Middle Eastern Thanksgiving Dishes

Thanksgiving is a celebration rooted in tradition — but that doesn’t mean your menu has to stay the same every year. For 2025, one of the most exciting culinary trends is infusing Thanksgiving with Middle Eastern flavors, creating a fusion feast that bridges cultures and brings bold spices, vibrant colors, and comforting aromas to your holiday table.

These Middle Eastern-inspired Thanksgiving dishes take classic seasonal ingredients like squash, cranberries, turkey, and grains, and elevate them with ingredients like pomegranate molasses, za’atar, cumin, sumac, and fresh herbs. They’re perfect for hosts who want to shake up their usual menu, honor family heritage, or offer something inclusive and exciting for all kinds of guests.

Ready to build a Thanksgiving menu that’s as global as it is comforting? Here’s a complete roundup of flavorful dishes — mains, sides, and even desserts — that bring the soul of the Middle East to your American holiday.

Why Try a Middle Eastern-Inspired Thanksgiving?

Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its rich spices, generous use of fresh herbs, warm flavors, and communal style of eating. These elements pair beautifully with Thanksgiving’s focus on abundance and connection.

Here’s what this fusion brings to the table:

• Warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice

• Herbaceous freshness from parsley, cilantro, dill, and mint

• Naturally dairy-free and inclusive dishes

• Colorful, vibrant presentations that wow guests

• Creative twists on traditional American flavors

Plus, many Middle Eastern dishes are perfect for making ahead — ideal for a stress-free holiday.

Middle Eastern Main Dish: Pomegranate-Glazed Roasted Turkey

A show-stopping centerpiece that infuses the turkey with sweet-tart flavor and deep color.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (10–14 lbs), thawed if frozen

• 2 large onions, quartered

• 1 lemon, halved

• 5 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 bunch fresh thyme or oregano

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp cumin

• ¼ cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the glaze:

• 1 cup pomegranate molasses

• ¼ cup pure pomegranate juice

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp sumac

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Pat turkey dry. Rub olive oil and spices all over the skin and under it. Season well with salt and pepper.

3. Stuff cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and herbs.

4. Place in roasting pan with a little water or broth at the bottom.

5. Cover loosely with foil and roast according to weight (about 13 minutes per pound).

6. In the last 45 minutes, brush glaze generously over the turkey every 15 minutes, removing foil for final browning.

7. Let rest before carving.

Why it works:
Pomegranate molasses gives a sticky, tangy finish while the spices infuse the bird with subtle Middle Eastern depth.

Vegetarian Main Dish: Stuffed Delicata Squash with Freekeh and Herbs

A hearty vegetarian entrée with bold flavor and seasonal flair.

Ingredients:

• 3 delicata squashes, halved and seeded

• 1 cup freekeh or bulgur wheat

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• ¼ cup chopped parsley

• 2 Tbsp chopped dill

• ¼ cup chopped toasted pistachios

• ¼ cup dried cherries or golden raisins

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp allspice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Rub squash halves with olive oil and roast cut-side down for 20–25 minutes.

3. Cook freekeh in broth until tender. Fluff and mix with herbs, pistachios, raisins, oil, and spices.

4. Spoon filling into roasted squash halves. Warm before serving.

Why it works:
Earthy freekeh and sweet-tart raisins complement the caramelized squash for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

Signature Side: Jeweled Rice with Nuts and Spices

This stunning dish is a Middle Eastern staple and a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed

• ¼ cup slivered almonds

• ¼ cup chopped pistachios

• ¼ cup golden raisins or barberries

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ¼ tsp cardamom

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice with salt until fluffy. Set aside.

2. In a pan, heat oil and toast nuts until golden. Add carrots, raisins, and spices. Sauté until fragrant.

3. Gently fold mixture into the rice and fluff with a fork.

Optional: Top with pomegranate arils for an extra pop of color.

Why it works:
It’s fragrant, colorful, and deeply satisfying — a perfect pairing with both turkey and plant-based mains.

Modern Mezze-Style Sides for Thanksgiving

Roasted Carrots with Tahini and Dukkah

• Roast rainbow carrots with olive oil, cumin, and salt.

• Drizzle with lemon-tahini sauce.

• Sprinkle with dukkah (a nut and spice blend).

Sumac-Spiced Green Beans with Crispy Onions

• Steam green beans and toss with olive oil, sumac, garlic, and lemon zest.

• Top with crispy shallots for crunch.

Za’atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• Cube sweet potatoes and roast with za’atar, olive oil, and sea salt.

• Serve warm or room temp — they’re even better the next day.

Muhammara (Red Pepper & Walnut Dip)

• Blend roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, lemon, and pomegranate molasses.

• Serve as a dip with flatbread or fresh veggies.

Middle Eastern-Inspired Thanksgiving Salads

Chickpea and Herb Salad with Lemon-Sumac Dressing

• Toss cooked chickpeas with parsley, mint, red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes.

• Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, sumac, and salt.

Roasted Beet & Orange Salad with Pistachios

• Slice roasted beets and fresh oranges.

• Layer with arugula and chopped pistachios.

• Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of cinnamon.

Unique Vegan Gravy: Mushroom Tahini Gravy

Rich, earthy, and umami-packed.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1½ cups vegetable broth

• 2 Tbsp tahini

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms and garlic in oil until golden.

2. Add broth and simmer 5 minutes.

3. Stir in tahini and lemon juice.

4. Blend if smooth texture desired. Season to taste.

Why it works:
Tahini adds creaminess without dairy, and mushrooms add that savory depth expected from a traditional gravy.

Middle Eastern-Inspired Thanksgiving Dessert: Date and Walnut Maamoul Bars

A spin on a classic Middle Eastern cookie, turned into easy-to-serve bars.

Ingredients for Filling:

• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates

• ½ cup walnuts

• 1 Tbsp orange blossom water

• ½ tsp cinnamon

Crust:

• 1½ cups semolina or all-purpose flour

• ½ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Blend filling ingredients until paste-like. Set aside.

2. Mix crust ingredients and press half into a greased pan.

3. Spread date mixture over crust. Top with remaining crust.

4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.

Why it works:
It’s fragrant, naturally sweet, and easy to make ahead — plus it’s dairy- and egg-free.

Finishing Touches: Holiday Beverages & Sauces

Pomegranate-Orange Sparkling Mocktail

• Mix pomegranate juice, orange juice, and sparkling water.

• Garnish with mint and citrus slices.

Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish with Fresh Herbs

• Pulse cranberries, pomegranate arils, orange zest, mint, and parsley in a food processor.

• Add maple syrup to taste. Let sit for flavor to meld.

Tips for Hosting a Middle Eastern-Inspired Thanksgiving

• Mix family-style and plated dishes: Mezze lends itself well to sharing and variety.

• Use spices generously, but balance flavor: Don’t be afraid of cinnamon, coriander, or sumac. They add warmth, not heat.

• Offer traditional touches with a twist: A classic stuffing with za’atar or mashed potatoes with garlic-tahini can ease guests into the new flavors.

• Decorate with rich textiles, lanterns, and natural elements like dried flowers, olives, and pomegranates for a Mediterranean aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Yes! Most can be made 1–2 days in advance. Jeweled rice, dips, and sauces hold well. Even the turkey glaze can be prepped and stored.

Are these recipes halal-friendly?
Absolutely. All dishes are made without pork, alcohol, or wine-based ingredients.

Can I make this meal vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! The menu includes plenty of meatless options, and the sides are easily adapted using plant-based substitutions.

What are good Middle Eastern ingredients to stock for this menu?
Pomegranate molasses, za’atar, sumac, tahini, freekeh, and Medjool dates are key staples that bring authentic flavor.

What if my guests aren’t familiar with Middle Eastern food?
Start with familiar ingredients and flavors — roasted vegetables, rice, nuts, and citrus — but present them with a twist. It’s a fun way to introduce global cooking.

Final Thoughts

This year, take your Thanksgiving beyond borders with a Middle Eastern-inspired feast that’s flavorful, festive, and deeply satisfying. Whether you serve pomegranate-glazed turkey or stuffed squash, jeweled rice or sumac-dusted beans, these dishes tell a story of connection — to culture, tradition, and one another.

You don’t need to be from the region to appreciate its richness. Bring these warm spices and generous flavors to your table, and create a holiday gathering everyone will remember.