6 Tasty Vegan Thanksgiving options (that aren’t tofurkey)

By: Jordyn Cormier From Care2

Stressed about hosting a vegan or vegetarian this Thanksgiving? You shouldn’t be. First things first, there are a lot of foods on the traditional Thanksgiving table that are already vegetarian (and can easily be made vegan by omitting dairy). In fact, the vast majority of foods on the Thanksgiving table are very vegan-friendly.

But, what about the main dish? If you are having a hard time coming up with vegan dishes to act as an alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, don’t feel like you need to go out and buy some Tofurkey. Here are some delicious, whole food vegan main dish ideas that everyone at your table will love!

VEGAN THANKSGIVING OPTIONS

Whole cauliflower head to be roasted in blue cast-iron pan

1. WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Missing out on the centerpiece of your table? Replace your turkey with a majestic head or two of protein-dense roasted cauliflower. You can even carve it like a traditional turkey, if you want.

Not only is whole roasted cauliflower easy to make, but it looks super impressive.

2. MAPLE PARSNIP AND CHESTNUT WELLINGTON

Root veggies and chestnuts wrapped in a sheet of puff pastry—what’s not to love?! This is a great vegan recipe, but maybe add some more spices and nix the maple syrup, if you’re looking for a more savory main course.

When it’s dinner time, grab a slice and drizzle on some veggie gravy. (Pot pies are also a good option, if you’re unfamiliar with wellingtons.)

3. BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO

Sure, you can’t carve it like a turkey, but it’s still utterly an delicious vegan Thanksgiving entree. Smooth, creamy, and divinely flavorful, this risotto is sure to be the star of your feast-day plate. Skip the grated parmesan to make this dish totally vegan.

4. ROASTED VEGETABLE GALETTE

If you cut the goat cheese (or replace it with homemade vegan goat cheese), these roasted vegetables wrapped in a flaky crust will make carnivores and vegetarians alike drool. Make enough to share with your non-vegan friends. It’s Thanksgiving, after all.

Stuffed butternut squash with chickpeas, cranberries, quinoa cooked in nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon. Thanksgiving dinner recipe. Vegan healthy seasonal fall or autumn food

5. TWICE BAKED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH QUINOA, SPINACH + ROSEMARY

This belly-filling squash comes with its own tasty stuffing! Presented in a beautiful half squash, get ready to spoon out all the goodness.

Creamy pumpkin soup in a wooden bowl

6. CREAMY PUMPKIN SOUP

Why not turn traditions on their head a bit by enjoying a warm and creamy soup as your main dish? A little bit of nourishing pumpkin and coconut cream can make you forget all about those roasted birds. This recipe is a great place to start.

Remember, it’s not the food that makes Thanksgiving. It’s the people you surround yourself with. Don’t stress about a vegan Thanksgiving—with a few minor considerations and modifications, everyone will be happy. No Tofurkey needed.

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