Any Ideas for Vegetarian Holiday Meals or Kits?

Hey everyone,

My wife has been a vegetarian for 15 years, and I stick to vegetarian meals for 6 days a week, with 1 day off. I usually cook all our meals since I have a lot of experience in the kitchen. However, this year, I have to work on Christmas and the days around it.

We’re looking for an easy holiday meal kit or a full meal we can just heat up. Something more special than a regular weekday meal or something thrown together quickly.

I’ve seen tons of meal kit companies offering holiday meals, but it’s hard to find anything vegetarian. We live in rural Texas, so local options aren’t available.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hello Fresh offers plant-based meals as one of their options.

Briar said:
Hello Fresh offers plant-based meals as one of their options.

I know many places have vegetarian options, like Hello Fresh and Purple Carrot, but we’re looking for more of a full holiday meal, not just a regular weekday meal.

@Tan
I make a fancy pasta dish for Christmas.

Have you considered Tofurky? You can find a store near you on their website. It’s just a roast with stuffing, but you can pair it with other vegetarian sides from a regular store like roasted potatoes or salad.

@Rowan
We’d prefer a full nice meal, but this could work as a backup. We’ve never had Tofurky before and are a bit picky about meat substitutes. The texture is usually off. Have you tried it?

Tan said:
@Rowan
We’d prefer a full nice meal, but this could work as a backup. We’ve never had Tofurky before and are a bit picky about meat substitutes. The texture is usually off. Have you tried it?

I’ve had the classic Tofurky, and I like it. I’m picky too and generally avoid substitutes like Impossible or Beyond Meat. The texture of Tofurky isn’t exactly like meat, but it’s unique. If you don’t like meat substitutes, have you tried seitan? It’s closest to classic Tofurky. They also have a Tofurky ham-style roast, though I’ve never tried it myself. I didn’t like ham when I ate meat, so I stuck with the classic turkey.

@Rowan
Sounds like we should try Tofurky. I’ve never had seitan, but I’ve tried meat substitutes made from wheat gluten, and the texture isn’t my favorite. I never liked ham either, so I haven’t had pork in years!

@Rowan
A tip with these products: slice them thin. They can be quite chewy if not.

Goldbelly has some options for holiday meals, including vegetarian and vegan ones, though they can be expensive. You can find different meal options delivered.

Vesper said:
Goldbelly has some options for holiday meals, including vegetarian and vegan ones, though they can be expensive. You can find different meal options delivered.

I checked Goldbelly! They only have one vegetarian option, a mushroom lasagna, with no sides. They also have a couple of vegan meals. I’m not sure about the vegan one, as it has green beans, which I really don’t like, but at least it’s an option.

Check with local mid-level restaurants, they may offer holiday meals with vegetarian options.

Noel said:
Check with local mid-level restaurants, they may offer holiday meals with vegetarian options.

I’ve already looked at them, but nothing vegetarian is available, unfortunately. Living in rural Texas is tough for this!

@Tan
Ugh, maybe try Whole Foods if you have one nearby. Natural food stores might also have good suggestions.

Noel said:
@Tan
Ugh, maybe try Whole Foods if you have one nearby. Natural food stores might also have good suggestions.

Sadly, we don’t have one nearby. The closest Whole Foods is an hour away. I’m already dreaming about next year when we move somewhere with more options than just tacos and brisket! Haha, oh well.

Honestly, most options tend to be disappointing, especially from places like Whole Foods. You could try ordering from an Indian or Middle Eastern restaurant instead. They often have great vegetarian options. You could also look at Williams Sonoma, but their meals are casserole-style and super pricey. Or, go all out with a cheese board from Murray’s Cheese, paired with some appetizers, fruits, and wine.

@Val
[weeps in lactose intolerance] I think you’re right, though. There are so few good options for vegetarians. I’ve seen dozens of amazing holiday meals for omnivores, but hardly anything for vegetarians.

@Tan
Oh, well, you could try a vegan charcuterie from Harry and David with fancy fruits, nuts, and crackers. Vegan cheese from Vegan Essentials is great too, especially the aged nut-based ones.

Val said:
@Tan
Oh, well, you could try a vegan charcuterie from Harry and David with fancy fruits, nuts, and crackers. Vegan cheese from Vegan Essentials is great too, especially the aged nut-based ones.

Wow, I didn’t know about this. Good to know!

You could try Harry & David. They have a Pick 2 or Pick 3 Sides option with vegetarian choices, plus some other appetizers or desserts that might work. Their main dishes aren’t traditional, but they could still be a good fit. It’s not the easiest to find vegetarian options, but they’re there.