9 Vegetarian Alternatives to Turkey for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is basically the Super Bowl of comfort food, but that doesn’t mean turkey has to be the star of the show. No matter whether you’re a vegetarian, cooking for a mixed crowd, or just want to try something a little different this year, there are plenty of delicious ways to build your Thanksgiving plate, no meat required.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite vegetarian alternatives to turkey below, including many of my own recipes. Some are completely vegan, some are a little more traditional, and all of them would be right at home next to a pile of mashed potatoes and gravy.

Keep reading for my top 9 vegetarian alternatives to turkey for Thanksgiving this year.

What to look for in a vegetarian turkey alternative

Not all vegetarian turkey alternatives are created equal! Some fit right in for Thanksgiving, while others might feel more like a side dish than a main meal.

When choosing a Thanksgiving centerpiece, here are a few of the key things to keep in mind:

• Texture: Look for something hearty and substantial that won’t leave you reaching for the mashed potatoes five minutes later.
• Flavor: Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to fill up on your favorite foods, so your main should be flavorful enough to hold its own.
• Satiety: Protein- and fiber-rich ingredients like lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, and nuts can help make a vegetarian main much more filling.
• Serving size: Check the serving size before you commit. A tiny two-person roast isn’t going to cut it for a table of 12.
• Time requirement: Thanksgiving already involves tons of dishes, so there’s nothing wrong with choosing a make-ahead option that you can reheat and get on the table fast.

9 Vegetarian Alternatives to Turkey for Thanksgiving

From lentil loaves to creamy fall pasta dishes, there are lots of ways to make your Thanksgiving centerpiece feel special, even without the turkey. Here are some of my favorite vegetarian alternatives to try this year.

1. Lentil Chickpea Veggie Loaf

This Lentil Chickpea Veggie Loaf is packed with protein, veggies, and tons of savory flavor. It has a satisfying, meaty texture that makes it a great main dish for a vegetarian Thanksgiving. Serve it with mashed potatoes, gravy, and all your favorite holiday sides for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

2. Lentil Tikka Masala Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

This vegan shepherd’s pie recipe puts a fun twist on the classic comfort food with a blend of Indian spices, a savory lentil filling, and, of course, a creamy mashed potato topping. It’s delicious, filling, and packed with plenty of veggies for good measure. It’s an especially great option if you want a Thanksgiving centerpiece that’s a little unexpected and unique but still feels festive.

3. Chickpea Pot Pie

This Chickpea Pot Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for anyone looking to skip the turkey this Thanksgiving. It combines chickpeas and veggies in a creamy, savory filling that’s baked on a flaky crust. It’s hearty, comforting, and works great served with classic Thanksgiving sides.

4. Vegan Lentil Lasagna with Spinach-Artichoke Ricotta

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean turkey, mashed potatoes, and the same exact menu you’ve made every single year. This Vegan Lentil Lasagna is a tasty way to switch things up while still bringing plenty of flavor to the table. It’s loaded with lentils, spinach, artichokes, and a creamy vegan ricotta, making it filling enough to serve as a main course.

5. Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Casserole

If you want a Thanksgiving main that’s a little lighter but still feels special, this Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Casserole is a solid choice. It’s savory, cheesy, and loaded with spinach, along with Mediterranean flavors crammed into every bite. Plus, it’s super easy to slice up and serve alongside all your favorite holiday sides!

6. Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta with White Beans

Move over, turkey! This Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta is a delicious way to make butternut squash the star of your table. This vegan pasta is creamy, savory, packed with fall flavors, and filling enough to serve as the main dish on Thanksgiving.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Arugula Salad

Need a little something green for your Thanksgiving plate? This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Arugula Salad combines crispy Brussels sprouts with fresh arugula, chickpeas, and a tasty lemon tahini dressing. The chickpeas add protein and fiber, making it a solid option for a lighter Thanksgiving main. It’s fresh, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with everything else on the table.

8. Vegan Mac & Cheese with Tempeh Bacon and Hidden Veggies

This Vegan Mac and Cheese with Tempeh Bacon takes comfort food and gives it a tasty, plant-based twist. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy tempeh bacon for a little smoky crunch (and some extra protein!). Serve it as a hearty Thanksgiving main or a cozy side dish.

9. Vegan Fall Pasta Salad with Pumpkin-Dijon Dressing

This Vegan Fall Pasta Salad features a variety of seasonal ingredients like roasted Brussels sprouts, kale, and cannellini beans. Everything gets tossed in a creamy pumpkin-Dijon dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and seriously so delicious. With 22 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber per serving, it’s also a pretty satisfying meat-free main!

What to serve with your vegetarian Thanksgiving main

Once you’ve picked your vegetarian centerpiece, it’s time for the fun part: loading up the rest of the plate. You really can’t go wrong with the Thanksgiving classics, but here are a few ideas to round things out:

• Mashed potatoes: Because Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes just feels wrong.
• Vegetarian gravy: The easiest way to make almost any vegetarian main feel extra Thanksgiving-y.
• Stuffing: Look for a vegetarian version made without chicken or turkey broth.
• Cranberry sauce: That sweet-tart flavor is the perfect contrast to savory mains.
• Roasted veggies: Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, or broccoli all work great.
• A fresh salad: A crisp salad adds some much-needed freshness to your plate.
• Dinner rolls: For soaking up every last bit of gravy, of course.

Vegetarian side dish recipes

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Conclusion

You definitely don’t need a turkey to have a memorable (and delicious) Thanksgiving dinner!

Whether you go for a savory lentil loaf, a shepherd’s pie, a creamy pasta, or a flaky pot pie, there are lots of vegetarian mains that can hold their own alongside all the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Pick whichever one sounds best to you, add a generous helping of gravy, and enjoy!