My Favorite Plant-Based Thanksgiving Sides
Anyone else feeling torn between wanting to focus on Thanksgiving and jump on all of the early Black Friday deals to get Christmas shopping done? It’s always so nice to seize great deals and avoid last minute shopping, and I’m easily sucked in by Amazon’s Best Sellers to find the great deals everyone else is snatching up. Today they have this science kit for $9! I am really trying to reduce the amount of stuff we buy and have at home, but it might be too good to pass up!
But on to focusing on being grateful for everything we already have! We are looking forward to hosting a total of about 20 people for Thanksgiving. As many of our guests are not plant-based eaters we find ways to make it an enjoyable meal for everyone. I take on all of the healthy side dishes and others take care of the turkey, stuffing and traditional foods they would all be disappointed not to have.
One of the things I’ve learned is that the longer you work on healthy choices, the easier it becomes. The more practice I have making healthy food and the longer I do it, the more the healthy choices appeal to me. The once tantalizing foods just aren’t that appetizing anymore. As my taste buds have adjusted to whole foods, I’ve come to appreciate the delicious options available. It IS possible to love foods that love you back!
These sides alone are more than enough to leave you stuffed. I’ll probably have a taste here and there of the other options, but these are all delicious and perfect for the holiday. And now, on to the menu:
It never ceases to amaze me how easy it is to create much healthier mashed potatoes without the butter and cream. Cashew cream and some salt provide all the richness you need, along with healthy fats, protein and phytonutrients. A quick blend of the cashews is all it takes, and I’ve included instructions for making them a day in advance. Score!
This simple salad is my go-to for festive events. It can be super simple (I also make a version of it several nights a week), or can be dressed up for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the most special occasions. It’s amazing how some maple-glazed nuts will leave my kids clamoring for more salad. It’s perfect with this dressing.
If I were going to someone else’s house for Thanksgiving, I would make this salad. The bright green and red are so appealing, and I love it as a vegan main dish. 
Okay, one more salad. This is super simple, but a delicious way to add to any meal. We love this combo!
Most Amazing Chocolate Cream Pie
This one has been specifically requested–it is rich and loved by all. I love that it’s not only “not bad” but actually full of walnuts, dates, oats and almonds and so it’s rich in nutrition.
We’ll also be doing some roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes–we love both of these separately and I am working on the best way to combine them! Such delicious nutritional powerhouse foods that my whole family gobbles up!