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ByCatherine PerezUpdated on
A collection of more than 40 Thanksgiving Recipes for Vegans. Whether this is your first vegan holiday or your 20th, these recipes will help to meet all your entertaining needs.
Whether you are trying out your very first vegan Thanksgiving or need some recipe inspiration to change things up this year, I have you covered with some fun and festive holiday recipes all in one convenient post. This round up of the tastiest Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes includes everything from mains, sides, and vegan desserts from brown sugar glazed tofu to a double layered pumpkin cheesecake.
Table of Contents
Thanksgiving, But Let’s Make It Plant-Based
Need some vegan thanksgiving recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered from the start of your meal to the last bite of dessert you may wish to enjoy. Here are some things to note with the recipes shared below:
- I encourage youNOTto skip any of your meals. Focus on being present and enjoying your meal. Skipping your meal will make you grumpy and likely more ravenous when it actually is time for your big feast. This will likely lead you to being less mindful with your meal in general. As a result, you’ll probably eat until you are really uncomfortably full.
- I’m Dominican, so you will see sometraditional Latino fairbelow that’s been veganized. If you’re looking for something new, but not sure about some of the seasonings, I mention my favorite brands and also have a post for how to make thespice blends here.
- And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to leave a comment below and I’d be more than happy to help you find the perfect dish you might need for your holiday table.
Expert Tips For a Healthy Mindset During the Holidays
- Don’t be hard on yourself! Regardless of where you are on your journey, do your best. Even if you aren’t ready for a fully vegan meal, start with the little things that are easy for you. Maybe it’s making vegan desserts or making a few sides. Something is always better than nothing!
- Focus on what you wish to enjoy. Thinking with an abundance mindset is more empowering then thinking of what you are wanting to restrict. What is a dish you absolutely love? That should be the star on your plate.
- If you are going to a non-vegan gathering, be a gracious guest and bring some vegan entrees you wish to share with your company. Sharing is caring, but also helps you and your host.
- You might get questions about your choices. Instead of becoming defensive, focus on sharing correct information. Some might ask, “how do you get your protein?” or “aren’t you worried about deficiencies?” Provide helpful, non-judgmental responses like “I meet my protein needs with protein-rich plant-based foods like beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, nuts and seeds.” or “I work with my healthcare team to make sure I am meeting all my nutrient needs.”
Starters
Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
These flavorful vegan stuffed mushrooms are the perfect finger food for any upcoming holiday gatherings. They are loaded with garlic and herbs, easy to make and fun to eat.
Chopped Kale Salad with Pan Seared Herb Tofu
This hearty Chopped Kale Salad is topped with pan seared herb tofu, Brussels sprouts, sliced apples, pecans and a creamy tahini dressing. Full of flavor and easy to put together.
Healthy Air Fryer Plantains (Dominican Tostones)
Healthy Air Fryer Plantains that are perfectly crispy and easy to make. All you need for this fun snack are 2 ingredients and an air fryer.
Easy Creamy Avocado Dip
This easy creamy avocado dip takes just 5 minutes to make. It has incredible flavor and tang from the fresh herbs, spice, lemon and yogurt mixed in.
Lemon Basil Three Bean Salad
This Lemon Basil Three Bean Salad is refreshing and easy to put together and loaded with beautiful herby and lemon notes. Perfect to serve with chips and crackers.
Easy Mango Avocado Salsa
An easy mango avocado salsa that is bursting with a balance of citrus flavors, spice and natural sweetness from the ripe mango.
Easy Butternut Squash Soup
A simple and easy butternut squash soup that is creamy and uses cinnamon and Chinese five spice to amp up fall flavors. Warming and delicious!
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
A creamy, richly flavored butternut squash pasta recipe infused with roasted garlic and sage. Easy to make with simple vegan ingredients.
Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Nourish Bowl
This Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl is hearty and warming thanks to the roasted vegetables and vegan hot “honey” dressing. Easy to make for any occasion and delicious hot or cold.
Chickpea Wild Rice Soup
This chickpea wild rice soup is the perfect warm and hearty recipe to lift your spirits. Lots of herbs to amplify flavor, warming ginger, and creamy coconut.
Lemon White Bean Orzo Soup
A lemon white bean orzo soup, bright and flavorful thanks to the lemon juice and zest mixed into this garlicky and herb filled soup broth.
Roasted Tomato and White Bean Soup
This Roasted Tomato and White Bean Soup is an easy, nutritious and vegan budget friendly recipe. A flavorful soup loaded with plant based protein, sweet blistered tomatoes, kale and garlic.
This sweet and smoky beet & pomegranate salad is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick side this holiday season.
Vegan Cranberry Chili Meatballs
These vegan cranberry chili meatballs are the perfect holiday appetizer. Sweet, tangy, and spicy and just takes 20 minutes to make!
Side Dishes
Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These vegan garlic mashed potatoes are fluffy, creamy with an incredible buttery taste. But the secret is, these mashed potatoes are made without butter.
Sweet Potato Casserole Boats
Get ready to fall in love with these sweet potato casserole boats. Buttery maple sweet potatoes topped with a delicious pecan crumble.
Fresh Baked Cranberry Sauce
An easy, make ahead cranberry sauce that bakes itself in the oven. Lightly sweetened with maple syrup and orange juice, it’s the perfect Thanksgiving side.
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Perfectly caramelized sweet and spicy roasted brussels sprouts that will actually make you love them. Quick and easily made in the oven for the perfect last minute side.
Vegan Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
If you’re looking for the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side, look no further than this vegan cranberry pecan stuffing. Herby, buttery, and way better than any box stuffing. Loaded with cranberries, pecans, and diced apples for a sweet taste of fall.
Vegan Miso Mushroom Gravy
This vegan Miso Mushroom Gravy is perfectly creamy, savory and satisfying. Make some for your next holiday gathering to smother on any side or entrée.
Orange Miso Roasted Vegetables
These orange miso roasted vegetables are glazed with garlic, orange and miso. Easy to make and a delicious way to actually enjoy your Brussels sprouts!
These Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Chickpeas are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Utilizes simple ingredients and cooks in 25 minutes.
Arroz con Gandules Dominicano (Moro de Guandules)
Arroz con Gandules Dominicano, flavorful rice that my Dominican family shares and enjoys at every special occasion. It’s seasoned with Latin spices and tossed together with pigeon peas and cooked to fluffy perfection.
Moro de Guandules con Coco
Moro de guandules con coco is a sign of family and celebration. This Dominican inspired rice is flavored with adobo, sazón and coconut milk.
Easy Mexican Rice
This recipe for Mexican Rice is easy, uses few ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s delicious on its own or as a side!
Sweet Jalapeño Cornbread
This is the best sweet jalapeno cornbread because it’s easy, delicious, quick, and homemade. Just 10 simple ingredients, mix and bake!
Mains
Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu
The ultimate vegan main for your holiday table. This brown sugar glazed tofu is sweet and smoky and surprisingly easy to make! Using the tips from this recipe will also help to make sure that the flavor of your marinade actually gets inside of your tofu.
Lentil Vegetable Wellington
A lentil vegetable wellington you can be proud of. Stuffed with an easy lentil vegetable mixture loaded with lentils, celery, mushrooms and onions seasoned well with paprika, fennel, and garlic. Easy to make, and you can make it look as fancy as you like too.
Easy Vegan Lentil Loaf
This vegan lentil loaf is easy and loaded with a little bit of Latin flavor. Firm, tender and the right moisture. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
Herby Tofu 'Ricotta' Vegan Stuffed Shells
These Vegan Stuffed Shells are stuffed with a delicious herby tofu ‘ricotta’ mixture and smothered with a creamy roasted garlic and tomato sauce. Easy to make and perfect for entertaining.
Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash
This vegan stuffed butternut squash makes the perfect holiday plant-based entrée. Stuffed with flavorful smoky tempeh and sweet diced apples.
Vegan "Pollo" Guisado
This vegan "pollo" guisado is a call to home with a plant based twist. Bursting with the same Latin flavors, high in protein and easy to make.
Garlic Roasted Lentils and Tomatoes
Lentils and tomatoes roasted with fresh minced garlic and olive oil and mixed with good quality balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs. This dish is delicious, easy to make, only uses 8 ingredients and can be made in less than an hour.
Desserts
Vegan Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
This vegan double layer pumpkin cheesecake is the perfect holiday dessert featuring both a vanilla and pumpkin layer. Easy and delicious!
Chocolate Churro Rice Crispy Bars
Combining the experience of rich chocolate and that distinct cinnamon sugar crunch was my goal with these Chocolate Churro Rice Crispy Bars. Easy to make, no marshmallows needed, which keeps these treats vegan and gluten-free with a little extra nutrition.
Vegan Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping
This vegan pumpkin bread recipe bakes up moist, fluffy and perfectly sweet with a cinnamon streusel topping. Healthy and easy to make.
Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples
This Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples recipe is the perfect comforting dessert. Warming, tender baked apples loaded with a maple tahini crumble and apple pie spice. This recipe uses whole ingredients to make it more nourishing and is completely vegan and gluten-free.
Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
These soft vegan pumpkin cinnamon rolls use real pumpkin, the right amount of pumpkin spice and are topped with a maple cream cheese frosting.
Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
The perfect chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies made without butter and loaded with gooey marshmallows, chocolate chunks and pumpkin spice.
Double Chocolate Banana Bread
This vegan double chocolate banana bread tastes fudgy and has the perfect cake like crumb. A one bowl recipe using simple ingredients that lead to a moist, chocolatey and super enjoyable dessert bread.
S'mores Pumpkin Mug Cake
This vegan s’mores pumpkin mug cake is an easy fall treat that uses basic pantry ingredients. Baked in the microwave in just 1 minute.
Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
These chickpea cookie dough bites are a fun sweet way to eat chickpeas in healthy dessert form. Coated in chocolate with a boost of protein. Vegan, gluten-free and comes together with simple ingredients.
Magic Bars
These vegan magic bars are a sweet and buttery treat loaded with chocolate chips and coconut. Simple to make and just 10 ingredients!
Did You Try Any of These Recipes?
Then let me know what you thought in the comments below! And if you loved any of them, don’t forget to rate it too. I love to see your recreations, so feel free to share your creations by tagging me on Instagram so I can share them with my community of friends.
★Catherine
