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

FAQs

What do vegans eat instead of turkey? ›

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan. Choose one of these plant-based turkey alternatives, or combine more than one in your table, complimenting with veggies, rice, salads, or any other plant-based whole foods ingredients you want.

"A traditional Thanksgiving menu has lots of options for vegans and vegetarians: green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed or roasted potatoes, and sweet potatoes and yams—it's a carb-loaded feast, and we will happily lick our plates," says Peart.

Vegan tuna or chickpea tuna is an easy, fun, and tasty recipe that uses mashed chickpeas and a few other simple ingredients to recreate the texture and flavor of tuna salad. You can expect a savory umami-packed flavor with a touch of brininess and tanginess pleasantly reminiscent of the sea without being fishy.

Most corn, brown rice and quinoa are whole grains that can be used as substitutes for grains that contain gluten. There are also many packaged gluten free baking mixes, so try some to find your favorite. Many of these other grains can be effectively used as substitutes for bread.

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.

When it comes to veganism, a few staple foods can be challenging to give up. Dairy products, eggs, and meat are the most commonly cited examples. These foods can be challenging to give up for several reasons. They are typically very high in protein, which is essential for a healthy diet.

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.

What is healthier than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Try it out on Thanksgiving by substituting tofu for your turkey. Tofu can be cooked in a variety of flavorful ways and comes with a ton of nutritional benefits including a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B, and protein.

Roast chicken is less expensive, easy to roast, delicious, and has less portions than a large turkey, so it is perfect for a single, couple, or small family celebration. A simple chicken stuffed with mirepoix, lemons, fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, sage) and roasted whole is a great alternative to a large turkey."

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. I'm a nutritionist, and here are 4 of the best vegan turkey substitutes that also taste good.

Nut roast is a popular vegetarian alternative to a turkey dinner. It is a savory dish made primarily from a mixture of ground nuts, breadcrumbs, and various vegetables, herbs, and spices.