Mashed potatoes, yams, green beans — I can’t wait until Thanksgiving to gobble up all of the side dishes. But it’s the turkey that’s the star of the show. For vegetarians, Thanksgiving can be slightly lacking. So, what does a Vegetarian Thanksgiving look like?
What do you serve those who refrain from meat on days like Thanksgiving?
One year my mother purchased my siblings and myself a tofu turkey. It was a sweet sentiment, but it left a lot to be desired. No amount of vegetarian gravy could make it edible. Sorry, Mom.
If you’re looking for vegetarian main dishes that will have everyone making room on their plates this Thanksgiving, try some of these vegetarian recipes!
Vegetarian Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Stuffed Vegetable Stew // The presentation of seasonal vegetables within the pumpkin make this main dish a centerpiece.
Lentil & Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie // Serve the traditional mashed potatoes atop a mixture of lentils and mushrooms.
Autumn Golden Vegetable Lasagna // Lasagna is an easy way to satisfy vegetarian guests. Skip the store bought frozen lasagna and try this recipe with butternut squash and pumpkin puree.
Lentil Walnut Balls // They don’t sound fancy, but they look incredible. The cranberry pear sauce would make these even more incredible.
Brussel Sprouts Sliders // These tempeh bites served within brussel sprout “buns” are a biteful of delicious.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Mushrooms & Spinach // The mixture of mushrooms with sweet potato and gnocchi make this a filling meatless meal.
Thai-Spiced Pumpkin Soup // I have pretty soup bowls that rarely get used. Why not serve soup as a main dish on Thanksgiving? The spice of the curry paste with the sweetness of pumpkin sounds like a fabulous combination
Creamy Crock-Pot Pumpkin Risotto // So many recipes on Thanksgiving will require your attention and your oven. In addition to looking yummy, this one frees up your oven for other dishes.
Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash Rings // These fall into the category of just too cute to eat, but then temptation wins. Maybe it’s the apple or the walnuts but it’s calling to me.
Savory Autumn Vegetable Galette // Feature the amazing flavors of fall by serving your friends and family this explosion of scrumptious veggies within a homemade dough crust.
Spiced Carrot Soup with Roasted Chickpeas & Tahini // It’s all the garnishes on this soup that make it even more alluring. This pretty soup would make anyone’s meal.
Kale Salad with Butternut Squash, Chickpeas and Tahini Dressing // Salad can be so much more exciting than lettuce and tomato. This salad looks both filling and flavorful.
When researching for recipes, I was inspired by the bounty of the season. From brussels sprouts to butternut squash, when you feature filling vegetables and meatless proteins, your guests won’t even miss the turkey.
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Those are some great and delicious looking options for those that don’t eat meat. I don’t have anyone in my family that is vegetarian.
Megan Ware says
I love this post! Proof that a no-turkey Thanksgiving does not have to be boring OR include tofurkey. These recipes are all beautiful and festive dishes that everyone (meat eater or not) could enjoy!
Elizabeth Towns says
I would love to have lentil and mushroom shepherd’s pie – that sounds amazing. I am not a vegetarian but do love having meatless meals in my menu. Your mom is my kind of woman for the great attempt. I cannot imagine a tofu turkey. Ever. lol.
Nina Say says
I have always been a fan of veggie lasagna. It is one of my favorite meals of all time. I could host an entire Thanksgiving themed around that dish.
Raijean says
These are some great ideas, I have few vegetarians in my family.
Marybeth Hamilton says
That Thai-spiced pumpkin soup sounds delicious! I brought pumpkin soup to my in-laws for Thanksgiving dinner one year and everyone was impressed with how good it was. Adding Thai spices would make it even better.
Liz Mays says
I love cranberries and green bean casserole. They must be on the table!
rachel young says
I’m def not a vegan but some of those look really good!! I’ll have to try a few out and see how I like them
Beth says
I love the pumpkin stew option. These all sound really good even for our non-vegetarian dinner!
Melissa says
These are great ideas! Passing on to my friend, her husband is vegetarian now and she’s been wondering what to make.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
It seems like so many times that Thanksgiving is all about the meat. It’s nice to see some delicious looking vegetarian dishes.
Digna D. says
While we are vegetarians, we do like to eat healthy. Some of these recipes will definitely make their way to our table. Thank you for sharing.
Michelle C says
Love these for guests who need options. That pumpkin stuffed stew looks amazing.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
they all look very colorful. I love the mashed potatoes, stuffing and turkey.
Tasha says
Some yummy options here for those who don’t eat meat. The Lentil & Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie looks so good! They all look good though. 🙂
Little Miss Kate says
Yummy, we have a few vegetarians in our family, thanks for some great recipe ideas
Penelope says
These all look so amazing!! Not only are foods this time of year so tasty and rich, but they are so visually appealing and colorful- I love the autumn and early winter! Thanks for such a wonderful compilation, I have to save this.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
It’s great to have some vegetarian options for guests. You never know who will decide they don’t want to eat meat.
Donna says
Although I’m not a vegetarian and love turkey, I am a huge vegetable lover, too. I’d like to add some of these to our Thanksgiving dinner this year!
Jenn says
I’d have to say butternut squash and p umpkin lasagna sounds very interesting!
Tammy says
oooh…the Creamy Crock-Pot Pumpkin Risotto sounds incredible. I’m going to add that to my meal plan for the week.
Jesica H says
I want to try that lasagna, looks really good!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
The lasagna looks amazing!
HilLesha says
As a strict vegetarian, this list is totally up my alley! 🙂
Colleen says
That squash looks really good. I’m not a vegetarian but I most of these look grea.t
HilLesha says
I want to try everything, especially the Pumpkin Stuffed Vegetable Stew. Sounds like the perfect comfort food!
Marcie W. says
I am not a vegetarian, but don’t mind meatless options, and love to create dishes my mother in law can enjoy along with the rest of us. That vegetable lasagna is calling my name!