Thanksgiving can absolutely be a delightful and fulfilling celebration without turkey As we enter the season of gratitude, let’s dive into vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes.
These dishes challenge the turkey tradition and show it’s possible to have a fulfilling feast without it. A vegetarian Thanksgiving menu can be just as rich and comforting as one with meat.
Let’s celebrate autumn with a variety of dishes. From colorful appetizers to decadent desserts, we’ll explore the season’s bounty. This guide ensures every guest, no matter their diet, will leave feeling full and impressed by the delicious food.
Key Takeaways
- Explore 15 mouthwatering vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes tailored for a memorable holiday feast.
- Includes a balance of 7 mains, 5 appetizers and sides, and 3 delectable desserts.
- Features popular ingredients such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, kale, and mushrooms.
- Many recipes mimic traditional Thanksgiving flavors like sage, thyme, cranberries, and pecans.
- Showcases an equal representation of vegan and vegetarian dishes to cater to a broad audience.
- Focus on convenient, one-pan meals and casseroles to minimize kitchen stress.
- Includes unique dessert offerings like pecan pie bars and vegan red wine chocolate cake.
Introduction to Plant-Based Thanksgiving Feasts
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude and enjoy a feast with loved ones. This guide ensures every guest, no matter their diet, will leave feeling full and impressed by the delicious food.
These plant-based holiday dishes are full of flavors and made from the season’s best produce. They ensure you don’t miss out on the traditional turkey.
Over 100 vegan Thanksgiving recipes are available, covering everything from appetizers to desserts. Whether you’re looking for dairy-free festive recipes or meatless meal ideas, this collection has you covered.
Discover how ingredients like squash, Brussels sprouts, and pomegranates can be the stars of dishes that please everyone without sacrificing taste or tradition.
| Category | Example Dishes |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | Zucchini Fritters, Smoky Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms, Crispy Baked Polenta Sticks |
| Soups | Butternut Bisque with Parsley Pistou, Super Greens Soup with Chickpeas |
| Salads | Roasted Radish Salad with Sweet Potato and Apple, Fennel, Orange, and Beet Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing |
| Main Dishes | Garlic Squash Steaks with Herbed Pear-Potato Mash, Vegan Pastitsio with Lentils |
| Sides | Panko Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Middle Eastern Red Rice Pilaf |
| Desserts | Jamaican Orange Cornmeal Pudding with Coconut Fluff, Bursting with Berries Cobbler |
About 3% of Americans identify as vegan, with many choosing vegan turkey substitutes for Thanksgiving. Hosting a meatless thanksgiving meal is a way to celebrate compassion and sustainability. These recipes allow you to create a menu that welcomes everyone, whether you’re hosting or attending a traditional Thanksgiving.
Gail Teigeiro has been making her family happy with plant-based Thanksgiving meals for six years. Starting with vegan sides, her meals now feature a vegetable-based turducken. This dish, made with parsnip, sweet potato, and butternut squash, is a hit. Plant-based desserts, like vegan tarte tatin, have also become family favorites, improving in texture and flavor each year.
Join Gail and others in exploring the joy of a plant-based Thanksgiving. With a variety of dishes, from silky lasagnas to vibrant salads and delicious desserts, creating your Thanksgiving menu has never been easier or more fun!
Appetizers and Starters for a Vegan Thanksgiving
Start your Thanksgiving with a variety of vegan appetizers. They set the stage for a memorable feast. Our vegetarian starters use the season’s best produce, making every bite delightful and nutritious.
From stuffed mushrooms to pumpkin hummus, these dishes will spark conversations and appetites, showing that appetizers can be as impressive as the main course.
Stuffed Squash with Wild Mushrooms and Kale
This stuffed squash recipe is a great way to begin your Thanksgiving. It celebrates fall’s bounty. The squash is filled with a mix of wild mushrooms and kale, offering a mix of textures and flavors that please the palate. It’s a hearty, warming appetizer that captures the spirit of the season.
This recipe is a hit with guests, combining nutritional value with festive scents. It’s not only elegant but also easy to make gluten-free, making it perfect for inclusive holiday meals.
Invite your guests to enjoy this tasty vegetarian starter. It sets the tone for a meal that’s both indulgent and healthy. Your vegan Thanksgiving journey starts here, where vegetables are the stars and flavors come to life.
Comforting Vegan Casseroles and Grains
Casseroles and gratins are perfect for a chilly Thanksgiving evening. They add warmth and familiarity, great for family gatherings. We’ll explore some delicious vegan casseroles to make your holiday cooking special. Let’s begin with a twist on a classic.
Green Bean Casserole with Artichokes
Our green bean casserole with artichokes is a fresh take on a holiday favorite. It combines creamy plant-based ingredients for a rich taste. The addition of artichokes brings a unique tanginess.
This casserole is simple yet full of flavor and texture. The artichokes add a tangy taste that pairs well with the green beans. It’s a great choice for your holiday table.
| Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Green Beans | Low in calories, high in vitamins A, C, and K |
| Artichokes | Rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber |
| Plant-Based Cream | Dairy-free and cholesterol-free options |
| Fried Onions | Adds a crunchy texture and a savory flavor |
Explore the variety of vegan casseroles this holiday. This green bean casserole is a mix of old and new, perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s sure to impress your guests.
Holiday cooking just got more exciting with this tasty green bean casserole. Try it and make it a hit at your festive table!
Ultimate Meat-Free Mains for Thanksgiving
Try something new this Thanksgiving and skip the turkey. Instead, go for amazing vegetarian main courses. These dishes are perfect for a meat-free holiday meal or just for those who love hearty, wholesome food.
Silky Layered Vegetarian Lasagna
A vegetarian lasagna can be the star of your Thanksgiving. It’s a mix of flavors with rich broth, tender noodles, and seasonal veggies. This lasagna is a standout vegetarian dish and a key part of your meat-free holiday meal options.
This dish has layers of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and roasted butternut squash. It all comes together under a golden, bubbly top. It’s the perfect comfort food, offering a nourishing and tasty meal that’s both familiar and special.
This lasagna is also super convenient. It’s great for making ahead, which means less stress on cooking day. You can prepare it the day before, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
Here’s a quick comparison of some popular vegetarian lasagna brands:
| Brand | Ingredients | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s | Spinach, Ricotta, Mozzarella, and tomatoes | Affordable, Easy-to-Find |
| Stouffer’s | Lasagna Noodles, Marinara Sauce, Veggies | Ready-Bake Option |
| Amy’s Kitchen | Organic Vegetables, Tofu, Pasta | Organic, GF Options |
Make your holiday feast unforgettable with these amazing meat-free recipes. Brands like Tofurky, Field Roast, Gardein, and Trader Joe’s have lots of vegan and vegetarian options. More and more people are choosing plant-based dishes for Thanksgiving.
Don’t be afraid to try these delicious vegetarian main courses this Thanksgiving. With so many ingredients and recipes out there, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and good for the planet.
Heartwarming Vegan Side Dishes
As we gather for our plant-based Thanksgiving feast, it’s essential to include those vegan side dishes that bring warmth and joy to our holiday table. One such delightful addition is the roasted Brussels sprouts with red grapes and walnuts.
This dish beautifully harmonizes the robust flavors of crispy Brussels sprouts with the natural sweetness of red grapes and the satisfying crunch of walnuts.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Red Grapes and Walnuts
Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or a large family reunion, this recipe is a must-have among your holiday recipes.
The sprouts transform into golden-brown bites of goodness when roasted, complemented by juicy red grapes that caramelize to perfection. The addition of walnuts not only enhances the texture but also brings a nutty richness that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s break down the simple steps to prepare this vegan side dish that will undoubtedly become a staple in your holiday menu:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Add the halved red grapes and walnuts, then roast for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its nutritional value, offering a vibrant array of vitamins and antioxidants.
It’s a heartwarming complement to your holiday recipes, fitting seamlessly alongside other comforting side dishes like vegan green bean casserole or garlic mashed potatoes.
Dive into the world of flavors this season, and let’s celebrate the beauty of sustainable, wholesome cooking together! Remember, creating memorable meals is all about experimentation and joy in the kitchen.
Classic Desserts with a Vegan Twist
Finish your meal with a bang by trying vegan desserts. Explore the world of plant-based sweets that will wow everyone at your Thanksgiving. Enjoy the gooey pecan pie bars and the rich vegan chocolate cake. These treats are sure to be a hit.
Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie bars are a fun twist on the classic pecan pie. They offer all the sweet flavor in a bite-sized, easy-to-eat form. These bars are great for those who don’t like using a fork for dessert. They have a delicious pecan filling and a crumbly crust, making them perfect for any diet.
The pecans add a nice crunch that goes well with the creamy filling. This makes them a top choice for any vegan dessert table.
Vegan Red Wine Chocolate Cake
The vegan red wine chocolate cake is a luxurious choice for Thanksgiving. It combines the deep flavors of chocolate with the subtle taste of red wine. This cake is moist, tender, and has a silky frosting.
It’s perfect for those who love a touch of luxury in their desserts. This cake will impress both vegan and non-vegan guests.
Vegan or Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving is a great time to try easy vegan recipes. These dishes are not only healthy but also celebrate the season’s bounty. Our vegan holiday recipes show that plant-based meals can be both inclusive and tasty.
Seasonal veggies like squash, beets, and mushrooms are key in these recipes. Try stuffed squash with wild mushrooms and kale for a delicious dish. Quinoa, nuts, and beans like chickpeas or lentils make for a filling main course.
Our recipes also offer creative sides, like creamless creamed corn with mushrooms and lemon. You’ll find unique ingredients like coconut milk and fresh lime juice that add depth to your meal.
We make sure everyone can enjoy by offering dairy substitutes. Vegan condiments like nutritional yeast add a rich flavor. This makes vegan dishes appealing to all.
Desserts get a vegan makeover too. Try apple pie with flambéed apple brandy or pecan pie with coconut milk caramel. Fresh cranberries with lemongrass and Korean chile flakes add a zesty twist.
Our Vegan Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner is a hit. It serves four and is ready in just over an hour. It includes stuffing, turkey-seasoned tofu, and roasted veggies. Mushroom Gravy or Vegan Cranberry Sauce make perfect sides.
Many dishes feature versatile ingredients like cauliflower. You’ll also find global flavors, from Thai pumpkin soup to Caribbean callaloo bowls. These recipes show how easy vegan cooking can be.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or experienced, our recipes will amaze you. Explore a world of flavors with our collection, blending tradition with modern twists.
For more inspiration, explore Moroccan cuisine. Try couscous, chicken pastilla, and lamb tagine with prunes. Learn more here for a cultural culinary journey!
Crowd-Pleasing Vegan and Vegetarian Stuffing
No Thanksgiving is complete without hearty stuffing! Our crusty sourdough and leek vegan stuffing is a hit. It has bold flavors and textures. The sourdough and leeks make a dish that even meat-lovers will love.
This vegan thanksgiving stuffing is more than a side. It’s a standout dish that brings comfort and warmth to any holiday spread.
Crusty Sourdough and Leek Vegan Stuffing
- 1 ½ sourdough baguettes
- ⅓ cup of vegan butter
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 ribs of celery
- 1 large Granny Smith apple
- 2 links of vegan sausage
- Fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley
- Dried cranberries
- Vegetable broth
Follow these steps for preparation:
- Dice and dry out the bread overnight on a baking pan.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake bread for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Sauté vegetables and vegan sausage for 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in the herbs and transfer to a casserole dish with the bread.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes to achieve a delightful crust.
Add-ins for a personalized touch:
- Garlic, carrots, leeks, kale, pecans, fennel, mushrooms, and chestnuts
- Season with red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
For those wanting a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread and vegan sausage. Adjust the seasoning based on the saltiness of your vegetable broth to balance the tastes to perfection.
Storage and reheating:
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a Ziplock bag for up to 4 months.
- Reheat by baking in an oven-safe dish at 350F/175C until warm or microwave at 50% power for smaller portions.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time:
- Chop vegetables the day before.
- Fully assemble and freeze the unbaked stuffing.
If you’re looking to explore more vegetarian stuffing recipes, consider substituting vegan sausage with canned lentils for a plant-based protein option or using dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available.
This contributes richly to your collection of flavorful stuffing recipes, ready to be enjoyed by the entire family during Thanksgiving.
Seasonal Vegan Salads and Sides
Make your Thanksgiving feast brighter with vibrant vegan sides! These dishes show off the colors of fall and mix great textures and tastes. They’re perfect for balancing out richer dishes, from savory to sweet.
Cauliflower with Pomegranate Seeds
Cauliflower with pomegranate seeds is a stunning addition to Thanksgiving. It combines crunchy cauliflower with juicy pomegranate seeds. This mix of textures and tastes is both refreshing and colorful.
- Ingredients: Fresh cauliflower, pomegranate seeds, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and optional herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- Instructions: Break cauliflower into florets, then drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. Add salt and toss. Top with pomegranate seeds and herbs. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Our collection includes 15 recipes, with 60% being main dishes. These dishes, like Vegan Thanksgiving Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Steaks, show the richness of plant-based cooking. About 20% are side dishes, such as roasted sweet potatoes and herb roasted potatoes, to complete your Thanksgiving spread.
Our vegan sides also feature seasonal salads. These salads use fall ingredients like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apples, and kale. Try the Vegan Fall Harvest Salad with Kale and Pumpkin, Healthy Waldorf Salad with Apple Vinegar Dressing, and Healthy Sweet Potato Noodle Salad with Chickpeas and Rocket.
Our salads use ingredients like pecans, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. They’re dressed with maple mustard and apple cider vinegar. These salads are both healthy and delicious. They’re perfect for vegan guests or to add fresh flavors to any menu.
Conclusion
As we finish our journey through vegan Thanksgiving dinner ideas, we see how tasty and healthy plant-based meals can be. We’ve shared dishes like stuffed squash with wild mushrooms and kale and silky layered vegetarian lasagna. Each one shows how versatile ingredients can make a feast both tasty and good for you.
Adding these recipes to your Thanksgiving menu brings new flavors to your table. It also supports a green and healthy lifestyle. Elizabeth Avery, a dietitian at Emerson College, says plant-based diets can lower heart disease and cancer risks. They also help with bad cholesterol and body weight.
This Thanksgiving, let’s come together with dishes that honor tradition and bring new ideas to the table. Serving vegan and vegetarian dishes like Vegan Red Wine Chocolate Cake or Crusty Sourdough and Leek Vegan Stuffing will please your guests.
It also boosts their health. For more ideas on affordable, healthy meals, visit our budget-friendly nutritious recipes page. Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember with delicious vegan dishes for all to enjoy!