35+ Meatless Thanksgiving Recipes
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on May 16, 2024
Thanksgiving is just two days away! What are you making? We’re attending a big family dinner and everyone is bringing a dish—we’ve been asked to bring this arugula and wild rice salad again this year. Whether you’re vegetarian/vegan or interested in fun veggie-forward dishes, I hope you’ll discover the perfect last-minute recipe in this roundup.
You’ll find plenty of colorful main dishes in the list. From veggie lasagna to stuffed acorn squash, these recipes will appeal to everyone. My cookbook, Love Real Food, offers some delicious entrées as well: Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (page 144), Roasted Eggplant Lasagna (page 163), and Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas, and Herbed Tahini Sauce (page 186).
You’ll also find hearty green salads, many of which could serve as a main in sufficient quantity. Plus creamy soups, a whole section for potatoes and sweet potatoes, and more savory side dishes. The recipes that are gluten free and/or vegan are labeled accordingly.
At the end of the post, you’ll find links to recipes that will round out Thanksgiving Day, including breakfast options and appetizers. Check out Thanksgiving-worthy cocktails here. For even more ideas, see my full Thanksgiving archives or use the search bar if you’re looking for something in particular. Enjoy!
Vegetarian Main Dishes
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This is the best recipe I have tried this year. It was scrumptious. I am going to incorporate this as a new side dish for my Thanksgiving meal.” – Rita
Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas & Herbed Crème Fraiche
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this with Christmas dinner and wow this was certainly my signature dish! It was scrumptious and so pretty. I was so intrigued by it, I had to make it and so glad I did!” – Leslie
Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin
Easily gluten free
“I made this for dinner last night, and my very non-vegetarian “meat and potatoes” boyfriend loved it (and so did I)! He even asked to have the leftovers for lunch today. :) Thanks for all the delicious and healthy recipes!” – Rach
Best Vegetable Lasagna
Potentially gluten free
“I just made this for a special family dinner. We ALL voted it by far the best lasagna ever! Everyone went back for seconds. :) Thank you so much for this delicious recipe! I followed your directions exactly and even doubled it for extras this week. I’m so glad I did! I will definitely be making this often for friends and family.” – Lee Anne and the Laskey Crew
Easy Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This is among the best risotto I have ever eaten. Even my risotto-phobic daughter was sneaking seconds. I’ve made it according to the recipe’s directions, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I have also switched it around and given it a fresh thyme and Sherry flavouring, which was just as delightful. Thank you for such a fabulous recipe. I love when they’re both nutritious and delicious – a common combination on C and K. Thank you again.” – Chelsea
Creamy Roasted Brussels Sprout and Quinoa Gratin
Easily gluten free
“We made this for Thanksgiving and it was the big hit of the meal! We’re definitely adding it to our rotation.” – Deb
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Gluten free and easily vegan
“A big 5 star plus for this recipe! I served this for a fall dinner and it looked so beautiful on the table. It’s beauty was matched by great flavour and texture. So enjoyable and artistic.” – Frances
Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables
Easily gluten free
“Omg, this turned out so well, and even my non-vegetarian friends were raving. I was looking for what was seasonal and cheap at the market, so ended up with red bell pepper, cauliflower and sweet potato. A keeper!” – Kate
Hearty Green Salads
Pomegranate & Pear Green Salad with Ginger Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This. Salad. Is. Everything.
Seriously, this is so good. I will be making it forever. Thank you.” – Debbi
Honey Mustard Brussels Sprout Slaw
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I had to work this Thanksgiving – it’s the first time I haven’t been home in Virginia, and a good friend of mine invited me to join her at her family’s celebration this year. I brought this dish along, and it was such a huge hit that her family applauded me at the dinner table! I just wanted to say thanks for sharing this one – loved it.” – Devon
Favorite Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries and Pepitas
Gluten free and easily vegan
“A favorite in our house, we eat this salad at least once a week!” – Sherie
Hearty Sweet Potato, Arugula & Wild Rice Salad with Ginger Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“My husband first said “this is one of the best salads you’ve ever eaten, right?” followed definitively by “this is the best salad I’ve ever had.” Thank you for this phenomenal recipe, Kate!!! “Meal in a bowl” is right!” – Jill
Homemade Caesar Salad
Vegetarian (anchovy-free)
“This salad dressing is amazing. I double the recipe so I can use it for several days.” – Heidi
Balsamic Butternut, Kale and Cranberry Panzanella
Easily vegan
“Made this tonight for the fam- this recipe is booming with flavor! Filling. Tasty. Everyone loved it! Can’t wait to make it again :)” – Sara
Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad with a Zippy Lemon Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I have made this salad so many times – everyone loves it – kids, adults, veggie and meat lovers alike. Thank you!!” – Eija
Roasted Delicata Squash, Pomegranate and Arugula Salad
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Really impressed with this recipe. This was the first time I had ever cooked Delicata squash. I was very nervous that the outside would be hard or not tasty, but it was completely soft and delicious. Everything in the salad went together really well. My husband and I both loved this. Easy enough to put together on a weeknight, but it looks fancy enough to serve when people come over. I can’t wait to make this again!” – Andrea
Hearty Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Salad
Easily gluten free and vegan
“I have made this salad so many times; it’s become a go-to recipe for me. Thank you! I’ve never even roasted apples before! I love that trick.” – Josie
Autumn Kale Salad with Fennel, Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese
Gluten free
“I don’t want to sound dramatic, but this salad could possibly be life changing. No, ya know what, I’m going to say it….. this is the best salad I have ever had in my entire life, and I have had A LOT of salad. Thank you so much!” – Lindsay
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This has to be my all time favorite salad! Such an easy recipe to follow that I make it every week.” – Sharon
Farro and Kale Salad with Goat Cheese
Gluten free and vegan options available
“I made this tonight and it was really good! I like kale in theory more than actuality, but fixed this way it was so tender and flavorful. I will be making this again.” – Elizabeth
Shredded Brussels Sprouts & Arugula Salad with Sunshine Dressing
Gluten free
“Want you to know I love this recipe! I’ve never toasted my own pecans before and the aroma is glorious. Chopped brussels go so well in a salad and this will be a regular in my weekly dinner recipes!” – Jessie
Creamy Fall Soups
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I just made this soup for my family. I think it is the best soup I have ever made. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.” – Christa
Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Omg this is the best cauliflower soup recipe I have ever made and I have made a lot. This will definitely go into my soup rotation. Thank you Cookies and Kate for providing such great tasting recipes.” – Angie
Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Gluten free and vegan
“Oh my gosh!! Best soup I’ve made in a long time! I live in Reno, NV and it’s finally Fall like weather. I figured it was a good time to make a comfort soup, and this Roasted Pumpkin Soup hit the spot! Thank you for the recipe! I will definitely be sharing with my family and friends” – Julie
Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes
Lucille’s Mashed Potatoes
Gluten free
This is my family’s go-to mashed potatoes recipe! I hope it makes an appearance on your holiday table.
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Gluten free and potentially vegan
“Wow! I was really skeptical about this recipe, but asked my three children if they wanted this recipe or a sweeter sweet potato recipe, and they picked this one! So I had to give it a try. This will definitely be our go-to for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners! Absolutely wonderful. Thank you!” – Kimberly
Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Once you sent this recipe, I knew I had to make it for Thanksgiving—roasted sweet potatoes (which I did the day before), maple syrup, pecans—yum! It was a delicious recipe that went directly into my Thanksgiving file. Thanks for helping to make our small gathering meal memorable! Hope you had a nice day as well.” – Bea
Kale Colcannon
Gluten free and potentially vegan
“The family loved this version of Colcannon…it had a nice tang and was a good addition to our potluck dinner. Next time I will half the recipe for just my husband and I.” – Mary
Perfect Roasted Potatoes
Gluten free and vegan
“Love the ease, simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe – I’ve now made it a bunch of times and no matter what I do, it always turns out!” – Jennifer
Best Baked Potato
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Fabulous! I have my new “forever” way of preparing baked potatoes. Thank you!!” – Nancy
More Vegetarian Side Dishes
Best Ever Green Beans
Gluten free & easily vegan
“I made this last night and it was terrific! You can’t go wrong with shallots, butter, and lemon. Will definitely make this again – thank you for the recipe!” – Valerie
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Made these the other night with some stuffed chicken and rice. It was delicious. Even the boyfriend enjoyed them. We enjoy roasted Brussels sprouts, but the addition of the walnuts, cranberries and balsamic vinegar was a nice change. Thank you for sharing!” – Robin
Fresh Creamed Spinach
Gluten free
“I made this for Thanksgiving and it was delicious. Even a relative who claimed she does not like spinach devoured it with gusto.” – Ali
Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
Gluten free (see other flavor variations provided in post for vegan options)
“Just made the roasted carrots, wow! These were fantastic.” – Michael
Honey Butter Cornbread
“Ok!! This recipe is replacing every other cornbread recipe i have!! It is SO GOOD! We made this recipe with gluten free flour, almond milk and a non-dairy substitute for the butter – since 3 people at our house can’t eat dairy products, and it turned out AMAZING! We ate it fresh from the oven! Absolutely incredible!! Definitely recommending this one!” – Kate
Almost Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Easily gluten free
“I made this last night for our ‘Friendsgiving’ dinner, and it was the hit! Everyone absolutely loved it. :) It’s what the classic recipe has been asking for—fresh green beans and lots of flavor. Thank you for such a fantastic recipe!” – Leah
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Easily gluten free; vegan
“I made this at my daughters request and have to admit I was skeptical as we are neither vegan or vegetarian. It was awesome, all three of my children and my wife raved about it, we will definitely be making this again.” – Patrick
Easy Honey Butter
Gluten free
“Whipped up a double batch of Honey Butter to serve with rolls for Easter today. Delicious! The subtle sweetness was a special addition; a lovely and delicate spread! Thank you!” – Beth
Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This is my second year making this. DELICIOUS! I eat most of it. I make it a few days in advance. My whole family enjoys it. Thank you!” – Bev
More Thanksgiving Day Recipes
Appetizers & Snacks
- Baked Jalapeño Poppers
- Cranberry Sauce and Goat Cheese Crostini
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Crostini
- Dukkah (Egyptian nut, seed and spice blend for dipping bread)
- Easy Tapenade
- How to Make a Cheese Board
- Naturally Sweetened Candied Pecans
- Pimento Cheese
- Stovetop Popcorn
- Sweet & Spicy Roasted Party Nuts
- Torn Olives with Almonds, Celery & Parmesan
- Ultra Creamy Hummus
Breakfast & Brunch
- Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal
- Apple & Carrot “Superhero” Muffins
- Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa
- Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Cranberry Orange Steel Cut Oats
- Foolproof French Toast
- Frittatas (Stovetop or Baked)
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oat Pancakes
- Healthy Breakfast Casserole
- Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Chai Lattes
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Oat Waffles
- Pumpkin Pecan Scones with Maple Glaze
- Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes
- Brunch cocktail: Best Mimosa (Plus Tips & Variations!)
- Brunch cocktail: Homemade Bloody Marys
Cookies & Desserts
- Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- Gluten-Free Apple Tart
- Lemon, Rosemary and Olive Oil Shortbread
- Naturally Sweetened Pecan Pie
- Pear Cranberry Crisp
- Peanut Butter Oat Cookies
- Perfect Baked Apples
- Pumpkin Pecan Polvorones
- Spiced Oatmeal Cookies
- Whipped Cream
Thanksgiving Cocktails
- Browse my holiday cocktail recipes here.
Happy Thanksgiving from Cookie and Kate!
What a collection! I love all the colour in your photos – this would make one heck of a Thanksgiving!
Just remember when cooking a vegan meal to use pot or pan that has not been used for meat dish. Most won’t know it but for ethical reasons please don’t use the same roasting pan you cooking chicken in to now roast potatoes or another vegetable.
I would have thought this was a given.
I know it’s not a conventional Thanksgiving flavor profile… but I’m totally making slaw this year. I mean… duh. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Haha, awesome! :D
so many wonderful meatless recipes! Thank you! Also liked your confec sugar post yesterday.
Thanks, KL! :)
Thanks for these great recipes. I’m always looking for gluten free vegetarian recipes that are also soyfree.
You’re welcome, Mary! Your comment reminded me that I don’t have a gluten free, soy free diet page, so I made one for you: https://sooka.info/gluten-free-soy-free-vegetarian-recipes/%3C/a%3E. Hope it’s helpful!
Thanks so much for putting this together for me. It’s a great resource.
You’re welcome, Mary! Happy early Thanksgiving!
We already celebrated thanksgiving last month but Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Great list — I also always make sure to have your cranberry brussel sprouts with the maple vinaigrette on my Thanksgiving table — the cranberries make them so festive!
Thanks, KJ! I love that dish!
Yum! So many great choices here. I do a 90% vegetarian Thanksgiving (the only dish at my table that won’t be vegetarian is the turkey!) so this round-up is full of great ideas for me!
Perfect! Thanks, Liz!
Loving your cran-goat cheese crostini! Would look so beautiful up against the orange sweet potato version I have on my blog today. Would love to plate these two together!
Love these (and all of your recipes!). Menu planning this week so this is going to be SUPER helpful! Thanks, Kate!
So excited for Thanksgiving!! These all look mouth-watering!!
What a fabulous round up! I can’t wait to try that pear and cranberry crisp. That sounds incredible!
Yup! I brought #13 (Brussels Sprout Slaw) to Thanksgiving last year and it was the run-away hit!! I’m for sure bringing a huge bowl of it this year!! :D
I think I am in love with every single recipe on this post! Although I’m not GF or Vegan, I love that these options are so much healthier and lighter in contrast to everything else that is on our Thanksgiving menu ;)
Thanks, Jennifer! These would definitely liven up any table! I can’t stand for beige Thanksgiving plates. ;)
I love so many of your recipes! Another option, while not a Cookieand Kate special, might be a whole roasted cauliflower. It’s delicious and hearty.
Thank you, Lisako! I’ve actually never roasted a whole cauliflower. I think it’s about time!
Thanks Kate! I really want to try the cranberry sauce and goat cheese crostini and the sweet potato and kale soup and…
It looks delicious and healthy!
alll of these look so unique and delish! thanks for sharing!
Such delicious veggie thanksgiving ideas! Everything that I’ve tried making from your blog has been so delicious — I’m always always reusing your recipes, so thank you for sharing your gift with us! Have you ever considered a cookbook? I for one would definitely buy it! xx
Thank you, Hannah! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipes. I have considered a cookbook, stay tuned! :)
This is such a beautiful round up of recipes Kate! I’m sitting at my work desk as I type and I actually got a little happy jump in my stomach as I saw some of my favourites in a happy Thanksgiving mingle (I like to think that they are having a party of their own on this page!). We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving but I’m hosting Christmas this year so I’ve written some notes to add happiness to our Christmas spread. Particularly that bright cranberry spotted cornbread, eep! I’m already imagining it warm with cultured butter xxxx HAPPY THANKSGIVING beautiful!!
All of it looks delicious! However, a note for anyone making the rosemary parmesan sweet potato: double check to make sure you use a vegetarian parmesan (if you’re serving it to veggies), because most parmesan’s are not vegetarian-friendly.
I had been feeling pretty Thanksgiving uninspired, but I am ready to get in the kitchen after seeing these!!
Thank you so much for this great vegetarian-friendly list.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
xo
I have used many of your recipes for Thanksgiving. Great! I would like to make a veggie, fruit w/sweetpotatoes on skewers as a dinner for a friends b’day. Please help me find a good one. :)
How about winter skewers? AAHHAAAAA, life is good!
Hi Frances! That’s such a fun recipe idea. I couldn’t think of a recipe that would fit the bill off the top of my head, so I googled around and didn’t have much luck. This one could be promising? I think the challenge with adding fruit is that the fruit might be done cooking before the sweet potatoes are cooked through. Good luck!
Do you have a cookbook with all recipes that I can purchase?
I don’t yet, but my first cookbook will be for sale next May!
Hi Kate!
I just wanted to tell you that I just got your book! Its wonderful!!
Hi Natalie! I’m glad you love it.
Yum! So many delicious choices…
Thanks, Sara!
Wow, what an awesome list! Thanks for the inspiration, Kate!
Thank you, Tori!
Oh this is awesome. We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving (like everyone else outside the US and Canada :) )but this recipe collection is amazing nonetheless. So many delicious recipes. YUM!
Thanks, Kati! I hope you’ll get a chance to make some of them, just because!
KATE
YOUR RECIPES AND PHOTOS ARE VERY ABSOUTELY AND BEAUTIFUL I LOVE IT. GREAT RECIPES…
Thank you very much, Dawn!
Oh my goodness!!! I am taking notes and pinning like crazy reading over this gorgeous list!! The brussel sprout and quinoa gratin looks to die for!!! I have made your broccoli cheddar quinoa version in the past and it was fab too!! Those roasted carrots look centerpiece worthy! And I want to cut myself a giant slice of your cranberry maple skillet cornbread! Your friends will be very very blessed!
Thank you so much, Maria! I’m glad this list inspired. :)
I love all of the recipes you put together ! Always looking forward to receiving another email in my inbox ;)
These recipes would work so well at a Christmas dinner too! I have to try the quinoa and Brussel sprouts gratin!
Who says Thanksgiving is mainly for meat?! I absolutely LOVE any side dish, especially one that includes sweet potatoes! Loving the look of your pumpkin soup, Brussels sprouts and quinoa, and brown rice risotto!
We do not celebrate thanksgiving here but so many inspiring recipes… Thanks for putting this together
Hi Kate! I just want to say thank you for making my life easier. Your cookbook and blog frequent my weekly meal planning, and the variety of foods and flavors we eat each week are outstanding. I made your West African Peanut Soup last night, and it was incredible! I admit, I was skeptical about a peanut butter based soup, but it was amazing! Thank you for all your hard work and creativity.
Elisa
Elisa, thank you so much for your kind comment. I’m so glad to hear that! Have a wonderful weekend.
Elisa, I’m sorry for the slow response! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m delighted to hear that you’re enjoying my recipes! Have a great weekend!
Wow! What a great selection on recipes! I cannot wait to start cooking! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Jan! Let me know what you think once you give some a try :)
Hi! I didn’t see a link to the roasted cauliflower soup. I know it is in your book but I can’t wait for it to come in the mail.
I wanted to make it for Thanksgiving. I will improvise for now.
I love your recipes!!!
Thank you! Yes, the cookbook is full of great recipes as well. I highly recommend the cauliflower soup when you get the book!
Hi! I didn’t see you link for the recipe for roasted creamy cauliflower soup. Can you send it to me?
Thanks! I love your recipes!!
That recipe is actually in my cookbook, Love Real Food. If you have it, it is on page 94. I highly recommend getting the book :) It makes a great gift!
I am so feeling the butternut squash soup and the risotto. Can’t wait to try them. Yes I am a big butternut squash fan :D Especially in this season.
Let me know what you think when you do, Maja!
Big home run here, Kate, out of the park! Thanks for making it so easy for us, and so tasty.
Thank you, Anthony!!
While I’m not vegetarian, I’m a big fan of vibrant health meals and these all look amazing! Such great inspiration for Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Lisa!
Hi Kate, Bought your cookbook then gave it to my daughter who doesn’t enjoy cooking. Your recipes are easy and taste really good. So it works for her! You are very generous sharing your collection of recipes with subscribers. Never had a failure or something I didn’t like.
Many thanks! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you and Cookie.
Lynda and Ed (my Cookie)
Thanks so much for your support! I’m happy to hear the cookbook helps your daughter and that she enjoys it so much. Have a great holiday season!
Such a fab round up !!
Rebecca
Thank you!
Your recipes look delicious. I’ll have try a few of them. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Thank you, Susan!
Thank you, thank you for this list! I have a sick toddler and an infant at home, hadn’t gotten around to planning anything and this list just saved our thanksgiving. Menu and shopping list done!
You’re very welcome, Alissa! I’m glad the list was helpful! I hope your little ones feel better soon.
I’m going to shop for Thanksgiving’s feast, Lasagna is already in my list. Your veg lasagna looks so delicious and nourishing, maybe I will reconsider this xD meat and turkey would be for other dishes ;)
– Natalie
Thanks for sharing!
Hello Kate. Love your work! The multiple adds and popups are making this post next to impossible to read and enjoy – like having to peer through publicity and videos of all kinds to get to your content. And challenging to write this through popups as well. And so I move on, sorry to have not been able to appreciate your offer. Thought you would like to know
Hi Ginette! Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry you aren’t having a good experience with the blog, but do hope you come back! I am working on updates with my provider.
Hi Ginette, I’m sorry for your frustration. There was an issue with the video player and should be all resolved by the end of the day. My apologies and I appreciate your feedback!
This is my favourite blog for vegetarian ideas but the distraction from videos made me leave the blog… anyone with visual problems like me, find it too difficult to process information . I love your content but not all at once. Every time I “closed” the video another one popped up.
Hi Brenda, I’m sorry to hear that! I appreciate your feedback and hope you still come back to the blog. I’m working on adjustments with my providers.
Hi Brenda. There was an issue with the video player and should be all resolved by the end of the day. My apologies and I appreciate your feedback!
Please, please, please! Those pop-up tutorials while trying to read a post or recipe are so annoying and frustrating!!! I almost unsubscribed and I love these recipes. Is there any way to delete them or disable them or can you make them optional for those who want them only?
Thank you,
Pat
Hi Pat, I’m sorry for your frustration. There was an issue with the video player and should be all resolved by the end of the day. My apologies and I appreciate your feedback!
Thanks ever so much and for actually reading the feedback!!! I had actually copied about a dozen of the Thanksgiving sides, sharing the post with my cousin as well (she is vegetarian and has celiac disease, so loved the recipes). Happy Thanksgiving to all, and God bless.
Pat
Hi Kate, in one word SUPER. Unfortunately I only have 10 day holiday ahead, how can I ever cook so much recipes :-) Thank you for posting and sharing !!! happy holidays
You’re welcome, Rob!
What?? Oh my goodness! Our family went plant-based last March and we haven’t looked back, but with Thanksgiving coming we were stumped. This holiday starts a new, meatless tradition for us, but I was afraid I wasn’t going to find enough options to make this Thanksgiving. Now I don’t know how to PARE DOWN THIS AMAZING LIST! Thanks so much for sharing these amazing recipes! Now how to decide…