A Delicious Plant-Based Thanksgiving Feast
Whole Foods Plant Based Thanksgiving
For Thanksgiving this year, prepare a delicious plant-based feast that is sure to impress your friends and family! These recipes will satisfy anyone at your table, even those who are meat-eaters.
For starters, try this cauliflower roast, which is just as festive but without the traditional turkey-induced tryptophan crash. For sides, you can’t go wrong with a creamy mushroom gravy or a hearty lentil shepherd’s pie.
Turkey
A Thanksgiving without turkey can be just as satisfying and delicious. For your main entree try a hearty vegetarian pot pie or savory stew. Other options include stuffed peppers, pumpkin roast, and lentil loaf. Many plant-based dishes feature traditional fall spices and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
Whole food plant based recipes are simple to make and can be adapted to your guests’ dietary preferences. For example, you can add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds to your stuffing, swap dairy butter for olive or coconut oil when making mashed potatoes, and mix in some steamed cauliflower to your green beans.
If you’re short on time, you can order a pre-packaged vegan Thanksgiving dinner from Whole Foods. Menu items include cremini mushroom roast with vegan gravy, rustic ciabatta stuffing, and cider-roasted brussels sprouts. If you’re still craving traditional desserts, Nada Moo’s creamy coconut milk pumpkin pie is a delicious vegan option. They also have a wide selection of gluten-free frozen pies to choose from.
Sides
Many people associate Thanksgiving with a table laden with meat and dairy, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Including more whole foods plant based sides will allow you to serve your guests a variety of options while still focusing on a delicious and nutritious meal.
Whether you are making a side dish or a full Thanksgiving dinner, here is a list of plant-based recipes that will impress all your guests. From hearty soups to creamy casseroles, these plant-based dishes are sure to delight everyone at the table.
For a Thanksgiving dinner that is easy to prepare but full of flavor, try this cremini mushroom roast with vegan gravy. This delicious entree replaces beef with mushrooms, while also blending in other flavors and nutrients. Pair this with a simple salad or miso creamed greens and your guests are sure to be satisfied.
Dressings
For many plant-based eaters, navigating holidays like Thanksgiving can be a tricky balancing act between nostalgia and commitment. But as plant-based foods become more and more sophisticated, it’s easier than ever to enjoy classic favorites without the turkey.
Fortunately, the vast array of plant-based roasts and side dishes available make it easy to create an impressive spread for your holiday guests that’s also good for you.
These nutrient-rich, oil-free salad dressings are bursting with flavors and ingredients that will impress even your most skeptical family members or friends. They can be drizzled over salads and bowls, or used to boost the flavor of cooked grains, baked spuds and veggies.
This luscious dressing gets its creaminess from yogurt, and is loaded with vitamin-rich veggies, herbs and citrus. It’s the perfect finish to a summery green salad or a veggie bowl with Latin-inspired flavors. This recipe makes about half a cup of dressing.
Desserts
A whole foods plant based diet can help reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also provide a wealth of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip desserts! These delicious, sweet treats are a tasty way to end your Thanksgiving dinner.
For a healthier twist on a traditional pumpkin pie, try this vegan version. It’s made with a banana base that provides all the sweetness you love without the sugar spikes and crashes.
Another favorite Thanksgiving dish gets a healthy makeover with this cauliflower roast. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table and won’t leave you feeling weighed down with a tryptophan-induced crash.
You can even avoid dairy this Thanksgiving with this premade stuffing mix from Trader Joe’s. It’s a blend of wheat, tofu and vegetables with rosemary, sage and parsley. It’s also a great option for vegetarian guests!