Surviving Thanksgiving as a Vegan: 8 Tips for Navigating Family Gatherings
In the Kitchen:
“I’ll pass on the turkey, but thanks—more room for pie!”
Thanksgiving is a time for connection, gratitude, and of course, food. For vegans, however, the holiday can present unique challenges, especially when family members may not fully understand or accommodate a plant-based diet. Last year we wrote an article called, Gravy Without the Drama: 8 Simple Tips for Hosting Vegan Relatives. This Thanksgiving we thought we’d write something up from the vegan’s perspective. With a little planning and a positive attitude, you can enjoy a delicious and drama-free Thanksgiving. Here’s how:
Photo source pexels.com by Nicole Michalou
1. Communicate Ahead of Time
Before the big day, let your host know about your dietary preferences. Politely explain what veganism entails (no animal products, including dairy, honey, and eggs), and offer to help in any way you can. This might mean sharing simple recipes or bringing a dish or two of your own to ensure there’s something you can enjoy.
2. Bring a Show-Stopping Dish
Think of this as an opportunity to wow your relatives. Bring a hearty vegan main or side dish that everyone can enjoy—like a lentil loaf, stuffed acorn squash, or a creamy dairy-free mashed potato. Not only will you guarantee something to eat, but you’ll also introduce others to the delicious potential of plant-based cooking. If you’re looking for a great recipe, check this favorite of ours for a Mushroom Wellington that will even have the staunch meat eaters coming back for seconds!
3. Embrace the Sides
Thanksgiving sides are often naturally vegan or can be easily adapted. Green beans, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and salads are your friends. If your family tends to use butter or cream in everything, ask if you can prepare a vegan-friendly version of a classic side dish.
4. Navigate Conversations with Grace
It’s not uncommon for dietary choices to spark curiosity—or even debate. Be prepared for questions or comments about your vegan lifestyle. Instead of getting defensive, use these moments to share your perspective with kindness and humor. “I’ll pass on the turkey, but thanks—more room for pie!”
5. Don’t Forget Dessert
Pumpkin pie, pecan bars, and apple crisps are all easily veganized with substitutions like coconut milk, flax eggs, and dairy-free butter. Bringing a dessert can be a delightful way to share your lifestyle without compromising on flavor.
6. Focus on Gratitude
At its core, Thanksgiving is about togetherness and giving thanks. Remember, the day is less about the food and more about the company. Focus on the laughter, stories, and memories being made, and you’ll leave with a full heart—even if your plate wasn’t overflowing.
7. Use Simple Vegan Substitutes for Classic Sides
Many traditional Thanksgiving side dishes can be made vegan with a few easy swaps. Be helpful in the kitchen, and often you can set aside part of a side during prep to make individual portions vegan. For mashed potatoes, replace dairy butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk) for creaminess. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth in stuffing or soups, and opt for coconut cream or cashew cream to replace heavy cream in dishes like green bean casserole. These substitutions are straightforward and often go unnoticed, so you can enjoy familiar flavors without compromising your diet.
8. Pack a Few Extra Tasty Vegan Options
If you suspect the spread might be light on vegan-friendly dishes, come prepared with some crowd-pleasing options. Consider a savory mushroom and lentil shepherd’s pie, a hearty wild rice and cranberry salad, or a creamy vegan mac and cheese made with cashews or a store-bought cheese alternative. Portable finger foods like stuffed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas can double as appetizers, ensuring you have something filling to enjoy while also sharing plant-based flavors with everyone else.
By being proactive, flexible, and gracious, you can navigate Thanksgiving as a vegan while fostering understanding and maybe even inspiring a few plant-based converts. Happy Thanksgiving!