12 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas If You Don’t Want Meat on Turkey Day
No meat necessary!
As Thanksgiving draws near, it’s time to rethink the traditional turkey-centric feast. Whether you’re a vegetarian, trying to eat less meat, or just bored of the holiday classics, we invite you to have fun with the menu and add more veggies to your Thanksgiving table.
Explore a dozen vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes for show-stopping mains and hearty sides—no meat necessary.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta With Leeks
Here, frozen mashed butternut squash gets thawed and mixed with half-and-half, frizzled leeks, and sage to create a velvety pasta sauce.
Sheet Pan Pierogies With Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Shallots, and Mustard Dressing
A one-pan wonder, this recipe combines store-bought pierogies, roasted Brussels sprouts, shallots, and a tangy mustard dressing for a satisfying and easy Thanksgiving dish. Just make sure to buy pierogies with vegetarian fillings, like potato or cheese, instead of the meat varieties.
Ricotta Roll-Ups in Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
Think of this dish as a modern vegetarian lasagna, perfect for fall. Creamy and sweet, the ricotta filling and pumpkin sauce pair together beautifully.
Farro and Squash Salad
Victor Protasio
This wholesome, make-ahead side features nutty farro and grilled summer squash, with basil and Parmesan for an Italian twist.
Mushroom and Burrata Orzotto
Greg DuPree
Elevate your Thanksgiving menu with a quick-cooking orzotto, which is exactly what it sounds like: risotto made with orzo. This version includes roasted mushrooms and creamy burrata, and is sure to be a fan-favorite.
Related: 24 Delicious Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes (Because You Deserve a Holiday, Too)
Butternut Squash Bake With Wild Rice
Creamy and filling, this recipe works well as a vegetarian main and has a distinctly autumnal flavor thanks to the earthy mushrooms, butternut squash, and rosemary.
Maple Roasted Vegetables
A generous drizzle of maple syrup not only sweetens autumn veggies, but also encourages caramelization as they roast in the oven.
Gnocchi With Corn and Miso
Fred Hardy
Bathe pillowy gnocchi in a miso-infused corn sauce for a delightful, unexpected punch of sweetness and umami.
Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries
This festive pilaf showcases wild rice, mushrooms, and sweet, tangy cranberries for a vibrant Thanksgiving side dish.
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Anything but boring, this Brussels sprouts salad recipe is a masterclass in balance, with pecans, dried cranberries, and shaved cheese to hit every note. It’s ideal for a gathering, because you can start the cooking process in advance.
Related: 14 Delicious Thanksgiving Sides to Complete Your Turkey Day Feast
Squash, Mushroom, and Kale Soup With Dill
Keep cozy with a hearty vegetarian soup, brimming with squash, mushrooms, kale, and orzo. Finish the soup with dill for a fresh, aromatic finishing touch.
Grilled Honeynut Squash Salad
Christopher Testani
Elevate your salad game with grilled honeynut squash, which offers a sweet, smoky twist on the classic autumn vegetable.
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