Thanksgiving is around the corner and many of us have at least one Vegetarian at the dinner table these days – in my case, my partner and daughter, Jenna. So if you’re like me, you’re always looking for a vegetarian dish or two to make – and not just for the vegetarians.
We’ve put together a few of our favourite Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas for soups, salads, main dishes, stuffings, potatoes, other sides, enhancers and desserts – almost all make ahead and many under 30 minutes.
Hope you find something you like. Happy Thanksgiving!
Jenna and Cheryl, Two Kooks in the Kitchen
Red Lentil Vegetable Soup with Lemon get the recipe
Thick, rich, flavourful and healthy. Almost a meal by itself so you just need a cup or mini cup for Thanksgiving dinner.
Vegan Squash, Sweet Potato and Mandarin Soup get the recipe
Blends vegetables, orange-y citrus notes and creamy, dairy-free coconut milk. Eye popping and luxurious. Top with toasted nuts or croutons.
Vibrant Beet Spinach and Quinoa Salad get the recipe
A bold, colourful, earthy, nutritious, textured salad or side dish. Beet, spinach and quinoa are mixed with apple and avocado, then dressed with a light honey Dijon dressing.
Quinoa and Glazed Butternut Squash Salad get the recipe
Hearty, healthy salad that can be served as a main vegetarian dish or side dish. The beautiful colours make it a perfect dish for a buffet table or holiday dinner party.
Savoury Vegetable Strudel with Goat Cheese get the recipe
A delicious medley of sweet potatoes, onion, peppers, apple, spinach & goat cheese wrapped in a flaky buttery puff pastry. Try serving it with peach chutney (recipe below).
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Risotto get the recipe
Creamy and rich even though it contains no dairy. And so easy to make.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Fresh Grape Relish get the recipe
A beautiful centerpiece for a Thanksgiving table with its bright fruity zesty topping. Serve it with quinoa or couscous for a main vegetarian dish. Or as a side on its own.
Vegetable Quinoa Stuffing get the recipe
A great alternative to traditional stuffing and loaded with sweet potatoes and other vegetables.
Savoury Stuffing (traditional) get the recipe
In addition to the usual bread, onions, broth and savoury seasonings, we add celery, water chestnuts for crunch and optional other vegetables and apples if you like. This has been my standard for over 30 years.
Mashed Potatoes (traditional) get the recipe
Light, fluffy and creamy. If you want to keep things really traditional, serve them with gravy – vegetarian of course (recipe below).
Maple-Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pecans get the recipe
The combination of pure maple syrup, fresh lime and toasted pecans elevate these roasted sweet potatoes to a wickedly good dish.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Peppers and Eggplant get the recipe
The sweet potatoes and apples add sweetness, the eggplant and peppers add creaminess and the rosemary adds a deep earthy tone. Great combination and yummy comfort food without a lot of fuss.
Green Beans with Lemon-Garlic Panko Crumbs get the recipe
Vibrant, colourful, make-ahead side dish with classic flavours and some good crunch.
Roasted Honey-Thyme Carrots (traditional) get the recipe
Simple carrots a little jazzed up with honey or maple syrup and thyme. Keep them whole for a lovely presentation.
Spiralized Butternut Squash With Balsamic Butter get the recipe
If you buy pre-spiralized butternut squash, this side dish is beyond simple. Stir fry with butter, Balsamic, soy and garlic to make a delicious sauce.
Roasted Cauliflower with Orange Balsamic Drizzle get the recipe
An easy, jazzed-up side dish with a touch of rich, earthy tangy-sweetness.
Excellent Vegetarian Gravy (traditional) get the recipe
Gravy can be enjoyed by vegetarians too. This one is quick and easy and delicious on mashed potatoes.
Peach Chutney (30 minutes) get the recipe
Sweet-tangy, spiced to taste and loaded with fresh peaches and dried cranberries (pears can be substituted). And no canning needed.
Frozen Chocolate Coconut Mousse With Warm Caramel Sauce get the recipe
Elegant and sinfully rich, this dessert is simply sensational. Your guests will groan with pleasure.
Apple Cake With Caramel Bourbon Sauce get the recipe
Really popular. The caramel-bourbon sauce is addictive. Just a drizzle goes a long way.
Key Lime Icebox Cups (no bake) get the recipe
With just 4 ingredients, this simple dessert is a twist on the old chocolate wafer icebox/zebra cake and key lime pie. Silky, rich, creamy, decadent. Not a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, definitely rave-worthy.
Super Moist Carrot and Pineapple Cake get the recipe
A crowd-pleasing, super moist cake packed with extra flavour from walnuts, coconut and a classic cream cheese icing.