Vegan Thanksgiving Ideas

Thanksgiving is a meal I look forward to all year. It’s one of those times it’s totally acceptable to cram as many delicious dishes onto your plate as possible.

Don’t think for a second that eating a plant-based diet has to deter you from a fabulous dinner menu. From appetizers and snacks to main dishes and sides, and of course, dessert, these Vegan Thanksgiving Ideas can be enjoyed by everyone at the table and will ensure your belly is full.

Hosting your own holiday dinner can be a big job, but it allows you to create a menu full of vegan Thanksgiving ideas that you know you’ll love.

~ Most side dishes and desserts can easily be made vegan with just a few simple ingredients swaps.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for stuffing, gravy and soups.

Take advantage of store bought dairy-free alternatives, like vegan butter, non-dairy milks, and egg replacers.

~ Throw out the notion that you must serve traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Focus instead on the good food, good company motto. Whatever you enjoy eating will work great! Try to keep it balanced and seasonal, if possible.

~ Make a meal of side dishes. Most plant-based eaters are perfectly happy with a plate full of sides. Try incorporating some quinoa, wild rice, or nuts and seeds for added protein.

~ If you really must have something similar to turkey, try making my Vegan Chicken Cutlets (recipe below) or homemade seitan turkey.

There are plenty of store-bought options available these days, too. Gardein offers vegan Turkey Cutlets and a Holiday Roast, and Tofurkey, and Field Roast both make vegan turkey roasts.

~ Don’t forget the drinks. While most alcohol is naturally vegan, many wines and beers are not! Check out Barnivore to see if your pick makes the cut for a Vegan Thanksgiving.

As much work as hosting can be, at least you have control over the menu. It can be nerve-wracking to attend a big holiday dinner as the only plant-based eater. Here are some tips to take the stress out of the situation.

~ Don’t show up hungry. If you aren’t sure what the menu will be, it’s always best to eat a little something beforehand so you don’t starve.

~ Head for the appetizers. Many times there will be a vegetable tray or roasted nuts to snack on ahead of time. You can even put these items on your dinner plate with a roll, salad, and cranberry sauce and have a decent meal.

~ The easiest way to get through this situation is to let the host know your dietary needs and offer to bring a dish or two. This way you know there will be something you can enjoy without worry and the host won’t be stressed wondering what to feed you. I like to make at least one side dish that can double as a main dish (meaning it includes plenty of protein, like wild rice, quinoa or tofu).

~ Focus on the people and conversation, not the food. But definitely do not bring up veganism during the event. If someone asks a question about your diet, just answer simply and try to move the conversation along quickly. You can let them know you are available to chat at a later time if they’re interested.