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Vegetarians at a family Thanksgiving dinner are accustomed to getting the stink eye, the exasperated sigh, and the classic, “I think these mashed potatoes are meat-free… oh wait, it's made with chicken stock.” On a day that emphasizes indulgence to the point of a bellyache, those who choose to avoid meat are often the odd ones out. But instead of complaining, they slap a smile on their faces and fill up on not-so-satisfying green bean casserole, dinner roles, and pumpkin pie.
Not so this year. Here are 15 of our favorite vegetarian main dishes that are far from boring, tasteless, or the dreaded Tofurkey.
1. Pumpkin Pot Pie
The classic chicken pot pie goes vegetarian and seasonal in this spotlight-stealing dish. Instead of meat, roasted pumpkin, carrots, celery, and kale take center stage. White kidney beans give the dish some protein too. Make the crust a tiny bit healthier by opting for whole-wheat flour and going easy on the Parmesan cheese.
From: EarthyFeast
2. Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
This tasty risotto uses olive oil and vegetable broth to achieve a rich consistency. With an entire butternut squash, this baked dish is an easy way to get your veggies on Thanksgiving Day. Skip the grated Parm to make this meal totally vegan.
From: Cookie&Kate
3. Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed With Eggplant and Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola, eggplant, garlic, and Parm transform these giant 'shrooms into a rich, filling meal. Just swap in some dairy-free cheese if you're trying to make a vegan version.
From: BigOven
4. Thanksgiving Veggie Burger
Eating a burger on Thanksgiving—sacrilege or genius? We say the latter. This all-veggie patty is made from black beans, bell peppers, onions, and spices with some of your favorite Thanksgiving sides on top. It’s just like a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, only on a bun.
From: HappyFoodHealthyLife
5. Swiss Chard, Sweet Potato, and Feta Tart With Teff Crust
This beautiful, healthy tart will definitely upstage the turkey on your Thanksgiving table. Sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, Swiss chard, and feta cheese hit their stride when tucked into a whole-wheat and teff crust (if teff isn't in your pantry, just use regular flour).
From: TheFlourSack
6. Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli
Italian for Thanksgiving? Yes, please. Mix things up with fresh, homemade ravioli filled with seasonal ingredients. Serve 'em with a bit of melted butter and a thin sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
From: NourishByLisa
7. Mushroom Pot Pie
Like a pot pie, this dish is made from layers of pastry wrapped around a tasty filling. Since pastry is, by definition, made from tons of butter, lighten up the filling by using part- or all-skim ricotta and going easy on the butter and olive oil.
From: SavorySimple
8. Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Balsamic Sage Brown Butter
Who said Thanksgiving dinner had to be a meat and potatoes affair? This creative, Italian-inspired dish is a good example of why stepping out of your comfort zone can be smart (and delicious).
From: Salt&Wind
9. Simple Pumpkin Soup
Spice things up at the dinner table by serving—gasp!—soup as a main dish. You can’t go wrong with this flavorful dish made with just six ingredients (and an optional garlic-kale-sesame topping!).
From: Minimalist Baker
10. Warm Autumn Tart
Set a sophisticated tone on Thanksgiving Day with this veggie-loaded tart. Colorful carrots, red onions, sweet potatoes, romanesca, mushrooms, and kale come together to make a dish as healthy as it is beautiful. With a crust made of chickpea and almond flour, this tart is ideal for gluten-free eaters.
From: Green Kitchen Stories
11. Vegetarian Vegetable Stew
Those who are serious about getting their veggies on Thanksgiving should bookmark this fresh stew recipe. Combine onion, carrot, celery, portobello mushrooms, white mushrooms, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, and parsley to make this hearty soup.
From: The Curvy Carrot
12. Roasted Vegetable Galette
Put veggies front and center with this rustic vegetable tart. Colorful carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, and shallots provide plenty of flavor, while the goat cheese crumbles give this dish a salty, rich finish. Experiment with a whole-wheat crust to add some fiber into the mix.
13. Vegan Thanksgiving Wraps
Put veggies front and center with this rustic vegetable tart. Colorful carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, and shallots provide plenty of flavor, while the goat cheese crumbles give this dish a salty, rich finish. Experiment with a whole-wheat crust to add some fiber into the mix.
From: Minimalist Baker
14. Vegan Shepherd's Pie
With a lentil and veggie mix instead of ground beef as its base, this shepherd’s pie is primed for a healthy makeover. This version is vegan, but if you're a cheese-eating vegetarian, we suggest sprinkling some goat cheese on top for an added boost in flavor.
From: Minimalist Baker
15. Quinoa Stuffing With Apple, Sweet Potato, and Hazelnuts
For a side dish that’s filling enough to serve as a main course, look no further. Protein-rich quinoa and hazelnuts provide protein and fat, while sweet potatoes and apples lend this dish fiber and lots of fall flavor.
From: Marla Meridith
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