The traditional meal of turkey or ham and various side dishes is prepared in many homes on Thanksgiving Day. Vegetarians or vegans can still create a Thanksgiving dinner by adapting traditional Thanksgiving menus -- no turkey required. Although vegetarians do not consume any animal products, there are a variety of substitutes that can be used instead.

The main course could consist of a vegetable lasagna, ratatoillle or a veggie loaf. Recipes that include seasonal ingredients are often use during the holiday season.http://www.theveggietable.com/recipes/thanksgiving.html Cranberries and pumpkin are seasonal ingredients that can be used to add flavor and color to a recipe. Other suggestions may include a vegetable chili or stew. Side dishes such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other salads or soups are also possibilities. http://www.vegkitchen.com/features/vegetarian-thanksgiving/

For many families, the traditional staple of Thanksgiving dinner has always been the turkey, but how can vegetarian families still maintain tradition without sacrificing their moral choices? There are many companies who specialize in faux turkey alternatives like Tofurkey, Field Roast's Celebration Roast and Garden Protein's Veggie Turkey Breast With Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffing.http://www.vegcooking.com/holiday-faux.asp

Because most traditional Thanksgiving side dishes do not contain any meat products, it is relatively simple to make a traditional feast that is suitable for vegetarians. Recipes such as green bean casserole, sweet potato or yam casserole, cranberry sauce and dressing can all easily be made without meat.