35+ Meatless Thanksgiving Recipes

vegetarian thanksgiving recipes

Thanksgiving is just two days away! What are you making? We’re attending a big family dinner and everyone is bringing a dish—we’ve been asked to bring this arugula and wild rice salad again this year. Whether you’re vegetarian/vegan or interested in fun veggie-forward dishes, I hope you’ll discover the perfect last-minute recipe in this roundup.

You’ll find plenty of colorful main dishes in the list. From veggie lasagna to stuffed acorn squash, these recipes will appeal to everyone. My cookbook, Love Real Food, offers some delicious entrées as well: Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (page 144), Roasted Eggplant Lasagna (page 163), and Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas, and Herbed Tahini Sauce (page 186).

You’ll also find hearty green salads, many of which could serve as a main in sufficient quantity. Plus creamy soups, a whole section for potatoes and sweet potatoes, and more savory side dishes. The recipes that are gluten free and/or vegan are labeled accordingly.

At the end of the post, you’ll find links to recipes that will round out Thanksgiving Day, including breakfast options and appetizers. Check out Thanksgiving-worthy cocktails here. For even more ideas, see my full Thanksgiving archives or use the search bar if you’re looking for something in particular. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Main Dishes

This roasted butternut risotto tastes heavenly and hardly requires any stirring! cookieandkate.com

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This is the best recipe I have tried this year. It was scrumptious. I am going to incorporate this as a new side dish for my Thanksgiving meal.” – Rita

roasted carrots recipe with farro, chickpeas recipe

Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas & Herbed Crème Fraiche

Easily gluten free and easily vegan

“I made this with Christmas dinner and wow this was certainly my signature dish! It was scrumptious and so pretty. I was so intrigued by it, I had to make it and so glad I did!” – Leslie

Broccoli casserole, made better with roasted broccoli, cheddar cheese, quinoa and whole grain breadcrumbs. - cookieandkate.com

Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin

Easily gluten free

“I made this for dinner last night, and my very non-vegetarian “meat and potatoes” boyfriend loved it (and so did I)! He even asked to have the leftovers for lunch today. :) Thanks for all the delicious and healthy recipes!” – Rach

Seriously the best vegetable lasagna recipe! This vegetarian lasagna is packed with fresh veggies and spinach. #vegetarian #lasagna #veggies

Best Vegetable Lasagna

Potentially gluten free

“I just made this for a special family dinner. We ALL voted it by far the best lasagna ever! Everyone went back for seconds. :) Thank you so much for this delicious recipe! I followed your directions exactly and even doubled it for extras this week. I’m so glad I did! I will definitely be making this often for friends and family.” – Lee Anne and the Laskey Crew

Easy Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano

Easy Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This is among the best risotto I have ever eaten. Even my risotto-phobic daughter was sneaking seconds. I’ve made it according to the recipe’s directions, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I have also switched it around and given it a fresh thyme and Sherry flavouring, which was just as delightful. Thank you for such a fabulous recipe. I love when they’re both nutritious and delicious – a common combination on C and K. Thank you again.” – Chelsea

Creamy Brussels sprout quinoa gratin recipe

Creamy Roasted Brussels Sprout and Quinoa Gratin

Easily gluten free

“We made this for Thanksgiving and it was the big hit of the meal! We’re definitely adding it to our rotation.” – Deb

vegetarian stuffed acorn squash recipe

Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash

Gluten free and easily vegan
“A big 5 star plus for this recipe! I served this for a fall dinner and it looked so beautiful on the table. It’s beauty was matched by great flavour and texture. So enjoyable and artistic.” – Frances

vegetable baked ziti recipe

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

Easily gluten free
“Omg, this turned out so well, and even my non-vegetarian friends were raving. I was looking for what was seasonal and cheap at the market, so ended up with red bell pepper, cauliflower and sweet potato. A keeper!” – Kate

Hearty Green Salads

pomegranate pear arugula salad recipe

Pomegranate & Pear Green Salad with Ginger Dressing

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This. Salad. Is. Everything.

Seriously, this is so good. I will be making it forever. Thank you.” – Debbi

easy brussels sprout salad recipe

Honey Mustard Brussels Sprout Slaw

Gluten free and easily vegan

“I had to work this Thanksgiving – it’s the first time I haven’t been home in Virginia, and a good friend of mine invited me to join her at her family’s celebration this year. I brought this dish along, and it was such a huge hit that her family applauded me at the dinner table! I just wanted to say thanks for sharing this one – loved it.” – Devon

best green salad recipe

Favorite Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries and Pepitas

Gluten free and easily vegan

“A favorite in our house, we eat this salad at least once a week!” – Sherie

hearty sweet potato, arugula, wild rice salad with ginger dressing recipe

Hearty Sweet Potato, Arugula & Wild Rice Salad with Ginger Dressing

Gluten free and easily vegan

“My husband first said “this is one of the best salads you’ve ever eaten, right?” followed definitively by “this is the best salad I’ve ever had.” Thank you for this phenomenal recipe, Kate!!! “Meal in a bowl” is right!” – Jill

Caesar salad in bowl

Homemade Caesar Salad

Vegetarian (anchovy-free)

“This salad dressing is amazing. I double the recipe so I can use it for several days.” – Heidi

Winter panzanella recipe

Balsamic Butternut, Kale and Cranberry Panzanella

Easily vegan

“Made this tonight for the fam- this recipe is booming with flavor! Filling. Tasty. Everyone loved it! Can’t wait to make it again :)” – Sara

arugula wild rice salad recipe

Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad with a Zippy Lemon Dressing

Gluten free and easily vegan

“I have made this salad so many times – everyone loves it – kids, adults, veggie and meat lovers alike. Thank you!!” – Eija

delicata squash salad with arugula pomegranate

Roasted Delicata Squash, Pomegranate and Arugula Salad

Gluten free and easily vegan

“Really impressed with this recipe. This was the first time I had ever cooked Delicata squash. I was very nervous that the outside would be hard or not tasty, but it was completely soft and delicious. Everything in the salad went together really well. My husband and I both loved this. Easy enough to put together on a weeknight, but it looks fancy enough to serve when people come over. I can’t wait to make this again!” – Andrea

Roasted butternut squash, apple and wheat berry salad recipe

Hearty Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Salad

Easily gluten free and vegan

“I have made this salad so many times; it’s become a go-to recipe for me. Thank you! I’ve never even roasted apples before! I love that trick.” – Josie

Fennel, apple and kale salad

Autumn Kale Salad with Fennel, Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese

Gluten free

“I don’t want to sound dramatic, but this salad could possibly be life changing. No, ya know what, I’m going to say it….. this is the best salad I have ever had in my entire life, and I have had A LOT of salad. Thank you so much!” – Lindsay

roasted beet arugula salad recipe

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This has to be my all time favorite salad! Such an easy recipe to follow that I make it every week.” – Sharon

farro and kale salad with goat cheese almonds and dried cherries

Farro and Kale Salad with Goat Cheese

Gluten free and vegan options available

“I made this tonight and it was really good! I like kale in theory more than actuality, but fixed this way it was so tender and flavorful. I will be making this again.” – Elizabeth

brussels sprout arugula salad recipe

Shredded Brussels Sprouts & Arugula Salad with Sunshine Dressing

Gluten free

“Want you to know I love this recipe! I’ve never toasted my own pecans before and the aroma is glorious. Chopped brussels go so well in a salad and this will be a regular in my weekly dinner recipes!” – Jessie

Creamy Fall Soups

best butternut squash soup recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Gluten free and easily vegan

“I just made this soup for my family. I think it is the best soup I have ever made. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.” – Christa

best cauliflower soup recipe

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Gluten free and easily vegan

“Omg this is the best cauliflower soup recipe I have ever made and I have made a lot. This will definitely go into my soup rotation. Thank you Cookies and Kate for providing such great tasting recipes.” – Angie

The best pumpkin soup recipe! It's creamy AND healthy. #pumpkinrecipe

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Gluten free and vegan

“Oh my gosh!! Best soup I’ve made in a long time! I live in Reno, NV and it’s finally Fall like weather. I figured it was a good time to make a comfort soup, and this Roasted Pumpkin Soup hit the spot! Thank you for the recipe! I will definitely be sharing with my family and friends” – Julie

Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes

My family's favorite mashed potatoes—they're ultra creamy, a little tangy, and you can make them ahead! #Thanksgiving

Lucille’s Mashed Potatoes

Gluten free

This is my family’s go-to mashed potatoes recipe! I hope it makes an appearance on your holiday table.

savory mashed sweet potatoes recipe

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Gluten free and potentially vegan

“Wow! I was really skeptical about this recipe, but asked my three children if they wanted this recipe or a sweeter sweet potato recipe, and they picked this one! So I had to give it a try. This will definitely be our go-to for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners! Absolutely wonderful. Thank you!” – Kimberly

best sweet potato casserole recipe

Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

Gluten free and easily vegan

“Once you sent this recipe, I knew I had to make it for Thanksgiving—roasted sweet potatoes (which I did the day before), maple syrup, pecans—yum! It was a delicious recipe that went directly into my Thanksgiving file. Thanks for helping to make our small gathering meal memorable! Hope you had a nice day as well.” – Bea

kale colcannon recipe

Kale Colcannon

Gluten free and potentially vegan

“The family loved this version of Colcannon…it had a nice tang and was a good addition to our potluck dinner. Next time I will half the recipe for just my husband and I.” – Mary

rosemary roasted potatoes recipe

Perfect Roasted Potatoes

Gluten free and vegan

“Love the ease, simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe – I’ve now made it a bunch of times and no matter what I do, it always turns out!” – Jennifer

best baked potato recipe

Best Baked Potato

Gluten free and easily vegan

“Fabulous! I have my new “forever” way of preparing baked potatoes. Thank you!!” – Nancy

More Vegetarian Side Dishes

best green beans recipe

Best Ever Green Beans

Gluten free & easily vegan

“I made this last night and it was terrific! You can’t go wrong with shallots, butter, and lemon. Will definitely make this again – thank you for the recipe!” – Valerie

roasted brussels sprouts side dish recipe

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans

Gluten free and easily vegan

“Made these the other night with some stuffed chicken and rice. It was delicious. Even the boyfriend enjoyed them. We enjoy roasted Brussels sprouts, but the addition of the walnuts, cranberries and balsamic vinegar was a nice change. Thank you for sharing!” – Robin

best creamed spinach recipe

Fresh Creamed Spinach

Gluten free

“I made this for Thanksgiving and it was delicious. Even a relative who claimed she does not like spinach devoured it with gusto.” – Ali

honey butter roasted carrots recipe

Honey Butter Roasted Carrots

Gluten free (see other flavor variations provided in post for vegan options)

“Just made the roasted carrots, wow! These were fantastic.” – Michael

skillet cornbread recipe

Honey Butter Cornbread

“Ok!! This recipe is replacing every other cornbread recipe i have!! It is SO GOOD! We made this recipe with gluten free flour, almond milk and a non-dairy substitute for the butter – since 3 people at our house can’t eat dairy products, and it turned out AMAZING! We ate it fresh from the oven! Absolutely incredible!! Definitely recommending this one!” – Kate

green bean casserole recipe-4

Almost Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Easily gluten free

“I made this last night for our ‘Friendsgiving’ dinner, and it was the hit! Everyone absolutely loved it. :) It’s what the classic recipe has been asking for—fresh green beans and lots of flavor. Thank you for such a fantastic recipe!” – Leah

You won't believe how delicious dairy-free mac and cheese can be. Vegan and easily gluten free. cookieandkate.com

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Easily gluten free; vegan

“I made this at my daughters request and have to admit I was skeptical as we are neither vegan or vegetarian. It was awesome, all three of my children and my wife raved about it, we will definitely be making this again.” – Patrick

honey butter recipe

Easy Honey Butter

Gluten free

“Whipped up a double batch of Honey Butter to serve with rolls for Easter today. Delicious! The subtle sweetness was a special addition; a lovely and delicate spread! Thank you!” – Beth

naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe

Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This is my second year making this. DELICIOUS! I eat most of it. I make it a few days in advance. My whole family enjoys it. Thank you!” – Bev

More Thanksgiving Day Recipes

Appetizers & Snacks

Breakfast & Brunch

Cookies & Desserts

Thanksgiving Cocktails

Happy Thanksgiving from Cookie and Kate!

Kate and Cookie

HELLO, MY NAME IS

Kathryne Taylor

I'm a vegetable enthusiast, dog lover, mother and bestselling cookbook author. I've been sharing recipes here since 2010, and I'm always cooking something new in my Kansas City kitchen. Cook with me!

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Comments

  1. Tina

    Dear Kate,
    I have been a fan of you blog for a few years. As a dog lover I wanted to say sorry to hear about Cookie. I hope that she is doing well. I wanted to share a great gal and her website. Her name is Amanda Rea and she has a dog b&b. Her website is Sama Dog.com You will find some wonderful holistic info….also she previously worked in the event (food)planning for Deepak Chopra. On the website she has some beautiful meditations to do with your pup. Hope that you will take a look.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Tina. We appreciate your kind words and recommendation.

  2. Sherry Wernicke

    Am I missing the way to share your posts other than copying the link? I wanted to share with my friends on FB but see no way to do that. Thanks.

    1. Kate

      Hi Sherry! You can copy the link, I don’t have a share to option.

  3. Christina

    Silly me, I thought this would be a quick “glance and choose” mission to add to my Thanksgiving week meals. Everything looks so delicious, I can’t decide! Guess I’ll just have to try them all. Thank you for such amazing ideas for fresh, seasonal food.

    1. Kate

      I think you should try them all, eventually! Be sure to let me know what you think, Christina.

  4. RPN

    Thanks for these veg Thanksgiving recipes! We usually have veg or faux meat lasagna (we like Gardein crumbles); this year Iโ€™ll try your recipe. And I have a squash screaming to be stuffed with quinoa or made into a risotto. Thanks for this trove of recipes; Iโ€™ll try several this season. You never fail to offer creative recipes.

  5. Samer Tallauze

    Thanks for the opportunity. I’ll save Turkey’s life

  6. Jo R

    I am drooling here after looking through your “33 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes.” We’ve recently returned to the Seattle area and are in the throes of having renovations done on our house here. We’re currently living in our basement, so cooking has been pretty tough lately. We sold our old range and just a couple of days ago had the new one installed…Painters worked on the ceilings until just an hour ago, so now I must wipe the dust off every surface before even considering what’s for dinner. Tired of ordering out or making due with Amy’s frozen food bowls! It will just be the two of us (and our needy dog) for Thanksgiving, but I do want to try some of the delicious recipes you’ve offered! Thank you! Jo

  7. Diane Toth

    Fabulous! I am definitely making several of these

  8. Stephen C Mallon, Ed.D.

    I made your Gluten-Free Buckwheat Waffles today. They were very good, definitely a keeper. Bringing everything to room temperature before making was not mentioned, but it is a suggested. I thought the batter was a little to thick for my Belgian Waffle Maker and added another ounce of Buttermilk.

    1. Kate

      I’m glad you enjoyed them, Stephen!

  9. Heidi

    Love all those salad recipes! I can’t wait to give them a try!

  10. Suzanne

    Do you have vegetarian recipes you make for Cookie? Would you share your canine friendly recipes?

    I just put in the veggie black bean enchiladas (modified to be the filling and a bit of corn, will serve over rice) into the oven. Love this as enchiladas and as a topping over rice. Didnโ€™t have the tortillas on hand the first time I tried it. Now it is a go to version. Thank you Kate!

    1. Kate

      I don’t have dog recipes, sorry! I’m glad you enjoyed my enchiladas.