40 Amazing Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (Gluten-Free + Oil-Free) (2024)

FAQs

What is a vegan alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

by Gardein

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan.

There's a whole world of vegetable side dishes outside of green bean casserole. This Thanksgiving, pile your table with fall veggies like beets, squash, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes! I love spaghetti squash, acorn, and butternut, but if I had to choose a favorite winter squash, delicata would be it.

ofurky, the brilliant brand name that revolutionized Thanksgiving and mock meats forever, makes a lot more than a tofu turkey. But when it comes to a Thanksgiving meatless main course, the wheat and tofu roast filled with a wild rice stuffing is an ideal choice.

We Don't Recommend Going Vegan Cold-Turkey

Such a sudden, drastic change in diet can sometimes negatively affect physical, mental, and emotional health. But the vegan side of the fence isn't one we want to make a running jump for, remember?

If you cut all gluten out of your diet, there's a risk that you could miss out on nutritious whole grains, fiber and micronutrients. Getting enough whole grains in your diet is especially important if you're at risk for heart disease or diabetes.

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

Traditional butter is made with churned milk or cream, which usually comes from cows (but it can also come from other animals like goats), and that's why it's not vegan. Many people also use margarine, which is similar to butter in texture and color, but it's usually made with plant-based fat instead of animal fat.

What do vegetarians eat instead of turkey? ›

Short Thanksgiving greetings

May the chairs around your table be filled with those you love. May this day and every day be filled with love, joy and happiness. Wishing you every blessing of this bountiful season. May the blessings of Thanksgiving fill your heart and home with joy.

The typical white American family eats white bread rolls with butter, mashed potatoes, roast beef or baked chicken, and peas for dinner, with milk on the side.

And no, vegans do not eat chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, or even cheese, though they are often asked. But keeping a vegan happy on Thanksgiving is not difficult. Plenty of traditional dishes are (almost) vegan anyway, and the oven is on for baking special treats.

There are also cuts of beef to consider such as prime rib, beef tenderloin, brisket or pot roast. If beef isn't for you, a leg of lamb will serve as a flavorful stand-in for your November feast. If it is a turkey you're after, the sooner you order it the better.

A vegan turkey roast offers savory flavor and hearty texture without the meat. A quality vegetarian turkey has up to 26 grams of protein per serving — about as much as real turkey.

What is alternative turkey and ham made out of? Brands like Tofurky, Field Roast, Gardein, Beyond Meat, Lightlife, and more use plant-based ingredients in the products you can buy for any vegetarian/vegan guests.