55 Meatless Recipes for a Vegetarian-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu (2024)

Main dishes and sides even the turkey lovers will want.

By Stacia Affelt and Elizabeth Berry
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Designing a Thanksgiving menu that suits everyone's dietary preferences is no small feat. If there will be some vegetarian (or vegan) guests at your Thanksgiving dinner this year, then it's only fair to devise some vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that go beyond an autumnal salad and introduce new variations of your favorite Thanksgiving apps and classic side dishes.

While some may think vegetarian recipes are healthier versions of heavier Thanksgiving treats we all know and love, there are just as many dishes that have all the comforting qualities of a classic turkey stuffing — sans the meat, of course. And the best part is, just because these recipes are vegetarian, doesn't mean they are just for vegetarians. Meat lovers will enjoy any of these ideas — veggies, hearty grains, and seasonal fruit — as they all complement a slice of turkey.

That said, here are the best vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes you can add to your menu right now, or even dog ear for your Christmas dinner or Passover seder. Turkey may be the typical main course on Thanksgiving Day, but we promise your guests will be asking for seconds of roasted vegetable sides, barley risottos, and creamy soups just as much.

1

Barley Risotto

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Rather than using tradition Arborio rice, this recipe uses pearl barley to create a hearty and warm dish full of veggies.

Get the Barley Risotto recipe.

2

Buttermilk Cornbread

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It's a toss-up between turkey gravy and cornbread as the most popular Thanksgiving side. We think vegetarians would vote for the latter — and after making this recipe, may have to agree.

Get the Buttermilk Cornbread recipe.

3

Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons

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For those who have a sweet tooth, prepare this soup that calls for cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Your taste buds will have just enough room for a slice or two of sweet pie after.

Get the Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons recipe.

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4

Gingery Cranberry Sauce

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A tablespoon of fresh ginger adds a nice flavor to this cranberry sauce that can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

Get the Gingery Cranberry Sauce recipe.

5

Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter

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You're going to want to make a double batch of these — they'll go that quickly! Want to make it vegan? Skip the butter or use a non-dairy alternative.

Get the Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Chive Butter recipe.

6

Roasted Cauliflower Salad

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This veggie side is full of texture and is as pretty as it is mouthwatering. The baby arugula adds a nice spice to the sweet cranberries and roasted almonds.

Get the Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe.

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7

Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup

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It's the coconut milk in this recipe that makes it creamy and rich. Plus, it uses a vegetable bouillon base.

Get the Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup recipe.

8

Six-Ingredient Potato Gratin

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No cheese, just cream help make this recipe. And trust us, guests won't be able to get enough of these creamy russet potatoes.

Get the Six-Ingredient Potato Gratin recipe.

9

Squash Toasts

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These bite-sized appetizers will hold guests over until dinnertime.

Get the Squash Toasts recipe.

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10

Oven-Baked Brandied Cranberries

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For an adult version of the tried and true classic, try this cranberry recipe that calls for a quarter cup of brandy.

Get the Oven-Baked Brandied Cranberries recipe.

11

Harvest Pumpkin Soup

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Swap the chicken broth for vegetable and load in a large potato and onion plus a can of pure pumpkin for a smooth Thanksgiving soup.

Get the Harvest Pumpkin Soup recipe.

12

Pear & Walnut Salad

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Slices of apple and pear plus fennel, walnuts, and celery give this salad a loaded crunch.

Get the .

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13

Coriander Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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Coriander seeds, ground cinnamon, and half of a red chile combine for a flavorful side dish with a yogurt and lemon drizzle that will impress your dinner guests.

Get the Coriander Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.

14

Apple and Potato Gratin

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Once you finish layering the slices of three Granny Smith apples and two russet potatoes, all you have to do is set the oven to 30 to 35 minutes.

Get the Apple and Potato Gratin recipe.

15

Creamy Garlic and Herb Spinach

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This recipe is definitely not vegan — heavy on the cheese — but it's the perfect green side for vegetarians looking for the ultimate comfort side.

Get the Creamy Garlic and Herb Spinach recipe.

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16

Instant Pot Risotto with Sweet Potato, Lemon, and Sage

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Sweet potato and sage is a quintessential fall flavor combo you need on your Thanksgiving table — regardless if you have vegetarians dining with you on November 24 or not.

Get the Instant Pot Risotto with Sweet Potato, Lemon, and Sage recipe.

17

Cheddar and Herb Stuffing

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You can prepare this stuffing recipe the day before, so you have one less dish to cook on Thanksgiving. Just replace the chicken broth with a veggie version.

Get the Cheddar and Herb Stuffing recipe.

18

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecorino Cheese and Almonds

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Do all the chopping and whisking the night before so all you have to do on Thanksgiving Day is sauté these sprouts over a medium-high flame.

Get the Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecorino Cheese and Almonds recipe.

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19

Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad

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For a vegetarian-friendly salad that is just as hearty, try this recipe that shreds carrots, beets, and apples for an autumnal delight.

Get the Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad recipe.

20

Marinated Beets with Rosemary

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You can prepare these beets up to two days in-advance as they need to be in refrigerated before you can scoop them onto your plate at Thanksgiving dinner.

Get the Marinated Beets with Rosemary recipe.

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Stacia Affelt

Stacia Affelt is the branded content editor at GoodHousekeeping.com, OprahMag.com, CountryLiving.com, WomansDay.com and RedbookMag.com, where she oversees the creation of all co-branded lifestyle content. Her passion is empowering women to look and feel their best. She's also a strong believer in retail and dog therapy

55 Meatless Recipes for a Vegetarian-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu (23)

Elizabeth Berry

Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

55 Meatless Recipes for a Vegetarian-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu (2024)

FAQs

What does vegetarians eat on Thanksgiving? ›

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dishes
  • Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington. Alexa Weibel. ...
  • Spicy Roasted Mushrooms With Polenta. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. ...
  • Baked Brie and Caramelized Vegetable Pie. ...
  • One-Pot Vegetable Biryani. ...
  • Broccoli Cheese Casserole. ...
  • Butternut Squash and Fondue Pie With Pickled Red Chiles. ...
  • Roasted Mushrooms in Ata Din Din.

What is a good alternative Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Alternatives could be:
  • Baked Stuffed Shrimp dinner or any seafood, saffron herbed rice, seasonal vegetables.
  • Beef Crown Rib Roast dinner with Potatoes Gratin Dauphinoise and asparagus.
  • Roast Leg of Lamb with wine, lemon, garlic, and rosemary, Brussel sprouts, wild rice.
Nov 5, 2023

What is alternative meat to turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals. This is collaborative content from Food & Wine's team of experts, including staff, recipe developers, chefs, and contributors.

What other meat can you cook for Thanksgiving? ›

Here are some big, impressive, delicious pieces of meat you should definitely make for Thanksgiving, instead of turkey:
  • Roast Duck with Plums. ...
  • Garlic Rosemary Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Cream. ...
  • Roasted Capon with Sage Stuffing. ...
  • Jamie Oliver's Best Roast Leg Of Lamb.
Nov 17, 2016

What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to a turkey dinner? ›

1. Burmese Tofu (aka Chickpea Flour Tofu) For an alternative to turkey that's mild in flavor and can be treated like any other protein, turn to Burmese tofu, which transforms chickpea flour, oil, and water into a sturdy tofu-like dish.

How to be vegetarian on Thanksgiving? ›

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dishes
  1. Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington. Alexa Weibel. ...
  2. Spicy Roasted Mushrooms With Polenta. ...
  3. Ombré Gratin. ...
  4. Baked Brie and Caramelized Vegetable Pie. ...
  5. One-Pot Vegetable Biryani. ...
  6. Broccoli Cheese Casserole. ...
  7. Butternut Squash and Fondue Pie With Pickled Red Chiles. ...
  8. Roasted Mushrooms in Ata Din Din.

What is the least favorite dish for Thanksgiving? ›

"For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 31% of respondents, 82 million American adults, do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner.

What is the least favorite side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

According to the poll by Tastes Better from Scratch, green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole were the least-liked Thanksgiving side dishes.

What is a healthier alternative to turkey? ›

Roasted Whole Chicken

“Each of these can be seasoned to your taste and roasted in the oven, resulting in wonderful aroma and delicious meat,” says Palumbo. Both chicken and turkey are lean proteins, especially if you avoid dark meat.

What can I use instead of turkey for Thanksgiving cheap? ›

Here are our best budget alternatives so you can still enjoy Thanksgiving, without the hefty price tag!
  • Swap your turkey for a rotisserie chicken. ...
  • The free turkey program. ...
  • Get fancy with Cornish game hens. ...
  • Opt for turkey cuts. ...
  • Butterball roast. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Whole roasted cauliflower.
Oct 11, 2023

What is healthier than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Try it out on Thanksgiving by substituting tofu for your turkey. Tofu can be cooked in a variety of flavorful ways and comes with a ton of nutritional benefits including a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, and protein.

What is the healthiest meat for Thanksgiving? ›

Turkey. Turkey is an inherently healthy meat so long as you don't toss it in the deep fryer.

What is the most eaten meat on Thanksgiving? ›

No surprise here, turkey is the number 1 for the most popular foods served at thanksgiving with about 88% of Americans eating it on the holiday.

What are 3 foods that are eaten on Thanksgiving? ›

Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries.

What is a vegetarian fed turkey? ›

Vegetarian Fed

Worms, bugs, leaves, grasses, fruits, berries, seeds, and more. But on the turkey farm, they get turkey chow. Old-style turkey chow had animal protein in it. The new wave, though, is to feed turkeys only plant-based protein. That way, the marketers can slap a seal on the bird that says “vegetarian.”

Are there vegetarian options in turkey? ›

Turkish cooking is actually very heavily vegetarian. There are a plethora of dishes that showcase the delicious, fresh, seasonal produce so widely available in Türkiye. Many dishes show off produce from a particular area, while others are widely available throughout Türkiye.

What food groups do vegetarians eat? ›

To get the most out of a vegetarian diet, choose a variety of healthy plant-based foods. These include whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Nuts and legumes, such as lentils, beans and peanuts, also are considered healthy plant-based foods. At the same time, cut back on less healthy choices.

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