Not every holiday feast needs to revolve around turkey. These festive main dishes that are not turkey bring something fresh to the table without losing the special-occasion feel. They’re perfect for cooks who want to switch things up or impress guests with something unexpected. From rich flavors to easy prep, each one earns its spot at the center of the spread. With festive main dishes that are not turkey, the meal still feels classic, just with a little extra personality.
Salmon Bites
These salmon bites are crisp on the outside and tender inside, with a rich flavor that pairs easily with sauces or salads. They cook quickly on a griddle, making them a solid choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings. For anyone seeking festive main dishes that are not turkey, this option keeps things fresh yet elegant without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Bites
Eggplant Parmesan
This Eggplant Parmesan brings comfort without feeling heavy, layering golden eggplant slices with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s hearty enough to stand in for meat but still feels light enough for a weeknight meal. As one of the festive main dishes that are not turkey, it’s perfect for those who prefer a flavorful vegetarian centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan
Air Fryer Roasted Chicken
This air fryer roasted chicken delivers golden, crispy skin with juicy meat that locks in all the right flavors. The seasoning blend gives it a punchy, balanced taste that fits any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, easy to serve, and works perfectly for anyone planning festive main dishes that are not turkey.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Chicken
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This stuffed acorn squash mixes earthy squash with cranberries, herbs, and nuts for a meal that feels wholesome and seasonal. It’s colorful, cozy, and impressive without being complicated. Perfect for festive main dishes that are not turkey, this recipe brings variety to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ham with Pineapple
This ham with pineapple combines smoky, tender meat with the sweet edge of caramelized fruit. The glaze forms a sticky crust that locks in moisture and flavor while filling the kitchen with a warm aroma. It’s a dependable showpiece for family dinners or end-of-year celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Ham with Pineapple
Garlic-Cinnamon Honey Glazed Ham
This glazed ham uses honey, garlic, and a hint of cinnamon to build a deep, balanced flavor that feels both comforting and festive. The sweet-and-savory crust develops beautifully in the oven, keeping the meat juicy throughout. It’s the kind of centerpiece that easily outshines traditional options.
Get the Recipe: Garlic-Cinnamon Honey Glazed Ham
Whole Stuffed Chicken
This Mediterranean-style whole stuffed chicken features tender meat packed with herbed rice and aromatics. It roasts to a golden brown and slices beautifully at the table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and fits perfectly among festive main dishes that are not turkey for those who want something classic yet different.
Get the Recipe: Whole Stuffed Chicken
Vegetarian Eggplant Lasagna
This vegetarian eggplant lasagna layers thin slices of eggplant with creamy cheese and rich marinara sauce. It’s a comforting meal that skips the pasta while still feeling indulgent. The contrast of textures gives it balance, making it just as satisfying as its meaty counterpart.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Eggplant Lasagna
Dr Pepper Ribs
These ribs cook until the meat is fall-apart tender, coated in a glossy Dr Pepper BBQ glaze that clings to every bite. The sweetness of the soda adds depth while keeping the sauce rich and bold. They’re perfect for cookouts, weekends, or anytime you want something hearty and unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Dr Pepper Ribs
Sous Vide Top Round Steak
This sous vide top round steak stays perfectly tender from edge to edge, then gets a quick sear for a flavorful crust. With minimal prep, it turns an affordable cut into a restaurant-style dish. It’s a practical pick among festive main dishes that are not turkey when you want impressive results with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Sous Vide Top Round Steak
Filet Mignon
This bacon-wrapped filet mignon is pure steakhouse energy without leaving home. The bacon cooks up crisp, sealing in that juicy, tender center, while a scoop of blue cheese butter melts right over the top. It’s simple to pull off but still feels fancy enough for a celebration. Once you try it, you’ll question why you ever paid restaurant prices.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon
Parmesan Pistachio Salmon
This salmon gets a crunchy pistachio and parmesan crust that bakes into something you’ll want on repeat. The mix of salty, nutty, and buttery flavors hits just right, and the bright pomegranate avocado salsa keeps things fresh. It cooks fast but tastes like you worked for it. Perfect weeknight upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Pistachio Salmon
Cornish Hens
These Cornish hens roast up with golden skin and juicy meat under a rosemary wine sauce that smells incredible. They look fancy enough for guests but take no extra effort. You can prep them ahead, which makes dinner nights way less stressful. It’s the kind of meal that earns compliments every single time.
Get the Recipe: Cornish Hens
Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington never misses when you want to impress. Tender beef tenderloin sits inside a layer of mushrooms and prosciutto, all tucked in flaky puff pastry that crisps beautifully in the oven. Every slice cuts clean and juicy, making it worth the effort. Pair it with simple sides and let it steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
This shrimp pasta spins off the internet-famous version with chicken, only quicker and creamier. The shrimp cook perfectly in a garlicky, sun-dried tomato cream sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s bold, comforting, and great for nights when you need something that feels special. Plus, cleanup’s easy, always a win.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Sausage and Potato Soup
This soup hits all the cozy notes, creamy broth, hearty potatoes, and spicy sausage. Fresh spinach adds color and a light bite that balances the richness. It comes together quickly but tastes like it simmered all day. Cold evenings practically call for a big bowl of this stuff.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Potato Soup
Avocado Kale Salad
This kale salad stays crunchy and fresh with creamy avocado, sweet cranberries, and sunflower seeds. The cilantro lemon dressing pulls it all together with just the right tang. It’s the kind of salad that doesn’t feel like a chore to eat. Bonus: it’s fast to prep and somehow keeps well for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Kale Salad
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin rolls up spinach, cranberries, and cheese for a mix of sweet, creamy, and savory flavors in every slice. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties it all together with just the right amount of tang. It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s surprisingly simple to pull off. Great for feeding a crowd without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Beef Rouladen
Thin beef rolls packed with bacon, onions, and mustard, what’s not to love? They cook up tender with a rich gravy that clings to every bite. It’s a fun change from the usual roast and fits perfectly with mashed potatoes or noodles. Everyone at the table ends up asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Beef Rouladen
