30+ Vibrant Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes to Wow Every Guest

Hearty plant-based mains and vibrant sides pair with sweet treats for a festive feast.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Hearty plant-based mains and vibrant sides pair with sweet treats for a festive feast.

Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in comfort, gratitude, and food that brings people together. For many, it’s synonymous with dishes like roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. But if you’re looking to serve a meal that’s plant-forward, brimming with color, flavor, and wholesome ingredients, a vegan Thanksgiving spread can be just as festive, satisfying, and celebratory.

We’ve compiled a diverse collection of over 30 vegan Thanksgiving recipes that cover every course: from show-stopping main dishes to nostalgic sides and incredible desserts. Whether you’re hosting dedicated vegans or simply want to enjoy more plant-based options on your table, these recipes are guaranteed crowd-pleasers for every guest.

Festive Vegan Mains

Lentil-Nut Loaf with Savory Glaze
This hearty, protein-packed loaf blends lentils, nuts, and vegetables, finished with a tangy tomato glaze. It’s a satisfying main that slices beautifully and pairs well with classic sides.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice & Cranberries
Sweet roasted squash halves become edible bowls for savory wild rice, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and aromatic herbs—a vibrant centerpiece for any vegan Thanksgiving table.
Related: 30 Delicious Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes for Every Table
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Herb Crust
Golden, tender, and fragrant, this whole cauliflower is roasted in a herbed, garlicky crust that delivers restaurant-quality drama and flavor.
Mushroom Wellington
Layers of flaky pastry envelop a savory mushroom, lentil, and walnut filling. This plant-based take on the British classic is just as decadent as its beefy counterpart.
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Hearty lentils simmered with mixed vegetables are topped with a fluffy, golden sweet potato mash, then baked for a comforting, all-in-one main course that everyone can enjoy.

Classic Vegan Thanksgiving Sides

Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Silky smooth potatoes made with plant-based milk, olive oil or vegan butter, and plenty of black pepper—no one will miss the dairy.
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
This updated classic features tender green beans and a creamy white bean or mushroom sauce, topped with golden, crunchy fried onions for irresistible texture.
Related: Mustard-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: A Healthy, Flavorful Twist
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Balsamic Glaze
Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts caramelized to perfection and tossed in a sweet-tangy maple balsamic reduction.
Butternut Squash Gratin
Thinly sliced butternut squash baked until tender in a creamy, dairy-free sauce, finished with a crunchy almond and nutritional yeast topping.
Stuffing with Herbs and Sourdough
Crusty sourdough cubes, sautéed celery and onions, plenty of fresh herbs, and vegetable stock come together for a traditional bread stuffing—completely plant-based.
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Fresh cranberries simmered with orange juice and zest deliver a bright, tart, and just-right sweet sauce for pairing with all your savory dishes.
Garlic-Sage Gravy
This velvety gravy gets depth from sautéed mushrooms or onions and is thickened with blended potatoes, delivering a rich, umami-packed sauce without flour, butter, or cream.
Related: Herb Smashed Root Veggies: A Flavorful Fall Side Dish
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted cubes of sweet potato tossed with pure maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon for a caramelized, naturally sweet side dish.
Gluten-Free Cornbread
Moist, naturally sweet cornbread made with cornmeal and plant-based milk—delicious on its own or for crumbling into stuffing.

Unexpected Vegan Vegetable Sides

Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower with Pistachio Gremolata
Cauliflower florets are roasted with warming turmeric and finished with a bright gremolata of pistachios, parsley, and lemon.
Steamed Broccoli with Caper-Raisin Vinaigrette
Simple steamed broccoli gets a flavor-packed upgrade with a tangy, salty-sweet vinaigrette featuring capers and raisins.
Stuffed Zucchini with Freekeh Pilaf and Currants
Halved zucchini are filled with a fragrant pilaf of freekeh, currants, and herbs, making for a visually stunning and flavor-rich side.
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Lentil Salad and Lemon Tahini Dressing
Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes are topped with a hearty lentil salad and drizzled with a creamy lemon-tahini sauce for a cross between a side and a main.
Tahini Roasted Broccoli
Earthy broccoli florets are tossed in nutty tahini before roasting, creating a crispy, rich exterior and irresistible depth of flavor.
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon
Simple, speedy, and fresh—brussels sprouts sautéed with lemon juice are a reliable favorite.

Fresh and Colorful Vegan Salads

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Walnuts
Thinly sliced raw Brussels sprouts mixed with tart apples, toasted walnuts, and a zippy Dijon mustard vinaigrette create a welcome contrast to the heavier dishes.
Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad
Sweet roasted beets meet juicy orange segments and peppery arugula, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing for a salad that pops with color and taste.
Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Pecans
Massaged kale leaves are tossed with bright pomegranate arils and buttery pecans for a salad that’s both beautiful and festive.
Quinoa and Butternut Squash Salad
Protein-packed quinoa, tender butternut squash, cranberries, and fresh herbs make a nutritious, hearty cold salad perfect for the holiday table.

Cozy Vegan Soups and Starters

Velvety Roasted Carrot Soup
Creamy and comforting, pureed carrots roasted to bring out their natural sweetness are blended with ginger and coconut milk for a soup that’s the perfect autumn starter.
Wild Mushroom Soup with Thyme
Earthy mushrooms and fresh thyme combine in a soul-warming broth, perfect for a light vegan first course.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Sweet winter squash and crisp apples are simmered and blended until velvety, with nutmeg and sage for depth.

Show-Stopping Vegan Desserts

Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pie
A creamy, spiced pumpkin filling baked in a flaky vegan crust—no holiday meal is complete without it. Serve with dollops of coconut whipped cream.
Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel
Tender cinnamon apples baked under a crunchy, golden oat and pecan topping, perfect when served warm with vegan vanilla ice cream.
Poached Pears in Red Wine and Citrus
Elegant and light, pears are gently simmered in red wine, orange juice, and warming spices, then served with their fragrant syrup.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars
All the flavor of pumpkin pie with a nutty, date-sweetened crust—these bars are chilled rather than baked for a quick, gluten-free dessert option.
Vegan Apple Blondies
A cake-bar hybrid packed with fresh apples, walnuts, and warming spices for a bake that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Rich and ultra-creamy, this chocolate mousse swaps dairy for ripe avocado and coconut milk, topped with berries or candied nuts for a sophisticated finish.

Tips for a Standout Vegan Thanksgiving Menu

Mix Familiar Flavors and New Twists: Classic dishes made vegan help satisfy nostalgia, while creative touches make the meal special.
Go Big on Texture: Combine creamy, crunchy, and fresh elements for a satisfying plate.
Prep Ahead: Assemble casseroles, desserts, and stuffing the day before for stress-free hosting.
Include a Variety of Proteins: Dishes with lentils, beans, or nuts help ensure the meal is filling.
Don’t Forget the Garnish: Fresh herbs, citrus zest, and pomegranate seeds bring dishes (and the table) to life.

Sample Vegan Thanksgiving Menu

Course	Suggested Dish
Starter	Velvety Roasted Carrot Soup
Main	Lentil-Nut Loaf or Mushroom Wellington
Sides	Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Classic Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Orange Sauce
Salad	Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Dessert	Vegan Pumpkin Pie & Poached Pears

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I ensure my vegan Thanksgiving menu is satisfying and protein-rich?

A: Include mains and sides featuring lentils, beans, nuts, quinoa, and whole grains to provide ample protein and keep guests full and energized.

Q: What are the best plant-based substitutes for traditional dairy in Thanksgiving recipes?

A: Use unsweetened plant milks (like oat, almond, or soy), vegan butters, coconut cream, nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and blended nuts or beans for creaminess.

Q: Are vegan versions of classic dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes just as flavorful?

A: Yes—flavorful broths, added herbs, roasted garlic, and plenty of seasoning ensure vegan sides are rich and comforting, often without anyone noticing the difference.

Q: Can I prepare vegan Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time?

A: Many vegan recipes (casseroles, pies, stuffings, and gravies) can be prepared in advance and simply reheated on Thanksgiving day, simplifying your holiday prep.

Q: How do I make sure everyone, including non-vegans, enjoys the meal?

A: Focus on recipes with robust flavors and satisfying textures. When in doubt, serve plenty of crowd-pleasing classics like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and apple crisp.

Explore More Vegan Holiday Inspiration

Experiment with global flavors for new takes on stuffing, roasts, and sauces.
Use leftovers to make sandwiches, hashes, and hearty breakfast bowls the next day.
Invite guests to bring a plant-based dish for a festive, varied, and inclusive buffet.

Creating a vibrant vegan Thanksgiving is an opportunity to honor tradition while celebrating new flavors, seasonal produce, and everyone gathered at your table. With these vegan recipes, you can deliver a bountiful, beautiful, and compassionate holiday feast.

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