Holidays & Entertaining Holidays Thanksgiving 14 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas If You Don’t Want Meat on Turkey Day No meat necessary! By Phoebe Fry Updated on July 01, 2024 As Thanksgiving draws near, it’s time to rethink the traditional turkey-centric feast. Whether you’re a vegetarian, trying to eat less meat, or just bored of the holiday classics, we invite you to have fun with the menu and add more veggies to your Thanksgiving table. Explore these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes for show-stopping mains and hearty sides—no meat necessary. Victor Protasio 01 of 14 Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta With Leeks Victor Protasio Here, frozen mashed butternut squash gets thawed and mixed with half-and-half, frizzled leeks, and sage to create a velvety pasta sauce. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 14 Fennel, Leek, and Wild Mushroom Gratin Victor Protasio There's nothing quite like a cheesy bake when it comes to sides on Thanksgiving, and this side dish packs in all the flavor. It's creamy and crunchy, and has a golden top thanks to melted Gruyère and Parmesan under the broiler. Crispy fried onions and chives take it to the next level. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 14 Sheet Pan Pierogies With Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Shallots, and Mustard Dressing A one-pan wonder, this recipe combines store-bought pierogies, roasted Brussels sprouts, shallots, and a tangy mustard dressing for a satisfying and easy Thanksgiving dish. Just make sure to buy pierogies with vegetarian fillings, like potato or cheese, instead of the meat varieties. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 14 Ricotta Roll-Ups in Creamy Pumpkin Sauce Victor Protasio Think of this dish as a modern vegetarian lasagna, perfect for fall. Creamy and sweet, the ricotta filling and pumpkin sauce pair together beautifully. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 14 Farro and Squash Salad Victor Protasio This wholesome, make-ahead side features nutty farro and grilled summer squash, with basil and Parmesan for an Italian twist. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 14 Mushroom and Burrata Orzotto Greg DuPree Elevate your Thanksgiving menu with a quick-cooking orzotto, which is exactly what it sounds like: risotto made with orzo. This version includes roasted mushrooms and creamy burrata, and is sure to be a fan-favorite. GET THE RECIPE 34 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes So You Can Enjoy the Holiday 07 of 14 Butternut Squash Bake With Wild Rice Victor Protasio Creamy and filling, this recipe works well as a vegetarian main and has a distinctly autumnal flavor thanks to the earthy mushrooms, butternut squash, and rosemary. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 14 Maple Roasted Vegetables Grace Elkus A generous drizzle of maple syrup not only sweetens autumn veggies, but also encourages caramelization as they roast in the oven. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 14 Gnocchi With Corn and Miso Fred Hardy Bathe pillowy gnocchi in a miso-infused corn sauce for a delightful, unexpected punch of sweetness and umami. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 14 Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries Gentl + Hyers This festive pilaf showcases wild rice, mushrooms, and sweet, tangy cranberries for a vibrant Thanksgiving side dish. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 14 Brussels Sprouts Salad Heami Lee Anything but boring, this Brussels sprouts salad recipe is a masterclass in balance, with pecans, dried cranberries, and shaved cheese to hit every note. It’s ideal for a gathering, because you can start the cooking process in advance. GET THE RECIPE 15 Delicious Thanksgiving Sides to Complete Your Turkey Day Feast 12 of 14 Squash, Mushroom, and Kale Soup With Dill Christopher Testani Keep cozy with a hearty vegetarian soup, brimming with squash, mushrooms, kale, and orzo. Finish the soup with dill for a fresh, aromatic finishing touch. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 14 Grilled Honeynut Squash Salad Christopher Testani Elevate your salad game with grilled honeynut squash, which offers a sweet, smoky twist on the classic autumn vegetable. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 14 Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Christopher Testani Yearning for a warm, creamy dish to serve on Thanksgiving Day? Spaghetti squash alfredo is comfort food at its finest. Twice-baked and cheesy, you may be tempted to have a second serving of this irresistible vegetarian main. GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit