Let’s be honest: Turkey has never been the star of the holiday table. You can create a satisfying vegetarian Thanksgiving meal that’s bursting with fall flavors without a bird in sight. Follow these tips for a plant-based special occasion meal that everyone will love.
Tip 1: Start with quality produce
If you start out with delicious produce and flavorful extras, you’ll end up with a meal to be thankful for. Lean into the flavors of fall with hearty vegetables like delicata squash and Brussels sprouts. Add a pop of brightness with seasonal citrus. Nuts and seeds, like pepitas and almonds, add texture and richness that enhance roasted flavors.
Tip 2: Embrace indulgence
Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean that you only eat vegetables. Thanksgiving is the time to bring in comfort food. We’re talking carbs, cheese, and everything rich. Our favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving main is essentially a dressed-up mac and cheese. This year we’re serving a Three-Cheese Cascatelli Pasta Bake with Mushrooms, Spinach & Truffle Breadcrumbs. A decadent mix of cheeses makes this dish a little indulgent—perfect for a holiday meal.
Tip 3: Bring on the umami
Savory, rich umami flavor can be a little hard to find in a vegetarian diet. It’s naturally present in meats and fish, but you have to look a little harder in the plant-based world. Mushrooms, including truffle zest, are a natural umami bomb. We’re using truffle zest to add a punch of flavor to our vegetarian main dish. Roasting vegetables is also a great way to enhance their savory flavor. A little dark brown caramelization will bring rich complexity to any dish.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu
Wondering what to serve instead of a turkey? Here’s what’s on our table this year.
- Three-Cheese Cascatelli Pasta Bake with Mushrooms, Spinach & Truffle Breadcrumbs
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Calabrian Brown Butter Vinaigrette & Walnuts
- Arugula & Orange Salad with Pistachios & Creamy Date Dressing
- Smoky Delicata Squash with Pepitas & Almonds
- Chocolate Mousse Pie with Whipped Cream & Candied Peanuts
The Blue Apron vegetarian holiday box will be available to ship starting November 7th. Stay up to date here.
