Halloween is over, which means our thoughts turn toward Thanksgiving (unless you’re the type to skip right over Thanksgiving and go straight to winter holidays).

Thanksgiving centers around family, friends, and definitely food. But what if you could work some superfoods into your holiday spread that give your hair a little extra boost?

Wintertime can mean dull, dry hair and skin, so give your hair some love with these tasty superfood Thanksgiving recipes!

Cranberry Avocado Salsa

OK, stick with us on this one. This tangy, sweet, and spicy dip/relish can be used in place of traditional cranberry sauce or as an out-of-the-ordinary appetizer with some chips.

Avocados are rich in B and E vitamins, both of which are essential for healthy hair and scalp. A healthy scalp means faster growth and stronger, shinier hair.

Spiced Sweet Potato Hummus

A fall twist on a classic appetizer! Spicy and super creamy, pair this hummus (which includes fall must-haves cinnamon and nutmeg!) with some fresh veggies, pita, or crackers for a light, nutritious nosh before the main event.

Sweet potatoes not only lend the hummus its super-luxurious texture, but are also packed with vitamin A. Deficiency in vitamin A could lead to hair loss, so it’s important to make sure that you’re getting enough!

Cumin Roasted Cauliflower With Black Lentils

A warming, nutritious alternative to mashed potatoes to have on the table, this dish is a slightly more exotic offering with lime juice and cumin. Not your typical Thanksgiving fare, but perfect for a cool fall evening nonetheless.

Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse and offer iron, zinc, biotin, and protein. All of these are important for healthy hair growth, and you’ve probably already heard of biotin, which studies show can help strengthen and repair damaged hair.

Less damage means less breakage, which means longer, faster-growing hair!

Spelt Sweet Potato Biscuits (Vegan)

Sure, you could use store-bought rolls, but these biscuits are buttery and moist and can be made ahead of time! Did we mention that they star one of our favorite healthy-hair superfoods? Sweet potatoes are back with their vitamin A goodness!

If you’re not familiar with spelt, it comes from an ancient strain of wheat and is nuttier and sweeter than traditional wheat flour. It also packs in some protein, with 25 grams per one cup of flour.

Autumn Kale Salad With Roasted Cauliflower and Apple

Vibrantly green, this salad is packed with nutritious superfoods. Tender massaged kale (yes, you actually massage it), crunchy pepitas, and roasted cauliflower make for a delicious, texture-rich salad that is a hearty addition to your table.

Dark, leafy greens like kale are rich in folate, which is an essential nutrient that supports healthy cell growth. If your body, specifically your hair follicles, can produce cells that divide at a healthy rate, your hair can grow longer, faster.

Vegan Lentil Loaf

Maybe you’ve recently gone vegan or vegetarian, or someone in your family or friend group has. If turkey is out of the question and a tofu-based substitute isn’t your thing, try this filling, flavorful lentil loaf. It’s also easy to make, but you’ll wow your vegan/vegetarian friends by making a main dish from scratch!

The zinc in lentils helps to stave off any potential hair loss that a deficiency can cause. It’s also an important nutrient for our immune systems. During cold and flu season, a strong immune system is critical to avoid the usual sickness woes.

Carob Pumpkin Tart

This decadent dessert is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo. While traditional pumpkin pie is not the worst dessert for you, this recipe offers an alternative that fits the rules for different kinds of dietary lifestyles, perfect for a large gathering.

Pumpkin, like sweet potatoes, is high in vitamin A, and is also a very good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and can help fight oxidative stress in your scalp and hair (not to mention the rest of your body).

Have a Flavorful, Fun, Festive Thanksgiving!

Admittedly, these recipes may not be on the most traditional path, but they add variety to an otherwise predictable menu. You can feel good about your Thanksgiving feast by adding in a few superfoods here and there, and know that your delicious holiday meal is also supporting your healthy hair goals!

Branch out! Be adventurous! Most of all, make time for those who are important to you this holiday season, and remember to take care of yourself and nourish your body, skin, and hair with recipes like these.