Festive & Flavorful: 75 Vegetarian Mains to Transform Your Thanksgiving Feast

75 Vegetarian Mains for Thanksgiving!

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance, gratitude, and togetherness—and there’s no reason vegetarians should feel left out of the feast. With these 75 Vegetarian Mains for Thanksgiving, your holiday table can be just as hearty and festive as any traditional spread. Brimming with flavor, color, and inventive combinations, these recipes will delight vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, making your Thanksgiving meal a true culinary celebration.

Why Make Vegetarian Mains for Thanksgiving?

Vegetarian mains bring an exciting twist to the Thanksgiving table, showcasing the season’s best produce and bold flavors. From rich, cheesy casseroles and stuffed squashes, to veggie-packed pot pies and savory tarts, these dishes are as satisfying as any classic roast. Not only do they offer something special for vegetarians, but they’re also a crowd-pleasing way to introduce more variety and nutrition into your holiday feast.

Highlighting the Diversity of Vegetarian Thanksgiving Mains

The beauty of vegetarian mains is their versatility—you can opt for globally-inspired flavors, stick to cherished family recipes, or experiment with new textures and seasonal ingredients. Whether you crave the comfort of a bubbling lasagna, the elegance of a stuffed acorn squash, or the rich depth of a mushroom Wellington, this collection ensures every guest leaves the table satisfied.

Example Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

As a show-stopping centerpiece, Stuffed Acorn Squash combines roasted sweetness with a savory grain and vegetable filling—a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, ready to rival any turkey.

Ingredients

2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 shallot, diced
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or vegan alternative

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe with CookifyAI to get a perfectly organized shopping list, sorted by grocery store section—making your Thanksgiving meal prep smoother and more efficient than ever.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush cut sides of acorn squash with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side-down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30–35 minutes until tender.
  2. Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallot until soft, add spinach, and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cranberries, pecans, sautéed shallot and spinach, cinnamon, nutmeg, and feta. Stir well.
  4. Flip roasted squash halves cut-side up; fill with the quinoa mixture. Return to oven for 10–12 more minutes to heat through and brown slightly on top.
  5. Serve warm, garnished with extra cranberries and nuts if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

With 75 Vegetarian Mains for Thanksgiving, meal planning can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! Save and schedule your favorite recipes for the big holiday with CookifyAI, and let smart shopping lists do the work. See total ingredient needs, prevent duplicate purchases, and guarantee every vegetarian option is on the table.

Planning Benefits:

  • Calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple dishes
  • Organizes your shopping by store section for maximum efficiency
  • Eliminates duplicate purchases and missed items
  • Keeps meal prep stress-free and celebration-ready

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes so you know exactly what to buy and prep ahead—less time in the kitchen, more time enjoying the holiday!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Get ready to create a Thanksgiving to remember—one where everyone, vegetarian or otherwise, has a main dish that feels festive, filling, and entirely worthy of the holiday table. Happy cooking!

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