Cruelty-Free and Full of Flavor: A Vegan Guide to Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2023. I put the marshmallows on the sweet potatoes too soon and they dissolved lol

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, connection, and of course—delicious food. But as we gather around the table, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the values we hold dear. Choosing a cruelty-free Thanksgiving doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or tradition; it means expanding them. With vibrant plant-based dishes, compassion at the center of your plate, and gratitude in your heart, you can celebrate a holiday that nourishes both body and soul—while honoring all beings who share this world with us.

Did you know that every year approximately 46 million turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving?

These gentle beings are devoted mothers, have regional dialects of communication, and are inquisitive. You can learn more about turkeys here. 

Each year I usually make a lentil loaf, air fry seasoned tofu chunks and toss them in a flavorful sauce. I usually also make sweet potatoes with vegan marshmallows, green beans and or brussels sprouts, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and cranberry sauce. My non-vegan husband and son always enjoy the food.

Here are some of my of my go-to recipes:

Lentil Loaf: https://ohsheglows.com/glazed-lentil-walnut-apple-loaf-revisited/ (I use my beet ketchup recipe to make this tomato free. See recipe below.)

Vegan Gravy: https://www.noracooks.com/easy-vegan-gravy/I (I love this flavorful oil-free gravy recipe from Nora Cooks)

Apple Pie: https://www.theconfidentvegan.com/post/easy-vegan-apple-pie-with-homemade-pie-filling (This is my recipe I shared in a previous blog post)

Pumpkin Pie: https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-pumpkin-pie/ (Another Nora Cooks recipe that has become a staple. It is always a hit!)

I always purchase a container of CoCo Whip to serve with my pies. YUM!!! I also get a bag of Dandies vegan marshmallows to top my sweet potatoes with and also snack on while cooking lol

Apple Pie & Pumpkin Pie

For the stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and roasted veggies I don't usually follow a set recipe and just do my own thing or follow parts of random recipes.

I created this recipe to substitute ketchup, tomato sauce, and tomato paste in recipes. You can add other seasonings to get the desired flavor you want.

Beet Ketchup

• 1 can of no salt added beets

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp onion powder

  
  

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add a tbsp of water if needed to get everything blended together.

Here are some other great websites to help you have a delicious cruelty free Thanksgiving:

https://cinnamonsnail.com/recipes/vegan-thanksgiving-recipes/

https://www.forksoverknives.com/menus-collection-vegan-thanksgiving-recipes/

https://thebananadiaries.com/season/thanksgiving/

Veggies, hummus, and assorted crackers also make a great appetizers. You can also create a vegan cheese board using using Rebel Cheese or Treeline Cheese. I haven't made this Cheese Ball recipe from Nora Cooks, but it is on my list to try. https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-cheese-ball/

There are also lots of vegan convenience products out there. I have never tried the Tofurkey roasts, but I have made their sausages with peppers and onions and served that at a Thanksgiving gathering filled with non-vegans. It was a hit! Daiya also makes delicious cheesecakes that I have brought to get togethers. I would also pick up a container of CoCo Whip to top the slices. It was super yummy!

As you plan your Thanksgiving this year, remember that every choice on your plate is an opportunity to express your values. A cruelty-free holiday isn’t about missing out—it’s about filling your table with compassion, creativity, and flavor. Whether you’re trying one new recipe or creating an entirely plant-based spread, every step matters. Each kind choice ripples outward—bringing more compassion to your home, your community, and the world.

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Jennifer Shlomovich is a recovering people-pleaser turned confidence coach. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. Now, she helps busy women simplify plant-based living so they can improve their health, save time, and feel supported—even if their family isn’t on board. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast.