Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

15 Vegan Roast Alternatives for Meat-Free Guests

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Allison Day

Vegans, vegetarians and those who are limiting their meat are still looking to be wowed around the holiday table, and this recipe collection is here to help, with show-stopping centrepieces that skip the meat, not the flavour. Favourites such as grain-stuffed squashes, savoury bread puddings, risotto, epic winter salads, whole roasted cauliflower and more are sure to appeal to every diner – meat-free or meat-focused – for a healthy, happy holiday meal.

  • Stuffed Acorn Squash with Red Wine Cranberry Sauce
     
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    Stuffed Acorn Squash with Red Wine Cranberry Sauce

    <p>It’s not a holiday dinner without <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/photos/easy-cranberry-sauce-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cranberry sauce</a>, which this recipe pairs with squash stuffed with wild and brown rice, kale, corn and spices instead of the traditional turkey. This healthy showstopper is guaranteed to disappear before the bird.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/stuffed-acorn-squash-with-red-wine-cranberry-sauce/15076/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Stuffed Acorn Squash with Red Wine Cranberry Sauce</strong></a></p>
  • Grain-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi with High-Protein Pesto
     
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    Grain-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi with High-Protein Pesto

    <p>Sweet potato gnocchi is turned into a stunning and healthy main course that is suitable for not only vegans, but <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/delicious-gluten-free-comfort-food-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gluten-free holiday guests</a>, too. A high-protein bean, nut and herb pesto adds substance and flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegan-grain-free-gnocchi-high-protein-pesto/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Grain-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi with High-Protein Pesto</strong></a></p>
  • Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange and Saffron
     
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    Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange and Saffron

    <p>Cauliflower presented as a whole roast is an eye-catching vegan dish, especially when it's loaded with special-occasion holiday ingredients like saffron, orange and hazelnuts. Slice and serve this “meaty” main with your favourite holiday sides.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/whole-roasted-cauliflower-with-hazelnut-orange-and-saffron/17187/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange and Saffron</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan “Meatballs” with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce
     
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    Vegan “Meatballs” with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce

    <p>Bring a taste of Italy to your holiday table with these protein-rich vegan meatballs complemented with a bright and tangy tomato sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-meatballs-with-oven-roasted-tomato-sauce/13672/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Anna Olson’s Vegan “Meatballs” with Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Holiday Grain Bowl
     
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    Vegan Holiday Grain Bowl

    <p>Everyday grain bowls get a holiday main makeover with red wine glazed tofu, mashed sweet potatoes, lemony green beans and roasted garlic-mushroom gravy. It’s everything you love in a holiday meal, made vegan.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/healthy-vegan-grain-bowl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Vegan Holiday Grain Bowl</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Wild-Rice-Stuffed Butternut Squash
     
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    Vegan Wild-Rice-Stuffed Butternut Squash

    <p>Sweet and creamy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/32-brilliant-ways-to-use-butternut-squash/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">butternut squash</a> boats hold a chewy, savoury-meets-sweet filling of wild rice, dried cherries, curry powder and walnuts. Scrub the squash skin well before beginning the recipe – it’s edible!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-wild-rice-stuffed-butternut-squash/19086/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Vegan Wild-Rice-Stuffed Butternut Squash</strong></a></p>
  • Celery Root & Jicama Rosti with Quinoa Swiss Chard Saute
     
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    Celery Root & Jicama Rosti with Quinoa Swiss Chard Saute

    <p>Vegetables are the star of this main course rosti made from celery root, jicama, flour, club soda and tofu. The finishing touch is a quinoa and swiss chard sauté, offering a tender texture to play off of the crispy rosti base.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/celery-root-and-jicama-rosti-with-quinoa-swiss-chard-saute/13644/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Anna Olson’s Celery Root & Jicama Rosti with Quinoa Swiss Chard Saute</strong></a></p>
  • Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Salsa Verde
     
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    Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Salsa Verde

    <p>Slabs of caramelized, tender <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-cauliflower-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cauliflower</a> adorn a creamy cauliflower mash before being topped with a vibrant lemon salsa verde. This will certainly wake up the taste buds at your holiday gatherings!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegetarian-dishes-with-lemon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Salsa Verde</a></strong></p>
  • Vegan Scallops with Spaghetti, Crispy Kale and Pomegranates
     
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    Vegan Scallops with Spaghetti, Crispy Kale and Pomegranates

    <p>While seafood may be off the vegan holiday table, a nod to its special occasion status is still very welcome. Here, mushrooms are magicked into seared “scallops” and served with a tangle of white wine and leek pasta, hearty kale and festive pomegranate seeds.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-scallops-with-spaghetti-crispy-kale-and-pomegranates/15256/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Vegan Scallops with Spaghetti, Crispy Kale and Pomegranates</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Sweet Potato and Sauerkraut Perogies
     
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    Vegan Sweet Potato and Sauerkraut Perogies

    <p>Delicious pan-fried dumplings are made holiday-ready with a cozy filling of sweet potatoes and sage. Sauerkraut adds a briny tang and bright texture to these classic perogies with a vegan twist.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/vegan-sweet-potato-and-sauerkraut-pierogies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Vegan Sweet Potato and Sauerkraut Perogies</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Saffron Risotto
     
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    Vegan Saffron Risotto

    <p>A hint of saffron in this creamy vegan risotto makes this holiday main course stand out. Made with a homemade vegetable stock, this decadent dish pulls out all of the stops to taste like the ‘real’ thing – all without a lick of dairy.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-saffron-risotto/20864/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Vegan Saffron Risotto</strong></a></p>
  • Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs
     
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    Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs

    <p>Lentils, mushrooms, wheat berries and soy sauce bring umami depth to these meatless meatballs, perfect for a holiday gathering. Serve this main on top of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-roasted-garlic-mashed-potatoes/19381/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vegan mashed potatoes</a> to capture all of that delicious sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lentil-mushroom-meatballs/19517/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups with Almond Ricotta
     
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    Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups with Almond Ricotta

    <p>Sometimes, only lasagna will do. This version is turned into a fancy vegan main course, all thanks to its presentation. Lasagna roll ups are more elegant than a large casserole dish served family style, making guests (and yourself) feel taken care of and special.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/vegan-lasagna-roll-ups-with-almond-ricotta-37178/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups with Almond Ricotta</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Quinoa Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
     
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    Vegan Quinoa Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash

    <p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/the-ultimate-squash-guide-varieties-and-their-best-uses/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">In-season squash</a> is a hearty and impressive main course when presented halved, hollowed and then filled to the brim with healthful ingredients like quinoa, cranberries and pistachios.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-quinoa-cranberry-stuffed-acorn-squash/19382/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Vegan Quinoa Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash</strong></a></p>
  • Vegan Pot Pie
     
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    Vegan Pot Pie

    <p>A flaky, “buttery” crust holds a creamy, cozy, completely vegan pot pie filling. Serve these savoury pies alongside a range of vegetable sides, and no one will miss the meat.<p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-pot-pie/12134/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Vegan Pot Pie</strong></a></p>
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