Published · Modified · by Alexis Joseph · 7 Comments
Make menu planning easy with this list of tried and true healthy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes! Tons of vegan and gluten-free options included so the whole fam can enjoy a meatless Thanksgiving. Filling main dish ideas, comforting sides, hearty salads, soups, and easy desserts you'll make time and time again plus make ahead tips.
You guys. I freaking LOVE Thanksgiving! It makes me all warm and fuzzy. I mean I could eat stuffing and sweet potato casserole and green beans and pumpkin pie all day every day and be happy.
I've posted a number of delish healthy vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes over the years and it's time to get them all in one place. If you give any of these recipes a try, I'd LOVE to hear about it.
Sending you and your family all so much love and yumminess!
Make ahead tips
We all know the scramble that is preparing for the big day. Here's how I cut down prep time and prioritize convenience!
- Chop all veggies the day before and organize in lidded containers by recipe: onions, green beans, Brussels sprouts, squash, mushrooms, etc.
- Peel and chop potatoes and store in a bowl of water in the fridge
- Wash all salad greens and store in salad spinner
- Make cranberry sauce up to 3 days in advance (can also freeze and thaw in fridge the night before)
- Use frozen pre-chopped green beans for casseroles
- Use your slow cooker to keep mashed potatoes warm so you can knock them out earlier
- Make stuffing up to 3 days ahead and bake the day of
Healthy Vegan Green Bean Casserole (tastes like the classic!)
Add some nourishment to the table with this satisfying Vegan Green Bean Casserole! Made with savory cashew cream mushroom sauce and homemade crispy onions, everyone raves it's the best. It tastes like the classic and is the star of the Thanksgiving table every year.
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Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Healthy Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with toasty pecan oat topping tastes just like the classic. It's a must for Thanksgiving. Easily gluten-free! Make ahead instructions included.
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The Coziest Vegan Gravy
Amazingly comforting vegan gravy that comes together in no time! Amazing over mashed potatoes, shepherd'spie, and beyond! Easily gluten free.
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Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Maple Brussels Sprouts with balsamicare the perfect sweet and salty side dish for dinners or holidays. You'll never wants Brussels sprouts another way!
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Spinach and Mushroom Herb Stuffing
Vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom Herb Stuffing full of color, texture, and savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds, meat-eaters and vegetarians alike! Make ahead instructions included.
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Favorite Cranberry Orange Sauce
The most delicious and easy Cranberry Orange Sauce sweetened with pure maple syrup! It's made extra special with a splash of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and bourbon if desired. This comes together in no time and is delicious on top of oatmeal or yogurt!
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Vegetarian Pomegranate Za'atar Stuffing
This easy Vegetarian Za'atar Pomegranate Stuffing makes the most delicious Thanksgiving side dish! Make ahead and freezing instructions included.
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Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash with Tempeh "Sausage"
Enjoy this flavorful, high-protein Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash with tempeh "sausage!" A healthy meatless meal perfect for any night of the week.
Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash, Walnuts, and Pomegranate--perfect for a healthy and festive holiday side dish! Vegan, gluten-free, and packed with fiber.
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Nourishing Butternut Squash Pasta with Goat Cheese
Cozy up with this comforting Butternut Squash Pasta with goat cheese and pecan topping. A super flavorful vegetarian dinner for fall and winter nights!
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Creamy Walnut Dressing
Easy, festive Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with crisp apples, salty parmesan and a creamy, tangy walnut dressing! The perfect healthy lunch side dish for holiday gatherings. Try addding chickpeas or salmon to make it a full meal!
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Ultimate Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Everyone adores this rich and creamy stovetop Vegan Mac and Cheese made with velvety smooth cashew cream sauce. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds of this easy one-pot meal, on the table in 25 minutes.
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Winter Squash, Farro and Pomegranate Salad
Impress your guests with this beautifully festive and super satisfying Winter Squash, Farro, and Pomegranate Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette. Packed with antioxidants and fiber, this healthy holiday side salad is guaranteed to become a favorite!
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Nourishing Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna
Creamy, flavorful, and nourishing Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna with the best vegan ricotta makes the most comforting weeknight meal! Leftovers taste even better the next day, and this makes enough to feed a crowd. Packed with over 18g plant protein per serving, this is not only healthy but also super filling!
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Cream Cheese
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with garlic and cream cheese are super creamy and rich yet so easy to make! Done in 20 minutes, they make the perfect holiday side dish.
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Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Bites with Roasted Grapes
Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese, Roasted Grapes, and Pecans make the most delicious, easy, and festive holiday appetizer!
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Baked Pumpkin Hummus Dip with Goat Cheese
The most incredible and easy warm Baked Pumpkin Dip with rosemary whipped goat cheese! Impress your guests with this beautifulfestive appetizer on the table in 20 minutes.
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Cauliflower Stuffing with Apples and Sage
Incredibly flavorful Cauliflower Stuffing with buttery mushrooms, tart apples, and pecans. Enjoy it as a lower carb, gluten free option for Thanksgiving or as a healthy side dish any night of the week!
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Amazing Skillet Cornbread
Easy 7 ingredient Skillet Cornbread! The perfect mix of sweet and salty, this moist and fluffy cornbread recipe with brown butter crust is incredible. Enjoy with chili or with butter and honey!
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Portobello Boats with Rosemary Lentil Crumble and Balsamic Apple Glaze
A filling, protein-packed vegan main on the table in just over 30 minutes and bursting with crunchy, chewy textures and savory flavors! Try to select the largest portobellos you can find.
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Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta
With hundreds of 5-star ratings, this easy Vegan Lasagna recipe really is the best ever. Life-changing hummus tofu ricotta makes it taste just like classic cheesy lasagna! Each slice packs 20g of protein. It's kid-friendly and a favorite with all eaters, vegan or not.
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Creamy Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
Cozy up with a bowl of thick and creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Soup! Packed with veggies, this easy stovetop soup makes the ultimate lunch or veggie-packed dinner. On the table in 35 minutes and kid-friendly.
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Fluffy Honey Cornbread Muffins
The most Amazing Cornbread Muffins with cheddar cheese--moist, fluffy and irresistible with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, with white bean chili, or in stuffing!
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Roasted Potato, Mushroom, and Lentil Kale Salad
This Roasted Potato, Mushroom, and Lentil Kale Salad makes the ultimate filling salad. A beautiful vegetarian main course that makes amazing leftovers!Vegan and gluten-free.
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Cashew Cream of Mushroom Soup with Wild Rice (Vegan)
Restaurant-worthy thick and creamy Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup with wild rice! Loaded with veggies and tons of flavor, this is the ultimate cozy cooler-weather meal (it's a Hummusapien community favorite!).
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Autumn Arugula Salad with Farro and Apple
This Arugula Salad with Farro and Apple plus tangy goat cheese, pumpkin spice pepitas, and apple cider vinegar dressing will become a crowd favorite! Super satisfying and excellent for lunches.
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Healthy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower
Creamy and comforting Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower that taste just like traditional mashed potatoes! An easy, healthy side packed with veggies that the whole family will love. See Notes section for stovetop instructions. Serve with the cozy vegan gravy.
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Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars (Vegan!)
These Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars are the best holiday dessert and so easy to make! Complete with an amazing two-ingredient crust.
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Vegan Apple Crumb Pie
The most delicious Apple Crumb Pie that happens to be vegan! Everyone will rave about this crave-worthy pie. Simple to make and great for holidays!
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About Alexis Joseph
Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!
Reader Interactions
Erica King says
You have the best recipes, I’m excited to try the pumpkin hummus, pumpkin bars, and butternut squash pasta! Thank you ❤️
Reply
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy so glad! Thanks, Erica!
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Dylan says
So many great options! I can confirm that all of these dishes are absolutely delicious!
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Alexis Joseph says
Heck yes! Wish we could celebrate together!
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Kori says
I’m definitely making your Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad! Thank you for sharing this great roundup!
Reply
Alexis Joseph says
Yay! Hope you love them, Kori 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Great round-up, Alexis! I love how you put a healthy spin on all the classics. My favourites are definitely the salads! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
https://charmainenyw.comReply