Life
How to Have a Vegetarian Thanksgiving That's as Coma-Inducing As the Traditional Feast
Thanksgiving may be known by many as "Turkey Day," but that doesn't mean your table has to include a huge, dressed bird. With so many vegetable, dessert, and side dish options, Thanksgiving has plenty of meatless dishes that totally steal the spotlight. In fact, it's entirely possible (and delicious) to prepare a completely vegetarian Thanksgiving feast that blows turkey out of the water — seriously!
From mouthwatering vegetarian appetizers to hearty main courses that are total show stoppers, we've rounded up a perfect menu that will set you up for the best meatless holiday ever. Feel free to throw in some tasty vegan stuffing, and you're all set for a feast that's guaranteed to keep you full for hours. Now get cooking.
Image: The Crepes of Wrath
Modern Thanksgiving Salad
Before gorging on potatoes and pie, start off your feast with Love U Madly’s veggie-filled Thanksgiving salad. Roasted carrot, avocado, and pumpkin seeds are among this plate’s star players.
Image: Love U Madly
Caramelized Butternut Squash Kale Florentine Lasagna
If you’d prefer a heartier dish to take the place of a turkey, look no further than Half-Baked Harvest’s butternut squash lasagna. Just looking at the picture makes us hungry.
Image: Half-Baked Harvest
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
This classic autumnal stuffing by A Beautiful Mess proves that chicken broth is so overrated.
Image: A Beautiful Mess
Fig Cranberry Sauce
Thanks to The Kitchn, you’ll never reach for a can of gelatinous cranberry sauce again.
Image: The Kitchn
Rosemary Maple Corn Muffins
Forget the store-bought cornbread. Love and Lemons’ rosemary maple corn muffins are the true star of the bread basket.
Image: Love and Lemons
Citrus and Pomegranate Brussels Sprouts
Add a touch of winter fruit to your brussels with this citrusy pomegranate version by A Beautiful Mess.
Image: A Beautiful Mess
Garlic Smashed Potatoes
These aromatic, garlic-filled taters by Damn Delicious make a satisfying alternative to creamy mashed potatoes.
Image: Damn Delicious
Roasted Carrots with Dill
Roasting veggies gives them a heartier taste, so take your carrots to the next level with Climbing Grier Mountain’s dill-infused recipe.
Image: Climbing Grier Mountain
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Mushroom Gravy
Mashed cauliflower makes a healthier option than potatoes without losing any comforting flavor, thanks to Minimalist Baker.
Image: Minimalist Baker
Mushroom Ragout
Having a meat-free table is easier than ever with The Crepes of Wrath’s mouthwatering mushroom ragout. This dish packs a lot of flavor — and only takes 30 minutes prep time.
Image: The Crepes of Wrath
Make-Ahead Green Bean Casserole
This childhood favorite gets even better thanks to Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s simple, make-ahead recipe.
Image: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Oat Pistachio Crumble-Topped Baked Sweet Potatoes
Stay away from the marshmallows, and give your sweet potatoes a more wholesome topping with Joy the Baker’s hearty recipe.
Image: Joy the Baker
Butternut Squash Tart with Caramelized Onions
Still looking for a centerpiece dish? A Farmgirl’s Dabbles’ butternut squash tart is as pretty as it is delicious.
Image: A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
Apple Pie Without Refined Sugar
We all know dessert is not optional. Finish off the feast with Naturally Ella’s naturally sweetened apple pie for a traditional yet healthier treat.
Image: Naturally Ella
