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Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner

Updated: November 19, 2016
Whether you're a vegan yourself, or looking for a guide on how to cook for one this holiday season, this extensive collection of vegan Thanksgiving recipes will meet all of your needs. Enough for a full spread, but easy to pare down for a smaller crowd, this menu will please plant-based and omnivore guests alike. Free of meat, dairy, and eggs, these recipes are anything but boring, with an emphasis on seasonal winter produce. Salads, sides, an impressive main dish, and satisfying desserts are all included for this elegant (and delicious) vegan Thanksgiving dinner. 
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1 of 9

Smoked Barley, Beet and Grapefruit Salad

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Smoked Barley, Beet and Grapefruit Salad

Having a plant-based Thanksgiving doesn't have to mean missing out on a delicious meal. These recipes prove that vegans can eat just as much good food, shown through our seasonal salads, full-bodied sides, a gorgeous main dish, and dainty desserts. 

A sweet vinaigrette, earthy beets, and the intense citrus twang of grapefruit balance the robust smoky hit of the grains for a memorable salad. To make sure you're getting the whole-grain version of barley, look for hulled, and skip past pearled.

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2 of 9

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pickled Rye Berries

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pickled Rye Berries

Something rather lovely happens when you soak the chewier whole grains (such as rye or wheat berries) in a pickling brine; the tangy notes make the chew that much more enjoyable.

3 of 9

Sage-Roasted Carrots and Turnips

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Sage-Roasted Carrots and Turnips

Wrap the vegetables in a foil packet so they steam gently and are easy to flip all at once. Place the packet right on the floor of the oven so the vegetables cook through quickly.

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4 of 9

Green Beans with Dried Cranberries and Hazelnuts

Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Green Beans with Dried Cranberries and Hazelnuts

Every plate needs a little green on it. Blanch the beans ahead, and store in the refrigerator to eliminate a task from the Thanksgiving Day prep list.

5 of 9

Miso Roasted Cauliflower

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Claire Spollen
View Recipe: Miso Roasted Cauliflower

Boost your cauliflower with this powerhouse ingredient that lends savory depth to this dish.

6 of 9

Acorn Squash with Pomegranate and Kale Tabbouleh

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Acorn Squash with Pomegranate and Kale Tabbouleh

This is a fun dish to "carve" at the table, as each person gets one wedge to enjoy as a side dish. For an entrée take, give each person half a squash.

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7 of 9

French Apple Tart

Photo: Charles Masters
View Recipe: French Apple Tart

This free-form apple tart is easy, spectacular, and evocative of the season.

• • Make it Vegan: Use a vegan pastry dough—one made with vegetable shortening—and leave off the crème fraîche.

8 of 9

Cranberry-Almond Bark

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Cranberry-Almond Bark

This addictive chocolate confection is a spectacular way to blend cranberries and almonds. You can also vary the recipe with other dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, figs, or cherries. Wrap in clear plastic and tie with a dark green ribbon for a lovely holiday gift.

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