Looking for vegan Thanksgiving recipes? These are some of my favourite vegan and plant-based holiday recipes, from a gluten free stuffing to my favourite vegan main course and of course, plenty of pumpkin too.
Right. It’s Thanksgiving in a few days (ACK!).
And you I need to figure this situation out.
Some thoughts on a ‘healthy’ holiday feast
I really like eating plant-based meals, even on holidays. My favourite part of the holidays is all the fancy vegetable sides we make – because I’m not going to Hasselbeck a squash on a Tuesday, you know?
But just because I really like making ‘healthy’ holiday dishes doesn’t mean that you have to stress about whether your holiday feast meal is healthy enough. I know that might seem weird for a dietitian to say…but really, how healthy you are isn’t based on a handful of feast meals scattered throughout the year. It’s determined by what you do the other 358 or so days.
Pattern matters more than plate. Remember that, always.
So if you like eating ‘healthy’ things on Thanksgiving, don’t let anyone throw shade. No, you are not on a ‘Diet’…you just like it that way. But if you want to eat all of the sugar-fat-white carbs on Thanksgiving, you go right ahead and don’t you think for a single second it’s not okay. Okay??
All My Fave Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
Non-diet disclaimer done and dusted, this is my round up of all things Thanksgiving, plant-based and yes, pumpkin, from my site and others. Throw on some tunes, have a glass of wine and plan your grocery list…or better yet, go potluck style and assign a dish to each guest.
Remember, it’s the togetherness that matters, not playing the perfect host. Dim the lights, throw on some tunes and keep the drinks flowing. And have fun! Life is hard enough right now. We all need a bit of togetherness and joy.
First things first, make these pumpkin pie energy balls to have enough nourishment to keep your host game tight.
Vegan Thanksgiving Starters and Snacks
Upgrade your usual bar mix with my Za’atar-roasted almonds…you will NOT be sorry. I also love this beet dip…but maybe keep it away from any white furniture! Or, try my Crispy Tofu Paneer with Mint Chutney for something completely different on the appetizer board!
If you do a starter course, try my Pumpkin Miso Soup for a light and unique take on pumpkin soup.
Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
You’re going to need side dishes. This is my fave way to do stuffing (sans bread!). Keep it hearty with my savoury Shiitake and Lentil salad, which is wonderful served warm or room temperature. Or go for this indulgent Kale Gratin that I will make for every holiday meal until I die. No joke.
I can’t have a Thanksgiving without Brussels sprouts, especially when they are topped with almond parm. If you aren’t a Brussels fan and want to get fancy, this Hasselback Butternut Squash is a winner. I really like a leafy salad too – and this marinated lentil and kale number is a fave. If you want something a bit lighter, my Snap Pea Salad with Toasted Buckwheat is a stunner.
Just looking for some classic mashed potatoes? These creamy vegan mashed potatoes are soooo good (and yes, I snuck a secret gut-boosting ingredient in there too!)
Vegan Thanksgiving Mains
What to serve as a main? I’m not gonna lie…I still really like Tofurkey (nostalgia wins!) but I’ve recently upgraded to the Very Good Butcher Roast Beast. If you want a whole food option, Oh She Glow’s Lentil Loaf is SO good. As is the Mushroom Wellington from my friend Tori’s book Fraiche Food Full Hearts (disclosure: affiliate link!).
Looking for something non-traditional but super cozy? My Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is super delicious and it’s a great meal on it’s own or paired with a salad.
Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
Upgrade your usual pumpkin pie with my luscious, cashew-based spiced pumpkin tart…or go for this truly unreal Vegan Chocolate Pie (that maybe I’ve made like ten times!).
After the dishes, before you go to bed…prep my Pumpkin Chia Pudding for a healthy breakfast you don’t have to think twice about, or make just a hair more effort and make my Pumpkin Oats instead.
Ann Barr says
I really love your recipes but wish you would include the nutritional content. I met you when you came to Victoria for a Wellness Expo.
Desiree Nielsen says
Hi Ann,
Thanks for the feedback. I don’t do nutritional information because my goal is have people intuitively select foods that serve them best. I understand that doesn’t work for everyone.