One of the biggest challenges for many people during Thanksgiving is sticking to their dietary preferences or restrictions. But with the growing popularity of veganism, there are now plenty of delicious and creative options for a plant-based Thanksgiving feast. From savory main dishes to decadent desserts, here are 35 vegan recipes from The Oregonian that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Sugar, Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy a delicious meal together. And what better way to kick off the festivities than with a refreshing Thanksgiving cider sangria? This cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of warm autumn spices. It's sure to be a hit with your guests and will add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.
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Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without cranberry sauce. This tangy and sweet condiment pairs perfectly with turkey and all the trimmings. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make at home. Simply combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan, and cook until the berries burst and the sauce thickens. Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to balance out all the rich and heavy Thanksgiving food, look no further than this Thanksgiving slaw. Made with a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and apples, and dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, this slaw is a refreshing addition to any Thanksgiving spread. Plus, the crunch of the apples adds a nice texture to the meal.
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Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Ginger Ale, Red Apple, Green Apple, Navel
Looking to impress your guests with a festive and delicious Thanksgiving cocktail? Try this Thanksgiving punch, made with a mix of apple cider, cranberry juice, and spiced rum. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation. This punch is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will keep the holiday spirits flowing all night long.
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Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Garlic
Vegans and vegetarians, rejoice! This Thanksgiving meatless loaf is a delicious and hearty alternative to traditional turkey. Made with lentils, mushrooms, and a blend of savory herbs and spices, this loaf is packed with flavor and will satisfy even the most carnivorous of guests. Serve with a side of vegan gravy for the ultimate plant-based Thanksgiving feast.
Forget wine, cider is the ultimate Thanksgiving beverage. Not only is it a refreshing and delicious choice, but it also pairs perfectly with all the classic Thanksgiving dishes. Serve a variety of ciders, from dry to sweet, and let your guests mix and match to their liking. And don't forget to include a non-alcoholic option for those who prefer to skip the booze.
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Thanksgiving Sangria
Main Ingredients: Cabernet Sauvignon, Apple Cider, Red Apples, Green
For a twist on traditional Thanksgiving cider, try this Thanksgiving sangria. Made with a mix of apple cider, red wine, and a splash of brandy, this sangria is a delicious and festive addition to any holiday gathering. Add in some fall fruits like apples and pears for an extra burst of flavor and color.
This Thanksgiving lentil salad is a great option for those looking for a lighter, healthier side dish. Made with lentils, roasted sweet potatoes, and a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad is packed with protein and nutrients. Plus, the vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to any Thanksgiving table.
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Thanksgiving Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Olive Oil, Salt, Cracked Pepper, Wild
For a vegetarian main dish that's both delicious and visually stunning, try this Thanksgiving wild rice stuffed acorn squash. The squash halves are filled with a flavorful mix of wild rice, cranberries, and toasted pecans, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, the presentation is sure to impress your guests.
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Thanksgiving Vegetable Crescent Roll Ring
Main Ingredients: Shallots, Vegetable Oil, Sea Salt, Garlic, Mushrooms
Looking for a creative and tasty way to serve up your Thanksgiving veggies? Try making this Thanksgiving vegetable crescent roll ring. The flaky crescent rolls encase a mix of sautéed vegetables, creating a delicious and unique side dish. Plus, the ring shape adds a fun and festive touch to the meal.
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Pure Maple Syrup, Juice
If you've only ever had cranberry sauce from a can, you're missing out. Making your own homemade cranberry sauce is surprisingly easy and oh-so-delicious. Plus, you can customize the flavors to your liking, adding a touch of ginger or orange zest for a unique twist. Your Thanksgiving guests will be impressed with your culinary skills.
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Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving Dinner
Main Ingredients: Frozen Cranberries, Oranges, White Sugar, Ginger
Looking for the perfect cranberry sauce to serve with your Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further than this recipe. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a hint of maple syrup, this sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. And the best part? It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until Thanksgiving dinner.
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Thanksgiving Apple Cider Brandy Punch
Main Ingredients: Apples, Cranberries, Apple Cider, Brandy, Cava, Nutmeg
This Thanksgiving apple cider brandy punch is the perfect cocktail to serve during the holiday season. The warm flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and cloves are complemented by the spicy kick of brandy. Top it off with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive touch. Your guests will keep coming back for more.
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World's Best Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Orange Juice, Sugar, Nutmeg, Vanilla
Not to toot our own horn, but this cranberry sauce may just be the world's best. Made with a mix of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of honey, this sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. And the best part? It's ready in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
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Pomegranate Stuffing and 1920′s Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Pomegranate, Olive Oil, Raisins, Chopped Celery, Green
If you're looking to add a little history to your Thanksgiving dinner, try making this pomegranate stuffing, inspired by the traditional Thanksgiving dishes of the 1920s. The pomegranate seeds add a burst of color and flavor, while the sage and thyme bring a touch of nostalgia.
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Thanksgiving Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Haricot Vert, Olive Oil, Shallot, Garlic Cloves
Green beans are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but why not elevate them with a little extra flavor? This recipe for Thanksgiving green beans adds a touch of garlic and lemon for a bright and tangy twist. And for an extra indulgent treat, top them off with some crispy bacon pieces.
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Homemade Pumpkin Purée
Main Ingredients: Sugar Pumpkin, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Allspice, Cloves
Forget the canned pumpkin puree, making your own at home is easy and adds a fresh and delicious twist to your Thanksgiving dishes. Simply roast a pumpkin until tender, then puree in a food processor until smooth. Use it in your favorite pumpkin recipes, like pies, breads, and even pancakes.
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Vegan Thanksgiving Casserole
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Cashews, Whole Wheat Bread, Vegetable Broth
This vegan Thanksgiving casserole is a filling and flavorful main dish option for those following a plant-based diet. Made with a mix of quinoa, chickpeas, and vegetables, and topped with a creamy cashew sauce, this casserole is sure to satisfy. And the best part? It's packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
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Roasted Vegan Thanksgiving Feast Platter
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Butternut Squash, Cauliflower
For a beautiful and impressive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, try making this roasted vegan feast platter. It's made with a variety of roasted vegetables, like brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots, and topped with a tangy balsamic glaze. The colors and flavors of this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Thanksgiving "Risotto"
Main Ingredients: Fresh Cranberries, Onion, Carrots, Low Sodium Vegetable
For a unique take on traditional risotto, try making this Thanksgiving "risotto". Instead of rice, this recipe uses cauliflower rice for a lighter and healthier option. And the addition of butternut squash and sage gives this dish a festive and flavorful twist. Your guests won't even miss the rice!
The Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
1. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Mushroom Gravy
This dish is sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Thick slices of cauliflower are marinated in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, then roasted to perfection. Topped with a rich and savory mushroom gravy, this dish is hearty and satisfying, making it the perfect alternative to a traditional turkey.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a sweet potato dish, and this vegan version is sure to please. Creamy sweet potatoes are topped with a crunchy and sweet pecan streusel, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time and simply bake before serving.
3. Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd's Pie
This hearty and comforting dish is a must-have for any Thanksgiving feast. Lentils and mushrooms are cooked in a flavorful broth and topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. It's a satisfying main dish that will have even the meat-eaters at your table asking for seconds.
4. Vegan Gravy
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without gravy, and this vegan version is just as rich and flavorful as the traditional version. Made with a homemade vegetable broth and flavored with herbs and spices, it's the perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving dish.
5. Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert, and this vegan pumpkin pie cheesecake is sure to be a hit. Made with a creamy cashew-based filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust, it's a delicious and indulgent way to end your Thanksgiving meal.
Conclusion
With these 35 vegan Thanksgiving recipes, you can create a delicious and satisfying feast that everyone can enjoy. From main dishes to sides and desserts, there are plenty of options to choose from, making it easy to stick to your dietary preferences while still enjoying all the flavors of the holiday season. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a delicious vegan Thanksgiving together.