings: 1 servings of fruit and 1 serving of fats.

Why It Works for Weight Loss: This dish combines fiber-rich apples and celery with healthy fats from walnuts. Greek yogurt offers a creamy base with fewer calories than traditional mayo.

Spicy Cucumber & Mango Salad – GLP Elite™

This spicy-sweet cucumber and mango salad gives your Thanksgiving spread a unique twist. Perfect for a refreshing break from traditional flavors!

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ cup mango, diced
• 1 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• A pinch of chili powder
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions: 1 serving of fruit.

1. In a bowl, combine cucumber, mango, and mint.
2. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and sprinkle with chili powder and salt. Toss to mix.
3. Serve chilled as a bright, tropical addition to your table.

Servings: 

Why It Works for Weight Loss: Both cucumber and mango are on the approved list, offering hydration, fiber, and a touch of natural sweetness with a spicy kick.