7 Main Dishes to serve instead of Turkey
Turkey might be the iconic centerpiece of winter holiday tables, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to tradition. The first Thanksgiving is actually rumored to have featured diverse seafood options, from clams to mussels and even eels!
This year, we’ve collected our favorite main dish alternatives to turkey and other poultry. From seafood showstoppers to meaty dishes and vegetarian delights, refresh your holiday feast with a bold new centerpiece.
Jump to: Seafood, Meat, Vegetarian
Seafood
The meat of the sea might be more traditional than you think! The English pilgrims and the Wampanoag people living on the East Coast had access to fresh, abundant seafood, so traditional versions of these dishes likely made an appearance at the very first Thanksgiving.
- Lobster Tails 🦞
Rich, buttery, and oh so quick, lobster tails are one of the easiest ways to a happy table.
As author Sherry Randall says: ‘Lobsters are very easy to make, but even easier to ruin. Over cooking does NOT fly with seafood. Pay close attention to your time and keep a thermometer ready. It goes fast!’
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lobster tail recipes
- Roasted Salmon 🐟
Salmon is always a crowd pleaser and offers a refreshingly lighter meal compared to the heaviness of turkey. If salmon isn’t your thing, try sea bass, tilapia, or cod. Roasted fish is super simple to prepare and cook - your dinner will be done in half the time!
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roasted salmon recipes
Not just the main dish: check out these gorgeous seafood appetizers!
Roasted Mussels with Garlic-butter Crumbs / Baked stuffed clams / Hot honey fried shrimp deviled eggs
Meat
Not all show stoppers come with wings or fins! Swap your poultry for a meatier dish this year, such as ham, beef, or lamb.
- Honey Glazed Ham 🐷
A classic Christmas tradition, but definitely suitable for other holiday feasts, honey glazed ham comes together so easily with just a few pantry ingredients.
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glazed hams
- Beef Wellington 🐄
This classic British dish could certainly make a statement at a Thanksgiving feast, but we think meat wrapped in buttery pastry is always a winner. Wellingtons are also perfect for holiday feasts of 2-4 people!
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wellington
recipes
- Lamb 🐑
While it might not be traditional, a rack or leg of lamb certainly steals the show at a holiday dinner. With far less prep time than turkey, lamb pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes and other veg.
Make the most of your meat (and time!) by roasting your vegetables together with your lamb:
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lamb
Vegetarian
You don’t need meat to deliver a festive, flavorful feast. These vegetarian options can be the star of the show, or served as a side dish to accommodate guests who don’t eat meat.
- Nut Roast 🥜
With a similar texture to meatloaf, protein-rich nuts and lentils bring the structure and richness to this festive loaf, which pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce and other holiday sides!
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nut roast recipes
- Mushroom Pie 🍄🟫
Fungi is your friend when it comes to getting meat-like, umami flavor. Swap your usual beef and go for a mushroom wellington or pie to impress your guests!
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meat free thanksgiving recipes
What’s your family holiday tradition? Share it with us on Cookpad!
📌 Going for turkey after all? Check out these tips:
Perfect your thanksgiving Turkey with these tried and tested tips
📌 Want to learn more about indigenous recipes? Read this next:
6 Dishes to honor Native American culture this Thanksgiving
📌 Start your holiday meal with easy, crowd-pleasing bites while the main dish is still in the oven:
Best Thanksgiving Appetizers and Snacks to Impress Guests