PureWow food editor Katherine Gillen’s roundup of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, published on 3 October 2021, lists more than 60 ideas and groups the strongest mains into squash, grain and pasta, tart and pie, and other centrepieces, with one repeated tip: roast vegetables over polenta or add crispy chickpeas to make a dish as filling as a turkey main.
This guide picks the main dishes from that list that suit a table of mixed eaters and organises them by effort. The roundup is five years old and from a media site, so I use it for ideas, not for tested quantities. Note that several dishes contain cheese or eggs, so they are vegetarian but not vegan. Thanksgiving is on Thursday, 26 November 2026.
Squash and Pumpkin Mains
PureWow lists many squash-based mains. These look impressive and can sit in the middle of the table.
| Idea (PureWow) | Key ingredients |
|---|---|
| Whole roasted pumpkin | Wild mushrooms and Gruyere |
| Hasselback butternut squash | Honey topping |
| Stuffed butternut squash | Quinoa, chickpeas and Gruyere |
| Stuffed acorn squash | Cranberry, pecan, quinoa and goat cheese crema |
| Stuffed spaghetti squash (vegan) | Pecans, kale and dried cranberries |
| Butternut squash risotto | Crispy leeks |
Grains, Pasta and Risotto
Grain and pasta dishes feel familiar to most guests. PureWow notes that a farro risotto with butternut squash and scallions can be a side or an entree and is cooked in an Instant Pot, which frees the oven.
| Idea (PureWow) | Note |
|---|---|
| Caramelized shiitake mushroom risotto | Rich and savoury |
| Farro risotto with butternut squash | Instant Pot, frees the oven |
| Portobello mushrooms stuffed with barley risotto | Individual portions |
| Pumpkin stuffed shells | Ricotta, Parmesan and sage |
| Roasted carrots, green beans and fennel over polenta | Filling like a turkey main |
Tarts, Galettes and Pies
Pastry-based mains slice neatly and suit buffets.
| Idea (PureWow) | Key ingredients |
|---|---|
| Winter squash galette | Caramelized onions and Gruyere |
| Cheesy sweet potato kale galette | Gluten-free |
| Wild mushroom tart | Mushrooms |
| Beet and goat cheese tart | Beets |
| Quiche with sweet potato crust | Eggs |
Showstopper Centrepieces
These are the dishes guests photograph. PureWow lists a vegetable Wellington with mushrooms and spinach using store-bought puff pastry, a cauliflower steak with walnut-kale pesto (vegan), spicy whole roasted cauliflower, a vegan lentil and roasted vegetable bake and a vegan sweet potato and lentil shepherd’s pie.
| Idea | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Wellington | Looks like a roast; store-bought pastry saves time |
| Whole roasted cauliflower | Carves like a roast |
| Lentil and vegetable bake | Protein-rich and can be vegan |
| Sweet potato and lentil shepherd’s pie | Comfort food that holds |
For more meatless ideas beyond this holiday, see our vegetarian recipes.
Protein, Make-Ahead and Safety
PureWow notes crispy chickpeas add texture and protein, and that a spinach pumpkin lasagna is freezer-friendly. Our own suggestion is to include beans, lentils, nuts or cheese in at least one main so guests are not left on sides alone. IFAS says roasted vegetables should be refrigerated within two hours once they begin to cool. For comfort-style ideas, try our healthy comfort food makeovers.
How to Serve a Mixed Table (Our Suggestions)
These tips are ours. Label dishes with their main ingredients, keep the vegetarian main hot on its own tray, and use separate serving spoons so meat dishes do not touch it.
| Tip (ours) | Why |
|---|---|
| Label every dish | Guests with diets can choose |
| Separate serving spoons | Avoids cross-contact |
| Place the main early in the line | So it is not overlooked |
| Ask guests in advance | Plan portions |
