The traditional Thanksgiving spread is typically laden with turkey, hearty casseroles, and an array of meat-centric dishes. But, should you or any of your guests adhere to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, a few culinary tweaks can ensure that everyone can partake in the festive feast. Rest assured, these adjustments don’t necessitate forgoing the beloved Thanksgiving staples. In fact, you can just make a plant-based version of several Thanksgiving meals! With that in mind, here are 20 healthy vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving main dishes for everyone to enjoy!
20. Easy Paleo & Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
EASY mashed sweet potato recipe – perfect for weeknight dinners or holidays. It’s paleo, vegan, dairy-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, and oil-free, yet full of flavor and easy to make.
Christmas is just around the corner and it’s about time I shared a mashed sweet potato recipe.
This super-easy sweet potato mash recipe is simple and elegant enough to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and relaxed enough for a weeknight family meal. The best part? Unlike the usual version, these easy healthy mashed sweet potatoes are totally refined-sugar free.
My kids love sweet potatoes. They’re a go-to side dish for family dinners. Not only are they delicious, but they’re good for us and easy to make.
The boiled sweet potatoes are mashed until smooth and then mixed with ghee butter and coconut milk, to create an easy and quick side, that doesn’t take up oven space. Plus boiling them makes them extra soft, smooth and creamy.
I might say that this easy mashed sweet potato recipe is one of the easiest paleo side dishes you can make. It just takes time to peel the sweet potatoes, mash them and blend in the ingredients.
Even on a busy weeknight, easy mashed sweet potatoes are so quick to put together, full of wholesome deliciousness and great as a side dish. And, making mashed sweet potatoes paleo doesn’t require anything special – just use ghee instead of butter.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes are still too high carb for a low carb diet, but excellent for a paleo diet. They happen to be whole30 friendly, too.
Many paleo and gluten-free followers eat them with no problems at all because they are a nutritional powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamin A and B6, packed with iron, magnesium, and fiber.
19. Vegetarian Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe
Whipped up in your personal culinary sanctuary, this trio of cheeses is layered into a lasagna that bids adieu to the customary red marinara, welcoming in its stead a luxurious pumpkin purée. This choice culminates in a vegetarian delicacy that carries an essence of culinary sophistication.
Be it a fall-themed banquet, an All Hallows’ Eve gathering, or as the star of a meat-free holiday spread, this pumpkin-laced lasagna promises to be a treat for the taste buds.
18. Wild Rice Soup for Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner
When the next chilly day has you yearning to don your comfiest oversized sweater and nestle into your sofa, I urge you to prepare this sumptuous wild rice soup. In my book, it embodies the epitome of comfort food – not only is it velvety and warming, but it also packs a nutritious punch. The vibrant palette of autumn vegetables such as carrots, celery, and mushrooms dance on its surface, while the inclusion of nutty wild rice and wholesome white beans lend it a robust quality. And that rich broth?
Contrary to what one might presuppose, you won’t find a trace of heavy cream or any dairy derivatives in this concoction. Rather, it’s a nourishing mélange of white beans, cashews, almond milk, and white miso paste—a deviation from the conventional, yet one that will surely see you going back for seconds.
If you’re reading this, it’s probably dawned on you that we’re not dealing with your run-of-the-mill wild rice soup here. The classic iteration, brimming with creamy chicken and wild rice, typically incorporates components such as chicken, chicken broth, and heavy cream—elements that are notably absent from my pantry and this recipe.
However, at its essence, classic wild rice soup is composed of a delightful melange of fall veggies and rice, making a vegetarian adaptation far from inconceivable.
17. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Growing up, the only time sweet potatoes made an appearance was at Thanksgiving, taking the spotlight in a casserole adorned with miniature marshmallows. For a lengthy period, I was under the impression that sweet potatoes and I were not compatible. But, as regular readers of my blog are well aware, my palate has undergone a transformation – I have developed a deep fondness for sweet potatoes! Marshmallows, however, I can do without. In my estimation, sweet potatoes bring their own intrinsic sweetness to the table, rendering any additional sweetness, especially in a dinner side dish, wholly unnecessary.
Given my partiality towards sweet potatoes as a top-tier autumnal vegetable, I’ve long harbored the desire to concoct a vegan version of the sweet potato casserole that I could relish during Thanksgiving feasts. Seizing the opportune moment, I took the plunge, and the end result was so delightful that I found myself enjoying the leftovers as part of my breakfast fare!
Regardless of your feelings towards the conventional sweet potato casserole, I encourage you to try out my interpretation of this classic dish.
I whip up a smooth, lush filling that truly allows the sweet potatoes to take center stage. Rather than opting for a marshmallow crown, I opt for a savory sprinkle consisting of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, and herbs. This toasty, nut-infused topping provides a scrumptious textural contrast to the silky sweet potato blend, while the warming herbs render it an ideal autumnal dish.
16. Mushroom Wellington
Anticipate audible expressions of joy when you present this eye-catching vegetarian mushroom Wellington to your friends and family—it’s so good that even those who typically prefer meat won’t be able to resist a portion.
While the process of putting together the Wellington may appear intricate, it’s actually straightforward. It necessitates a bit of time and effort, yet if you adhere meticulously to the steps, you’ll find it’s quite manageable. Plus, the results are well worth the exertion.
This recipe yields two Wellingtons. Should you require just one, the other is perfect for freezing and can be stored for up to three months—or, you may choose to simply halve the recipe.
This variation of the Wellington is as rich and flavorful as its traditional counterpart and showcases a clever amalgamation of lovely autumnal ingredients. The inclusion of tarragon imparts a touch of refinement and a hint of zesty freshness to the dish. While the mushroom Wellington is delightful on its own, the zingy cream-tarragon sauce elevates it to an even higher level of deliciousness.
15. Crockpot Pumpkin Soup (5 Ingredients!) – Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dish
Starting a meal with a bowl of soup is delightful, especially when it’s light, brimming with veggies, and provides warmth during the chilly Thanksgiving festivities.
For concocting this dish, you merely require a handful of components – pumpkin, russet potatoes, onions, veggie broth, and cream.
Upon achieving tenderness, employ an immersion blender to fuse the components, followed by the incorporation of cream to attain a luxuriously creamy texture.
Opting for a plant-based variant? Simply omit the cream or substitute it with a non-dairy, natural yogurt.
What I adore about this specific dish is the lack of necessity to peel the pumpkin prior to its culinary journey. As the soup undergoes its slow cooking process, the pumpkin’s outer layer turns delightfully tender. Post the pureeing process, any traces of the peel are virtually imperceptible.
For those with a penchant for pumpkin soup, I encourage exploring my unique pumpkin curry soup that utilizes canned pumpkin. Interestingly, squash soup shares a remarkable similarity in taste with its pumpkin counterpart, to the extent that they can be interchangeably used in such culinary creations.
14. Butternut Squash Pasta
This creamy and flavorful Butternut Squash Pasta is a delectable Fall meal. Its easy to make and is comforting in every bite. It is vegan and loaded with aromatic herb sage, walnuts and simple seasonings.
13. Vegan Pot Pie with Chickpea Flour Biscuits
Vegan Pot Pie with Chickpea Flour Biscuits are made absolutely from scratch and in one pot. Besides being oil free it is a medley of vegetables and whole grains.
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Whole roasted cauliflower will become your new obsession… and not just during the festive period. It’s perfectly crusted on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s easy, delicious and when served with quinoa very filling too.
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Indulge in the heartiness of this simple recipe that brings together the richness of lentils, coupled with a selection of seasonal greens, all seasoned to perfection to present you with a nourishing meal that is nothing short of a celebratory feast.
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In pursuit of an ideal gluten-free and vegan centerpiece for your festive spread? Look no further than this Maple Dijon Baked Tempeh! Bathed in an exquisite blend of sweet maple syrup, piquant Dijon mustard, umami-rich tamari, and refreshing apple juice, with just the right hint of garlic and tarragon, this plant-based tempeh dish is guaranteed to embody the essence of holiday joy.
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Packed to the brim with a medley of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, and harmoniously blended with the aromatic herbs of thyme and sage, this chickpea veggie loaf emerges as the quintessential vegan main dish fit for any holiday celebration, be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any other! This creation is free from gluten and nuts, and even comes with an oil-free variant. For an ultimate gastronomic experience, top it off with our signature chickpea flour gravy.
8. Seitan Turkey
Decadent yet healthy, this home cooked Seitan Turkey is moist, packed with flavor, and has an awesome meaty texture. This vegan turkey recipe is perfect for a holiday centerpiece, easy meal prep, or even just a nice main dish for a family dinner.
7. Beyond Meat Meatloaf
This juicy, tender, satisfying Beyond Meat Meatloaf is beyond delicious. Made with simple ingredients, this vegan meatloaf is the perfect family dinner for an average meal, a special meal, meal prep, and everything in between.
6. Garlic Herb Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Cooking butternut squash becomes easier with the help of an air fryer! Tossed in garlic and herbs, air fryer butternut squash is perfectly flavored and especially tender, without having to use a lot of oil. This recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish, or the leftover squash could also be used in tacos, quiches, and salads. See more vegan winter squash recipes.
5. Perfect Vegan Roast | Seitan – Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipe
This tender seitan-based Vegan Roast is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for dinner and even special occasions like parties and holiday meals.
4. Hearty Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
This mouth-watering Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is packed with chunky vegetables, savory sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes. Believe me, it’s going to be a hit!
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Jamaican Pumpkin Soup is full of Caribbean flavor. This is a deliciously quick and easy Jamaican soup recipe that is ready to serve in less than 20 minutes! Stove top and Instant Pot Versions.
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The vegan lentil and vegetable loaf we’ve crafted is the epitome of cozy and heartwarming culinary delights. It brings together succulent lentils, vegetables sautéed to perfection, tomatoes kissed by the flame, and a medley of rich, savory spices. This recipe is completely devoid of dairy and eggs, and for those avoiding gluten, feel free to opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs. We recommend pairing our veggie-lentil loaf with our aromatic garlic mashed potatoes and zesty green beans to create a dining experience that is not only scrumptious but also nourishes your well-being.
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Our stuffed butternut squash recipe is as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas main course for your holiday table. The roasted squash is filled with a flavorful vegan stuffing and then baked once more, so it’s cooked perfectly. If you’re looking for a gluten-free holiday main, try our Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Kale.
20 Best Thanksgiving Vegetarian And Vegan Main Dishes
Feast with plant power! 20 vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving main dishes that bring flavor and variety to your table.
Ingredients
- Butternut Squash Pasta
- Pot Pie with Chickpea Flour Biscuits
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Quinoa
- Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash
Instructions
- Choose any Vegetarian And Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Vegetarian And Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.