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    Home » LIFESTYLE

    California Thanksgiving Menu

    Posted on November 25, 2019 | Last updated on April 3, 2022 | By Kathleen Higashiyama | 2 Comments

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    While I love a traditional Thanksgiving, it is fun to add a healthy, California twist to any holiday meal. The California Thanksgiving menu is an ode to the bright and fresh flavors of California. From Dutch Oven Whole Chicken with Meyer Lemon to Harvest Quinoa Salad with Arugula, you will feel transported to California with every bite (earthquakes not included).

    Whole roast chicken on plate with fall side dishes.

    Delicious and Nutritious: The California Thanksgiving Menu

    When I created The California Thanksgiving menu, balancing nutrition and flavor was top of mind. I don't ever want my readers to feel like this is a dreaded "low-fat" meal; I want to instead showcase the flavors you can get from fewer, high-quality ingredients. With the exception of the Dutch Oven Whole Chicken with Meyer Lemon, all of the dishes are vegetarian and can be easily made vegan. While I am a fan of meat and all of its yummy fats, it is possible to make vegetarian dishes full of the flavors that satisfy you.

    Meyer Lemon Roasted Chicken California Thanksgiving

    Not Your Grandma's Greens

    When most people think of green beans, Brussel sprouts, peas, and salads, they shutter at the memories of sad, boiled vegetables. These greens are far from that. On this Thanksgiving menu, you will find Harvest Quinoa Salad with Arugula and Sautéed Green Beans with Furikake. These greens are bright and full of flavors, like savory furikake, creamy sharp goat cheese, and lemony herbs.

    Harvest Salad with Quinoa and Arugula and lemon slices on plate.
    Sautéed mushrooms with White Wine in white bowl with parsley, garlic, and seasoning.

    Earthy Fall Dishes

    To balance the greens, I incorporated earthy flavors found in Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash with Pecans and Sautéed Mushrooms with White Wine. The warm flavors of the pecans, maple syrup, and Japanese kabocha squash feel like a warm hug. The white wine and parsley in the sautéed mushrooms add a fragrant, earthy element to your plate. Both lay the foundation for the greens, starch, and protein on the menu.

    Maple Roasted Kabocha squash on plate.
    Sautéed Green Beans with Furikake with lemon wedges on plate.

    A California Twist on Two Classics

    There are two sacred dishes at every Thanksgiving table: mashed potatoes and turkey. While I love these two classics, I wanted to recreate the dishes with an added twist, so that they felt new, but also nostalgic and familiar. I added miso butter to mashed potatoes, as seen in Miso Mashed Potatoes. In lieu of a turkey, I opted for a lemony, herby Dutch Oven Whole Chicken with Meyer Lemon. Each bite of these dishes will still feel like you're home for the holidays.

    Miso mashed potatoes in dutch oven.
    Meyer Lemon Roasted Chicken California Thanksgiving

    Cooking Essentials

    To check out all of the equipment I used to create this meal, head to the Heirloom Pantry Amazon Shop.

    For all of my traditional Thanksgiving recipes, check out: Roasted Turkey Roulade, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Classic Gravy, Maple Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta, Cranberry Sauce, and Herb & Mushroom Dressing. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Related posts:

    5 Minute Basil Pesto (Without Pine Nuts)
    BBQ Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Ranch
    5 Minute Kale Pesto (with Walnuts)
    « Dutch Oven Whole Chicken with Meyer Lemon
    Kale Harvest Salad featuring Taylor Farms »

    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ichi Tokyo

      December 20, 2019 at 12:30 am

      Oh my goodness! I made this recipe for dinner and it was fabulous!

      Reply
      • pastaragazza

        March 04, 2020 at 6:57 pm

        I'm so glad you loved it! Thank you for stopping by 🙂

        Reply

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    Alec and Kat with Paisley and Peeps on the beach

    Welcome! We're Kat and Alec, the recipe developers, food photographers, and authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Here you'll find approachable elevated recipes, thoughtful entertaining tips, and sustainability practices you can weave into your everyday routine.

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