4 Thanksgiving Menus
Explore 4 Thanksgiving Menus—Traditional, Pescatarian, Vegetarian, and Vegan—each filled with festive cocktails, seasonal starters, hearty mains, comforting sides, and decadent desserts for every style of holiday celebration. Below we share four Thanksgiving menu suggestions. A traditional Thanksgiving menu, a pescatarian Thanksgiving menu, a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu, and a vegan Thanksgiving menu.
Traditional Thanksgiving Menu
Thanksgiving is a holiday where tradition takes center stage, and nothing feels more nostalgic than a menu built around classic flavors and comforting dishes that have stood the test of time. A Traditional Thanksgiving Menu celebrates abundance, warmth, and the timeless ritual of gathering around the table with family and friends. This year’s spread brings together iconic favorites, each prepared with care, to create a feast that feels both familiar and festive.
The celebration begins with a toast: the Blood Orange Whisky Smash, a cocktail that’s bright yet bold, perfectly balancing citrusy sweetness with the depth of whisky. It’s an inviting way to open the evening, bringing a modern touch to a traditional holiday.
For the first course, the Butternut Squash Soup with Pumpkin Seed Oil captures the essence of autumn in a velvety, golden bowl. Topped with a drizzle of nutty oil, it’s both comforting and elegant, setting the stage for the meal ahead. A side of Cranberry Sauce, with its sweet-tart balance, adds a festive pop of color and flavor, reminding us of the classics we look forward to every year.
The centerpiece, of course, is the Turkey roasted with herbs and onions, the star of nearly every Thanksgiving table. Fragrant and golden, it brings the unmistakable aroma and tradition that define the holiday. Surrounding the turkey are sides that embody comfort: Creamy au Gratin Potatoes, baked to perfection with tender layers and a rich, cheesy finish; Brussels Sprouts Slaw, which adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the heavier dishes; and Thanksgiving Stuffing, a holiday essential brimming with herbs, vegetables, and bread, baked until golden and aromatic.
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert, and this menu ends on a truly heartwarming note. The Warm Baked Apple Pastry, paired with smooth Vanilla Ice Cream, offers the perfect blend of cozy and indulgent. The flaky pastry, sweet apples, and melting scoop of ice cream evoke all the flavors of fall in one satisfying finale.
This Traditional Thanksgiving Menu honors the spirit of the holiday with dishes that feel like home, creating a timeless celebration of gratitude, togetherness, and the joy of sharing a meal.
Pescatarian Thanksgiving Menu
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all about turkey and stuffing—there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday with lighter, ocean-inspired flavors. A Pescatarian Thanksgiving Menu offers an elegant, refreshing twist on tradition, highlighting the bounty of the sea and the season’s freshest produce while still delivering the comfort and abundance the holiday is known for.
To begin, the Kabosu & Cucumber Gimlet sets a bright and sophisticated tone. With the tartness of Japanese kabosu citrus paired with cool cucumber, it’s a clean, refreshing cocktail that perfectly complements the lighter menu to come.
For the starter, the Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons delivers a classic favorite elevated with crisp greens, sharp Parmesan, and crunchy golden croutons. It’s a familiar dish that bridges tradition with a pescatarian-friendly twist, easing guests into the meal with something both comforting and refined.
The star of the table is the Steamed Halibut with Ginger and Garlic Sauce. Light yet full of flavor, the delicate fish is infused with aromatic seasonings that bring warmth and depth, creating a centerpiece every bit as celebratory as roast turkey.
Supporting the main dish are sides that balance elegance with indulgence. Scallops with Asparagus showcase natural sweetness and tender textures, while the Warm German Potato Salad provides hearty, tangy comfort with its vinegar-based dressing and herbs. To add a touch of crisp decadence, Maitake Mushroom Tempura offers earthy, umami-rich flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Dessert rounds out the menu with seasonal flair: an Apple Crostata with Warm Caramel Sauce. Rustic, flaky, and perfectly sweet, this dessert captures the essence of fall while finishing the meal on a cozy, celebratory note.
This Pescatarian Thanksgiving Menu proves that a holiday feast can be festive, hearty, and memorable without relying on meat, making it a fresh take on a timeless tradition.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu
Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in gratitude, gathering, and, of course, a memorable feast. While traditional menus often lean heavily on turkey and meat-centric dishes, a vegetarian Thanksgiving can be just as hearty, flavorful, and comforting—without sacrificing the essence of the holiday table. This year’s Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu brings together classic seasonal flavors and a few creative twists, designed to satisfy everyone around the table, whether they’re vegetarian or simply looking for lighter options.
To set the tone, we begin with a Tuscan Fresco Cocktail, a refreshing sip that blends citrus brightness with herbal notes. Light and sophisticated, it’s the perfect drink to toast the season and welcome guests.
For the starter, the Fall Lentil Salad offers a colorful and nourishing beginning. Lentils, autumn vegetables, and a bright vinaigrette come together in a dish that is as satisfying as it is wholesome, grounding the meal in rustic, seasonal flavors.
Moving into the heart of the feast, the menu celebrates variety and comfort. The Ribollita Soup, a Tuscan classic, brings cozy layers of beans, vegetables, and hearty bread—perfect for chilly November evenings. Alongside it, a bubbling dish of Creamy Mac ‘n Cheese delivers indulgence with every bite, while Brussels Sprouts Quartered and Roasted with Olive Oil provide a crisp, caramelized counterpoint. The Vegetarian Thanksgiving Stuffing honors tradition with fragrant herbs, vegetables, and bread baked until golden, ensuring the holiday table feels complete. Rounding out the mains, Pan-Cooked Potatoes with Peppers and Onions add a rustic touch, filling the kitchen with inviting aromas and providing a versatile side that everyone will love.
Finally, dessert is nothing short of decadent. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is a rich, sweet finale that balances silky chocolate with the nutty creaminess of peanut butter—a crowd-pleasing indulgence to end the evening on a high note.
This Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu is thoughtfully designed to highlight the abundance of the season, offering warmth, comfort, and celebration in every dish. It’s proof that a holiday centered on gratitude can be just as delicious and fulfilling without the turkey.
Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
A vegan Thanksgiving is a chance to showcase just how abundant, flavorful, and festive plant-based cooking can be. With a menu that blends cozy comfort foods, bright seasonal vegetables, and creative twists on holiday classics, this Vegan Thanksgiving Menu proves that you don’t need turkey, butter, or cream to enjoy a feast that feels both indulgent and celebratory. Every dish highlights the richness of fall ingredients while keeping the table inclusive for all guests, whether vegan or simply curious about plant-based dining.
The celebration begins with a cocktail that sets the stage for warmth and joy: the Apple Bourbon Spritz. This seasonal drink pairs the deep, smoky notes of bourbon with the crisp sweetness of apple, topped with bubbles for a touch of festivity. It’s a toast-worthy way to welcome friends and family while embracing the flavors of autumn.
To start the meal, the Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup offers a velvety, golden bowl of comfort. Made without dairy, this soup relies on roasted squash for depth and cashews or coconut milk for luscious creaminess. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted seeds adds elegance, creating a first course that’s both soothing and sophisticated.
At the center of the table is a hearty and inventive main: Vegan Miso Mushrooms with Mashed Potatoes. Earthy mushrooms cooked with miso bring umami richness, while the fluffy, buttery-style mashed potatoes—made with plant-based milk and olive oil or vegan butter—provide the ultimate comfort. Together, they create a main dish that feels every bit as celebratory as turkey, but entirely plant-based.
The sides elevate the meal with color, texture, and layers of flavor. Roasted Brussels Sprouts are caramelized to perfection, offering a crisp-tender bite that balances nutty sweetness and savory notes. The Ginger and Orange Zest Cranberry Sauce adds brightness and zing, cutting through the richness of the other dishes with its tart-sweet complexity. The Middle Eastern Spiced Carrot Salad brings a vibrant, aromatic twist, with warm spices, herbs, and perhaps a drizzle of tahini for balance. For freshness, the Kale Harvest Salad provides crunch and nourishment, with seasonal toppings like apples, nuts, or dried cranberries to tie it to the holiday table.
To close the meal, dessert delivers a stunning finale: Vegan Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream Frosting. Moist, spiced layers of carrot cake pair beautifully with the fluffy, dairy-free coconut cream topping. It’s a sweet finish that captures the warmth of the season without feeling heavy, offering comfort with every bite.
This Vegan Thanksgiving Menu demonstrates that holiday traditions can evolve without losing their heart. With dishes that are beautiful, satisfying, and deeply rooted in seasonal flavors, it creates a table where everyone—vegans and non-vegans alike—can share in gratitude, connection, and the joy of a truly abundant feast.
