Festive Chickpea Tart
This veggie-rich seasonal tart looks complicated (aka impressive), but it’s pretty simple to whip together. Save yourself a step by spreading the topping (made of ground chickpeas, cranberries, spinach, sage, walnuts, rolled oats, tamari, and celery, among other ingredients) on a pre-made whole-wheat piecrust. Or go full DIY and make your own from scratch.
Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf
If the word “meatloaf” still brings to mind scary cafeteria mystery meat, it’s time to revisit the concept with this filling vegan version. Lentils, toasted walnuts, ground flax, carrot, celery, apple, raisins, and breadcrumbs make this meat-free loaf positively healthful. Top with a sweet-n-sour balsamic-apple glaze.
Stuffed Kabocha Squash with Quinoa and Chickpeas
These roasted gourds loaded with leeks, quinoa, chickpeas, currants, and spices are bound to satisfy vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike. The best part? It’s basically quinoa salad in an edible bowl, so there are fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night!
Butternut Squash and Kale Stuffed Shells
What happens when you combine an Italian classic and a Thanksgiving classic? You get these delicious, healthy, totally main course-worthy stuffed shells. Butternut squash adds moisture and flavor, so it’s possible to cut down on the cheese for a healthier dish.
Sweet Potato, Onion, and Fontina Tart
This rustic tart combines all the colors (and flavors) of fall. It’s a beautiful dish that will surely tempt even the non-vegetarians in the room. When assembling it, alternate rings of sweet potatoes and onions to make a pretty (and yummy) bulls-eye pattern.
Chermoula Eggplant with Bulgur and Yogurt
Leave it to the New York Times to get really creative with vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes. This Middle Eastern eggplant dish is totally non-traditional, featuring bulgur wheat salad, raisins, olives, almonds, and a drizzle of Greek yogurt on top.
Mushroom and Stout Pot Pies with Sweet Potato Crusts
A savory pie that combines beer, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms is the perfect melding of decadence and healthy food. As a Thanksgiving entrée, this dish is pretty simple and speedy, with just a few steps and minimal dishes to wash.
