Thanksgiving is just a couple days away. To an omnivore, Thanksgiving is a veritable feast of delicious foods, usually slathered heartily in heavy cream and butter; for us vegans, Thanksgiving can often be a bit of a nightmare.

All too often our well-intentioned relatives struggle to decide how to provide us with options that we can eat, dishes which are still in the spirit of the holidays without all of the dairy products which serve as a necessary component of most traditionally gluttonous Thanksgiving dishes. It’s not fun for anyone, as we are forced to feel guilty for adding one more wrench into the already difficult-to-plan juggle of oven and stovetop space and often end up with fewer, less flavorful options than our meat-eating relatives.

It doesn’t have to be this way! There’s no rule saying that being a vegan at Thanksgiving has to be a downer. There are some incredibly inventive recipes that take traditional Thanksgiving dishes and give them a much needed, plant-based upgrade. Thanksgiving should be a holiday in which all can eagerly over-indulge to their heart’s content, regardless of dietary restrictions. After all, isn’t that truly the American way? All it takes is a few simple recipes to turn a drab Vegan Thanksgiving of mashed potatoes and salad into a cornucopia of delights. Use these recipes as inspiration to add a dose of fun back into the Vegan Thanksgiving Feast.

Pumpkin-Pecan Crusted Tempeh (V)

Few things scream Fall as much as Pumpkin. While we’re used to seeing this autumnal ingredient after dinner in our pies, pumpkin works wonders as a savory accompaniment, too! Consider serving this pumpkin-pecan crusted tempeh as a dose of protein on top of a salad, piled high in the hollowed out center of a roasted squash, or tossed with some roasted veggies.

Lentil Loaf (V+GF)

If you’re looking for a hearty main dish, look no further than this Lentil Loaf, a vegan take on the classic meatloaf. Packed with protein and fiber, this lentil loaf would be the perfect way to round out all of your delicious side dishes.

Individual Vegan Pot Pies (V)

If you’re feeling ambitious, why not try these adorable veggie pot pies? There are few things more comforting than a vegan stew tucked behind flaky layers of pastry crust.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Nut Crumble (V+GF)

From one of our favorite vegan bloggers, Oh She Glows, comes this killer end to Thanksgiving--a dessert that’s not only vegan, but also gluten free! We think this casserole would be perfect heated up with a drizzle of coconut oil or a scoop of vegan, coconut milk ice cream on top. We’re drooling a bit just thinking about it!

To grab some more Vegan Thanksgiving Inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest page. 

Image courtesy of ohsheglows.com