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    Home » Vegetarian

    Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

    Published: Jun 1, 2022 · Modified: Dec 23, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 3 Comments

    134 shares

    I’ve had so many requests for Vegetarian Thanksgiving Meal Ideas and if you know me, you know I love to plan a menu. While I do have plenty of recipes marked ‘Thanksgiving’ and ‘Holiday’ on the blog--I’m so excited to have all of these festive vegetarian recipes to share in one place.

    Many of these dishes have become part of our family’s Thanksgiving tradition and I hope they bring as much joy and as many happy memories to your table as they have brought to ours!

    vegetarian thanksgiving recipes collage

    I’ve organized this guide by course so you can easily pick one from each category to create an entirely plant-based menu! Or simply fill in where you need a dish or two to round out the meal. Hosting a holiday can be stressful, but menu planning doesn’t have to be! 

    Here you’ll find a variety of flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods. From Thanksgiving classics to favorites with an Indian twist--there’s something here for everyone. As always my recipes come with tips for making substitutions and adjusting spice levels. 

    I often get questions like "What do vegetarians eat for Thanksgiving?" Having a few friends and family members who do not eat meat, over the years I have developed this collection of plant-based recipes that everyone can enjoy. These meatless meals are not only colorful, and packed with nutrition but they are flavorful and hearty.

    Keep this guide handy through the entire holiday season! Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for the perfect dish to bring to a potluck--just refer to the list 🙂

    Happy Thanksgiving!! And scroll to the end of this post to see a sneak peek at my family's menu.

    Love,

    Archana

    Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

    From meatless main dishes to quick and easy appetizers, colorful and tasty salads, classic side dishes, and show stopper desserts. Here are all the recipes you need to for a delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving feast.

    Meatless Main Dishes 

    The Best Whole Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower with Raita

    Whole roasted spicy tandoori cauliflower garnished with pickled onions, buttery pistachios, and crunchy-sweet pomegranate seeds is a show-stopper vegetarian dish for family meals and parties. Served with cooling cucumber raita this tasty and visually inspiring meal is a crowd pleaser.

    Masala Mac and Cheese

    Creamy cozy mac and cheese with a surprise spin! This mouthwatering Spicy Masala Mac n Cheese is cooked with warm flavorful spices that add an exotic taste to the classic dish. My go-to recipe for the holidays!

    Roasted Carrots with herb chutney

    Tender carrots and pearl onions tossed in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and cilantro, roasted to perfection, and topped with a lip-smacking herb chutney! Served over a bed of creamy Greek yogurt and garnished with pistachios, roasted cumin, and pomegranate arils, this stunning vegetarian dish is a show stopper.

    Easy and Elegant Holiday Appetizers 

    As everyone gathers around for the big meal, serve these pre-dinner bites along with a bowl of warming soup. A perfect way to get your dinner party started.

    Creamy Mushroom Tartlets

    There is something so fun and inviting about mini appetizers and finger foods. Don’t they just make a party?? I love seeing my guests happily talking and grazing. All the oohs and ahhs over how cute bite-sized food is. These Mushroom Tartlets are so tasty, extremely easy to make, and bake in just 6-8 minutes so you can keep those plates full.

    Aloo Chaat in Phyllo Cups

    A stunning contrast of colors and a crispy tang are the hallmarks of this visually delightful and incredibly delicious snack. Aloo Chaat in Phyllo Cups is a fusion of the all-time favorite potatoes, sweet-spicy chutneys, and lightly sweetened creamy yogurt. Dressed up in crunchy sev and bright red pomegranate pearls, this tantalizing snack is one of the most easily assembled party popular.

    Jalapeno Corn and Cheese Samosas

    With a simple combo of fresh and frozen ingredients, these Jalapeno Cheese Samosas come together in a flash! A flaky crispy shell holds the spicy, melty cheese filling with little bursts of sweet corn goodness. 

    Butternut Squash Soup 

    This is hands down the most satisfying butternut squash soup and it couldn’t be easier to make. Earthy and mellow with a touch of heat and fresh woodsy rosemary. The secret ingredient-- cream cheese gives this simple soup its luxurious texture.

    Mulligatawny Soup 

    A healthy version of the Indian restaurant favorite Mulligatawny Soup with layers of authentic flavors. Loaded with nutritious veggies, this low-carb recipe uses cauliflower rice and coconut milk to create creamy and satisfying textures and is perfectly spiced with turmeric and garam masala.

    Instant Pot French Onion Soup 

    French Onion Soup is by far the most requested soup for dinner parties with our friends and family. My vegetarian take on this rich and indulgent dish boasts flavors of caramelized onions, toasty buttered croutons, sweet thyme, and of course, melted gooey cheese.

    Favorite Salads 

    Arugula Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing

    What I love about this salad is that each bite is full of variety. No matter what combination you get on your fork, with the peppery arugula, sweet corn, ripe pears, salty parmesan, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy walnuts -- you are guaranteed a delicious mouthful. It’s truly a delight for the senses, both visually appealing and bursting with fresh goodness! 

    Ginger tamarind Brussel Sprouts Salad

    Kale Salad with Almonds

    Finely chopped kale, mixed with sweet grape tomatoes, crunchy almonds, cranberries, parmesan cheese. Drizzled with homemade sweet and tangy salad dressing this is a perfect make-ahead salad that tastes even better over time.

    All about sides! 

    From tender-crisp Brussels Sprouts and cornbread to sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce, these crowd-pleasing holiday sides are sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving meal.

    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

    Be prepared for this festive little side dish to steal the show. Air Fried Brussels Sprouts have a tender bite and savory crispy edges that are just plain addicting. The tangy-sweet balsamic glaze and juicy pops of sour-sweet pomegranate seeds are all that’s needed to make this dish memorable. This is the simplest, fastest(under 30 minutes), and healthiest way to get those charred edges that restaurants do so well.

    Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread | Instant Pot & Oven Recipe

    A perfect combination of sweet and savory, this buttery cheesy Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread is packed with the flavors and earthy aromas of fresh corn and peppers. This cornbread can be made in the Instant Pot or baked in the Oven.

    Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

    A creamy, lightly sweetened sweet potato side dish with the warm aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice is a must-have side dish for holiday dinners. A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe!

    Indian Spiced Crispy Brussels Sprouts

    These Indian Spiced Brussels Sprouts have the wow-factor flavors and textures to make this your new signature side dish for entertaining. Inspired by the bold flavors of pakora, thinly sliced brussels sprouts are tossed with gram flour, turmeric, red Kashmiri chili, ajwain, ground coriander, and garlic.

    Cranberry Apple Sauce

    Cranberry sauce with its sweet and tangy flavors is my favorite Thanksgiving side dish that brightens up the holiday table. This EASY gluten-free, vegan recipe uses only 4 ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes using the Instant Pot! Best of all, check out all the different flavoring options that will make it a memorable dish in your feast.

    Bread Upma

    This Indian Inspired Stuffing is a super easy, vegetarian comfort food that can be made ahead. It’s perfect for soaking up gravies and providing that yummy bready side dish that’s an essential part of Thanksgiving dinner. And for those who like the side dishes more than the mains, this is a must for the holiday menu!!

    Air Fryer Green Beans

    Air Fryer Green Beans are a lightning-quick side dish with awesome flavor and texture. In just 8 minutes you’ll have savory, garlicky green beans that are nicely crisp on the outside and tender inside.

    No Air Fryer? I have also included the stove and oven instructions.

    The BEST Mango Cheesecake

    Heavenly Mango Cheesecake! The smooth textures and flavors of this divine creamy tangy mango cheesecake are elevated with a perfectly crumbly crust for a decadent treat. Best of all, this radiant golden cheesecake is easy to make using the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.

    Cardamom Saffron Trifle with Raspberries & Pistachios

    My take on the traditional English Trifle has delightfully airy cake, fresh berries, cardamom & saffron pudding layered with pistachios and cream. Best of all this elegant dessert is easy to make, fun to look at, and feeds a crowd! Plus, I am sharing all the different variations so you can customize it to your taste.

    Ricotta cheesecake with rose, cardamom and pistachios

    Lighter than the traditional cheesecake, this perfectly sweetened ricotta cheesecake is laced with delicate notes of rose, cardamom, and pistachios that come together effortlessly in the Instant Pot. The cake has a rich luxurious texture from ricotta cheese and the buttery pistachio crust will remind you of the nutty baklava. A must-try recipe that will win everyone's heart over.

    Instant Pot Apple Cake

    This delicious Apple Cake made in the Instant Pot is loaded with fresh apples coated with cinnamon and sugar. As I like to call it, it's a whole lotta apples cooked between cake batter. It's perfectly sweetened and you can use a mix of apples for this delicious cake.

    Homemade Pomegranate Juice

    Sparkly, crisp and vibrant, are the buzzwords that instantly pop in my head when I behold a glass of freshly extracted deep-red pomegranate juice. One of the most refreshing drinks, this sweet and tart juice is superbly satisfying and is a treasure trove of health benefits. 

    Easy Mulled Apple Cider

    A hot cup of mulled apple cider spiced with warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves is a lovely way to welcome guests into your home. This cozy, comforting drink can be enjoyed during the fall season and holidays and will be loved by adults and children.

    Here is a sneak peek of my family's vegetarian Thanksgiving menu

    Is there a vegetarian holiday recipe you would like to see included in this list? Comment below and let me know. I will be happy to work on it and share it with you guys!

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. SD says

      November 22, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      This is an amazing collection of recipes Archana. Thank you for pulling together such a thoughtful and complementing set of recipes! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 22, 2021 at 4:05 pm

        Thank you for the lovely feedback.

        Reply
    2. Susan says

      November 22, 2022 at 11:44 pm

      Thank you for all these lovely recipes! Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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