Awesome Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for a Festive Feast

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a feast full of delicious flavors and comforting dishes. But for vegetarians, finding recipes that are both festive and satisfying can sometimes feel like a challenge.

Luckily, there are plenty of creative and mouthwatering vegetarian recipes that will make your Thanksgiving table shine. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these recipes are packed with wholesome ingredients, vibrant colors, and hearty textures that everyone will love.

From savory main dishes to delightful sides and desserts, these vegetarian options will ensure no one misses the turkey!

In this post, you’ll discover a collection of awesome vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that are simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for the holiday season. Get ready to impress your guests with flavors that celebrate the best of fall produce and cozy spices!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes offer a fantastic way to enjoy the holiday without compromising on taste or tradition. They incorporate seasonal vegetables, wholesome grains, and rich spices to create satisfying dishes that feel just as special as their meat-based counterparts.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your holiday menu, these recipes are designed to be approachable and delicious. Many of them can be made ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy more time with your guests.

Plus, they’re packed with nutrients and fiber, making your Thanksgiving meal both indulgent and nourishing.

From a hearty lentil and mushroom wellington to creamy mashed potatoes and a vibrant roasted vegetable salad, these recipes prove that vegetarian dishes can be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet puff pastry (vegetarian-friendly)
• 1 egg or plant-based milk for egg wash

Equipment

• Medium saucepan for cooking lentils
• Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush for applying egg wash

Instructions

1. Cook the lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated and mushrooms are browned, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Combine filling ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, cooked wild rice, chopped walnuts, soy sauce, dried thyme, and sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to a rectangle approximately 12×10 inches.
5. Assemble the wellington: Spoon the lentil mixture down the center of the pastry sheet, leaving about 2 inches on each side. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll up tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the edges to seal and trim any excess pastry.
6. Apply egg wash: Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg or plant-based milk to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
7. Bake: Place the wellington on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
8. Rest and serve: Allow the wellington to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite vegetarian gravy or cranberry sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute the puff pastry with gluten-free dough or create a lentil loaf wrapped in collard greens.

Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or add dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness in the filling.

Make the lentil filling a day ahead to save time on Thanksgiving day.

If you want to add a smoky depth, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the filling mixture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This lentil and mushroom wellington pairs beautifully with traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.

Try serving it alongside a fresh autumn salad with roasted butternut squash, kale, and toasted pumpkin seeds for a balanced and colorful plate.

For a crowd-pleasing gravy, consider making a vegetarian mushroom gravy or a tangy cranberry sauce to complement the savory filling.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our German Stuffing Recipe for a flavorful vegetarian stuffing option or the Half Runner Beans Recipe to add vibrant green vegetables to your meal.

Awesome Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes List

Lentil and Mushroom Wellington (Above Recipe)

Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad

A hearty salad that balances sweet roasted butternut squash, crunchy kale, and a tangy mustard dressing.

• Ingredients: Butternut squash, kale, olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Roast cubed butternut squash with olive oil and salt at 400°F for 25 minutes. Massage kale with lemon juice and olive oil. Whisk maple syrup and Dijon mustard for dressing. Toss everything together and sprinkle with toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Rich, creamy mashed potatoes made with roasted garlic and plant-based milk for a dairy-free twist.

• Ingredients: Yukon gold potatoes, roasted garlic, vegan butter, plant-based milk, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Boil potatoes until tender. Mash with roasted garlic, vegan butter, and warmed plant milk. Season to taste.

Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Tender Brussels sprouts roasted with a sweet maple glaze and topped with crunchy toasted pecans.

• Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, maple syrup, pecans, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with toasted pecans before serving.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

A classic Thanksgiving side with mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan streusel topping.

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, vegan butter, pecans, flour, and maple syrup.
• Instructions: Boil and mash sweet potatoes with brown sugar and cinnamon. For topping, mix chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and vegan butter. Spread mashed potatoes in a baking dish, top with pecan mixture, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

For more creative vegetarian dishes, explore our Kosher Vegetarian Recipes collection that offers plenty of delicious ideas for any occasion.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes can be just as festive and satisfying as traditional ones. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a holiday meal that everyone will enjoy.

This collection of recipes—from the savory lentil and mushroom wellington to the sweet and crunchy casseroles—demonstrates how versatile and flavorful vegetarian dishes can be.

By incorporating seasonal produce and classic holiday flavors, these recipes help bring warmth and joy to your Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just want to add more plant-based variety, these dishes will surely impress your guests and create lasting memories.

Don’t forget to check out other recipes like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a sweet finish or the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a tasty side to complete your feast.

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