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Home » Recipe Collections

18 Meatless Thanksgiving Mains So Flavorful, You Won’t Miss the Turkey

Published: Oct 11, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Meatless Thanksgiving mains can be just as hearty, flavorful, and exciting as the traditional turkey, without sacrificing taste or nutrition. These recipes are packed with wholesome ingredients that are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a lighter, plant-based holiday meal while still packing in tons of flavor. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or simply want a break from the usual bird, these dishes are great for bringing something different to the table. Trust me, you'll be surprised how satisfying they are!

An overhead image of mushroom wellington in a serving plate.
Easy Mushroom Wellington (Vegan). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Close up view of vegan shepherd's pie in a white baking dish.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with lentils, mushrooms, and a creamy mashed potato topping. This hearty dish is ready in about an hour and makes a filling and flavorful Meatless Thanksgiving main.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A tater tot casserole that’s quick and easy to prepare, filled with veggies and a creamy sauce, topped with crispy tots. This comforting dish is ideal for busy weeknights or as a simple, flavorful Meatless Thanksgiving main.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower

A close up view of whole roasted cauliflower.
Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gochujang cauliflower offers a tangy, spicy flavor from the Korean gochujang sauce. It’s a bold and flavorful option for a Meatless Thanksgiving main, great as tacos, or served family-style with rice.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A close up view of three stuffed acorn squash placed in a serving plate.
Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa is a flavorful dish that mixes sweet and savory flavors. With its easy preparation, it's an excellent Meatless Thanksgiving choice that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Easy Mushroom Wellington

An overhead image of mushroom wellington in a serving plate.
Easy Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan mushroom Wellington features savory mushrooms and aromatic herbs wrapped in flaky pastry. It’s a standout dish, perfect for a Meatless Thanksgiving main that doesn’t miss out on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A vegetable lasagna made with layers of pasta, ricotta cheese, and roasted veggies. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your meal while keeping it a hearty, Meatless Thanksgiving option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegan Turkey Roast in a glass baking dish on a countertop, garnished with herbs.
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This budget-friendly vegan turkey roast made from chickpeas and seitan is quick to prepare, using pantry staples. It’s a great way to bring a delicious homemade dish to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegetable Pot Pie

An image of vegetable pot pie in a baking dish, with a portion missing.
Vegetable Pot Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetable pot pie features tender vegetables in a savory sauce, topped with a flaky pastry crust. A hearty and comforting choice for any night, perfect for a Meatless Thanksgiving main where the flavors take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

These lemon Greek potatoes are both comforting and refreshing, bringing vibrant, tangy flavors with minimal effort. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick side dish for a Meatless Thanksgiving feast, offering a bright contrast to heartier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This simple baked potato recipe brings comfort with perfectly cooked potatoes every time. Easy to prepare and great for topping with your favorite ingredients, it’s an excellent side or main for a cozy Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Copycat Aroma Espresso Bar Fried Halloumi

Copycat Aroma Espresso Bar Fried Halloumi. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This fried halloumi salad combines cheese, arugula, cabbage, and mushrooms in an Asian-inspired sauce. A fresh, flavorful option that pairs well as a side or main for a Meatless Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Aroma Espresso Bar Fried Halloumi

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

A photo showing vegan stuffed peppers arranged on a white plate, set atop a brown cloth, with a fork and knife placed beside.
Vegan Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegan stuffed peppers filled with quinoa, lentils, and veggies. This healthy and flavorful dish is a satisfying Meatless Thanksgiving main that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf . Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Butternut squash wild rice with walnuts and pomegranate seeds makes a striking main or side for Thanksgiving. Its seasonal flavors make it a perfect Meatless Thanksgiving choice.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Vegan Ham

Overhead photo of vegan ham with pineapple slices placed on a white serving dish. 
Vegan Ham. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan ham made from vital wheat gluten offers all the flavors of classic ham without the meat. A savory and satisfying alternative for your Meatless Thanksgiving main.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham

Moroccan Couscous Salad

Moroccan Couscous Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Pearl couscous salad with feta, pumpkin, peppers, and tomatoes in a tahini lemon dressing with a touch of turmeric. This dish can be a perfect starter or side, offering fresh flavors for a Meatless Thanksgiving celebration.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Couscous Salad

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato casserole with garlic and a honey walnut topping is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional casseroles. It’s a great choice for a Meatless Thanksgiving side or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A vegan lentil meatloaf made with pantry spices and lentils. This hearty meatloaf is perfect for a holiday gathering and works well as a Meatless Thanksgiving main that will satisfy a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

An image of two stuffed spaghetti squashes on a white plate with a fork slicing a part of one of the squashes.
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed spaghetti squash is packed with vegetables, herbs, and gooey mozzarella. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful main that’s perfect for Meatless Thanksgiving or any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This vegetarian moussaka layers roasted eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes with a lentil tomato sauce, topped with a gluten-free béchamel sauce. A flavorful, hearty dish that fits beautifully on a Meatless Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

An image of vegan drumsticks on a plate garnished with fresh green herbs and a lemon wedge.
Vegan Drumsticks. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

These Thanksgiving sides are so tasty, they might just steal the show. Forget the turkey—these dishes are the real star of the meal!

Read it Here: 35 Thanksgiving Side Dishes So Delicious, You’ll Forget About the Turkey

Low-Key Thanksgiving Desserts

Blueberry galette topped with whipped cream.
Blackberry Galette. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings

These easy Thanksgiving desserts are so good, they’ll make holiday prep a breeze. Enjoy stress-free, delicious treats without the fuss!

Read it Here: 18 Low-Key Desserts for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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