Thanksgiving is almost here, can you believe it? I’m speaking for myself here, but please don’t worry about having a meat-like substitute for us vegetarians, or even a fancy designated entree. I’m happy enjoying a big plate of hearty side dishes (and dessert afterward, of course).
If you’ve been wondering what to serve the vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten-free eaters at your Thanksgiving table, this roundup is for you. All of the recipes are meatless. The recipes that are also gluten free and/or vegan are labeled accordingly.
I organized the recipes by category (mains, hearty salads, soups and sides), starting with the main events. At the end of the post, you’ll find links to recipes that will round out Thanksgiving Day, including breakfast options, cocktails and desserts. I’m hoping to publish some pie recipes in time for the big day.
For more ideas, check out my full Thanksgiving archives and fall recipe archives. Have a great weekend! I’m working on a big project and can’t wait to share it with you next week.
Meatless main dishes
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This is the best recipe I have tried this year. It was scrumptious. I am going to incorporate this as a new side dish for my Thanksgiving meal.” – Rita
Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas & Herbed Crème Fraiche
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this with Christmas dinner and wow this was certainly my signature dish! It was scrumptious and so pretty. I was so intrigued by it, I had to make it and so glad I did!” – Leslie
Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin
Easily gluten free
“I made this for dinner last night, and my very non-vegetarian “meat and potatoes” boyfriend loved it (and so did I)! He even asked to have the leftovers for lunch today. :) Thanks for all the delicious and healthy recipes!” – Rach
Spinach Artichoke Lasagna
Potentially gluten free
“I feel like after making this recipe about 10 times it’s time I let you know how much I love it! It’s easily my favourite vegetarian lasagna recipe. If you come up with any more veggie lasagnas I’d love to know :)” – Leigh
Arugula and Cremini Quiche with Gluten-Free Almond Meal Crust
Gluten free
“This is a definite “Keeper” Made it tonight and will NEVER make a “traditional” Quiche base again. Thank you for sharing.. it was absolutely wonderful!!!” – Claudia
Easy Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This is among the best risotto I have ever eaten. Even my risotto-phobic daughter was sneaking seconds. I’ve made it according to the recipe’s directions, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I have also switched it around and given it a fresh thyme and Sherry flavouring, which was just as delightful. Thank you for such a fabulous recipe. I love when they’re both nutritious and delicious – a common combination on C and K. Thank you again.” – Chelsea
Creamy Roasted Brussels Sprout and Quinoa Gratin
Easily gluten free
“We made this for Thanksgiving and it was the big hit of the meal! We’re definitely adding it to our rotation.” – Deb
Steel-Cut Oat “Risotto” with Butternut Squash and Kale
Easily gluten free and vegan
“I just finished making this tonight and oh.my.gosh! This was literally just what I needed…comforting, warm and delicious. My meat loving father even approved. I will for sure be having this for breakfast tomorrow and without a doubt make this again! Thanks Kate!” – Samantha
Hearty Salads
Balsamic Butternut, Kale and Cranberry Panzanella
Easily vegan
“SOOOO Yummy, Kate–this salad was the star of tonight’s supper and the combination of flavors is just perfect. Will definitely do this one again for guests–too delicious not to share. Thank you!” – Cindy
Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad with a Zippy Lemon Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I have made this salad so many times – everyone loves it – kids, adults, veggie and meat lovers alike. Thank you!!” – Eija
Herbed Quinoa & Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this salad tonight and it was delicious. All of the ingredients are perfect together. We have enjoyed all of your recipes that we have tried so far!” – Nancy
Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This was the most amazing salad. Such a good balance with proteins and veggies and dairy free to boot. We loved the layers of flavours! Thank you so much :)” – Lisa
Autumn Kale Salad with Fennel, Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese
Gluten free
“I don’t want to sound dramatic, but this salad could possibly be life changing. No, ya know what, I’m going to say it….. this is the best salad I have ever had in my entire life, and I have had A LOT of salad. Thank you so much!” – Lindsay
Lebanese Lemon-Parsley Bean Salad
Gluten free and vegan
“I do not often leave comments after making recipes I find online (I know … shame on me!!); but your Lebanese Lemon-Parsley Bean Salad was so successful that I had to thank you! The flavors were incredible – balanced, assertive, and addictive. It makes a lot so I shared (but only with people I really like). Every recipient called to demand the recipe. Great job and thank you for sharing! I will be returning often.” – Heather
Quinoa Broccoli Slaw with Honey-Mustard Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I made 1/2 this recipe tonight for a store bought bag of broccoli slaw and omitted the crushed red pepper due to a guest who can’t take any slice at all. It was PERFECT! It will be my go-to slaw recipe from now on. Thank you!” – Lynda
Favorite Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries and Pepitas
Gluten free and easily vegan
“A favorite in our house, we eat this salad at least once a week!” – Sherie
Honey Mustard Brussels Sprout Slaw
Gluten free
“Kate! I made this slaw for Thanksgiving. I was a little worried about how it would be received by my very traditional, mid-western in-laws but it was a ROARING success! Everyone asked for the recipe :)” – Emma
Fall Soups
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I just made this soup for my family. I think it is the best soup I have ever made. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.” – Christa
Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
I’m cheating! This is a recipe in my cookbook, Love Real Food (page 94). It’s one of my favorites, as are all of the soups in the book (I mean that).
Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Gluten free and vegan
“Oh my gosh!! Best soup I’ve made in a long time! I live in Reno, NV and it’s finally Fall like weather. I figured it was a good time to make a comfort soup, and this Roasted Pumpkin Soup hit the spot! Thank you for the recipe! I will definitely be sharing with my family and friends” – Julie
More Vegetarian Side Dishes
Rosemary Parmesan Sweet Potato
Gluten free
“Hi Kate. Just wanted to pass on how much my housemates enjoyed this for dinner tonight! We’ve all been under the weather and wanted something simple and healthy. This totally fit the bill but we couldn’t get over how incredible it tasted too!!! It was definitely more than the sum of its parts – we’re already planning to make it again this weekend. Thanks for a spectacular recipe!” – Anna
Lucille’s Mashed Potatoes
Gluten free
This is my family’s go-to mashed potatoes recipe! I hope it makes an appearance on your holiday table.
Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds & Feta
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This was DELICIOUS! Making green beans this way forever, loved the tangy dressing.” – Nicky
Cranberry-Maple Skillet Cornbread
“Kate, this is SO delicious, and pretty to look at, too! Taking a few cues from your baked dessert recipes, I made this dairy-free by substituting the butter with coconut oil and the buttermilk with almond milk (made “sour” with a bit of white vinegar). It came out great! I have been so happy since I recently discovered your blog, Kate! Loving these amazing and beautiful recipes.” – Nicole
Almost Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Easily gluten free
“I made this last night for our ‘Friendsgiving’ dinner, and it was the hit! Everyone absolutely loved it. :) It’s what the classic recipe has been asking for—fresh green beans and lots of flavor. Thank you for such a fantastic recipe!” – Leah
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Easily gluten free; vegan
“I made this at my daughters request and have to admit I was skeptical as we are neither vegan or vegetarian. It was awesome, all three of my children and my wife raved about it, we will definitely be making this again.” – Patrick
Cranberry Sauce and Goat Cheese Crostini
“I made this for Thanksgiving, loved it, got compliments, and was asked for the recipe. We did some with goat cheese and some with Brie, and it was great both ways. I think the sauce smells just like Christmas :)” – Karissa
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Breakfast & brunch
Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa
Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oat Pancakes
Maple-Sweetened Pumpkin Muffins with Oats
Pumpkin Pecan Scones with Maple Glaze
Pumpkin Oat Waffles
Simple desserts
Apple Crisp
Gluten-Free Apple Tart
Pear Cranberry Crisp
Thanksgiving cocktails
Spiced Apple Margaritas
Maple New York Sour
Pear Nectar with Reposado Tequila
Fresh Cranberry Margaritas
Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Pumpkin Pineapple Cocktail
Wassail (warm spiced and spiked apple cider)
Happy Thanksgiving from Cookie and Kate!
