52+ Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

By Brittany Mullins

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Last updated on Oct 02, 2024

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Here I’m sharing a ton of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes to inspire you as you plan your Thanksgiving menu this year. From vegetarian mains to sides and desserts!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away!?! That means we have about two weeks to shop for Hanukkah gifts and a little over a month for Christmas. Gah! How did this happen so quickly? I’m baffled, but truth be told I’m also super excited. I LOVE the holidays and I’m totally ready to spend Thanksgiving day with family eating lots of delicious things and then decorating for the holidays all weekend. So ready!

In the meantime I’ve been planning what to make for the big day, pinning like a madwoman and bookmarking some of my favorite healthy, vegetarian Thanksgiving finds.

From vegetarian mains to flavorful sides, celebratory drinks and desserts… I’ve got you covered with lots of ideas. Hopefully it will be a help for all of you who are making your Thanksgiving meal plan and shopping this weekend. I’m quite certain something in this post will strike your fancy.

Let’s get right to the delicious recipes – all 35 of them!!

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers

All good Thanksgiving meals start with a few tasty hors d’oeuvres. These light bites will keep everyone from getting ravenous before the main event.

A sweet potato bite topped with pomegranate arils, pecans and fresh thyme is in focus, surrounded by other bites that are not in focus.
4.42 from 17 votes

Sweet Potato Bites

These baked sweet potato bites are topped with ricotta cheese, pecans, pomegranate, honey and fresh thyme. They're the perfect blend of sweet and savory and are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone will love!
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A large plate of multiple dates that are stuffed with goat cheese and topped with chopped pecans and fresh thyme.
3.99 from 58 votes

Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

These sweet and savory goat cheese stuffed dates topped with roasted pecans and fresh thyme are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone will love.
View Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
Cute turkey thanksgiving veggies tray. Veggies formed to look like a cute turkey as a veggie tray, with a bowl of guacamole.
4 from 2 votes

Thanksgiving Veggie Tray

Need a healthy app to snack on before your Thanksgiving feast? Make a Thanksgiving themed turkey veggie tray. It's super easy to whip up, healthy and so cute!
View Thanksgiving Veggie Tray
Plate with veggies and pita chips. On the plate is a bowl of everything bagel dip and a pita chip is in the dip.
3.47 from 66 votes

Everything Bagel Dip

This three ingredient everything bagel dip is the perfect appetizer to serve with fresh veggies, chips or crackers. It only takes about 10 mins to whip up and it can easily be made vegan.
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Almond flour crackers on a plate with hummus.
4.58 from 212 votes

Almond Flour Crackers

Homemade almond flour crackers with 4 simple ingredients: almond flour, water, ground flaxseed and sea salt. Rich, buttery, crunchy, gluten-free, vegan and perfect for dipping into hummus!
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Overhead photo of a bowl of beet hummus surrounded by various veggies for dipping.
4.43 from 14 votes

Beet Hummus

This bright and creamy beet hummus is made with roasted beet, chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon. It's subtly sweet, full of flavor and super easy to whip up. Serve it as a healthy appetizer or snack with veggies, crackers or pita or use it as a sandwich spread.
View Beet Hummus
A bowl of creamy hummus topped with olive oil, herbs, and spices.
3.79 from 37 votes

Creamy Hummus

Here's how to make perfectly smooth and creamy hummus at home! It's super easy to whip up — no peeling of chickpeas required. Serve with fresh veggies and pita for a delicious appetizer or snack.
View Creamy Hummus

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides

Vegetarians know that Thanksgiving is all about the sides… so why not do it up and make a ton of delicious, veggie-packed sides for the table!

Close up of healthy mashed potatoes in a bowl topped with chives.
5 from 8 votes

Healthy Mashed Potatoes

These healthy mashed potatoes are made lighter with Greek yogurt and almond milk. They're still super creamy, flavorful and make for the perfect side dish for the holidays or any meal.
View Healthy Mashed Potatoes
A bowl of mashed cauliflower topped with chives. A serving spoon rests inside the bowl.
4.60 from 20 votes

Mashed Cauliflower

Swap potatoes for cauliflower with this healthy mashed cauliflower recipe! It's the perfect side dish and comes together quickly with only 6 ingredients. It's just as creamy and delicious as mashed potatoes, but has half the calories and one-third of the carbs.
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Sourdough stuffing in a serving dish with a serving spoon.
5 from 4 votes

Sourdough Stuffing

The best sourdough stuffing made with sautéed vegetables and tons of fresh herbs. It's vegan, flavorful, comes together quickly and is the perfect savory side dish to add to your holiday menu.
View Sourdough Stuffing
Wild rice stuffing in a serving bowl.
4.75 from 8 votes

Wild Rice Stuffing

This wild rice stuffing is packed with butternut squash, dried cherries and fresh herbs. It's a delicious gluten-free and vegan alternative to traditional stuffing and is the perfect addition to your holiday table.
View Wild Rice Stuffing
A serving dish containing cranberry sauce. A spoon rests at the top of the bowl and there are whole cranberries scattered around the bowl.
3.83 from 74 votes

Healthy Cranberry Sauce

Skip the canned stuff and make this healthy cranberry sauce instead! It's naturally sweetened and the perfect addition to your holiday menu. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes with just 5 simple ingredients!
View Healthy Cranberry Sauce
Cauliflower gratin in a baking dish with a serving spoon.
4.77 from 17 votes

Cauliflower Gratin

This cauliflower gratin features cauliflower florets baked to perfection in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with breadcrumbs. It's vegetarian, low-carb and the perfect addition to your holiday menu.
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A spoonful of vegan mac and cheese being held overtop of a bowl filled with vegan mac and cheese.
4.28 from 22 votes

Vegan Mac and Cheese

The best vegan mac and cheese made with cashews, potatoes and nutritional yeast! It’s easy to make, creamy, cheesy and so delicious. This comfort food classic turned plant-based is guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
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A baking dish containing healthy baked mac and cheese, some portions have been removed.
5 from 17 votes

Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese is made lighter with a combo of almond milk and vegetable broth and almond meal instead of breadcrumbs. It's creamy, cheesy, comforting and sure to become a new family favorite!
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A serving dish containing baked cauliflower mac and cheese.
5 from 5 votes

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Swap noodles for cooked cauliflower with this baked cauliflower mac and cheese! It’s low-carb and gluten-free while still being cheesy and delicious.
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A bowl of vegan butternut squash mac and cheese topped with fresh pepper and chives. A fork rests in the bowl.
5 from 15 votes

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This butternut squash mac and cheese comes together in just 30 minutes. It's so creamy and delicious, no one will ever guess it's packed with veggies!
View Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
A serving spoon resting in a white baking dish containing sweet potato casserole.
4.31 from 152 votes

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

This healthy sweet potato casserole is vegan, gluten-free, lower in sugar and made with a crunchy oatmeal pecan topping. It's the perfect side dish for your holiday meal.
View Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole in a square baking dish with a portion missing in the corner where a metal spoon is.
4.55 from 11 votes

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

This classic sweet potato casserole is topped with mini marshmallows and made with only 6 ingredients. It's creamy, delicious and the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.
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An overhead photo of a serving dish holding green beans almondine. A serving fork and spoon lay across the green beans..
4.41 from 20 votes

Green Beans Almondine

This recipe for green beans almondine combines tender crisp green beans with caramelized shallots, toasted almonds and fresh parsley. It's a delicious side dish simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for a holiday meal!
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An overhead photo looking down on a plate of apple cider vinegar roasted Brussels sprouts. A silver spoon is laying next to the plate.
3.76 from 53 votes

Apple Cider Vinegar Brussels Sprouts

These apple cider vinegar brussels sprouts are the perfect side dish for just about any occasion. You'll love the savory, sweet apple cider vinegar sauce that the sprouts are roasted in! 
View Apple Cider Vinegar Brussels Sprouts
Roasted root vegetables in a bowl.
4.44 from 32 votes

Roasted Root Vegetables

These roasted root vegetables are such an easy and healthy side dish for any meal. Sweet potatoes, carrots and onion are tossed with oil and herbs and roasted until tender and caramelized.
View Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts on a large plate.
5 from 2 votes

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These balsamic roasted brussels sprouts are tossed in a balsamic maple glaze and roasted to caramelized perfection. They're easy to make and the perfect healthy side dish for any occasion.
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Bowl and wooden spoon with quinoa stuffing made with cranberries and butternut squash.
4.73 from 11 votes

Quinoa Stuffing

This quinoa stuffing is loaded with butternut squash, mushrooms and herbs. It’s a healthy, savory gluten-free side dish to add to your Thanksgiving table.
View Quinoa Stuffing

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Soups

Want to start your Thanksgiving meal with a cozy soup? These fall-inspired soups are sure to satisfy.

Bowl of healthy vegan curried pumpkin soup topped with pumpkin seeds and spices.
4.45 from 20 votes

Vegan Curried Pumpkin Soup

Comforting and filling vegan curried pumpkin soup made with coconut milk and cannellini beans. The beans give this pumpkin soup a nice, thick texture and add a little protein!
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Butternut squash soup in a large pot garnished with coconut milk, pumpkin seeds, and fresh sage.
4.92 from 25 votes

Butternut Squash Soup

This butternut squash soup is super creamy and easy to make! It combines butternut squash with coconut milk, carrots, fresh ginger and sage for a delicious and comforting fall meal.
View Butternut Squash Soup
Two bowls of carrot parsnip soup garnished with scallions and shredded gruyere cheese.
4.50 from 16 votes

Carrot Parsnip Soup

This carrot parsnip soup is creamy, flavorful and has a good amount of protein thanks to the quinoa! It's such a satisfying and delicious vegetarian soup. 
View Carrot Parsnip Soup
An overhead shot of a spoon ladling out some soup from a bowl.
3.70 from 33 votes

Sweet Potato Soup

This vegan sweet potato soup combines sweet potatoes, fresh ginger, spices and coconut milk for a velvety smooth soup that is loaded with flavor. It's so rich and creamy you won’t even miss the dairy!
View Sweet Potato Soup

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Salads

I personally love having something green on the table during our Thanksgiving meal and all of these salads are family-approved. I make the kale and brussels sprout salad every year!

Oval serving tray with kale and butternut salad. Wood salad tongs are beside the plate.
3.87 from 36 votes

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This vibrant roasted butternut squash salad features kale, dried cranberries and roasted walnuts in an easy balsamic dressing.
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Kale and brussels sprout salad in a bowl with serving spoons.
4.27 from 83 votes

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

This kale and Brussels sprout salad is filled with shredded kale and sprouts, cranberries, marinated onions, almonds and pecorino cheese. It's simple, fresh, and sure to be a family favorite!
View Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad
An overhead shot of a bowl of fig salad with a white wine glass next to it.
4.58 from 7 votes

Fig Salad

An easy fig salad with arugula, chopped apples, dried cranberries, pecans and goat cheese topped with a delicious balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side salad or topped with protein for a meal sized salad.
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An overhead photo of a bowl of kale topped with 3 slices of roasted kabocha squash and scattered with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and feta. A fork rests in the bowl.
4.36 from 14 votes

Harvest Fall Salad

This cozy fall salad combines baby kale, roasted kabocha squash, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and feta all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
View Harvest Fall Salad
Overhead close up of vegan broccoli salad in a white bowl.
4.69 from 16 votes

Vegan Broccoli Salad

Vegan broccoli salad with a rich and creamy cashew dressing instead of mayo. This salad is crunchy, sweet and absolutely delicious, perfect for summer parties.
View Vegan Broccoli Salad
A white plate with a serving of the Brussels sprout chopped salad.
4.73 from 11 votes

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

This shaved brussels sprout salad is made with hard boiled eggs, creamy goat cheese, dried cranberries and toasted walnuts all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
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Farro salad with arugula, beans, tomatoes and mozzarella in a serving bowl.
4.41 from 91 votes

Farro Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

This amazing farro salad features cannellini beans, fresh mozzarella, arugula and sun-dried tomatoes all tossed in a bright and delicious basil vinaigrette!
View Farro Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
An overhead photo looking down onto a serving dish containing green bean salad topped with fried shallots. A fork is resting next to the serving dish, as well as a blue linen dishcloth.
3.75 from 28 votes

Green Bean Salad

This light and refreshing green bean salad combines fresh green beans, dried cranberries, toasted nuts and fried shallots all tossed in an apple cider vinegar dressing. It comes together quickly and is such a tasty side dish!
View Green Bean Salad
Bowl of quinoa salad with feta, spinach and tomatoes.
4.44 from 216 votes

Easy Quinoa Salad

This easy quinoa salad is packed with spinach, tomatoes, red onion, avocado and feta with a simple lemon dressing. It’s the perfect healthy side dish!
View Easy Quinoa Salad
A serving bowl containing raw collard greens salad with salad servers.
4.76 from 33 votes

Raw Collard Greens Salad

This simple raw collard green salad is made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, onion and garlic. It comes together quickly and is the perfect side salad for fall and winter.
View Raw Collard Greens Salad

Thanksgiving Breads and Spreads

You can’t go wrong with fresh baked bread to round out your Thanksgiving meal. I love making a sweet cornbread or enjoying my mother-in-law’s fresh sourdough.

A closeup photo of two pieces of vegan cornbread stacked on top of each other drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a pat of vegan butter.
4.09 from 24 votes

Vegan Cornbread

This vegan cornbread is fluffy, moist and has just the right amount of sweetness. It comes together quickly and is the perfect comforting side to a big bowl of soup or chili.
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Healthy pumpkin cornbread muffin sliced and laying on a muffin liner and spread with ghee.
4.59 from 17 votes

Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins

These pumpkin cornbread muffins are slightly sweet and moist from the pumpkin! They're the perfect side to a big bowl of cozy soup or chili. Dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar free and made with whole grains. 
View Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
A loaf of sourdough bread on a wooden cutting board with a second loaf that has been cut in a half angled and resting on top of the other loaf. There is a bread knife to the left of the loaves on the cutting board.
3.36 from 64 votes

How to Make Sourdough Bread

A beginner's guide to making artisan sourdough bread at home! This simple, no-knead recipe is easy to make with your sourdough starter. Just let the dough rise overnight and bake in the morning!
View How to Make Sourdough Bread
Apple butter in a jar with a twine bow tied around the jar.
4.75 from 44 votes

Healthy Apple Butter

This healthy homemade apple butter is made in the slow cooker without any added sugar. Enjoy as a spread on toast or stir into a warm bowl of oatmeal.
View Healthy Apple Butter
A glass jar full of pumpkin butter with a spoon inside.
4.73 from 18 votes

Pumpkin Butter

This quick and easy pumpkin butter is creamy, naturally sweetened and packed with fall flavor. Use it as a spread, topping or stir it into your oatmeal or yogurt.
View Pumpkin Butter

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Mains

Move over Turkey! Here are some ideas for a vegetarian main dish that will look amazing as a centerpiece on your holiday table. All of these options are delish, but my top pick would be the lentil loaf!

An overhead shot of a cutting board with a partially sliced lentil loaf on parchment paper. A knife lays on the cutting board perpendicular to the loaf.
4.53 from 215 votes

Vegan Lentil Loaf

This hearty vegan lentil loaf is packed with flavor, loaded with plant-based protein and makes for a delicious vegetarian entree for a holiday meal.
View Vegan Lentil Loaf
Marinated tempeh finished cooking in a large skillet.
4.94 from 43 votes

Easy Marinated Tempeh

This easy marinated tempeh is my favorite way to cook tempeh. The maple balsamic sauce gives the tempeh so much flavor!
View Easy Marinated Tempeh
A baking dish with eggplant parmesan and cut into pieces.
4.65 from 159 votes

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Make a healthy baked eggplant parmesan with crispy almond flour-coated eggplant slices that are baked – no frying or bread crumbs needed!
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Sweet potato quinoa cakes on a wire rack.
4.42 from 12 votes

Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes

These sweet potato quinoa cakes are made with wild rice and studded with dried cranberries. They are great for meal prep and taste delicious served hot or cold.
View Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes
A cast iron skilled containing vegetarian shepherd's pie. There is a bowl with a serving next to the cast iron skillet.

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – Saucy mushrooms, carrots, and peas topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Real food meets comfort food!
View Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Desserts

One of my favorite parts about Thanksgiving is the desserts and I have so many good dessert recipes to choose from!

A healthy apple crisp topped with three scoops of ice cream.
4.74 from 113 votes

Healthy Apple Crisp

This healthy apple crisp is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and features a crunchy oatmeal pecan topping. It's gluten-free, vegan, easy to make and the perfect healthy fall dessert!
View Healthy Apple Crisp
Pumpkin pie bar with a bite taken out of it on a white plate.
3.97 from 28 votes

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars

These decadent no bake pumpkin pie bars pair a crunchy granola crust with a creamy, thick pumpkin filling with coconut oil and cashew butter. Vegan & gluten-free.
View No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars
Pecan pie brownies on a table surrounded by pecans.
4.07 from 58 votes

Pecan Pie Brownies

Combine two amazing desserts into one with these fudgy pecan pie brownies! They’re made with almond flour so they’re gluten-free, grain-free and absolutely delicious.
View Pecan Pie Brownies
Slice of sweet potato pie topped with whipped cream. A bite is taken out of the pie.
4.77 from 21 votes

Healthy Sweet Potato Pie

This easy and healthy sweet potato pie is made with coconut sugar, coconut cream and fresh sweet potatoes. It’s dairy-free, vegan and can easily be made gluten-free as well.
View Healthy Sweet Potato Pie
Brownie bites on a white plate.
3.80 from 20 votes

Sweet Potato Brownie Bites

Sneak some veggies into your brownies with these vegan + gluten-free sweet potato brownie bites. No one has to know the secret ingredient!
Slice of vegan pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.
4.44 from 46 votes

Vegan Tofu Pumpkin Pie

For this delicious vegan pumpkin pie, silken tofu replaces the eggs and dairy and the filling is put into a flavorful and nutty oatmeal pecan crust.
View Vegan Tofu Pumpkin Pie
Hand holding an apple crumble bar.
4.41 from 40 votes

Healthy Apple Crumble Bars

These healthy apple crumble bars are vegan, gluten-free, and made with wholesome ingredients and fresh apples. You’ll love the cinnamon apple filling paired with the oatmeal crumble crust and topping!
View Healthy Apple Crumble Bars
An overhead shot of a baked apple sliced in half with a scoop of ice cream and a caramel drizzle in a shallow bowl with a silver spoon.
3.69 from 47 votes

Baked Apples

These cozy baked apples are filled with a buttery cinnamon sugar oat crumble and super easy to make. Enjoy warm with ice cream and a drizzle of date caramel sauce for the ultimate fall dessert!
View Baked Apples

Thanksgiving Cocktails

These Festive drinks are perfect to sip while enjoying apps and mingling with family.

A large pot containing mulled wine with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise floating in the wine.
4 from 5 votes

Mulled Wine

A simple recipe for mulled wine that is loaded with notes of citrus and warming spices and can be made in your slow cooker or on the stove top. It's cozy, festive and perfect for the holiday season!
View Mulled Wine
Two tall glasses of apple cider mimosas with a cinnamon sugar rim and an apple slice for garnish.
4.75 from 4 votes

Apple Cider Mimosas

These easy apple cider mimosas are made with just two simple ingredients. They are bubbly, festive and perfect for the holiday season.
View Apple Cider Mimosas
Two glasses filled with vodka cranberry over ice. Each has been topped with a slice of lime and a few whole cranberries.
4.05 from 61 votes

Vodka Cranberry

A light holiday cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, lime and fizzy sparkling water. Toss a few cranberries on top for a festive drink you’ll want to enjoy all season.
View Vodka Cranberry

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About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I can’t wait to make this! This will be my first turkey and I’m a little nervous. What should I use instead of black truffle salt, kosher or table salt? Would it be the same amount?

    Reply

  2. This is such a great round up! The worst part is choosing what to serve… thanks for making it harder 😉 Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  3. Holy bologna I want all of these dishes/drinks on my table. I’ve seen a few of these floating around “that internet thing” (as my dad calls it) but not ALL of these beautiful yummies! Great round up!

    Reply

  6. Thank you for ALL the AMAZING recipes you post, especially this recent post about healthy, vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes! As a vegetarian it is difficult during this time of year, so thank you!

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    Reply

  8. How beautiful are these!? I’m still totally dreaming of that lentil loaf- a must make! Thanks so much for including me with these gorgeous recipes! <3 xoxo

    Reply