19 Keto Thanksgiving Soups & Salads That Impress Before the Turkey

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to derail your keto lifestyle. These delicious soups and salads prove you can enjoy all the traditional fall flavors while staying true to your low-carb goals.

From creamy, warming soups that capture autumn’s essence to vibrant salads packed with seasonal ingredients, these dishes will have everyone at your table asking for seconds – and they’ll never guess they’re keto-friendly. Perfect as elegant starters or satisfying sides alongside your holiday feast.

Keto Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

This velvety soup captures all the cozy fall flavors you crave while keeping carbs surprisingly low by using cauliflower as a secret base alongside minimal butternut squash. The roasting process intensifies the sweetness and adds depth, while heavy cream creates that luxurious texture everyone expects. It’s incredibly satisfying and tastes like traditional butternut squash soup without the carb overload.

The prep is straightforward – just roast, blend, and simmer. Perfect for impressing guests who won’t believe it fits their keto macros.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Leek Soup

Creamy cauliflower and tender leeks create a sophisticated soup that’s both elegant and incredibly comforting. The leeks add a mild onion flavor that’s more refined than regular onions, while cauliflower provides the perfect creamy base without any flour or potatoes. This soup is surprisingly rich and satisfying, with a silky texture that feels indulgent.

It’s relatively simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday entertaining. The subtle flavors pair beautifully with any Thanksgiving menu.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This keto version of the beloved classic tastes just as rich and comforting as the original but without the flour-thickened base. Sharp cheddar provides incredible flavor depth, while the broccoli adds nice texture and vibrant color. The soup is naturally thickened with cream cheese and heavy cream, creating that familiar velvety consistency.

It’s surprisingly easy to make and incredibly kid-friendly, making it perfect for family gatherings. The combination of familiar flavors with keto-friendly ingredients makes this a crowd-pleasing winner that satisfies everyone.

Keto Pumpkin Sage Soup

Aromatic sage and creamy pumpkin create the ultimate fall flavor combination in this warming soup. The sage adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that perfectly complements the sweet pumpkin, while coconut milk keeps it dairy-free if needed. The texture is smooth and luxurious, and the flavor screams autumn comfort food.

It’s moderately easy to make and can be prepared entirely ahead of time, making holiday entertaining stress-free. The beautiful orange color and seasonal flavors make it an Instagram-worthy starter that tastes as good as it looks.

Low-Carb Turkey and Vegetable Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for using up leftover turkey while creating something completely different from the main meal. Tender turkey pieces, low-carb vegetables, and rich broth create a satisfying, warming dish that feels like a complete meal. The vegetables add nice texture and color, while herbs and seasonings make it anything but boring.

It’s incredibly easy to customize based on what vegetables you have on hand, and it’s naturally comforting without being heavy. This soup is perfect for the day after Thanksgiving when you want something lighter.

Keto Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Sweet roasted tomatoes and fresh basil create a bright, flavorful soup that adds color and freshness to your Thanksgiving table. Roasting the tomatoes concentrates their sweetness and adds smoky depth, while basil provides that perfect herbal brightness. The texture is smooth and creamy thanks to coconut cream or heavy cream, without needing any flour thickeners.

It’s surprisingly simple to make and can be prepared well in advance. The vibrant red color and familiar flavors make it appealing to guests of all ages.

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Soup

This soup tastes like the beloved dip in liquid form – rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Tender spinach and artichoke hearts create familiar flavors, while cream cheese and heavy cream provide that signature richness. The texture is luxuriously smooth with pleasant bits of vegetables throughout.

It’s moderately easy to make and incredibly satisfying, feeling more like comfort food than diet food. The familiar flavors make it instantly appealing to guests, and the elegant presentation makes it perfect for formal Thanksgiving dinners.

Keto Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon

Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts create a surprisingly tender and flavorful salad base that’s much more appealing than cooked sprouts to many people. Crispy bacon adds smoky richness and satisfying crunch, while a tangy vinaigrette brightens everything up. The raw Brussels sprouts have a pleasant slight bite and fresh flavor that’s completely different from cooked versions.

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare and actually improves when it sits for a while, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining. The bacon makes it irresistible to even the pickiest eaters.

Keto Autumn Harvest Salad

This colorful salad captures all the best flavors of fall in one beautiful bowl. Roasted vegetables, toasted nuts, and fresh greens create a variety of textures and flavors that keep every bite interesting. The roasted elements add warmth and depth, while fresh greens provide crispness and color.

It’s moderately involved due to roasting components, but most work can be done ahead of time. The presentation is absolutely stunning, and the seasonal flavors make it feel special enough for holiday entertaining while being nutritious and satisfying.

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

Cool, crisp cucumbers and fresh dill create a refreshing salad that provides a nice contrast to rich Thanksgiving dishes. The creamy dressing is tangy and herb-forward, making the simple cucumbers taste elegant and sophisticated. This salad is incredibly light and refreshing, which is perfect when your meal has lots of heavy dishes.

It’s extremely easy to make and can be prepared hours ahead of time. The cool, fresh flavors and creamy texture make it a palate cleanser that guests really appreciate during heavy holiday meals.

Keto Warm Spinach Salad with Pancetta

Crispy pancetta and warm wilted spinach create a sophisticated salad that feels more like a restaurant dish than typical home cooking. The pancetta adds incredible smoky flavor and satisfying richness, while the warm spinach becomes tender and flavorful. A simple warm vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully.

This salad requires some timing to serve warm, but the technique is straightforward and the results are impressive. The combination of warm and cool elements, plus the bacon-like pancetta, makes it appealing to almost everyone at your table.

Low-Carb Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Sweet roasted beets and tangy goat cheese create an elegant salad with restaurant-quality presentation and flavors. The roasting concentrates the beets’ natural sweetness, while goat cheese provides creamy richness and pleasant tang. Fresh greens add color and freshness to balance the earthier elements.

This salad takes some time due to roasting the beets, but most work can be done ahead. The beautiful colors and sophisticated flavor combination make it perfect for impressing guests who appreciate more adventurous foods.

Keto Arugula Pear Salad with Pecans

Peppery arugula, sweet pears, and crunchy pecans create a salad with perfect flavor and texture balance. The arugula provides a pleasant peppery bite that pairs beautifully with sweet pears, while pecans add satisfying crunch and richness. A simple vinaigrette enhances rather than masks the natural flavors.

This salad is extremely easy to assemble and looks elegant with minimal effort. The combination of familiar ingredients in an elevated presentation makes it appealing to a wide range of tastes while feeling special enough for holiday entertaining.

Creamy Coleslaw with Sugar-Free Dressing

This keto-friendly coleslaw provides all the creamy, tangy satisfaction of traditional versions without the sugar overload. The cabbage stays crisp and fresh, while the sugar-free dressing is just as creamy and flavorful as regular versions. It’s incredibly refreshing and provides a nice textural contrast to other dishes.

This coleslaw is extremely easy to make and actually improves in flavor when made ahead of time. The familiar flavors make it instantly comfortable for guests, while the lightness makes it a perfect palate cleanser during heavy holiday meals.

Keto Caprese Salad with Avocado

Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado create a beautiful salad that’s both elegant and satisfying. The avocado adds extra richness and healthy fats while complementing the traditional caprese flavors perfectly. Fresh basil and good olive oil make the simple ingredients sing.

This salad is incredibly easy to assemble and looks absolutely stunning on the plate. The fresh, clean flavors provide a nice contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes, and the beautiful presentation makes it feel special enough for holiday entertaining.

Low-Carb Green Bean and Almond Salad

Crisp-tender green beans and toasted almonds create a salad that’s both familiar and elevated. The green beans are blanched to perfect tenderness while maintaining their bright color and crisp texture. Toasted almonds add wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the beans beautifully. A simple vinaigrette brings everything together without overwhelming the vegetables.

This salad is moderately easy to make and can be served warm or at room temperature. The familiar green bean element makes it comfortable for traditional eaters while feeling fresh and special.

Keto Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

This classic steakhouse salad brings elegance and indulgence to your Thanksgiving table. Crisp iceberg lettuce, rich blue cheese dressing, and crispy bacon create the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The presentation is naturally impressive, and the rich flavors satisfy even the most skeptical salad eaters.

It’s extremely easy to assemble and can be prepared ahead except for final plating. The familiar, indulgent flavors make it appealing to guests who might be hesitant about “healthy” dishes, while the rich dressing fits perfectly into keto macros.