As a vegetarian I will say yes, there needs to be a protein. My go-to proteins are nuts, dairy (which I know is out in this scenario), beans (usually black beans or chick peas), quinoa, and avocado (when I can find it in season). I guess I don't think of yams/sweet potatoes as a dessert...
I need to read through others' ideas since I'm vegetarian, but really my favorites are not exactly traditional Thanksgiving fare, though things we had growing up with an Italian grandmother. Lasagna, stuffed shells, baked ziti, manicotti, homemade mac and cheese, etc. After moving across the...