It’s not easy being a vegetarian on Thanksgiving Day. Or you may even struggle to find good Thanksgiving recipes when you’re having vegetarian or vegan guests coming over.
Here are 20 vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that will make this Thanksgiving go like a charm.
1. Tofurkey roast
To get that Thanksgiving dinner feel without a turkey on the table is hard to imagine. And yet, those who swap to tofurkey for the actual poultry swear it’s almost like the real thing. If you’re bold enough, try this turkey impersonator yourself and see how it goes.
2. Quinoa stuffing with apple, sweet potato & hazelnuts
This vegan dish is also great if you’re planning to adopt a high fiber diet due to the high vegetable, grains, herbs, and fruits.
3. Pumpkin soup
What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with an autumn staple – pumpkin. The recipe for the pumpkin soup given here is made from scratch using sugar pumpkins.
4. Roasted cauliflower, mushroom, and goat cheese quiche with quinoa crust
The title says it all – this is a protein, fiber, carb, and fat balanced meal and should be a part of the best diet plan for every vegetarian. The dish is hearty enough to keep you and your guests full.
5. Sweet potatoes crusted spinach quiche
Sweet potatoes and spinach make a perfect combo in this dish that you will gladly introduce to your Thanksgiving menu. Nutmeg is a must here giving the dish an enticing aroma.
6. Classic vegetarian nut loaf
This classic nut loaf is something even meat lovers will appreciate. The loaf is also great for your health as studies show nuts are one of the best brain foods.
7. 4-ingredient vegan eggplant balls
A vegan alternative to meatballs, this dish is bound to impress your vegan guests (or your vegan self). In this recipe, eggplants mixed with breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and spices in a blender, and served over zucchini linguine or pasta.
8. Vegetable lasagna casserole
Who doesn’t like lasagna? When made purely with vegetables, lasagna can be enjoyed by vegetarians as well. This particular recipe is also gluten-free but not vegan.
9. Healthy cornbread
Anything made with corn is hearty and homely, so make sure to include this healthy cornbread in your thanksgiving dinner for your vegetarian guests.
10. Roasted brussels sprouts with sherry-mustard vinaigrette
Brussels sprouts are healthy, bitter-sweet, and perfect for autumn dinners. When made using the right method and ingredients like the one’s given here, brussels sprouts can be a great Thanksgiving meal.
11. Roasted vegetable tart
This tart is delicious and surprisingly healthy with a Mediterranean feel to it. It also includes spelt flour which a healthier alternative to wheat flour.
12. Couscous and avocado salad
If you’re looking for an easy dish, then definitely try out this healthy and nutritious salad. The dish can be prepared in a couple of minute’s time and requires a minimum time spent cooking.
13. Millet pilaf with butternut squash, mushrooms, and pomegranate
Another gluten-free recipe, this pilaf is also packed with nutrients from butternut squash and fresh pomegranate. The ingredients are also easy to find during the autumn months.
14. Squash, sage, and ricotta cannelloni
Since the recipe is coming from Martha Stewart, it has to be good. The ingredients are fairly simple and rich in calories which is exactly what you need on Thanksgivings Day.
15. Smoky harissa eggplant dip
The dish takes about one hour to prepare but it’s definitely worth it. The eggplant dip is flavored with smoked paprika, garlic, and harissa paste among other things and served alongside pita chips.
16. Cauliflower tater tots
First, you’ll need to prepare cauliflower rice before proceeding to the recipe described here. The dish is crisp, crunchy, and packed with flavor so we’re sure vegetarians and meat lovers will enjoy this scrumptious dish.
17. Apple pecan stuffing
Thanksgiving dinner without stuffing just wouldn’t be as enjoyable. This vegetarian version proves that you can make a Thanksgiving dinner stuffing without an ounce of meat. The apples and pecans make this dish perfectly in tune with the fall season.
18. Whole roasted carrots
Forget about roasted potatoes and try this roasted carrots dish instead. The red wine vinegar in this dish gives the carrots their crispy texture. The mint, onion, lemon, and olive oil give this dish its Mediterranean flavor.
19. The best vegan Thanksgiving stuffing ever!
Made with a vegetable-based bullion, this dish is just as good as non-vegetarian turkey stuffing. In fact, the dish is so good that your non-vegetarian guests probably won’t even notice the difference. Make sure to keep the loaf of bread to sit overnight for a crispier texture.
20. Butternut squash pilaf
There’s something about butternut squash that says Thanksgiving. Make this pilaf for Thanksgiving dinner using basmati rice, cumin seeds, saffron, lemon juice, and you will get a delightful vegetarian dish in no time.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all about the turkey. If you’re bold enough, substituting meat dishes with these great vegetarian ideas can make Thanksgiving just as homely.