Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (2024)

When you’re a vegetarian, any family event is awkward to say the least—and Thanksgiving might be the roughest holiday gathering of them all. Between every single relative challenging your reasons for not eating meat and the lack of food options, well, it’s enough to make you just want to stay home. But don’t resign yourself to nibbling celery and guzzling vegan wine in the corner just yet.

Related storyThe Best Online Cooking Classes For Aspiring Chefs of Every Level

Thankfully, we’ve been gifted with lots of recipes that feel hearty and traditional without the meat. And these meat-free and dairy-free recipes are so awesome, even non-vegetarian guests will gobble them up.

Here are some veg alternatives to add to your menu this year.

Related storyThe Best Online Cooking Classes For Aspiring Chefs of Every Level

More:20 No-Bake Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts That Make a Meat-Free Holiday Amazing

1. Tofurky roast with vegetables

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (3)

Served with carrots and yams, this main course takes a paltry one and a half hours to cook compared with the traditional big turkey of the table. The Popsugar staff omnivores prepared, taste tested and reviewed this tofurky roast with vegetables recipe.

2. Root vegetable baked lasagna

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (4)

Prepare a delicious combination of ricotta cheese, garlic, parsnips, turnips and cinnamon for a quintessentially fall meal of root vegetable baked lasagna.

3. Vegan ratatouille with tempeh

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (5)

Buck tradition in taste and style with vegan ratatouille with tempeh as the main course on the menu, and your table will be the very picture of autumn with the reds, oranges, greens and yellows of all the roasted veggies of this dish.

4. Roasted red beet hummus recipe

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (6)

You’ve had your share of chickpea-, black bean- and white bean-based hummus. Now Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give roasted red beet hummus a try.

5. Quinoa-stuffed acorn squash rings

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (7)

Served with cranberries and maple syrup, these quinoa-stuffed acorn squash rings might just put your average Thanksgiving sides and regular onion rings to shame.

6. Vegetable arty tart

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (8)

This vegetable arty tart can double as your Thanksgiving centerpiece.

More:Vegan Overnight French Toast That’ll End All Your Breakfast Struggles

7. Butternut squash, kale and crunchy pepitas taco

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (9)

Why not celebrate America’s original feast with fall squash and kale-based tacos?

8. Mushroom and leek cornbread stuffing

Traditional stuffing, who needs it? Try this mushroom and leek cornbread stuffing recipe— your gluten-free and vegan guests will thank you.

9. Homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli with brown butter walnut sauce

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (10)

Pumpkin can take center stage on the dinner table this year when you serve this delish homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli with brown butter walnut sauce.

10. Olive oil and garlic green beans with crumbled blue cheese

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (11)

Who says Thanksgiving sides have to be boring? Opt for healthy, gourmet and easy-to-prepare with these olive oil and garlic green beans with crumbled blue cheese.

11. Vegetarian and sausage gravy and biscuits

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (12)

Now your veggie guests don’t have to miss out on a classic: biscuits and gravy!

12. Pumpkin curry with chickpeas

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (13)

You might not find this on any other Thanksgiving menu, but that doesn’t mean your dinner guests won’t love this hearty, savory, pumpkin-based dish!

13. Butternut squash chipotle chili with avocado

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (14)

The colors and flavors of fall combine for this Mexican- and autumn-inspired butternut squash chipotle chili recipe.

14. Maple-apple cider tofu with stuffing and apple-cranberry chutney

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (15)

Moist, mouthwatering stuffing that’s vegan-friendly? What’s not to like about this maple-apple cider tofu with stuffing and apple-cranberry chutney recipe?

15. Butternut squash croquettes

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (16)

Cinnamon, olive oil, salt and pepper combine for the perfect sweet and savory Thanksgiving side dish.

16. Vegetarian quinoa chili

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (17)

Packed with veggies and black and red kidney beans, this vegetarian and gluten-free quinoa chili recipe may be the most filling and sought-after side on your holiday dinner table.

17. Shaved Parmesan and truffle mashed potatoes

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (18)

Topped with sautéed wild mushrooms? Yes, please! Never ordinary in the kitchen? Try this shaved Parmesan and truffle mashed potatoes recipe.

18. Baked apple stuffed with candied ginger and almonds

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (19)

You’ve perfected apple pie recipes, but what about baked apple? Obviously you must try it paired with wine.

19. Vegan cranberry coffee cake

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (20)

Thanksgiving is truly the holiday of the cranberry, so why not celebrate the berry by making it the star of the dessert menu with this vegan cranberry coffee cake recipe?

More:The Complete Guide to Stocking a Low-Carb, Vegetarian Kitchen

20. Vegan pumpkin spice scone with vanilla bean cream cheese frosting

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (21)

It’s not just your guests who deserve to try these pretty scones—you do too! And yes, the cream cheese frosting is really vegan.

Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (22)
Who needs meat when these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are so good? (2024)

FAQs

How do vegetarians celebrate Thanksgiving? ›

Vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes
  • Stuffed pumpkin. A star rating of 4.3 out of 5. ...
  • Stuffed butternut squash. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. ...
  • Easy vegan wellington. ...
  • Pear, walnut & blue cheese tart. ...
  • Roasted stuffed cauliflower. ...
  • Sweet potato parcel. ...
  • Pumpkin curry with chickpeas. ...
  • Feta-stuffed cannellini nut roast.

What is a vegetarian who sometimes eat meat or fish? ›

By that definition, a pescatarian is someone who chooses to eat a vegetarian diet, but who also eats fish and other seafood. It's a largely plant-based diet of whole grains, nuts, legumes, produce and healthy fats, with seafood playing a key role as a main protein source.

What advice would you give a person who decided to be a total vegetarian? ›

Choose whole grain products, such as whole wheat bread, wild or brown rice, and whole grain cereals, as these can provide B vitamins. Vary the diet, with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and so on. Use eggs and dairy products in moderation, or try adding soy milk.

What do vegetarians miss from meat? ›

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

Do vegetarians eat turkey meat? ›

According to the Vegetarian Society, vegetarians are people who do not eat the products or byproducts of animal slaughter. Vegetarians do not consume: meat, such as beef, pork, and game. poultry, such as chicken, turkey, and duck.

Who eat meat vegetarian? ›

Although they're sometimes considered vegetarians, pescatarians and flexitarians do eat animal flesh. So, they do not technically fall under the definition of vegetarianism. Vegetarian diets exclude meat, poultry, game, fish, and shellfish.

Do vegans drink milk? ›

Vegan diets ban all animal-derived products, such as dairy, eggs, meat, and fish. Dairy-free diets exclude dairy but may allow other animal foods. While all vegan food is dairy-free, not all dairy-free food is vegan.

Should vegetarians eat meat? ›

A vegetarian diet is one that does not include any meat or seafood. However, there are many variations to this – some people following a vegetarian diet may eat eggs and dairy foods, while others may avoid one or both.

What do vegetarians eat instead of ham? ›

Whether you're after sliced vegan ham or a vegan roast ham for the holiday table, it's easy to find different options made from ingredients like seitan, tofu, beans, and more. They all have a similar texture and taste, only without the many environmental, ethical, and health issues that come from the real thing.

What can I buy instead of a whole turkey? ›

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 do vegetarians eat instead of meat? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  • Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  • Soya beans. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Seeds. ...
  • Cereals and grains. ...
  • Quorn™ ...
  • Dairy.

Is being vegetarian cheaper? ›

A plant-based whole-food diet, she says, saves money both in the short term and in the long term due to a reduced risk of chronic disease. A few people I talked with who had recently adopted plant-based diets say their grocery bills plummeted by about 20 percent when they made the switch.

What do vegetarians need the most? ›

Most vegetarians usually have enough protein and calcium (found in dairy products) in their diet. But if you don't plan your diet properly, you could miss out on essential nutrients. For example, vegetarians need to make sure they get enough iron and vitamin B12 in their diets.

Is it healthier to be a vegetarian? ›

Following a vegetarian diet may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. But some vegetarian diets may rely too heavily on processed foods with too many calories, and too much sugar, fat and salt. These diets may not include enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nutrient-rich foods.

What is a vegetarian alternative to turkey for Christmas? ›

Whether you're going meat-free or not, these vegetarian mains are sure to steal the spotlight on Christmas day.
  • 1Gluten-free vegetarian lasagne. ...
  • 2Christmas vegeducken. ...
  • 3Tomato, ricotta and olive spelt tart with basil. ...
  • 4Cheesy spelt crepes stuffed with buttered leek. ...
  • 5Lentil nut roast with sugo.

How do you have a non traditional Thanksgiving? ›

Here, you'll find plenty of creative ways to ditch the same old turkey and stuffing, including unexpected main courses, fun Thanksgiving side dishes, tasty appetizers, and more. Think: pumpkin risotto, crab-stuffed mushrooms, sweet potato curry, and cauliflower gratin. Looking to skip the roasted turkey? No problem!

What is a vegetarian that eats chicken and turkey? ›

A pollotarian diet focuses on whole, plant-based foods with the inclusion of poultry in moderation. As it's rich in high-fiber, plant-based foods and reduces red meat and pork intake, it may benefit heart health, aid weight loss, and protect against type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.

What does vegetarian fed turkey mean? ›

What Is Veggie-Fed Poultry? The most crucial attribute of vegetarian chicken or turkey feed is that it doesn't contain animal by-products of any kind, which more than half of consumers consider important.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Melvina Ondricka

Last Updated:

Views: 6206

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Melvina Ondricka

Birthday: 2000-12-23

Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

Phone: +636383657021

Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.