This Thanksgiving, we’re serving up gratitude—one delicious, plant-based bite at a time. From hearty mains to cozy sides and decadent desserts, this menu has everything but the turkey. Made entirely from scratch, each dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients, seasonal flavors, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. Because the best part of the holiday isn’t what’s on the table—it’s who’s around it.
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Side Dishes
Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without those beloved side dishes—but this time, they’re getting a plant-based makeover. Fluffy mashed potatoes made creamy without dairy, rich gravy that’s completely meat-free, stuffing bursting with fresh herbs and vegetables, and green bean casserole that’s every bit as comforting as the classic. These recipes keep the flavors you know and love, while swapping in wholesome, plant-based ingredients that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Dessert Recipes
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a sweet ending, and this plant-based menu delivers. From silky pumpkin pie to rich chocolate treats, every dessert is crafted from scratch with wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients. These recipes prove that you don’t need butter, cream, or eggs to create indulgent, crowd-pleasing sweets—just a little love, seasonal spices, and plenty of gratitude.
This Thanksgiving, let your table be a celebration of abundance, compassion, and connection. With every dish made from scratch, you’re not only serving up incredible flavor—you’re creating a meal that’s kind to the planet, the animals, and your loved ones. From savory sides to sweet finales, this plant-based feast proves that tradition and creativity can share the same plate. So gather close, give thanks, and savor every bite.
Check out my Learning and Growing Library!
Here, you'll find a collection of my books, including plant-based cookbooks, whimsical coloring books, a journal prompt book to inspire self-reflection, and a unique coloring book planner to keep your days organized and creative. Each book is designed to help you embrace your journey, learn something new, and, most importantly, have fun along the way.
Skip the hassle of running to multiple grocery stores in search of hard-to-find plant-based ingredients—Try Amazon Fresh instead. Now, my pantry is fully stocked for all my cooking needs. If you’re looking to stock up too, Check out Amazon Fresh.
Join the Cooking is Messy Facebook group!
Whether you're new to cooking or a kitchen pro, this is the place to embrace the chaos! Flour flies, dishes stack up, and not every dish is picture-perfect—and that’s totally okay. Share your recipes, wins, fails, and everything in between. Need help or meal ideas? Just ask! We're here to learn, laugh, and cook—mess and all.
Let’s stir it up, one deliciously messy meal at a time!
Hi, I’m Mary Ellen, the creator of the YouTube channel "Life is Messy but I'm Learning as I Grow." I’m thrilled you’re here, joining me on this journey of discovery and creativity! As a mother of two, married to my high school sweetheart, and with a career background in childcare, my life is wonderfully busy and, yes, a little messy—but that's part of the fun.
On this site, I share my favorite things: plant-based cooking, crafting and DIY projects, family-friendly travel tips, gardening advice, and the occasional antics of my two adorable cats. I'm always eager to learn something new and love sharing my discoveries with anyone who will listen—so I’m glad you’re here to listen!
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, or just a place to connect, I hope you'll find something here that sparks joy and encourages you to learn and grow along with me.