25 Vibrant Vegan Thanksgiving Sides for the Perfect Plant-Based Feast

Thanksgiving is a holiday dedicated to gratitude, gathering, and, of course, great food. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle—or simply looking to bring more variety to the table—vegan side dishes offer vibrant colors, bold flavors, and inclusive options sure to delight every guest. Whether you crave classic comfort food or imaginative new takes on autumn produce, this guide to vegan Thanksgiving side dishes will help you craft a holiday spread everyone will remember.

Why Choose Vegan Thanksgiving Sides?

n

n
• Inclusivity: Vegan recipes are suitable for guests with dietary restrictions or preferences.

n

• Flavor: Plant-based sides maximize the natural tastes of seasonal produce, herbs, and spices.

n

• Nutrition: Many vegan sides pack extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber into the holiday meal.

n

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Many vegan sides can be made in advance, freeing up your oven and easing last-minute stress.

n

nn

Classic Vegan Thanksgiving Favorites

n

Plant-based versions of beloved Thanksgiving staples pair comfort with creative, wholesome ingredients. These recipes prove you don’t need dairy, eggs, or meat for a soulful holiday meal.

n

n
• n
  

  Vegan Mashed Potatoes

  n

  Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes made with vegan butter and a splash of plant milk—plus roasted garlic—for richness and depth. Perfect with mushroom gravy.

  n

n

• n
  

  Vegan Mushroom Gravy

  n

  A savory, umami-packed sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, onions, fresh herbs, and vegetable broth—delicious drizzled over potatoes or stuffing.

  n

n

• n
  

  Herbed Vegan Stuffing

  n

  Bread cubes tossed with sautéed onions, celery, mushrooms, fresh sage, and thyme, all baked until golden. Moistened with veggie broth instead of eggs or dairy for classic texture and flavor.

  Related: 30 Delicious Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes for Every Table
  
  n

n

• n
  

  Cranberry Orange Sauce

  n

  A tart-sweet, ruby red sauce: fresh cranberries simmered with orange zest, a splash of maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon for warmth.

  n

n

• n
  

  Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan-Oat Crumble

  n

  Smooth sweet potatoes blended with ginger and almond milk, topped with a crunchy pecan-oat topping, and baked until bubbling. No marshmallows needed—this version lets natural sweetness shine.

  n

  n
  • Tip: Add a little maple syrup or coconut sugar for extra sweetness if desired.

  n

  Related: Delicious Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash: A Cozy, Nutritious Recipe
  
  n

n

• n
  

  Classic Vegan Mac and Cheese

  n

  Creamy pasta shells coated in a cheesy sauce made from butternut squash, nutritional yeast, and a blend of plant milks—completely nut-free and irresistibly comforting.

  n

n

Showstopping Vegetable Sides

n

Thanksgiving is autumn’s best showcase for colorful veggies. Try these plant-based sides starring seasonal produce:

n

n
• n
  

  Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate & Pecans

  n

  Brussels sprouts roasted to crispy perfection, topped with tart pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans for crunch and color.

  n

n

• n
  

  Maple-Mustard Glazed Roasted Cabbage Steaks

  n

  Cabbage thickly sliced and roasted until caramelized, finished with a sweet and tangy maple-mustard glaze.

  n

n

• n
  

  Mashed Butternut Squash

  n

  Similar in spirit to mashed potatoes but with natural sweetness and vibrant golden color. Flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of plant cream.

  n

n

• n
  

  Miso-Roasted Carrots with Crispy Garlic

  n

  Carrots roasted with umami-rich miso and olive oil and finished with crisped garlic chips for earthy depth.

  n

n

• n
  

  Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa, Apple & Sage

  n

  Roasted acorn squash halves filled with a hearty mixture of quinoa, chopped apples, sautéed mushrooms, kale, and toasted hazelnuts, then finished with a sage-cider vinaigrette.

  n

n

• n
  

  Italian Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

  n

  Button mushrooms filled with a mixture of vegan breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and a sprinkle of dairy-free parmesan. Delicious as a side or appetizer.

  n

n

• n
  

  Cauliflower Mash

  n

  A creamy, lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, made with roasted cauliflower, garlic, and fresh herbs blended silky smooth.

  n

n

• n
  

  Butternut Squash Casserole with Kale & Pecans

  n

  Baked cubes of butternut squash combined with sautéed greens and a crunchy nut topping. Finished with tangy vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

  n

n

Salads, Soups & Fresh Sides

n

n
• n
  

  Autumn Harvest Salad with Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette

  n

  A vibrant salad featuring mixed baby greens, crisp apple slices, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, vegan feta, and a sweet-tart maple-balsamic dressing.

  n

n

• n
  

  Pumpkin Ginger Bisque

  n

  Creamy pumpkin soup infused with ginger and topped with cashew cream. A warming start to any Thanksgiving meal.

  n

n

• n
  

  Sweet Potato Bisque with Crispy White Beans

  n

  Smooth, creamy sweet potato soup blended with white beans for extra creaminess. Finished with crispy air-fried beans for texture.

  n

n

• n
  

  Lemony Roasted Carrot & Chickpea Salad

  n

  Roasted carrots and chickpeas tossed with lemon dressing, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.

  n

n

• n
  

  Creamed Peas and Leeks

  n

  Green peas and mild leeks in a cashew-based cream sauce, seasoned with nutmeg and black pepper.

  n

n

nn

For the Carb Lovers

n

n
• n
  

  Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

  n

  Pasta shells in a creamy, cheese-like sauce made from pureed squash, a hint of nutritional yeast, and garlic. Ultra-comforting and totally dairy-free.

  n

n

• n
  

  Vegan Biscuits

  n

  Fluffy, tender biscuits perfect for slathering with vegan butter or serving alongside savory gravies and soups.

  n

n

• n
  

  Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

  n

  Slightly sweet, soft, and fluffy rolls made vegan for your bread basket.

  n

n

• n
  

  Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans

  n

  Nutty wild rice tossed with sautéed onions, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs for a festive, filling side.

  n

n

nn

Unexpected Vegan Sides

n

Shake up your menu with these creative plant-based dishes that deliver bold flavors and textures.

n

n
• n
  

  Harissa-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

  n

  Diced sweet potatoes coated with spicy-sweet harissa and roasted until caramelized, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon zest.

  n

n

• n
  

  Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs

  n

  Baked sliced yams tossed with maple syrup and cacao nibs for a decadent twist that balances sweetness with a subtle crunch.

  n

n

• n
  

  Maple-Roasted Rainbow Root Vegetables

  n

  A colorful medley of carrots, parsnips, beets, and turnips glazed with maple syrup and roasted until tender and golden.

  n

n

• n
  

  Vegan Creamed Spinach

  n

  Baby spinach stewed in a luxuriously thick cashew sauce spiked with a hint of nutmeg.

  n

n

nn

Traditional to Creative: At-a-Glance Table

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

nn

Tips for a Vegan-Friendly Thanksgiving Table

n

n
• Label vegan options clearly for guests with dietary needs.

n

• Opt for vegetable broths and plant-based butters/milks in classic recipes like stuffing, potatoes, and casseroles.

n

• Add textural contrast: crisp nuts, toasted seeds, or roasted chickpeas make great toppings.

n

• Don’t forget fresh herbs: sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring bright, autumnal flavors.

n

• Prep ahead where possible: many sides can be made 1-2 days in advance and reheated.

n

nn

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

n

Q: Can I make vegan Thanksgiving sides ahead of time?

n

A: Yes, many vegan sides—such as casseroles, stuffing, and mashed vegetables—can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Simply reheat and add fresh garnishes before serving.

nn

Q: What plant-based substitutes work best for creamy or cheesy dishes?

n

A: Cashew cream, blended silken tofu, or plant-based milks (like oat or almond) are excellent for creaminess. For cheese flavors, nutritional yeast or commercially available vegan cheeses (shredded or block) work well in sauces and toppings.

nn

Q: How do I balance flavors in vegan sides?

n

A: Layering with citrus (lemon/orange zest), acidity (balsamic or apple cider vinegar), and umami (roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, or miso) ensures complex, deeply flavorful dishes.

nn

Q: Are these sides gluten-free?

n

A: Many are naturally gluten-free or can be adapted with gluten-free bread, pasta, or flour substitutes. Always check labels and ingredient lists, especially for prepared products like broth or breadcrumbs.

nn

Q: What main courses pair best with these vegan sides?

n

A: Stuffed squashes, nut roasts, vegan pot pies, mushroom Wellington, or simply a medley of several hearty sides can all serve as main dishes for a festive, satisfying meal.

nn

Final Thoughts

n

Whether you’re seeking traditional comfort or creative new flavors, these 25 vegan Thanksgiving side dishes will elevate your holiday gathering with color, nutrition, and plenty of flavor. Abundant, festive, and crowd-pleasing, each dish brings something special to the table—and proves that plant-based eating and holiday feasting make a perfect pair.

n