Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas: Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes for a Delicious Feast

Thanksgiving is a time to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy an incredible meal with loved ones. But if you’re vegetarian or vegan—or hosting someone who is—crafting a plant-based Thanksgiving menu can feel like a challenge. Fear not! A healthy, satisfying vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving is easier than ever with these delicious recipes.

1. Starters and Appetizers

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy, dairy-free soup is a warm and comforting way to start the meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 butternut squash (peeled and diced)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until fragrant.
  2. Add butternut squash and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
  3. Simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth. Stir in coconut milk and season with spices.

Stuffed Mushrooms
A bite-sized favorite packed with flavor and nutrients.

• Ingredients:
  • Large mushrooms (stems removed)
  • 1 cup spinach (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond meal
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Sauté spinach and garlic until wilted.
  2. Mix breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper with the spinach mixture.
  3. Stuff mushrooms and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

2. Main Dishes

Vegan Lentil Loaf
This protein-packed centerpiece is the perfect substitute for a traditional roast.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
  • Spices: thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix all ingredients in a food processor until combined but slightly chunky.
  3. Press mixture into the loaf pan and top with ketchup or BBQ sauce.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes, let cool, and slice.

Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
A visually stunning dish that doubles as a show-stopping main course.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 acorn squashes (halved and seeded)
  • 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Roast squash halves at 400°F for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix cooked quinoa, cranberries, pecans, parsley, and olive oil in a bowl.
  3. Stuff the roasted squash and return to the oven for 10 minutes.

3. Sides to Savor

Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy, and entirely dairy-free!

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 1/2 cup almond milk or oat milk
  • 3 tbsp vegan butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Boil potatoes until tender, then drain.
  2. Mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze
A caramelized delight that’s irresistible.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts (halved)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy and caramelized.

4. Sweet Endings

Vegan Pumpkin Pie
A classic dessert made with plant-based ingredients.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 pre-made vegan pie crust
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix all filling ingredients and pour into the pie crust.
  3. Bake for 45–50 minutes and let cool before serving.

Cranberry Orange Sorbet
A light and refreshing end to your feast.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
• Instructions:
  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Freeze in an airtight container for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Make This Thanksgiving Unforgettable

With these vegetarian and vegan recipes, your Thanksgiving feast will be a hit with everyone at the table. Celebrate the holiday with healthy, flavorful dishes that honor gratitude and wellness.

For more plant-based inspiration, check out the Pump It Up Magazine Wellness Section and let us help you craft meals that bring joy to your loved ones.