25 Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Savor Thanksgiving with these satisfying, crowd-pleasing vegan side dishes for a flavorful and festive holiday feast.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 28, 2025

Savor Thanksgiving with these satisfying, crowd-pleasing vegan side dishes for a flavorful and festive holiday feast.

Thanksgiving is a celebration of flavor, bounty, and gratitude—no matter what’s on your plate. For those seeking wholesome, plant-based options, vegan side dishes can be the star of the feast. With creative twists on holiday classics and inspiring new favorites, there’s something here to tempt every palate. Explore 25 delectable vegan Thanksgiving sides, each sure to impress guests and elevate your holiday spread.

Why Choose Vegan Sides?

Inclusive: Plant-based dishes are friendly to all dietary needs, from vegans to omnivores.
Flavorful: Rich in herbs, spices, and seasonal produce for robust taste without animal products.
Healthy: Dishes packed with vegetables, legumes, and whole grains add nutrients and fiber to your table.
Creative: Unique ingredients and techniques introduce variety and excitement to any holiday menu.

Classic Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These favorites honor nostalgic flavors while keeping everything plant-based. Perfect whether you’re recreating childhood memories or making new ones.

1. Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Luxuriously creamy, these potatoes rely on plant-based milk and vegan butter or olive oil, flavored with roasted garlic for depth. Whipped until fluffy, they’re impossible to resist—no dairy needed!

2. Savory Mushroom Gravy

This rich, velvety gravy transforms a base of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs into a savory sauce. Deglazed with vegetable broth, it’s perfect for pouring over potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables.

3. Vegan Stuffing with Herbs and Vegetables

Crusty bread cubes are tossed with sautéed onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and plenty of herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley, then baked to fragrant golden perfection. Optional add-ins: chopped kale, apples, or dried cranberries for an autumnal twist.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble

This classic features mashed sweet potatoes spiced with ginger and cinnamon, topped with a crumble of oats, pecans, walnuts, and maple syrup for irresistible crunch—a sophisticated alternative to marshmallows.

5. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Homemade cranberry sauce bursts with fresh, tart flavor, brightened by maple syrup and a hint of orange zest. No gelatin required—just simmer cranberries until they pop and thicken naturally.

Hearty & Innovative Vegan Side Dishes

Beyond the classics, these creative dishes bring fresh color, flavor, and texture to your Thanksgiving table.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Pecans

Crispy roasted brussels sprouts tossed with sweet pomegranate arils, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze lend a festive touch and a medley of flavors in every bite.

7. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Creamy, dreamy, and entirely dairy-free! Roasted butternut squash is blended with plant milk, nutritional yeast, and a dash of mustard to create a cheesy sauce, coating macaroni for a kid- and adult-approved side dish.

8. Maple-Mustard Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Thick cabbage slices are brushed with a tangy maple-mustard glaze and oven-roasted until golden and caramelized. The result: a surprisingly hearty, sweet-and-savory side.

9. Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Vegan Feta

This vibrant salad layers crisp apples, spicy arugula, candied walnuts, cranberries, and vegan feta, finished with a maple-balsamic vinaigrette for balanced flavor and a pop of color.

10. Creamed Peas with Cashew Cream

Sweet peas and sautéed leeks are enveloped in a silky cashew cream sauce for a nostalgic side that’s both comforting and elevated.

Warm & Comforting Vegan Sides

For a chilly November day, few things hit the spot like warming soups and baked dishes fresh from the oven.

11. Sweet Potato Bisque with Crispy White Beans

This luscious bisque blends velvety sweet potatoes with white beans for added creaminess and body. Crispy air-fried beans on top contrast beautifully with the soup’s smooth texture.

12. Roasted Root Vegetables with Herbs

An array of carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets are tossed with olive oil, rosemary, and thyme before roasting. Simple, rustic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

13. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

For a lighter take, try mashed cauliflower roasted with garlic and blended with herbs. It’s ultra-creamy, lower-carb, and pairs well with all the savory sauces of Thanksgiving.

14. Vegan Mac & Cheese

Soy milk, nutritional yeast, and a mix of traditional and innovative seasonings blend to form a gooey, golden cheese sauce. Bake with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for extra texture.

15. Butternut Squash Casserole

Roasted butternut squash cubes and pearl onions are layered with fresh herbs, then baked to caramelized perfection. Top with toasted breadcrumbs and nuts for a festive finish.

Vegetable-Forward Sides & New Holiday Favorites

Showcase peak fall produce and vibrant flavors with these modern additions to your Thanksgiving table.

16. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Salsa Verde: Thick slices of cauliflower oven-roasted until golden, served on a bed of cauliflower puree, and finished with a tangy lemon-herb salsa.
17. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Halved acorn squashes are filled with a savory mixture of tempeh, mushrooms, nuts, and fresh herbs—hearty enough for a main but stunning as a side.
18. Creamy Mushroom Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and thyme is a soothing, savory addition to any spread.
19. Quinoa, Apple & Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash: A vibrant filling of quinoa, apples, kale, pomegranate arils, and hazelnuts bathed in a cider-sage dressing, served inside roasted squash halves.
20. Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells: Jumbo pasta shells filled with roasted squash and vegan spinach “ricotta,” baked beneath a delicate tomato sauce. Indulgent, festive, and colorful!

Light & Fresh Vegan Sides

Balance the heaviness of traditional Thanksgiving fare with lighter, refreshing plant-based options.

21. Arugula, Beet & Citrus Salad: Peppery greens, sweet roasted beets, orange segments, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a zippy vinaigrette.
22. Green Beans with Toasted Almonds & Lemon: Steamed or sautéed green beans finished with toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
23. Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Winter Vegetables: Chewy farro grains mingled with roasted squash, brussels sprouts, and cranberries, dressed in a simple vinaigrette.
24. Garlic Roasted Mushrooms: Mushrooms roasted with olive oil, garlic, and thyme gain deep flavor and are a welcome earthy presence on the table.
25. Simple Vegan Cornbread: Moist, slightly sweet cornbread made with plant milk and a touch of maple syrup; perfect for soaking up gravy or chili.

Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Sides: Tips for Success

Make Ahead: Many vegan sides can be prepared a day or two in advance, then reheated just before serving. Casseroles, stuffing, and baked dishes actually improve in flavor!
Mix Textures: Balance creamy, crunchy, roasted, and fresh elements to keep the meal dynamic and interesting.
Use Seasonal Ingredients: Choose produce at its peak—like squashes, root vegetables, apples, and greens—for best flavor and nutrition.
Spice Creatively: Fresh herbs, citrus zest, smoked paprika, and tangy balsamic brighten plant-based dishes and layer in complexity.

Sample Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dish Table

Dish	Main Ingredients	Texture	Flavor Profile
Vegan Mashed Potatoes	Yukon gold potatoes, olive oil, garlic	Creamy	Rich, savory
Mushroom Gravy	Mushrooms, onions, herbs	Silky	Umami, earthy
Cranberry Sauce	Fresh cranberries, orange zest	Saucy	Tart, sweet
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese	Squash, plant milk, pasta	Creamy, chewy	Cheesy, savory
Roasted Root Vegetables	Assorted root veggies, olive oil	Caramelized, crispy	Savory, herbaceous

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are these vegan Thanksgiving sides suitable for gluten-free guests?

A: Many of these dishes can be made gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread for stuffing, tamari instead of soy sauce, and gluten-free pasta for mac & cheese to ensure everyone can enjoy.

Q: Can vegan sides be made ahead of time?

A: Yes! Most casseroles, stuffings, gravies, and even some salads can be made a day or two in advance. Just reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Q: Will non-vegans enjoy these side dishes?

A: Absolutely. These sides are packed with flavor, texture, and nostalgia—so delicious, everyone at the table will want seconds, regardless of dietary preference.

Q: What are the best vegan gravies for Thanksgiving?

A: Mushroom gravy and onion gravy are both favorites. Use sautéed mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and a splash of tamari or soy sauce for savory depth, thickened with flour or cornstarch.

Q: How can I add protein to vegan sides?

A: Incorporate legumes (like white beans or lentils), quinoa, nuts, or seeds in salads and stuffings, or serve hearty mains like stuffed squash and casseroles with beans.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or simply adding more plant-based dishes to your celebration, these 25 vegan Thanksgiving side dishes offer warmth, comfort, and festive flavor. Use them as a launching point for your own creativity, and build a spread that’s both delicious and inclusive.

Have a happy, healthy, and flavor-packed Thanksgiving!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb