Whether you're vegan or just want to make sure everyone at the table has something special to enjoy, these 14 Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes are designed to be the stars of your holiday spread. From my homemade vegan turkey roast and glazed tofu roasts to beautiful stuffed squashes, these delicious dishes are perfect for impressing your guests.
Thanksgiving is about bringing everyone together at the table, so I want to make sure everyone has something beautiful and delicious to look forward to. Whether you’re plant-based, vegetarian, or simply looking to reduce your footprint, this collection of my favorite vegan Thanksgiving main dishes is bound to please.
These recipes pair perfectly with classic sides like stuffing, roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. And of course, don’t forget to drench it all in a generous drizzle of vegan gravy! Trust me, these hearty mains and comforting sides will make your Thanksgiving meal deliciously memorable for everyone at the table.
Vegan Thanksgiving Tips:
Plan Ahead
Start planning your menu early and make a shopping list to ensure you have all the ingredients you need. Consider making a timeline to figure out what dishes can be prepped ahead and what needs to be cooked on the big day.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
Save yourself time and stress by preparing certain dishes in advance. Roasts, stuffed squashes, and vegan gravy can often be made ahead and frozen (check the recipe notes for specific make-ahead or freezing instructions). Simply reheat them on Thanksgiving Day for a stress-free holiday meal!
Presentation is Key
Garnish your vegan Thanksgiving main dishes with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of color, and add a final sprinkle of Maldon salt and freshly ground black pepper for a little sparkle. Select a beautiful serving dish that complements your dish; when in doubt, a white serving plate always looks classy. Consider using seasonal decorations like gourds, colorful table runners, autumn leaves, or dried flowers to create a warm, inviting table setting. Thoughtful presentation not only elevates your meal but also makes it feel extra special for your guests!
Complete the Meal
Pair these hearty mains with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a vibrant salad, stuffing, and mushroom gravy. And, of course, you can’t forget dessert—try my famous pumpkin pie for a sweet finish that everyone will love.
Leftovers & Repurposing
Thanksgiving leftovers can be just as exciting as the main meal! Transform leftover roasts into sandwiches, toss roasted veggies into salads, or stir leftover gravy into soups for added richness.
Accommodating Dietary Needs
If you’re serving guests with different dietary needs, be sure to clearly label your dishes—little signs like these ones work great for this! This helps everyone easily identify which items are safe for them to enjoy, ensuring that all your guests feel included and can enjoy the meal with confidence.
- The Best Vegan Turkey Roast: "This was easy and amazing. Everyone loved it. No need to wait for thanksgiving to make it either. Yummy" -Jenn
- Brown Sugar & Mustard Glazed Tofu: "Loved this recipe. My family felt so happy to have such a wonderful meal Ty!!" -Beverly
- Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash: "We simply love this recipe! We served it to friends in the past, just had it today as an easy weeknight meal (prepped on Sunday) & just decided to have it as our main course on Christmas this year." -Yulca
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow: "Going on my table tomorrow!! Thank you for your sharing" -Adela
- Puff Pastry Wrapped Lentil Loaf: "I make this often for holidays. Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years etc. Sooooo Good!" -Nancy
- Vegan Pineapple Glazed Ham: "Excellent, easy and tasty. It was a hit Thank you" -Sheila
- Vegan Biscuit Pot Pie: "Comfort food at its finest! My husband was a big fan of this. Going into the regular rotation this winter for sure." -Melissa
- Lentil Shepherd's Pie: "I loved shepherd’s pie before I was vegan and this recipe did not disappoint. My boyfriend loved it too. The mashed potatoes are the best part!" -Courtney
- Stuffed Roasted Butternut Squash: "This amazing dish has now been requested by my non-vegan extended family for other holidays as well! What a success." -Deborah
- Alfredo Pasta Bake: "Absolutely AMAZING!! Best vegan alfredo recipe we have tried. Will be making this again and again. Thank you!" -Cheri
- Vegan Tourtiere (Vegan Meat Pie): "This is soooooo good!!!! it weirds me out how much it tastes like meat tourtiere ..but it's better!!!" -ej
- Best Ever Vegan Lasagna: "This recipe is an easy 10/10! Sooo delicious, and honestly pretty easy to make. The tofu tasted incredible done this way! The ricotta was perfect." -EC
- Vegan Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner: "Made it for Thanksgiving this year. I didn't have much time after work, but this came together in an hour and was the perfect Thanksgiving plate for myself and my husband. We loved everything on the plate, but I think the turkey is my favorite and I will make it more often than just for Thanksgiving." -Gamze
- Vegan Spaghetti Bake: "Best Baked Spaghetti ever! I really like the Alfredo sauce it brings the taste of Italian with Alfredo together - Pasta Paradise!" -Roseanna
I hope this list of mouthwatering, vegan Thanksgiving mains help make your holiday feast absolutely unforgettable! I have a feeling your Thanksgiving menu is going to be out of this world this year!!
If you try any of these vegan Thanksgiving main dishes, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
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