For vegetarians, Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends -- and side dishes. Limited to mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, those who don't eat turkey might find themselves short on healthful sources of protein.

But there is light at the end of the table, both for vegetarians and those hosting them. We've come up with four well-rounded meatless dishes: two to serve on Thanksgiving and two for lunch or brunch that weekend.

Take, for example, our quinoa pie, a savory entree made with butternut squash, Parmesan, and sage. It's rich in taste and in dietary benefits: Quinoa (KEEN-wah), found in grocery stores near other grains, is a source of complete protein, rare in plant foods; the butternut squash is high in beta-carotene, which may protect against heart disease and some cancers.

Our creamy poached-egg dish, a nutritious take on a classic French recipe, is made with nonfat yogurt and so is low in saturated fat. These recipes, and the others here, are delectable and healthful -- something everyone can appreciate, vegetarian or not.

Quinoa Pie with Butternut Squash
Poached Egg with Baked Yogurt and Watercress
Lentil Pate
Pinto Beans and Poblano Tacos