Deliciously Vegan and Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
Posted on November 14 2017
Thanksgiving is fast approaching (is it just me, or is November flying by?) so if you’re looking for mouth watering vegan and vegetarian recipes to serve up while you give thanks, look no further! These plant-based dishes will tickle everyones tastebuds - even the meat eaters (trust me on this, I’ve tested them out on my carnivorous husband).
I know that holiday cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you're trying to cater to dietary restrictions - but it doesn't have to be! Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving and need some guidance planning your menu or if you're spending it at a loved ones home and need ideas on dishes to bring, I've got you covered!
Here is a collection I've put together of a few of my favorite plant-based recipes from some of my favorite food bloggers. I've included appetizers, mains, sides, beverages and of course - desserts!
I hope you enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!
CREAMY SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
This dip you guys.... This. Dip. It is SO good. Every time I make this, it's devoured immediately. It's so rich and creamy, no one believes me when I tell them there's no cheese in it. If you're in charge of bringing an appetizer on Thanksgiving, this is definitely the way to go! You're welcome.
PUMPKIN HUMMUS
If you're looking for a festive Fall appetizer, then this creamy Pumpkin Hummus is it! It's the perfect appetizer for those who love Pumpkin everything (which is most of us right)? Other than being incredibly delicious, it's also insanely good for you! Win win!
ROASTED ACORN SQUASH WITH HAZELNUTS, QUINOA AND KALE
These stuffed acorn squashes are sweet, crunchy and filling - a great option for a meatless main. Plus, look how pretty!
ULTIMATE VEGAN LENTIL LOAF
This hearty lentil loaf is like a vegans comfort dream and it's so good paired up with all the side dishes. Slather gravy and mashed potatoes all up on this loaf and prepare to enter Thanksgiving nirvana.
SUPER TRADITIONAL VEGAN STUFFING
This traditional style stuffing is one of my favorite stuffing recipes. It’s crispy on the outside, yet moist and flavorful on the inside - as any good stuffing should be!
THE BEST DAMN VEGAN MASHED POTATOES
The title of these mashed potatoes says it all!
SHREDDED KALE SALAD
This is one of the best fall kale salads hands down! Topped with cranberries and pecan parmesan, it's sweet sweet, crunchy and so perfectly fall!
Tip: Try using dried cherries instead of cranberries if you're already making cranberry sauce and want to switch it up a bit.
ITALIAN STYLE PEAS + ONIONS
Shout out to my incredible Italian chef of a mom, who makes this delicious side dish every Thanksgiving since I can remember. This isn't her actual recipe, but it's pretty close. It's really easy to make too and works great as a side!
Tip: To veganize this dish, just substitute the butter with olive oil and cook the peas in veggie stock or water.
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
There's nothing more comforting than a warm and creamy (minus the cream) bowl of soup and this nourishing butternut squash soup recipe is nothing short of amazing! Plus it's simple, tasty and is a great option for making a day ahead.
Tip: I like to kick this soup up a notch by topping it with a dollop of cashew cream and roasted pepitas. To make the cashew cream, simply blend 1 1/2 cups of cashews (soaked overnight) with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 3/4 cup water and 1/2 tsp salt. Shout out to the Cafe Gratitude cookbook, where I got this recipe.
ROSEMARY MAPLE CORN MUFFINS
If you love corn muffins with your Thanksgiving meal, you have to try these! The Rosemary/Maple combination is incredibly delish and it adds a little extra special flavor to these muffins. Not a big fan of rosemary in your corn muffins? No worries, just opt out of the rosemary and they become tasty maple corn muffins!
NATURALLY SWEETENED CRANBERRY SAUCE
The Thanksgiving table is not complete without a side of Cranberry Sauce. As much as I love cranberry sauce however, I don't love all the sugar that typically goes into it (most recipes call for a cup of sugar)! That's why this recipe is so good - it tastes amazing but it's also healthier since its naturally sweetened. Bonus - it only takes 5-10 minutes to make.
VEGAN GRAVY
This vegan gravy is so rich and creamy, it pairs perfectly with a mound of mashed potatoes! You won't miss the turkey gravy once you try this recipe, that's for sure!
PUMPKIN CASHEW "CHEESECAKE"
One of my all-time favorite fall dessert recipes! I've been making this dish for years and every time I want to try another pumpkin cheesecake recipe, I can't bring myself to do it - I feel like I'm cheating on this one. It's just too good! It's still so rich and creamy, you can't even tell it's made without cream cheese. Plus that coconuty crust. Mmm.
Tip: I like to spruce this up even more by drizzling a sweet apple cider syrup on top of each slice. To make the cider reduction is super easy: Combine 4 cups of apple cider, 1 cup unrefined sugar, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg in a pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer and stir occasional until the mixture is reduced by half and is syrupy. It takes about 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours. This recipe can be made and refrigerated up to 2 hours ahead of time. Bring to room temperature before serving.
BAKED APPLE CIDER DONUTS
If you're from the east coast, then you definitely know about cider donuts! These babies taste like fall in your mouth. I used to get them all the time in the fall when I lived in Massachusetts and Vermont. After I moved to California, I wasn't able to find them out here so I decided to try making them myself and I'm so glad I did. It's not officially fall in my book until I consume an embarrassing amount of cider donuts. These donuts are heavenly and will make such a unique addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Also, they're even better the next day when you have them with your morning coffee or tea.
GOOEY PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE CHOCOLATE PUDDING CAKE
I'm not sure I can even find words to describe how magical this cake is. It has pumpkin + chocolate + brewed coffee in it and it's so incredibly gooey inside. Enough said :)
Tip: Serve it up with some vegan ice cream and top it off with nuts. Yum!
FALL CIDER SANGRIA
Festive, sweet and fruity - this Fall Cider Sangria is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail!
ALMOND MILK CHAI LATTE
Finally, if you're looking for a non-alcoholic, warm and cozy beverage (if you even have any room left in your stomach at this point) serve up this super easy and comforting chai latte and relax into your Thanksgiving food coma.
Enjoy! And don't forget to take some time and space to count your blessings today, and every day.
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