Vegan Thanksgiving

Hello and Happy Thursday, friends! For those of you in the United States, the anticipation of hearty meals and joyful gatherings fills the air–Thanksgiving is just a week away! Today, I thought it would be a good idea to compile some Vegan Thanksgiving ideas for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based feast for the holiday!

If you’re vegan, you’ve likely experienced a less-than-great family gathering for this food-centric holiday. Preparing for a plant-based guest can be challenging for well-meaning grandparents and parents. I’ve been to a few holiday dinners where the only thing I could eat was the dish I brought. I learned early on to make several batches of sausage stuffing when going to family dinners because I knew I wanted a lot for myself, and everyone else loved it too. I do enjoy the opportunity to share my dishes with others, though.

Especially for new vegans, it can be overwhelming to come up with a whole feast reminiscent of what we all know and love as a Thanksgiving feast. Below you’ll see some ideas to help you plan your menu!

The Main Course:

Stuffed Acorn Squash:
Begin your feast with the rich flavors of stuffed acorn squash. This recipe From Budget Bytes looks so good and is very healthy also. Wild rice, cranberries and walnuts fill roasted acorn squash. Click here for her recipe.

Vegan Wellington:
Trade the traditional turkey for a show-stopping vegan Wellington. Puff pastry envelops layers of savory mushrooms, lentils, and herbs, creating a centerpiece that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. This is a beautiful recipe from Rainbow Plant Life.

Vegan Turkey

This absolutely stunning creation is from Jessica in the Kitchen. If you’re looking for a realistic faux turkey centerpiece, try her recipe out!

Side Dishes:

Roasted Delicata with Balsamic Glaze

Last year, I shared this roasted delicata squash. It hits the spot with lovely autumnal flavors and a lighter feel. The balsamic glaze takes it to the next level.

Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots:
Elevate your Thanksgiving table with these colorful roasted carrots. A drizzle of maple glaze enhances the natural sweetness of carrots. This recipe is from Inspired Edibles.

Mashed Cauliflower:
Give a healthy twist to the classic mashed potatoes by substituting cauliflower. This velvety dish from Minimalist Baker is a delightful alternative.

Wild Rice and Cranberry Pilaf:
Create a refreshing side with a wild rice salad featuring tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. This dish from The Recipe Critic adds color and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. To veganize her recipe, simply use veggie or no-chicken broth to cook the rice.

Green Bean Almondine:
Elevate simple green beans by sautéing them with almonds and lemon zest. The crunch of almonds and the citrusy brightness bring a burst of freshness to the table. This recipe from The Genetic Chef is simple and looks beautiful!

Desserts:

Pumpkin Cheesecake:
No Thanksgiving is complete without a pumpkin dessert. Opt for a vegan version with this lovely no-bake pumpkin cheesecake from the incredible Gretchen of Gretchen’s Vegan Bakery! Her recipes are always a sure win.

Cranberry Orange Sorbet:
Refresh your palate with a light and tangy cranberry orange sorbet. It’s a delightful way to end the meal, satisfying your guests but not overly stuffing them! This one comes from A Family Feast.

Gratitude and Reflection:

Beyond the delectable dishes we make and serve, a vegan Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on the values of compassion, sustainability, and gratitude. Eating plant-based and sharing my creations and cooking techniques with you brings me so much joy, and I’m grateful to be doing it!

I also like to reflect with my family on how we make a positive difference by eating the way we do. And with a selection of countless delicious recipes like the ones above, we can do it without the feeling like we’re missing out!

I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving meal surrounded by loved ones. Thanks for being here.