Get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with the most delicious plant-based mains, sides, and appetizers that even non-vegetarians will love!
Thanksgiving can feel a bit tricky for new vegetarians, especially when the holiday table is usually centered around a big turkey and meat-heavy sides.
The goal of this post is to help you bring delicious, crowd-pleasing vegetarian dishes to your family’s table, so you can enjoy every bite of the feast AND share the plant-based goodness with others.
Let’s dive in!
- Navigating Thanksgiving as a New Vegetarian
- Planning Your Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dish: Keep It Simple, Delicious, and Festive
- Show-Stopping Vegetarian Mains (Who Needs Turkey Anyway?)
- Savory and Easy Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides
- Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers That’ll Get the Party Started
- The Magic of a Vegetarian Casserole
- You’re Thanksgiving-ready!
Navigating Thanksgiving as a New Vegetarian
Thanksgiving as a new vegetarian can feel like a bit of a balancing act.
You want to stick to your plant-based lifestyle but still enjoy the holiday feast without feeling like you’re missing out. You’d love to have a main dish that’s just as satisfying as the turkey, something that feels festive and special—and, ideally, a dish you can share with the family that’s sure to impress even the meat-lovers at the table.
But here’s the catch: you don’t want to spend your entire holiday in the kitchen experimenting with complex new recipes. You need something simple, flavorful, and loaded with holiday vibes so you can savor the day and still bring a dish that will be loved by all.
Sound familiar?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with easy, delicious, crowd-pleasing vegetarian dishes that will make this Thanksgiving just as enjoyable as ever.
Planning Your Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dish: Keep It Simple, Delicious, and Festive
Thanksgiving is all about family, tradition, and, let’s be honest—delicious, comforting food. This isn’t the time to stress over complicated recipes or feel like you have to turn your dish into a super-healthy option to earn a place on the table. Remember, it’s a holiday!
It’s okay to indulge a bit, and even if your dish is a bit richer than your usual fare, simply using veggies and whole ingredients will naturally make it healthier than a typical Thanksgiving spread. Just by focusing on whole foods and plant-based options, you’re already adding a fresh, nutrient-packed twist to the meal.
So keep it simple and aim for familiar, festive flavors that everyone loves. Think warm, savory, and maybe a little sweet.
Choose recipes that don’t require a day’s worth of prep but are packed with holiday vibes. This could be a veggie-packed casserole, a beautiful roasted veggie dish, or a stuffed squash that brings both flavor and visual appeal to the table.
And don’t feel like you need exotic or fancy ingredients to make your dish stand out. Many of the most-loved vegetarian dishes are just fresh spins on classics—flavors everyone recognizes with a veggie-friendly twist.
Show-Stopping Vegetarian Mains (Who Needs Turkey Anyway?)
Even if you’re not trying to “replace” the turkey, bringing a hearty main dish can be a great way to add some variety and keep yourself and other guests happily full.
Here are the best vegetarian Thanksgiving main dish recipes that are easy, impressive, and can stand proudly on the family table:
Stuffed acorn squash
Halve, roast, and stuff with yummy fillings like wild rice, cranberries, nuts, and herbs. It’s beautiful, cozy, and packed with flavor.
Here are some recipes you’ll love:
Vegan Apple Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Mushroom wellington
Layers of flaky puff pastry with a rich, mushroom filling—this one always gets a “wow” reaction.
Here are some recipes you’ll love:
Veggie loaf
Think classic meatloaf vibes, just made with savory, seasoned beans or nuts instead. Slice it up for a filling, protein-packed dish.
Here are some recipes you’ll love:
Vegetable Pot Pie
A creamy vegetable filling topped with a flaky crust—this comfort classic is so satisfying and easy to love.
Here are some tasty recipes:
These dishes work as a main course or a hearty side. And if you’re lucky, there might even be leftovers (but let’s be honest, these might be devoured first).
Savory and Easy Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides
Sides can be just as exciting as the main event. They’re often the most popular part of Thanksgiving, after all!
Here are some veggie-friendly side dish ideas that are easy to bring and share:
Roasted vegetables
Use any mix of vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs, and roast until caramelized.
Here are some yummy recipes:
Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
Mashed Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes
A creamy classic that everyone loves!
Here are some recipes to make your potatoes extra delish:
Vegetarian Stuffing
A savory mix of bread cubes, vegetables like celery and onions, fresh herbs, and rich vegetable broth, all baked together for a cozy, flavorful side dish that everyone will love.
Here are some super tasty recipes:
Baked mac and cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crunchy crust, baked mac and cheese is the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side that everyone will want a scoop of.
Tasty recipes here:
Creamy Baked Veggie Mac and Cheese
Choose one or two sides that you know you love, and feel free to put your spin on them! The best part about veggie sides is how versatile and adaptable they can be.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers That’ll Get the Party Started
Appetizers are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re a great way to start the meal with something light yet tasty. Here are a few ideas that are easy to whip up and fun to eat:
Stuffed mushrooms
Mini mushrooms packed with garlic, breadcrumbs, and herbs—these are savory little bites that are gone in seconds.
Here are some variations you’ll love:
Soup shooters
Putting soup into individually-sized containers that you can drink from, like shot glasses, instantly makes them the perfect vegetarian Thanksgiving appetizer!
Here are some yummy soups to shoot:
Bruschetta and crostinis
Toasted baguette slices topped with veggies, cheese, herbs, and/or jams. Tons of combinations for deliciousness!
Here are a few combis to try for yout Thanksgiving:
Hot dips
Warm and yummy dips with cheese, veggies, and other goodies melted together are always a crowd favorite, especially at Thanksgiving.
Here are some tasty variations for your table:
Appetizers don’t have to be complex. Often, a few simple ingredients go a long way in building flavor.
The Magic of a Vegetarian Casserole
Casseroles are a classic Thanksgiving staple, and luckily, they’re very vegetarian-friendly! These baked dishes are filling, easy to transport, and great for serving family-style.
Here are a few yummy Thanksgiving-worthy vegetarian casseroles:
Creamy Broccoli Casserole (Gratin)
Bringing a casserole also means fewer dishes at the table, which we all know is a win for any Thanksgiving gathering.
You’re Thanksgiving-ready!
Thanksgiving as a new vegetarian doesn’t have to be daunting. By bringing one (or a few!) of these delicious, beginner-friendly dishes, you’ll have something to enjoy and share with everyone. Plus, you’re showing your family just how tasty and fulfilling vegetarian food can be.
And if you want even more recipe ideas and tips for a veggie-filled lifestyle, join The Club! This monthly membership gives you access to a library of beginner-friendly plant-based recipes, tips, and support from people just like you who are making the transition with excitement and joy.
Wishing you a wonderful, tasty, and veggie-filled Thanksgiving!
XO – Bailee
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