Thanksgiving Recipe Round-Up: Plant-Forward Recipes to Brighten Your Table

Thanksgiving may be known for buttery sides and heavy comfort food, but this year, we’re celebrating a fresher, lighter twist on the classics while keeping all the nourishment. With vibrant vegetables, warming fall flavors, and nutrient-packed ingredients, these dishes bring all the comfort, without the post-meal slump. Whether you’re hosting, heading to a friendsgiving potluck, or simply adding something new to your family table, these wholesome recipes are delicious crowd-pleasers. 

Here are three of our favorite plant-forward Thanksgiving dishes to round out your healthy holiday menu.

1. Not-Your-Average Stuffing (Savory, Hearty & Packed With Veggies)

This isn’t the soggy boxed stuffing from childhood! This upgraded version is full of texture, herbs, and vibrant vegetables. Think caramelized onion and warm sage folded into roasted squash. It's rustic, full of flavor, and satisfying enough to stand on its own. The best part? You can customize it with gluten-free bread or sourdough (sub for the rice) and extra veggies to suit any guest at your table.

2. Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Kale (Creamy Comfort with a Nutritious Twist)

If you love mashed potatoes but want something lighter and nutrient-rich, this recipe is the hero of your plate. Instead of relying on dairy, these mashed potatoes get their creaminess from warm non-dairy milk and a touch of vegan butter. Tender organic, lacinato kale is sautéed with caramelized onions and garlic, then folded in for color, minerals, and flavor. It’s cozy, hearty, and unexpectedly elevated, exactly what every Thanksgiving plate needs.

3. Warm Quinoa Salad with Butternut Squash (A Fall Harvest in a Bowl)

This dish tastes like autumn: roasted butternut squash, toasted nuts or seeds, fresh herbs, and fluffy quinoa tossed together while still warm. It’s protein-packed, satisfying, and beautifully balanced with sweet, savory, and earthy notes. Serve it as a side dish or offer it as a plant-based main course for guests who prefer something lighter. It’s also excellent for leftovers the next day.

Bringing It All Together

A healthier Thanksgiving doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, it simply means leaning into real ingredients, seasonal produce, and recipes that make you feel good and taste amazing. These three dishes offer the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment while still keeping the holiday traditions alive.

Whether you're preparing the full trio or adding one new option to your table, these plant-forward sides bring color, creativity, and plenty of warmth to your celebration.