It’s almost Turkey day… or should I say Tofurky day?! According to Vegetarian Times, there are 7.3 million Americans who identify as vegetarian with an additional 22.8 million who say they follow a “vegetarian-inclined” diet. With stats like that, it’s no wonder plant-based brands have upped their game to offer more meat substitutes than ever. Though to some, the thought of a Thanksgiving with no Turkey may seem like a daunting task.
Follow these simple tips for creating an abundant holiday spread that will leave you and your guests, meat-eating or not, totally satisfied!
Open with Amazing Appetizers
There are so many tasty vegan appetizers out there! Create a spread of delicious dips and spreads which can all be enjoyed equally with fresh veggies, crackers, and toasted bread such as hummus, baba ganoush, and salsa or try our: Bruschetta with Herbed Amaranth Crackers, Radish and Pea Bruschetta, Spinach Artichoke Dip and this Life-Changing Butternut Squash Cheese Sauce.
Don’t Skimp on Side Dishes
Let’s be real–the side dishes are everyone’s favorite part of Thanksgiving. Stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes can all easily be made vegan, so don’t skip or limit any of these staple dishes. For those wanting a fresh new twist to their sides, try our Apple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Beet and Kale Casserole, and Kale and Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate.
Create a Veggie-Centerpiece
Just because there’s no turkey on your table, doesn’t mean you can’t have a festive centerpiece. Pinterest is filled with whimsical and nutritious veggie trays shaped like turkeys. Your guests are sure to find this both amusing and tasty especially when paired with some of the aforementioned dips and spreads!
Decide on a Main Event
Tofurky, Gardein, Quorn, and Field Roast all offer plant-based meat substitutes in the form of holiday roasts, veggie chicken and turkey cutlets. If you aren’t one for meat substitutes, try a veggie-packed lentil loaf, vegan shepherd’s pie, or our Wild Rice stuffed Acorn Squash.
Add a few extra Desserts
Can it even be considered Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie? Luckily for vegans, pumpkin is a natural binder in baking recipes so pumpkin-based recipes are incredibly easy to veganize, so don’t skip adding any desserts to your menu. Be sure to check out our Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Clove infused Roasted Fruit, and our Chai Apple Pie a La Mode!
Do you have a vegan Thanksgiving dish you make every year? Please share in the comments!
Also in Thanksgiving: 10 Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving that Doesn’t Involve Food
5 Ways to Practice Gratitude for Thanksgiving
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Photo: Christina Ramirez; Jessie Brown; Lauren Sacerdote
