Sharing a meal with friends and family is about so much more than eating food. It’s about friendship, connection, togetherness, laughter and tradition.
But when you eat a different diet than the rest of your family–for whatever reason–it can feel like you’re missing out on those aspects of community. Sometimes, that makes it hard to come together with your family and friends.
How do you cook foods that include everyone? If you’re new to a certain way of eating, how can you still feel part of those traditions you grew up with?
Simply substitute some ingredients and try these delicious recipes. You can easily satisfy all your guests, accommodate diet restrictions, and feel good eating healthy, colorful foods!
This list was compiled by Brianna Murnan, RD, LD, at Resolution Health.
Turkey/Meat Alternatives:
Buy a Turkey Alternative
- VEGAN: Try Gardein Holiday Roast or Gardein Savory Stuffed Turk’y in place of turkey (dairy-free and certified vegan, although not GF)
- VEGAN: Tofurkey Plant-Based Holiday Feast (vegan, non-GMO, although not GF) and Tofurkey’sPlant-Based Savory Gravy
- VEGAN: Field Roast Celebration Roast (vegan, not GF)
- GLUTEN-FREE: Quorn Meatless Turk’y Roast (vegetarian, soy-free, non GMO, gluten free, not vegan- contains egg whites)
Or DIY
- VEGAN & GF: Lentil Nut Vegan Loaf-goes great with Easy Vegan Gravy
Mashed Potatoes (dairy free option):
Instead of using regular butter, simply use vegan butter (earth balance is a great option) and flavor with fresh herbs. It tastes better this way! My very favorite, go-to recipe is below.
Stuffing (vegan option):
Instead of using chicken broth in the stuffing/gravy, try using vegetable broth. Substitute meat with lentils and walnuts, and eggs with flax “eggs”. Use GF loaf of bread.
- My favorite Vegan/GF Stuffing Recipe
- Simple Vegan Stuffing – substitute GF bread in place of whole wheat bread to make GF
- Vegan GF Cornbread Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole (vegan, gluten free, dairy free option)
Substitute non-dairy milk, GF flour, vegetable broth, and earth balance (vegan butter).
Sweet Potato Casserole (vegan option)
Add a few new side dishes for a healthy and colorful twist!
- Harvest Butternut Squash, Pomegranate, Goat Cheese Salad (Vegetarian, GF)
(use maple syrup in place of honey and vegan cheese crumbles–or omit cheese–to make vegan) - Kite Hill and Miyoko’s Creamery make good vegan cheeses
- Lentil Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie (Vegan, GF, Grain-free)
Need more meal ideas with gluten free, vegan, dairy free, grain-free, etc options? Set up a free 15 minute consultation with Brianna to learn how she can help you.