When it comes to Thanksgiving, turkey is the main dish. With the rise of food conscious lifestyles, animal products are slowly slipping away and consumers are switching to plant-based products. Turkey is also extremely expensive, especially with rising inflation. Luckily, there are some alternatives that are money and health conscious, not to mention just delicious.
Pasta
A great vegetarian friendly option, pasta is a quick and easy dish that can be dressed up should the need to impress arises. From the traditional mac and cheese to a lasagna, any noodle can save a meal and your wallet.
Salmon
Switch the dish to fish! Salmon has great health benefits like having fatty acids to support a healthy heart. There are some cool festive recipes that incorporate salmon such as having it wrapped in puff pastry or just baking it. Food & Wine has 39 salmon recipes including a pomegranate glazed salmon with oranges to keep the holiday food theme constant.
Mushroom steaks
As the daughter of a vegetarian, I deeply underestimated the power of a mushroom steak. One recipe I make constantly is a stuffed spinach and mixed cheese mushroom steak. I incorporate three different types of cheeses along with seasoned spinach and sometimes I add almonds or pine nuts. It fills the stomach and satisfies the vegetarian.
Ham
Want some green eggs with that ham? Ham comes in all shapes and sizes. You can do an easy and family friendly recipe such as a Hawaiian roll slider casserole or stick to the traditional maple glazed ham like every Hallmark movie. Delish has some great recipes that could be perfect for your Thanksgiving.
Seasonal Vegetables (pumpkin, stuffed acorn, butternut squash)
Pumpkin, acorn squash, butternut squash, oh my! All the seasonal vegetables are up for grabs in this turkey alternative. Stuffed acorn squash filled with quinoa are great for vegetarians but can also be for those omnivore guests. Tis the season to eat these vegetables before it’s too late!
Ethnic Food
As a hispanic student living in a diverse city, I will never say no to ethnic food. Halal for Thanksgiving? Sign me up. Maybe head to an ethnic market for Thanksgiving and skip the whole kitchen drama. Cultures from around the world have great recipes that support all food lifestyles and introduce your guests to something new and memorable this Thanksgiving.
Plant-Based Products
While I am an avid meat eater, I still enjoy a good plant-based product every now and then. Beyond Meat has a wide range of plant-based products such as their iconic Beyond Burgers. Now they’re expanding their food production line into salmon and chicken. Featuring a trendy new plant-based product will be the talk of your Thanksgiving and could change people’s perspective on their current food lifestyle.
Whatever you decide to make this Thanksgiving, we hope you all have a great holiday season from our Her Campus NYU chapter to yours. Hopefully these alternatives have given you some thought to how you can be more food conscious and maybe spark some ideas for this upcoming holiday season.