52 Easy Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes to Satisfy Everyone
These comforting recipes will make everybody feel welcome.
It may be hard to imagine a vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving, due to a certain dish having become the symbol of the holiday, but it's actually quite easy to achieve. Our favorite dishes, truth be told, are always the sides, and most of the best Thanksgiving casseroles and Thanksgiving side dishes are vegetarian, or can easily be made so.
From sumptuous salads to rich stuffing, from classic cranberry sides to rich, delicious desserts—this list will help you make a meal that's partially or fully vegetarian, so everyone at the table feels welcome.
Gorgonzola Baked Polenta
If you're looking for a stick-to-your-ribs dish that everyone can dig into, this is it. Polenta—the Italian cornmeal dish that bears more than a passing resemblance to grits—is made even more delicious here with a combination of three different kinds of cheese, including plenty of tangy blue Gorgonzola.
Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions
Quick-pickled onions combine with just-slightly bitter escarole, a variety of citrus, and some toasty pistachios for a strong, crunchy dish.
Get the recipe for Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions.
Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings
Though the dish couldn't be simpler to make, this pairing of roasted grapes and baked squash transforms into a delicious side dish that's much more than the sum of its parts.
Get the recipe for Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings.
Butternut Squash Soup
Serve this up as the appetizer, before digging into all the sides. You can add croutons for crunch, but we like to switch things up by topping it with a little spiced popcorn.
Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans
These go on all the tables, and when guests arrive, you put a glass of wine in their hands, and let them get to munching.
Get the recipe for Grandsue’s Sweet-and-Spicy Roasted Pecans.
Cranberry Mulled White Wine
Wait. Did we say glass of wine? We meant a mug of this delicious, delicate warm mulled white wine.
Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa
We packed this absolute crunchfest so full of fall flavor that it's practically a main dish.
Get the recipe for Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa.
Sweet-and-Sour Onions
This tangy take on classic creamed onions is surprisingly flavorful, and even vegan!
Easy Root Vegetable Gratin
The key to making this simple, hearty dish taste extra amazing is to use a variety of roots. We like parsnips, carrots, sweet potatoes and beets, but you can choose your faves.
Fresh Cranberry-Apple Relish
Bright, fresh, and crunchy—and much less cloying than the canned stuff—this easy cranberry side makes a great addition to the plate.
Big Green Winter Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Can there be too many salads at the Thanksgiving table? 🤔 If so, we haven't found the number yet.
Get the recipe for Big Green Winter Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits
It's just not a feast without a big basket of biscuits gracing the holiday table. These smart seasoned sides are flavored with chives, asiago cheese, and a smattering of cream cheese to make them extra delicious.
Honey-Apple Baked Brie with Fried Sage
This gooey, delicious bread-covered dip makes a great appetizer, first course, or even just-before-dessert final course. It's best served piping hot, so the cheese stays melted.
Classic Squash Casserole
No matter how much you innovate at Thanksgiving, there's always some room for tradition.
Bourbon Yams
Make them once and these cinnamon-and-whiskey spiced sweet potatoes are sure to become a family tradition.
Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding
Nana's not going to have to urge anyone to have seconds of this stick-to-your-ribs side. In fact, you'll be lucky to get the dish back.
Lima Bean and Corn Succotash
This simple—and simply delicious—Thanksgiving side is a true Southern staple.
Roasted Pear, Sweet Potato, and Radicchio Salad
Problem: Your go-to Thanksgiving salad isn't super filling. Solution: This simple, hearty, roasted fruits-and-veggies salad packed with pumpkin seeds, blue cheese, and a maple vinaigrette.
Get the recipe for Roasted Pear, Sweet Potato, and Radicchio Salad.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette
Butternut squash and onions complement each other for a hearty vegetarian side option.
Get the recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette.
Sweet Potato-and-Cauliflower Salad
Who says salads have to be boring? Amp up your greens with warm, roasted vegetables and pomegranate seeds.
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