Surviving Long Car Rides: Vegan Thanksgiving Dishes That Can Stand the Test of Time

Welcome to a collection of simple yet delicious vegan dishes that can make your Thanksgiving travel a joy, not a hassle. Whether it's a family gathering or a special holiday, we've put together tasty meals that can withstand a long car ride. Enjoy these recipes and happy travels!

Simple and Savory Vegan Dishes for Thanksgiving

1. Cauliflower Mash

Start your meal with a comforting and creamy dish that's perfect for a long journey. Mash overcooked cauliflower with garlic, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper for a flavor-packed side. This dish doesn't require any fancy equipment and can last through a car ride without losing its freshness.

2. Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Filled with a unique combination of white wine and whole grain mustard, these brussels sprouts are both flavorful and substantial. Brussels sprouts are hearty and can withstand the rigors of a long car ride, making them an ideal choice for a road trip.

3. Pumpkin Bread

For a sweeter option, try topping a pumpkin bread mix with pumpkin puree, chopped apricots, and chopped walnuts or pecans. Bake it until it's golden and moist, and it will only improve on the ride. This dish can be carried in a small container and served straight from the travel container to a serving bowl.

4. Cranberry Sauce

A quick and easy cranberry sauce made from boiling fresh cranberries and frozen dark sweet cherries in cranberry juice is sure to be a hit. This sauce can be stored in a mason jar or a ziploc bag, and it will stay fresh through the car ride, providing a burst of flavor.

Holiday Favorites That Withstand the Journey

Surviving the Car Ride With Safe Dishes

While these dishes are simple, they are anything but boring. Use dishes that can withstand the journey and are easy to carry. For example, if you ensure the dish doesn’t move around too much with a proper container, it can be heated up at the end of the trip without any issues.

Improved Thanksgiving Stuffed Green Salad

My sister-in-law has a game-changer for any long car ride. She brings a dressed-up kale salad that’s both substantial and easy to transport. Simply mix a dressing of Dijon mustard, smashed garlic, cranberry-orange juice, poppyseeds, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Then, toss this with the best and freshest kale you can find, add toasted almonds, and dried cranberries.

Place the salad in a large ziploc bag, put it in the trunk, and let it travel. This salad can be eaten directly from the serving bowl without the need to wash or transport serving dishes, making it a hassle-free choice for a road trip.

Vegan Vegetable-Based Dressing for Turkey

If you're looking for a dish that can serve as an alternative to the traditional roasted turkey, consider making a vegetable-based dressing for the bird. Place the dressing in a dish that fits snugly in a cool bag and won't move around much. Cover it with ice packs and foil or cling wrap to keep it fresh and safe on the journey.

If there are any veggie-eaters at your table, this can be an excellent alternative to the turkey, or you can make a substantial veggie main course that might feature a pulse like lentils. Some examples of such dishes can be found on my Pinterest account, such as the mushroom and lentil wellington, which is impressive and hearty.