‘Tis the season for friends, family and loved ones to gather ‘round large, inviting tables – but what happens when each person at that table has different dietary needs? To make sure everyone at your Thanksgiving feast arrives feeling included and leaves feeling full, it’s best to offer a variety of dishes that suit all types of eaters, at every stage of the meal.
Here are some of our menu picks to help you create a Thanksgiving feast for every type of eater:
Cocktail Hour
Looking for a crowd-pleasing app that looks impressive, but is actually super-easy to make? Slice up a tube of our ready-made polenta, top with a variety of seasonal ingredients, and prepare for the compliments to come rolling in. (Hint: These recipes are naturally gluten-free, and easy to make vegan as well by simply skipping the cheese.)
Fig and Goat Cheese Polenta Bites
Striking the perfect blend of sweet and savory, these delicious bites feel fancy but are a cinch to throw together. Want to make them vegan? Skip the goat cheese and swap the honey for agave or maple syrup.
Savory, meaty mushrooms are sautéed with garlic and herbs to become the perfect topping for baked polenta rounds in just half an hour.
The Main Event
Whether you’re opting for a traditional turkey or serving something more inventive, a variety of classic and creative sides can elevate your entrée to new heights. Here are just a few delicious recommendations:
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Apple Cider Vinaigrette
A good quinoa salad is a welcome addition to any meal, and this one – bursting with autumnal flavors like roasted butternut squash, toasted pecans and dried cranberries – is perfect for the holiday season.
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Quinoa Pecan Topping
An adult version of a childhood favorite, this casserole’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth as well as your desire for gluten-free, superfood nutrition.
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Another Thanksgiving go-to gets a nutritious boost with the help of quinoa flour, quinoa flakes and yogurt (but don’t worry, there’s a vegan version listed as well.)
Apple and Sage Quinoa Stuffing
Full of seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and dried apricots, this beautiful stuffing can easily be made vegan – but is so full of flavor that omnivores are sure to love it as well.
Dessert
No matter your dietary preferences, you know how important it is to save some room for dessert – especially when the dessert in question is one of these:
A better-for-you take on a classic Thanksgiving dessert, this luscious cheesecake features a gluten-free crust and a filling of real pumpkin puree, reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, spices, and a secret, surprising ingredient: cooked quinoa!
Slow Cooker White Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
Serve a larger crowd with ease by whipping up a batch of these gluten-free (and vegan!) cookies, bursting with delicious, seasonal flavor and plant-powered nutrition.
Not a fan of pumpkin? Try this pecan pie instead, made better for you (and entirely plant-based) with butternut squash, almond milk and Ancient Harvest Quinoa.
Find even more delicious, gluten-free recipes on our recipes page at AncientHarvest.com.
