Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (2024)

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (1)

It may be hard to imagine a vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving, due to a certain dish having become the symbol of the holiday, but it's actually quite easy to achieve. Our favorite dishes, truth be told, are always the sides, and most of the best Thanksgiving casseroles and Thanksgiving side dishes are vegetarian, or can easily be made so.

From sumptuous salads to rich stuffing, from classic cranberry sides to rich, delicious desserts—this list will help you make a meal that's partially or fully vegetarian, so everyone at the table feels welcome.

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1

Gorgonzola Baked Polenta

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (3)

If you're looking for a stick-to-your-ribs dish that everyone can dig into, this is it. Polenta—the Italian cornmeal dish that bears more than a passing resemblance to grits—is made even more delicious here with a combination of three different kinds of cheese, including plenty of tangy blue Gorgonzola.

Get the recipe for Gorgonzola Baked Polenta.

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2

Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (4)

Quick-pickled onions combine with just-slightly bitter escarole, a variety of citrus, and some toasty pistachios for a strong, crunchy dish.

Get the recipe for Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions.

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3

Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (5)

Though the dish couldn't be simpler to make, this pairing of roasted grapes and baked squash transforms into a delicious side dish that's much more than the sum of its parts.

Get the recipe for Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings.

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4

Butternut Squash Soup

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (6)

Serve this up as the appetizer, before digging into all the sides. You can add croutons for crunch, but we like to switch things up by topping it with a little spiced popcorn.

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Soup.

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5

Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans

These go on all the tables, and when guests arrive, you put a glass of wine in their hands, and let them get to munching.

Get the recipe for Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans.

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6

Cranberry Mulled White Wine

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (8)

Wait. Did we say glass of wine? We meant a mug of this delicious, delicate warm mulled white wine.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Mulled White Wine.

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7

Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (9)

We packed this absolute crunchfest so full of fall flavor that it's practically a main dish.

Get the recipe for Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa.

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8

Sweet-and-Sour Onions

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (10)

This tangy take on classic creamed onions is surprisingly flavorful, and even vegan!

Get the recipe for Sweet-and-Sour Onions.

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9

Easy Root Vegetable Gratin

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (11)

The key to making this simple, hearty dish taste extra amazing is to use a variety of roots. We like parsnips, carrots, sweet potatoes and beets, but you can choose your faves.

Get the recipe for Easy Root Vegetable Gratin.

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10

Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (12)

Bright, fresh, and crunchy—and much less cloying than the canned stuff—this easy cranberry side makes a great addition to the plate.

Get the recipe for Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish.

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11

Big Green Winter Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (13)

Can there be too many salads at the Thanksgiving table? 🤔 If so, we haven't found the number yet.

Get the recipe for Big Green Winter Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

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12

Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (14)

It's just not a feast without a big basket of biscuits gracing the holiday table. These smart seasoned sides are flavored with chives, asiago cheese, and a smattering of cream cheese to make them extra delicious.

Get the recipe for Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits.

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13

Honey-Apple Baked Brie with Fried Sage

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (15)

This gooey, delicious bread-covered dip makes a great appetizer, first course, or even just-before-dessert final course. It's best served piping hot, so the cheese stays melted.

Get the recipe for Honey-Apple Baked Brie with Fried Sage.

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14

Classic Squash Casserole

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (16)

No matter how much you innovate at Thanksgiving, there's always some room for tradition.

Get the recipe for Squash Casserole.

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15

Bourbon Yams

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Make them once and these cinnamon-and-whiskey spiced sweet potatoes are sure to become a family tradition.

Get the recipe for Bourbon Yams.

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16

Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (18)

Nana's not going to have to urge anyone to have seconds of this stick-to-your-ribs side. In fact, you'll be lucky to get the dish back.

Get the recipe for Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding.

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17

Lima Bean and Corn Succotash

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (19)

This simple—and simply delicious—Thanksgiving side is a true Southern staple.

Get the recipe for Lima Bean and Corn Succotash.

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18

Roasted Pear, Sweet Potato, and Radicchio Salad

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (20)

Problem: Your go-to Thanksgiving salad isn't super filling. Solution: This simple, hearty, roasted fruits-and-veggies salad packed with pumpkin seeds, blue cheese, and a maple vinaigrette.

Get the recipe for Roasted Pear, Sweet Potato, and Radicchio Salad.

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19

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (21)

Butternut squash and onions complement each other for a hearty vegetarian side option.

Get the recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette.

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20

Sweet Potato-and-Cauliflower Salad

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (22)

Who says salads have to be boring? Amp up your greens with warm, roasted vegetables and pomegranate seeds.

Get the recipe for Sweet Potato-and-Cauliflower Salad.

Going Vegetarian? These Easy Meat-Free Thanksgiving Recipes Will Help (2024)

FAQs

What do vegetarians eat on Thanksgiving instead of turkey? ›

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan. Choose one of these plant-based turkey alternatives, or combine more than one in your table, complimenting with veggies, rice, salads, or any other plant-based whole foods ingredients you want.

How do vegetarians celebrate Thanksgiving? ›

"A traditional Thanksgiving menu has lots of options for vegans and vegetarians: green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed or roasted potatoes, and sweet potatoes and yams—it's a carb-loaded feast, and we will happily lick our plates," says Peart.

What to eat on Thanksgiving as a vegetarian? ›

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 can vegetarians eat instead of meat? ›

Eat beans, pulses, eggs and other sources of protein

Pulses are particularly important for people who don't get protein by eating meat, fish or dairy products. Other non-dairy sources of protein include eggs and meat alternatives, such as tofu, mycoprotein (such as Quorn), textured vegetable protein and tempeh.

Is there a vegetarian version of turkey? ›

The best vegan turkey roast is finally here. This seitan tofu roast tastes just like turkey, with crispy skin and all! This vegan turkey makes the perfect centerpiece for a delicious holiday meal. It's surprisingly easy to make, and most of it can be made ahead of time, so it's a great stress-free option.

Do vegetarians eat eggs? ›

Well, the short answer is yes! Unless they are vegan (meaning they don't eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products which are derived from animals), some vegetarians do eat eggs and belong to a group known as lacto-ovo-vegetarians which according to the Vegetarian Society is the most common type of meatless diet.

Do vegetarians eat cheese? ›

Vegetarians choose not to eat meat, poultry, or seafood but often consume non-meat animal products (NMAPs), such as cheese, eggs, and milk, that can be derived from intensive farming, a process critics claim is cruel.

What is the most famous side dish at Thanksgiving? ›

Best Thanksgiving Potato Side Dishes

Potatoes are an absolute must for the Thanksgiving table, and we like Scalloped Potatoes for the texture (and cheesiness). Classic Mashed Potatoes make everyone happy. Our Thanksgiving plate is normally at least sixty percent mashed potatoes.

What is the most popular side dish at Thanksgiving dinner? ›

It's no surprise that this is one of our Test Kitchen's most popular recipes ever. Mashed potatoes are a staple among traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, and this version is so delicious we could eat enough to make it the main course!

Is there a vegetarian substitute for turkey? ›

What is alternative turkey and ham made out of? Brands like Tofurky, Field Roast, Gardein, Beyond Meat, Lightlife, and more use plant-based ingredients in the products you can buy for any vegetarian/vegan guests.

What can I substitute for turkey for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

So go ahead and shake things up this Thanksgiving with one of these flavorful alternatives to cooking up a whole bird this year, like mushroom, Gruyère, & spinach-stuffed pork tenderloin, vegan mushroom pot pie, or a juicy prime rib.

What is the popular alternative to turkey on 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.

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