5 Protein-Rich Recipes for a Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner

As individuals that like turkeys best while they are alive, it is common for vegetarians to feel left out on a holiday that revolves around turkeys that are not-so-alive. While a typical Thanksgiving meal includes plenty of meat-free sides to fill the plates of vegetarian dinner guests, such sides provide very little protein. From our brains to our skin, every bit of the human body needs protein. In fact, even one low-protein meal can throw off one’s health.

Non-turkey eaters, have no fear! This year, you don’t have to compromise your health in order to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner while upholding your dietary restrictions. Whether you’re a vegetarian or you’re just a person that doesn’t like turkey, here are five delicious recipes to add to your table this Thanksgiving:

1. Quinoa Stuffing with Apple, Sweet Potato & Hazelnut (vegan)

This colorffun dish will make the meat-eaters at your table jealous! It cooks in far less time than the traditional stuffing and it is full of our favorite autumn flavors–what more could we ask for?

For recipe: https://marlameridith.com/quinoa-stuffing-recipe/

2. Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup

Mushrooms are a vegetarian’s bacon, full of mouth-watering flavor and favorably loaded with protein. Start off your meal with this soup and your taste buds will be satisfied before the main course even begins.

For recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/cream-of-wild-mushroom-soup-recipe.html

3. Three Sisters Squash (vegan)

The “three sisters” in this recipe refer to beans, corn and squash—staple foods in the Native American culture. This aesthetically pleasing dish offers a great main dish alternative to turkey.

For recipe: http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016994-three-sisters-squash

4. Lentil and Cous Cous Salad with Argula

Indeed, salads can be protein-rich too. This year, substitute this vibrant medley for your boring mixed greens salad. If you want it to be vegan, just use vegan pesto as the dressing!

For recipe: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/lentil-and-couscous-salad-arugula

5. Lentil, Butternut Squash and Collards Pie

This quiche-like dish will add wonderful texture to your Thanksgiving meal. Pie is always the answer. Let’s be real, pumpkin pie is just not quite enough pie for one night.

For recipe: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/lentil-butternut-squash-and-collards-pie