Meatless
Thanksgiving Dinner

Passing on Turkey?
Having a meatless Thanksgiving dinner can seem intimidating. Serving anything besides the traditional turkey as the main course on a day affectionately known as Turkey Day often gets your guests talking. And, you don’t have the usual stable of side dishes to round out your menu. Not to worry, though. With a little planning and a few simple plant-based recipes, the discussion will center around compliments to the chef and gratitude for such a mouthwatering meatless feast.

Don’t Wing It
Plan your menu weeks in advance. Having a meat-free feast means many of the standard sides won’t be served. So to create a holiday-worthy spread, you’ll need to come up with a handful of dishes you won’t find in grandma’s recipe book. Knowing everything you’re making in advance will also be helpful if your guests are wondering what to expect. Plus, you can avoid hectic last-minute shopping.

Keep It Simply Delicious
Although a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving will undoubtedly involve special dishes you don’t prepare year-round, don’t go overboard. Choose a few easy-to-make vegetarian side dishes so you’re not fretting over complex recipes when you should be enjoying the day.

Holiday Helpers
To lessen the pressure in what’s sure to be a busy kitchen, have your guests help by bringing appetizers, desserts, or sides. You’ll be able to focus more on what you’re making and spending time celebrating, plus your guests will be excited to try their hand at a new plant-based dish or to share one of their own favorites.

Turkey-less Traditions
Carving the turkey and breaking the wishbone are age-old traditions in many households. You can still enjoy the photo op and good luck at a vegetarian Thanksgiving, though. Celebrate the first glorious cut into your main dish the same way typically done with the turkey by choosing someone to do the honors. And when saying what you’re thankful for, you can include gratitude for the fact that you can enjoy the holiday in a way that supports your diet or beliefs. You can even buy plastic wishbones or just use a stick to make sure someone comes away with a little extra luck, along with a full stomach.

Meatless Thanksgiving Recipes