Over fifty delightful, plant-based recipes for your Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add more natural goodness to your holiday spread, these dishes are sure to impress even the most devoted meat-lovers!
The magic of the holiday season is officially upon us, with Thanksgiving just around the corner! It’s a time when many of us find ourselves already dreaming of twinkling lights and festive decorations, but let’s not forget the warmth and abundance of Thanksgiving first. This cherished holiday is a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude, a chance to gather with loved ones, and an opportunity to celebrate the countless blessings in our lives.
As the holiday season approaches, one question frequently comes my way: “What do vegetarians and vegans eat on Thanksgiving?” This query often carries a touch of concern from thoughtful hosts eager to ensure all their guests feel welcomed and well-fed. They might envision their plant-based guests nibbling on a solitary salad or leaving the table less than satisfied. However, I’m here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth! Thanksgiving, at its heart, is a feast of incredible flavors, many of which are inherently plant-based.
The truth is, Thanksgiving offers an abundance of delicious, satisfying options for vegetarians and vegans alike. Most of us are more than thrilled to fill our plates with an array of traditional Thanksgiving sides – think creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, candied sweet potatoes, and tangy cranberry sauce. These staples are often vegetarian or easily adaptable to be vegan, providing a rich and fulfilling meal. Even avid meat-eaters typically enjoy a generous portion of these vegetable-centric dishes, proving that a plant-focused Thanksgiving can be universally appealing and incredibly festive.
If you’re eager to explore even more vibrant and creative plant-based Thanksgiving ideas, you’ve certainly landed in the right place. Forget the turkey; imagine a magnificent “vegducken” – perhaps a butternut squash exquisitely stuffed with a medley of flavorful vegetables and grains – a truly impressive and compassionate centerpiece for your holiday table. Of course, I won’t judge if you still include the traditional bird; the goal here is to offer inspiring alternatives that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. I’ve meticulously gathered over 50 exceptional recipes, spanning everything from tantalizing Thanksgiving appetizers and hearty main dishes to naturally sweet vegan desserts.
While all these Thanksgiving recipes are completely vegetarian, meaning they contain no meat, the vast majority are also vegan or can be effortlessly transformed into vegan dishes with simple substitutions, such as omitting cheese. These carefully curated selections ensure that your holiday meal is not only inclusive but also bursting with fresh, wholesome flavors that celebrate the bounty of the harvest season. Do you have any other spectacular plant-based Thanksgiving recipes that deserve a spot on this list? Please share them in the comments below! Wishing you joyous and delicious holidays!
Discover these perennial favorites for your Thanksgiving feast, alongside some exciting new additions that have become instant classics:
This Vegan Lentil Loaf is an absolute sensation, garnering rave reviews and going viral on Pinterest! It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes an incredible centerpiece for any plant-based holiday meal.
No Thanksgiving is complete without a quintessential pumpkin pie, and this Vegan Pumpkin Pie delivers all the classic taste and perfectly smooth, delicious texture you crave. It’s a sweet ending that everyone will adore.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers
Kick off your Thanksgiving celebration with these delectable plant-based appetizers. Designed to whet the appetite without being overly heavy, these starters are perfect for guests mingling before the main event, setting a festive and flavorful tone for your meal.
Sweet Potato Hummus and Veggies: A creamy, vibrant, and naturally sweet dip that adds a unique twist to your appetizer spread. (vegan)
Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites: Elegant and bursting with festive flavors, these bites are a delightful prelude to dinner, with an easy vegan option available. (vegan option)
Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese from Ciao Florentina: Wholesome sweet potato rounds topped with tangy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and a rich balsamic glaze for a sophisticated starter.
Stuffed Mushroom Caps from Pooja’s Cookery: Earthy mushrooms filled with a savory mixture, offering a classic and comforting appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
Balance the richness of your Thanksgiving meal with these refreshing and flavorful salad recipes. Featuring seasonal ingredients, these salads add a vibrant burst of color and a lighter touch to your holiday spread, proving that salads can be just as exciting as the main course.
Persimmon and Apple Salad: A bright and seasonal salad combining the sweet notes of persimmons with crisp apples, perfect for autumn. (vegetarian)
Pear, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad with Maple Vinaigrette: A sophisticated salad marrying the sweetness of pears, the crunch of walnuts, and the tang of goat cheese, all brought together with a delightful maple vinaigrette. (vegetarian)
Vegan Ancient Grain Salad from The View From Great Island: A robust and satisfying salad packed with nutrient-rich ancient grains and fresh vegetables, offering a wholesome and earthy option. (vegan)
Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Nuts from The View From Great Island: A textural delight, this salad combines nutty wild rice with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, embodying the flavors of the season.
Roasted Radish and Brussels Sprouts Salad from Veggie Inspired: A unique and flavorful salad featuring the subtle spice of roasted radishes and the earthy goodness of Brussels sprouts.
Autumn Quinoa Sweet Potato Arugula Salad from The Kitchen Girl: A vibrant, healthy salad showcasing the best of autumn produce with the protein power of quinoa. (vegan, gf)
Apple Farro Salad from Lively Table: A hearty and sweet-savory salad combining crisp apples with chewy farro, perfect for a festive fall meal. (vegan, gf)
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes
For those looking for a spectacular centerpiece that doesn’t involve turkey, these vegetarian and vegan main dish recipes offer hearty, flavorful, and truly satisfying options. From comforting casseroles to elegant wellingtons, these dishes prove that a plant-based Thanksgiving main can be both impressive and delicious.
Vegetarian Wellington: An absolutely beautiful and savory vegan main dish, this elegant Wellington is ideal for making a grand statement at your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Lentil Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty and comforting classic, this vegan shepherd’s pie is rich with lentils and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. (vegan)
Brussels Sprouts Mac & Cheese: A wonderfully indulgent and comforting dish that elevates classic mac and cheese with the addition of earthy Brussels sprouts. (vegetarian)
White Bean Mash with Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash: A creamy, satisfying mash packed with wholesome white beans, sweet butternut squash, and savory Brussels sprouts. (vegetarian)
Curried Pumpkin Lentil Soup: A warming and aromatic soup featuring the comforting flavors of pumpkin and lentils, with a hint of exotic spice. (vegan)
Mushroom Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash: Elegant and flavorful, these stuffed acorn squash halves make a perfect individual main, brimming with savory mushrooms and protein-rich quinoa. (vegan, gf)
Pumpkin and Chard Lasagna: A rich and comforting lasagna featuring seasonal pumpkin and healthy chard, offering a satisfying and robust main course. (vegetarian)
Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries from Platings and Pairings: Creamy, autumnal risotto infused with pumpkin, tangy goat cheese, and sweet dried cranberries for a luxurious dish.
Roasted Delicata Squash, Kale, and Leeks with Farro from Blossom to Stem: A wholesome and beautifully roasted medley of seasonal vegetables and hearty farro, creating a nutritious and flavorful main.
Sweet & Savory Stuffed Acorn Squash from Vegan Huggs: Perfectly balanced flavors in a tender acorn squash, offering a delightful and naturally sweet and savory meal. (vegan, gf)
Vegan Beet Wellington from Yup, it’s Vegan: A vibrant and visually stunning Wellington, featuring earthy beets for a unique and impressive plant-based main.
Brown Butter Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sage from The Girl on Bloor: Soft, tender gnocchi infused with sweet butternut squash and tossed in a fragrant brown butter and sage sauce for a truly decadent dish. (vegetarian)
Delicata Squash with Thanksgiving Stuffing from Healthy Seasonal Recipes: Sweet delicata squash perfectly roasted and filled with a savory, classic Thanksgiving stuffing, combining two holiday favorites. (vegetarian)
Butternut Squash Vegducken from Epicurious: An imaginative and truly spectacular plant-based “roast” featuring a stuffed butternut squash, guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
(Almost) Classic Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf from Connoisseurus Veg: A remarkably realistic and incredibly flavorful vegan meatloaf that mimics the classic comforting texture and taste. (vegan)
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without an array of mouth-watering side dishes, and these plant-based options are designed to complement any main course, whether traditional or vegetarian. From creamy mashes to roasted delights, these sides are packed with flavor and wholesome goodness.
Sweet Potato and Tempeh by Gerry Speirs for LightLife: A savory and satisfying combination of roasted sweet potatoes and protein-rich tempeh, perfect as a wholesome side. (vegan)
Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes: A lighter yet equally creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, infused with savory garlic. (vegan option)
Vegan Mushroom Gravy: A deeply savory and rich gravy, bursting with umami from mushrooms, perfect for drizzling over any part of your Thanksgiving plate. (vegan)
Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots: Sweet and tender roasted carrots coated in a delicious maple glaze, adding a touch of natural sweetness to your meal. (vegan)
Easy Pumpkin Bread Rolls from Lauren Caris Cooks: Soft, warm, and subtly sweet pumpkin bread rolls that are a delightful addition to any bread basket. (vegan)
Vegan Pumpkin Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel from Vegan Huggs: Fluffy pumpkin muffins topped with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon streusel, perfect for breakfast or as a light side. (vegan)
Easy Sheet Pan Oven Roasted Root Vegetables from She Loves Biscotti: A simple yet flavorful medley of roasted root vegetables, cooked to perfection on a single sheet pan for easy preparation. (vegan)
I Can’t Believe It’s Vegan! Green Bean Casserole from The Kitchen Girl: A plant-based rendition of the beloved classic, offering all the comforting flavors without dairy or meat. (vegan)
Slightly Sweet Cranberry Sauce from Trial and Eater: A perfectly balanced cranberry sauce with just the right amount of sweetness, a must-have accompaniment. (vegan)
Healthy Hasselback Baked Sweet Potatoes by Melanie Cooks: Visually stunning and deliciously tender, these Hasselback sweet potatoes are a fantastic and wholesome side. (vegan)
Cinnamon Apple Yam Bake with Pecans from Savory Tooth: A sweet and comforting bake combining yams, apples, and crunchy pecans, a delightful alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole. (vegetarian)
Kale & Leek Quinoa Stuffing Skillet from Girl Adulting: A unique and healthy stuffing alternative, packed with the goodness of kale, leeks, and quinoa. (vegetarian)
Paleo Baked Pumpkin Fries from Oh, the things we’ll make: A creative and healthy side dish, these pumpkin fries are a delicious and naturally sweet alternative to potato fries. (vegan, gf, paleo)
Epic Winter Veggie Gratin from Peas and Crayons: A creamy and comforting vegetable gratin, layered with seasonal winter vegetables and baked to golden perfection. (vegetarian)
Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk and Ginger from The Little Pine: A velvety smooth and warming soup with the subtle spice of ginger and the richness of coconut milk. (vegan)
Spiral Vegetable Tart from Bunsen Burner Bakery: A visually stunning and flavorful tart, featuring beautifully arranged spiral vegetables for an impressive side. (vegan, gf)
Walnut and Kale Quinoa Stuffing from Healthy Seasonal Recipes: A wholesome and gluten-free stuffing option, combining nutty walnuts, hearty kale, and satisfying quinoa. (vegan, gf)
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Basil Pesto from Hapa Nom Nom: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with sweet roasted garlic and vibrant basil pesto for an aromatic twist. (vegetarian)
Vegetarian Savory Herb Gravy from Watch Learn Eat: A rich and flavorful herb gravy, perfect for enhancing your plant-based Thanksgiving plate with depth and warmth. (vegetarian, gf)
Natural Vegetarian and/or Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
Conclude your memorable Thanksgiving feast with these incredible natural, vegetarian, and vegan desserts. From creamy cheesecakes to classic pies, these sweet treats prove that plant-based options can be just as indulgent and satisfying, ensuring a delightful end to your holiday meal.
Vegan Frozen Cranberry Cheesecake Slice: A refreshing and creamy frozen cheesecake with a tart cranberry swirl, perfect for a lighter, yet indulgent dessert. (vegan, gf)
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake: All the creamy, spiced goodness of a classic pumpkin cheesecake, made entirely plant-based for a truly satisfying dessert. (vegan)
Mini Pumpkin Pies: Delightful individual-sized pumpkin pies, offering a charming and perfectly portioned treat for each guest. (vegetarian)
Vegan Pumpkin Pie with Caramel Sauce from A Virtual Vegan: A truly indulgent vegan pumpkin pie, elevated with a decadent caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. (vegan)
Pumpkin Spice Nice Cream from Plantiful Plates: A healthy and refreshing twist on ice cream, bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors, perfect for a lighter dessert. (vegan)
Persimmon Pie from Forest and Fauna: A unique and naturally sweet pie featuring the delicate flavor of persimmons, offering a seasonal and wholesome option. (paleo and vegan)
Vegan Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls from Lauren Caris Cooks: Soft, gooey, and warmly spiced cinnamon rolls, made with sweet potato for an extra layer of flavor and moisture. (vegan)
Best-Ever Healthy Apple Crisp from Healthy Liv: A comforting and wholesome apple crisp, made with natural ingredients for a guilt-free indulgence. (vegan)
Mom’s Amazing Vegan and Gluten-Free Apple Pie from Allergy Free Alaska: A classic apple pie made accessible to all, with a flaky, delicious crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, free from common allergens.
Guilt-Free Pecan Pie Cookies from Allergy Free Alaska: All the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie in a convenient and wholesome cookie form, perfect for a lighter sweet bite.
Caramel Apple Galette from The Fit Cookie: A rustic and beautiful apple galette with a sweet caramel drizzle, offering a wholesome and visually appealing dessert. (vegan, gf)
Raw White Chocolate and Pumpkin Cheesecake from Downshiftology: An incredible no-bake cheesecake combining the delicate flavors of white chocolate and pumpkin for a sophisticated, healthy dessert. (vegan, gf)