“7 Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes (That Aren’t Tofurky)”

I used to feel a little lost when planning a vegan Thanksgiving main dish. I was tired of the same old processed roasts from the store and wanted something that felt truly special and homemade. 🥕

I always wondered, “How can I create a beautiful, satisfying centerpiece that everyone—vegans and meat-eaters alike—will rave about, without it being too complicated?”

So I dove into my kitchen and perfected these incredible recipes! Now, you can make a stunning, wholesome, and delicious vegan main dish that celebrates the abundance of the harvest and brings everyone together. Let’s create some magic! 🍂

Our Top 3 Favorite Recipes

• Easiest to Make: Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric-Tahini Sauce
• Most Unique Twist: Smoky Maple-Glazed Tempeh
• Biggest ‘Wow’ Factor: Butternut Squash & Sage Wellington

7 Beautiful Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes

1. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa, Cranberry & Pecans 🦃

This recipe is my go-to when I want something that looks like it came straight out of a magazine but is secretly so simple to make. The sweet squash and the savory, nutty filling are a match made in heaven. It truly looks and tastes like autumn on a plate, and most of the cooking is hands-off time in the oven!

⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~20 mins | Cook: ~50 mins

🎯 Best For: A visually stunning and incredibly simple main that doubles as a beautiful side dish.

Image-1: A halved acorn squash, roasted to a deep orange, overflowing with quinoa, cranberry, and pecan stuffing. A sprig of fresh sage rests on top.

2. Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric-Tahini Sauce 🦃

Please don’t be intimidated by this one—it’s one of the easiest yet most impressive centerpieces you can possibly make! You simply roast the whole cauliflower until it’s golden and tender, then drizzle it with a vibrant, creamy sauce. The flavor is absolutely out of this world, and it looks so dramatic and beautiful on the serving platter.

⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~15 mins | Cook: ~1 hour

🎯 Best For: A show-stopping, easy-to-make centerpiece that’s both healthy and delicious.

Image-2: An entire golden-roasted cauliflower on a round serving platter, generously drizzled with a bright yellow tahini sauce and sprinkled with chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds.

3. Balsamic-Glazed Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms 🦃

I love making these when I’m cooking for a smaller group or just want a main dish that doesn’t take up the entire oven. The mushrooms get so meaty and tender, and the savory breadcrumb filling with that sweet and tangy balsamic glaze is just divine. They feel fancy, but they come together in no time at all.

⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~15 mins | Cook: ~25 mins

🎯 Best For: A quick and elegant main for a smaller gathering or for guests who love mushrooms.

Image-3: Two large, glistening stuffed portobello mushrooms on a white plate, with a close-up on the golden-brown breadcrumb topping.

4. Hearty Mushroom & Lentil Loaf 🦃

This is my ultimate answer to the classic meatloaf, and I promise, it’s so hearty and flavorful that even the meat-eaters in my family ask for seconds! It’s packed with that savory, umami flavor from mushrooms and walnuts, and it slices beautifully, making it perfect for serving alongside mashed potatoes and gravy.

⏰ Details: Difficulty: Medium | Prep: ~25 mins | Cook: ~1 hour

🎯 Best For: A classic, comforting, and hearty main dish that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Image-4: A sliced lentil loaf on a wooden cutting board, showing its textured interior. A couple of slices are plated next to it with a spoonful of mashed potatoes.

5. Butternut Squash & Sage Wellington 🦃

If you are looking for that big “wow” factor, this is it. It’s such an elegant and beautiful centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table. The combination of sweet butternut squash, savory mushrooms, and classic sage wrapped up in flaky pastry is pure comfort. My secret is using store-bought vegan puff pastry, which makes this stunning dish totally manageable!

⏰ Details: Difficulty: Medium | Prep: ~35 mins | Cook: ~45 mins

🎯 Best For: An impressive and elegant centerpiece that is guaranteed to wow your guests.

Image-5: A golden-brown Wellington on a serving board, with one perfect slice cut to reveal the colorful layers of orange squash and dark mushroom filling inside.

6. Smoky Maple-Glazed Tempeh 🦃

This is probably the quickest main dish on this entire list, and it delivers such a huge punch of flavor. The tempeh becomes firm, easy to slice, and absorbs all of that wonderful smoky, sweet, and savory marinade. It’s a fantastic alternative to a traditional roast and is absolutely delicious served with classic Thanksgiving sides.

⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~15 mins (+ marinating time) | Cook: ~30 mins

🎯 Best For: A fast, flavorful, and high-protein main that’s a great Tofurky alternative.

Image-6: Slices of dark, glazed tempeh fanned out on a platter, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs to give it a festive, “roast” feel.

7. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping 🦃

Is there anything more comforting than shepherd’s pie? This is one of my favorite make-ahead recipes. A rich and savory stew of lentils and veggies is topped with a fluffy, bright orange cloud of mashed sweet potatoes. It’s a warm, cozy hug in a casserole dish and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

⏰ Details: Difficulty: Medium | Prep: ~30 mins | Cook: ~30 mins

🎯 Best For: The ultimate make-ahead comfort food that can be assembled the day before.

Image-7: A shepherd’s pie in its casserole dish, with a scoop taken out to show the rich filling underneath the bright orange sweet potato topping.

My Top Tips for a Flavorful Vegan Main

A Simple Vegan Thanksgiving Prep Timeline

Save your sanity with a simple prep schedule!

• 2-3 Days Out: Shop for all your ingredients. You can also make any sauces or glazes now and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• 1 Day Out: This is your big prep day! Chop all your vegetables (onions, squash, mushrooms). You can fully assemble your lentil loaf or shepherd’s pie—just cover and refrigerate. This is also the perfect time to marinate your tempeh.
• Thanksgiving Day: Simply pop your pre-assembled dishes in the oven and focus on enjoying time with your loved ones!

I hope these recipes inspire you to create a beautiful and compassionate feast this year. Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and sharing abundance, and nothing says that more than a table filled with delicious, homemade food made with love. It’s a joy to create a meal where everyone feels included and celebrated.

Now I’d love to hear from you! Which one of these vegan main dishes are you most excited to try this Thanksgiving?