Trying to select a dish to pass or preparing a whole Thanksgiving dinner is no easy task, but have no fear. We put together this menu full of healthy, easy-to-prepare, mouth-watering holiday favorites. Since the holidays can be a busy time of the year we also included plant-based dinner tips to help make life a little easier:

1. Make a plan: Pick out recipes and put together a grocery list to go shopping at least a few days in advance. There are a number of convenient apps that can help you do that such as Anylist and Paprika.^[1]
2. Bake ahead: You can make desserts, sauces, gravies, and stuffing ahead of time. The flavors of the stuffing can actually get better overnight! Just reheat and serve.
3. Prep your vegetables: Chop, slice, or dice your vegetables the day before to save some time on the big day.
4. Make your own broth: Save your vegetable scraps from prepping your vegetables to create your own vegetable stock. To make, place the vegetables (approximately 4 or 5 cups of vegetable scraps) in a 4-quart stockpot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for around 45 – 55 minutes.^[2] Can be used to saute veggies, as a gravy base and more.
5. Storing leftovers: Glass containers that are oven safe are the optimal storage containers for the refrigerator and freezer. This way you reheat your meals in the same container in the oven and minimize dish washing. BPA-free freezer bags work great for freezing lots of different items and mason jars are perfect for storing dressings and sauces.^[1]

Plant-Based Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving Entrée Recipes

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Everyone loves shepherd’s pie. Savory, hearty, and a creamy delicious topping, what’s not to love?!

Colorful, stuffed squash with mint, quinoa, apples and spinach. A definite hit that will brighten any holiday table.

Vegan Meatloaf

You can’t go wrong with this simple no-meat loaf. It’s a perfect main dish for a plant-based Thanksgiving celebration.

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries

Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole With Pecan...

Cauliflower Sweet Potato Mash

Port Wine Mushroom Gravy

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Quinoa Pilaf

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Traditional Holiday Stuffing

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Vegan Sweet Potato Pie With Chia Oat Crust

It’s everything a Thanksgiving pie should be and more. Creamy, rich, scrumptious AND good for you.

Apple Pumpkin Pie Bake

Why choose between apple or pumpkin pie when you can have both? This super easy to prepare dessert is so delicious that it will quickly disappear at any holiday gathering.

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie

This recipe is a much healthier version of a traditional chocolate pudding pie. It will surely delight all chocolate lovers!

References

1. https://nutritionstudies.org/batch-cooking-and-meal-prep-tips-for-a-plant-based-kitchen/
2. https://nutritionstudies.org/plant-based-on-a-budget/