25 Delicious Vegetarian-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes
- Cameron Rosenthal
- Nov 17, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 19, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal. While turkey often takes the spotlight, vegetarian dishes can be just as delicious and festive. Whether you're planning a vegetarian Thanksgiving or looking to add some plant-based options to your menu, these Thanksgiving recipe ideas are sure to delight everyone at the table—meat-eaters included! Get ready for a celebration of flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Here are some creative and delicious vegetarian recipes that deserve a spot at your Thanksgiving table.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
Appetizers
This hearty, seasonal lasagna is a perfect main dish for vegetarians. Layers of roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta, and earthy sage create a cozy dish full of fall flavors.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts on top for extra crunch.
Acorn squash halves are the perfect edible bowl for a savory stuffing. Fill them with a mix of wild rice, cranberries, pecans, and sautéed mushrooms for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Tip: For a vegan option, swap the butter for olive oil and skip the cheese.
A warm bowl of pumpkin soup makes an excellent starter for your Thanksgiving feast. This velvety soup can be made with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free twist. Add a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon for a festive flavor.
Tip: Serve it in mini hollowed-out pumpkins for a show-stopping presentation.
Roasted sweet potato slices topped with goat cheese, honey, and fresh thyme make a delightful bite-sized appetizer.
Tip: Use roasted beets for an extra earthy flavor and vibrant color.
Salads
A nourishing salad full of fall flavors with kale, quinoa, roasted squash, and a maple vinaigrette.
Tip: Add pumpkin seeds or roasted chickpeas for an extra crunch.
Apple and Walnut Salad
Crisp apples, walnuts, and tangy blue cheese come together in this simple salad dressed with a balsamic glaze.
Tip: Swap the blue cheese for goat cheese for a milder flavor.
Fresh greens, tangy cranberries, and crunchy almonds paired with a citrus vinaigrette make for a refreshing addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Tip: Toss in some roasted butternut squash or sweet potato for added warmth and texture.
Sides
This classic Thanksgiving side gets a vegetarian-friendly upgrade with a buttery pecan streusel topping. Instead of marshmallows, let the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shine through.
Tip: Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving for less stress on the big day.
Simple, yet flavorful, this dish features fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with toasted almonds for crunch.
Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Roasted Brussels sprouts with a sweet balsamic glaze—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Tip: For extra crispiness, give the sprouts an extra 5 minutes in the oven.
Roasted carrots drizzled with honey and sprinkled with fresh thyme for a slightly sweet and savory side.
Tip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
A hearty, flavorful stuffing made with mushrooms, fresh herbs, and veggie broth—perfect for Thanksgiving.
Tip: Make it a day ahead to save time and allow the flavors to meld.
Creamy mashed potatoes made with olive oil and almond milk for a vegan twist on the holiday classic.
Tip: For extra creaminess, add a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
A rich and savory gravy made with mushrooms, vegetable broth, and herbs to complement any dish.
Tip: Use a splash of soy sauce or tamari for added umami.
Main Dishes
A comforting dish made with lentils, vegetables, and a fluffy mashed potato topping.
Tip: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.
A show-stopping main dish made with a blend of mushrooms, spinach, and puff pastry—perfect for a vegetarian centerpiece.
Tip: Brush the pastry with olive oil before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
A flavorful loaf made with roasted vegetables and lentils, served with a savory sauce.
Tip: Add a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
A warm and hearty vegetable pot pie with a flaky, golden crust.
Tip: For extra texture, mix in some cooked quinoa or barley.
Roasted sweet potatoes stuffed with a savory mix of black beans, avocado, and cilantro—simple yet satisfying.
Tip: Top with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing burst of citrus.
Desserts
Creamy pumpkin cheesecake with a spiced crust—perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert.
Tip: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
A classic apple crisp with a crunchy oat topping and warm cinnamon-spiced apples.
Tip: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the perfect balance of flavor.
A rich, nutty pie made without dairy or eggs, yet just as delicious as the traditional version.
Tip: Toast the pecans before adding to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
A moist, fragrant pear cake infused with chai spices, perfect for the fall season.
Tip: Add a drizzle of glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch.
Decadent chocolate truffles made with pumpkin purée and fall spices—bite-sized and irresistible!
Tip: Roll the truffles in crushed graham crackers for a “pie crust” effect.
These soft, spiced pumpkin doughnuts are a delightful fall treat with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for an indulgent dessert or breakfast!
Tip: For a healthier twist, bake the doughnuts instead of frying them, and try adding a dash of cinnamon to the glaze for extra warmth.
Need More Inspiration? Try These Popular Vegetarian Cookbooks
Moosewood Restaurant Celebrates - An excellent guide for creating vegetarian holiday meals with comforting, delicious recipes from the iconic Moosewood Collective.
The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen - A comprehensive book with foolproof recipes, perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond.
Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry - Embraces plant-based cooking with globally inspired flavors, ideal for a memorable vegetarian Thanksgiving.
With these vegetarian-friendly recipes and cookbooks, your Thanksgiving table can be just as flavorful and festive without the turkey. Whether you’re hosting vegetarians or simply looking to add more plant-based dishes to your menu, these recipes are guaranteed to please.
What vegetarian dishes are you making this Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments below! Looking to simplify your cooking this Thanksgiving? Discover the 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Kitchen Gadgets that will make your holiday meal prep a breeze!
Commentaires