5 Must-Try Pistachio Recipes to Elevate Your Thanksgiving Feast

It’s that time of the year!

Thanksgiving is here, a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and to show gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey, especially our families.

But Thanksgiving is not just about symbolic gestures. It is also about comforting food with bold flavors. And did you know which nut is both comforting and full of flavor? That’s right, pistachios!

You might be wondering, are pistachios a good fit for Thanksgiving recipes? Our answer is an enthusiastic yes! That is why we have put together 5 of the best pistachio recipes to electrify your Thanksgiving feast.

1. Cranberry & Pistachio Stuffed Turkey Breast with Orange Honey Glaze

Thinking of leveling up your Thanksgiving main dish? We’re here to help with a fresh take on the classic holiday favorite: turkey. This original recipe by registered dietitian Elysia Cartlidge offers a flavorful yet nutritious option, perfect for anyone looking for a healthier choice this Thanksgiving.

The recipe uses turkey breast, a lean source of protein that’s rich in B vitamins and essential minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s naturally low in fat, carbs, and sugar, making it an ideal choice for those mindful of their meal’s nutritional content.

To enhance the turkey’s flavor, it’s stuffed with a wholesome mixture featuring dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. Pistachios add a uniquely nutty taste along with a satisfying crunch that brings both flavor and texture to the dish.

If you’re planning to include these vibrant green nuts in your holiday cooking, be sure to check out our selection of premium pistachios.

The stuffing also includes fresh thyme leaves, almond flour, and panko breadcrumbs, a balanced combination that adds aroma, depth, and a delicious blend of flavors.

To brighten the dish even further, the recipe uses a simple glaze made with honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of salt and pepper.

Visit the full article to see the complete list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions for preparing this fresh and flavorful turkey recipe. Let us know what you think once you try it!

2. Cardamom Pumpkin Pie With a Pistachio Cookie Crust

Pumpkin recipes are a beloved staple during Thanksgiving. Not only do they offer warm, comforting flavors, but their vibrant yellow-orange hue adds a beautiful autumn palette to the holiday table. Pumpkin dishes are indeed a perfect fit for the season, both for their taste and their aesthetics, making them one of the best choices for any fall celebration.

Beyond their seasonal charm, pumpkins are also nutritional powerhouses. They are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which support immune health and promote healthy eyesight. Their high fiber content also aids digestion, supports gut health, helps control blood sugar, and contributes to heart health.

While classic pumpkin pie is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient, you can elevate the traditional version by adding a delicious crunch with pistachios!

As the name of this recipe suggests, this twist on the iconic pumpkin pie uses pistachios as the star ingredient in the crust, adding a uniquely crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that sets it apart from the usual pie.

To make this standout dessert, you will need pumpkin purée, pistachios, shortbread cookies, and ground cardamom as your key ingredients.

Created by Katlyn Moncada and Sarah Martens, this recipe is an unexpected and delightful upgrade to the classic pumpkin pie. Visit this article to view the full recipe.

3. Creamy Pistachio Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a true classic during American holidays, especially Thanksgiving. But if you have ever wondered how to make this dish even more exciting, we have great news for you.

Lee Buchin’s recipe takes the traditional green bean casserole to the next level by adding a silky pistachio cream sauce, savory oyster mushrooms, and a crown of crispy fried shallots. The result is a nutty, salty, and flavorful twist on the beloved holiday staple.

Unlike the traditional version made with canned cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and soft green beans, this upgraded recipe brings new life to the dish. The homemade preparation keeps the green beans crisp, vibrant, and full of color, while the oyster mushrooms add earthiness and depth to every bite.

The pistachio-infused garlic sauce adds a distinctive nutty twist, creating a bold blend of nutty, punchy, and salty flavors that truly elevates the casserole.

For the perfect finishing touch, crispy fried shallots blanket the top, bringing everything together with an irresistible crunch.

This is a creative and delicious take on the classic Thanksgiving green bean casserole. Check out Lee’s recipe and give this elevated version a try for your next holiday feast.

4. Roasted Sweet Potato and Pistachio Side Dish

Every great Thanksgiving feast needs an impressive side dish to balance the flavors and bring excitement to the table. This year, we’re highlighting a pistachio-powered side dish that gives a fresh and vibrant twist to classic sweet potatoes. This recipe, shared by Shaykee, showcases a beautiful blend of texture, color, and flavor.

Sweet potatoes are one of the most common ingredients served during Thanksgiving. Like pumpkins, they are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which support healthy eyesight and a strong immune system.

They are also high in potassium and manganese, and provide a notable amount of carbohydrates, calories, and even some protein. Their biggest nutritional advantage is their naturally low fat content, making them a wholesome and nutrient-dense choice.

This elegant side dish brings together the best of both worlds: the creamy, caramelized texture of roasted sweet potatoes and the satisfying crunch of pistachios, all brightened by the juicy burst of pomegranate seeds. The combination ties together sweet, roasted flavors with rich nuttiness and a refreshing tang, creating a stunning dish that stands out on any Thanksgiving spread.

It would be a shame not to add this to your Thanksgiving recipe list. It is flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly eye-catching, thanks to its colorful and festive presentation. It is guaranteed to make your holiday table look even more vibrant and inviting.

So gather your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, green pistachios, and fresh pomegranate arils, and get ready to prepare your next favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Visit the article to learn more about this recipe.

5. Pistachio Pie - Your New Thanksgiving Pie Staple

Pie is a must-have at every Thanksgiving feast, but if you are getting tired of the same classic recipes and want to try something new for your holiday dessert, we have the perfect idea for you. This unique twist will surprise your family and guests in the best way.

Introducing a truly distinctive and delicious treat: pistachio pie.

Pistachios bring a fresh, nutty twist to this dessert. Unlike the earlier recipe where pistachios were used for the crust, this pie uses them in a rich, flavorful filling. You can also sprinkle any leftover pistachios on top to enhance the texture and highlight the exceptional flavor of these vibrant green nuts.

This recipe was created by Lauren Mitterer, a two-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee in the pastry chef category. With credentials like that, you can expect a dessert that is both masterful and artfully crafted.

If you are ready to make your first pistachio pie this Thanksgiving, head over to the article to see the full list of ingredients and complete recipe instructions.

And if you need high-quality pistachios, shop at shop.mmmmgoodfoods.com. For the tastiest and crunchiest results, choose the roasted and salted in-shell pistachios. Our in-shell pistachios are EXTRA LARGE, giving you more nutty goodness and incredible value for your holiday baking.

Written by Meco Ampoloquio
Originally published on November 25, 2025