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The Daily Insight

What do vegetarians eat instead of turkey on Thanksgiving?

Author

Matthew Barrera

Updated on April 02, 2026

6 Turkey Alternatives for a Vegan Thanksgiving

  • Country “Meatloaf” with Gravy. This is a wonderful recipe for feeding a crowd during at Thanksgiving.
  • Butternut Squash Vegducken.
  • Vegan Tofu and Vegetable Pot Pie.
  • Lentil Mushroom Walnut Balls with Cranberry Pear Sauce.
  • Tempeh Shepherd’s Pie.
  • Native Wellington.

What can I use instead of turkey for Thanksgiving?

Seven Delicious Alternatives to Turkey to Serve on Thanksgiving

  • Crown Roasts. For a centerpiece that rivals a whole bird, consider a crown roast.
  • Roasted Tenderloin. Just as its name implies, tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of beef and pork.
  • Beef Wellington.
  • Vegetable Centerpieces.
  • Seafood.
  • Other Birds.

Is there such thing as vegetarian turkey?

It’s the time when we honor family recipes passed down through generations. Whether store-bought roasts or recipes to make plant-based a new part of your family feasting, these are the best vegan turkey roasts to try.

What do vegetarians eat on Thanksgiving?

Vegetarian Main Dishes

  • Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto.
  • Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas & Herbed Crème Fraiche.
  • Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin.
  • Best Vegetable Lasagna.
  • Easy Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano.
  • Creamy Roasted Brussels Sprout and Quinoa Gratin.
  • Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash.

Can you eat turkey if you are a vegetarian?

Also known as pollo-vegetarian, the pollotarian diet is considered to be a type of semi-vegetarianism, as some forms of animal meat are allowed. While the prefix “pollo” literally translates to “chicken” in Spanish, pollotarians generally eat all forms of poultry, including turkey and duck.

What other meat is good for Thanksgiving?

Here are some big, impressive, delicious pieces of meat you should definitely make for Thanksgiving, instead of turkey:

  • Roast Duck with Plums.
  • Garlic Rosemary Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Cream.
  • Roasted Capon with Sage Stuffing.
  • Jamie Oliver’s Best Roast Leg Of Lamb.

What Can Vegans eat on Thanksgiving?

Classic Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

  • Sweet Potato Casserole.
  • Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
  • Mushroom Gravy.
  • Cranberry Sauce.
  • Vegan Stuffing.
  • Butternut Squash Casserole.
  • Stuffed Acorn Squash.
  • Cozy Vegan Mushroom & White Bean Potpie, page 141 of Love & Lemons Every Day.

What does a Pescatarian eat for Thanksgiving?

Monkfish is a great alternative to meat for Thanksgiving for pescatarians, especially if you are looking for a fish that is meatier like a poultry. Our recipe is a simple, baked monkfish recipe served with Autumn vegetables like romanesco, leeks, carrots, mushrooms and turnips.

Do vegetarians eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

No Thanksgiving family dinner would be complete without a turkey dish. However, turkey meat is not vegan, and you will need to find an alternative. Even though there are many other vegan dishes that you could enjoy during Thanksgiving, craving something more meat-based is possible.

What happens if a vegan eats turkey?

nothing, according to Robin Foroutan, a registered dietitian nutritionist and representative for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Some people may feel as though they have a harder time digesting meat if they aren’t used to it, Foroutan said, but there’s no scientific evidence for this.

Can you have Thanksgiving without the Turkey?

No problem. This is a festive vegetarian Thanksgiving menu. Anyone who claims it’s not Thanksgiving without the turkey clearly hasn’t tried these delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes. If you want a meatless holiday, these recipes will help pave the way.

What are the best meatless Thanksgiving dishes?

If you’re not vegan, Quorn’s holiday products are another option for a meatless Thanksgiving main dish (it contains egg whites). The turk’y roast is a soy-free loaf that serves five and can be roasted in the oven, much like a regular turkey.

Can you have a meat-free Thanksgiving?

Although turkey may be the focus for many on Thanksgiving, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a delicious vegetarian feast. From craveable appetizers to rich desserts, we’ve got you covered for a meat-free Thanksgiving meal.

Are there any vegetarian and vegan Turkey substitutes?

When it comes to vegetarian and vegan turkey substitutes, you can choose from several brands as well as many different vegetarian and vegan recipes . Tofurky, the brilliant brand name that revolutionized Thanksgiving and mock meats forever, makes a lot more than a tofu turkey.