Plant Based Thanksgiving Menu

Whether roasted, deep-fried, smoked, or air-fried, turkeys have been an edible centerpiece at nearly every Thanksgiving table for generations. But times are changing and this year more than ever families are opting for a plant-based feast full of delicious options. We’ve put together some of our favorite Thanksgiving dishes, plus some tips and swaps to incorporate so your guests can enjoy a plant-based meal that’ll satisfy everyone from first bite to finish.

Appetizers

Dish up appetizers that’ll whet the appetite and give guests a hint of the deliciousness that’s yet to come. Roasted spiced nuts or apple pie spice hummus, are perfect options for anyone who wants to snack on some of the season’s iconic flavors before dinner is served.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides

We all know the real stars of the Thanksgiving Day spread are the sides. Stick with traditional options like cranberry-orange relish and Browned Butter mashed sweet potatoes, or try a fun new twist on classic flavors with a Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce or grilled sweet potato and spinach salad.

Dinner

If you’re not afraid to think outside the box, finding a plant-based Thanksgiving main dish is simple. There are tons of tasty, plant-based items that even the most ardent meat-eaters will want to gobble up. Try serving a Toasted Walnut Hasselback Butternut Squash or a vegan “meatloaf” with fig glaze. Maybe keep things simple and put together these easy Thanksgiving bowls instead. Recipes that may contain dairy and/or egg can be made plant-based by using swaps below!

Common Plant-Based Swaps

If you’re hosting a purely plant-based Thanksgiving, keep in mind repurposing recipes that call for animal-derived products. Here are a few smart swaps for some common cooking and baking ingredients you can easily incorporate:

• Instead of butter, use plant-based butter or coconut oil
• Instead of eggs, make flax or chia “eggs” by mixing 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal or chia seeds + 1.5 Tbsp water in a small bowl and let rest for 5 minutes to thicken
• Instead of cream, sub in light canned coconut milk
• Instead of cheese, use nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor

Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes

Ready to prep your menu? We’ve gathered some additional Thanksgiving dinner recipes to round out your plant-forward feast.

• Mushroom Crostini with Vegan Cream Cheese
• Plant-based Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Fluff
• Pumpkin Quinoa Stuffed Portabellas
• Plant-Based Banana Cream Pie

^{Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not meant to provide healthcare recommendations. Please see a healthcare provider}