19 Vegan Recipes Thanksgiving Guests Will Love

Updated On: October 4, 2025

19 Vegan Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a special time to gather around the table with family and friends, celebrating gratitude and delicious food. Whether you’re fully vegan or simply want to add more plant-based dishes to your holiday feast, these 19 vegan recipes for Thanksgiving will inspire you to create a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

From hearty mains to festive sides and decadent desserts, these recipes showcase the best of seasonal produce and creative cooking techniques. Embrace the warmth of the season with dishes that everyone can enjoy, proving that vegan food can be festive, comforting, and downright indulgent.

In this guide, you’ll find recipes that range from classic flavors with a twist to innovative dishes that will impress your guests. Plus, each recipe is designed to be approachable and easy to prepare, so you can focus on making memories rather than stressing in the kitchen.

Ready to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable? Let’s dive into these delicious vegan options!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Collection

This collection of 19 vegan Thanksgiving recipes is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a compassionate, healthy, and colorful holiday meal. Each recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients and avoids any animal products without compromising on taste or texture.

These recipes are:

  • Rich in seasonal vegetables, legumes, nuts, and grains
  • Balanced with flavors that range from savory to sweet
  • Suitable for a crowd and perfect for special occasions
  • Inclusive of gluten-free and allergy-friendly options

Whether you’re hosting vegans or simply want to try something new, these dishes will bring joy and comfort to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

Since this is a collection of 19 recipes, here are some key staple ingredients you’ll want stocked for your Thanksgiving cooking spree:

  • Root vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets
  • Squash varieties: butternut, acorn, pumpkin
  • Greens and herbs: kale, spinach, sage, thyme, rosemary
  • Grains and legumes: wild rice, quinoa, lentils, chickpeas
  • Nuts and seeds: walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds
  • Plant-based dairy alternatives: coconut milk, almond milk, vegan butter
  • Condiments and seasonings: tamari, nutritional yeast, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion powder
  • Flours and binders: chickpea flour, all-purpose flour, flaxseeds (for flax eggs)
  • Fresh fruits: cranberries, apples, pears

Equipment

To create these vegan Thanksgiving recipes efficiently, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference:

  • Large roasting pan or baking sheets
  • Medium to large saucepans
  • Food processor or blender
  • Mixing bowls of various sizes
  • Sharp knives and cutting boards
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Immersion blender (optional, for creamy soups and sauces)
  • Spatulas and wooden spoons
  • Steamer basket or colander
  • Muffin tins and casserole dishes

Instructions

Below is an overview of how to prepare a complete vegan Thanksgiving meal featuring a selection of recipes from the 19-item list. For detailed recipes, scroll down to the individual dish instructions.

  1. Plan Ahead: Review your guest list and dietary needs. Choose your favorite vegan recipes from the list below and create a shopping list.
  2. Prepare Staples Early: Cook grains like wild rice or quinoa and roast root vegetables the day before Thanksgiving to save time.
  3. Make Sauces and Dressings: Prepare vegan gravies, cranberry sauce, and salad dressings in advance. Store in airtight containers.
  4. Assemble Main Dishes: Prepare vegan mains like a lentil loaf, stuffed squash, or mushroom Wellington a day prior or the morning of.
  5. Cook Side Dishes: On Thanksgiving day, focus on warming dishes and finishing fresh salads and breads.
  6. Set the Table: Arrange your dishes attractively and garnish with fresh herbs or nuts for a festive presentation.
  7. Enjoy and Share: Gather your loved ones and enjoy the wholesome flavors and the joy of a plant-based feast.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on availability or preferences. Vegan cooking is wonderfully flexible!”

Here are some helpful tips to make your vegan Thanksgiving a breeze:

  • Use seasonal produce: Adapt recipes to what’s fresh and local for the best flavor and nutrition.
  • Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free blends or chickpea flour in stuffing or baking recipes.
  • Boost umami: Add mushrooms, tamari, or nutritional yeast to deepen flavor in gravies and mains.
  • Prep in advance: Many dishes taste better the next day, so consider making sauces, soups, and some sides ahead.
  • Personalize spice levels: Adjust herbs and spices to suit your guests’ tastes.
  • Double up recipes: Vegan dishes often reheat well, so make extra for leftovers or guests!

For a delightful twist on traditional dishes, try this Bread And Gravy Recipe to accompany your main courses or finish your meal with a sweet treat like the Brazil Nut Fruit Cake Recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Thanksgiving meals tend to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol while being rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Here’s a general nutrition overview for a typical serving of a balanced vegan Thanksgiving plate (including a main, two sides, and dessert):

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 450-600 kcal
Protein 15-25 grams
Carbohydrates 60-80 grams
Fiber 10-15 grams
Fat 15-25 grams (mostly unsaturated)
Sugar 10-20 grams (from natural sources)
Sodium 400-700 mg (adjustable)

These meals provide steady energy and promote digestive health thanks to their high fiber content. Using whole, minimally processed ingredients ensures you and your guests enjoy nutrient-dense food.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your vegan Thanksgiving feast with these serving ideas:

  • Serve mixed green salads with a tangy vinaigrette to balance rich mains.
  • Offer warm, crusty bread or rolls to accompany soups and stews.
  • Present dishes family-style to encourage sharing and lively conversation.
  • Garnish plates with fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or pomegranate seeds for color and crunch.
  • Pair your meal with fresh-pressed juices or a festive cocktail like the Boxcar Cocktail Recipe for a celebratory touch.

19 Vegan Recipes for Thanksgiving

Here’s a list of 19 delicious vegan recipes to fill your Thanksgiving menu with variety and flavor:

Vegan Lentil Loaf

  • Ingredients: lentils, oats, walnuts, tomato paste, onion, garlic, herbs
  • Instructions: Cook lentils, mix with oats and seasonings, bake in loaf pan until firm.

Butternut Squash Soup

  • Ingredients: butternut squash, coconut milk, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, nutmeg
  • Instructions: Roast squash, blend with simmered aromatics and broth, finish with coconut milk.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Cranberries

  • Ingredients: acorn squash, quinoa, dried cranberries, pecans, sage
  • Instructions: Roast squash halves, prepare quinoa stuffing, fill squash and bake briefly.

Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

  • Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, pecans, olive oil, salt
  • Instructions: Toss sprouts and pecans in maple syrup and oil, roast until caramelized.

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

  • Ingredients: potatoes, vegan butter, almond milk, garlic, salt, pepper
  • Instructions: Boil potatoes, mash with vegan butter and milk, season to taste.

Mushroom Gravy

  • Ingredients: mushrooms, onion, vegetable broth, tamari, flour
  • Instructions: Sauté mushrooms and onions, thicken with flour and broth, season well.

Cranberry-Orange Sauce

  • Ingredients: fresh cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon
  • Instructions: Simmer cranberries with juice and syrup until thickened.

Roasted Root Vegetables with Rosemary

  • Ingredients: carrots, parsnips, beets, olive oil, rosemary, salt
  • Instructions: Chop veggies, toss with oil and herbs, roast until tender.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

  • Ingredients: green beans, mushroom cream sauce, crispy fried onions
  • Instructions: Blanch beans, mix with sauce, top with onions, bake until bubbly.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

  • Ingredients: mashed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, pecans, cinnamon
  • Instructions: Spread sweet potatoes in dish, sprinkle pecans and bake until golden.

Vegan Stuffing with Sausage Crumbles

  • Ingredients: bread cubes, vegan sausage, celery, onion, herbs
  • Instructions: Sauté sausage and veggies, mix with bread and broth, bake covered.

Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

  • Ingredients: pumpkin puree, coconut milk, spices, pie crust
  • Instructions: Mix filling, pour into crust, bake and chill before serving.

Roasted Garlic and Herb Dinner Rolls

  • Ingredients: flour, yeast, roasted garlic, vegan butter, herbs
  • Instructions: Knead dough with garlic and herbs, proof, shape rolls, bake golden.

Maple-Glazed Carrots

  • Ingredients: carrots, maple syrup, vegan butter, thyme
  • Instructions: Sauté carrots in butter and syrup, finish with fresh thyme.

Vegan Mac and Cheese

  • Ingredients: elbow pasta, cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, turmeric
  • Instructions: Blend cashews and seasonings into sauce, combine with cooked pasta.

Autumn Kale Salad with Apple and Pecans

  • Ingredients: kale, apples, pecans, dried cranberries, maple vinaigrette
  • Instructions: Massage kale with dressing, toss with fruits and nuts.

Vegan Pumpkin Bread

  • Ingredients: pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, baking soda, spices
  • Instructions: Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, combine, bake in loaf pan.

Spiced Roasted Cauliflower

  • Ingredients: cauliflower, smoked paprika, cumin, olive oil, salt
  • Instructions: Toss cauliflower with spices and oil, roast until crispy.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

  • Ingredients: silken tofu, dark chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla extract
  • Instructions: Melt chocolate, blend with tofu and sweetener, chill before serving.

For more creative vegan dishes, consider exploring the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes or try a refreshing dessert like the Bobo’S Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bar Recipe.

Conclusion

Creating a memorable vegan Thanksgiving feast is easier than you think with these 19 flavorful and satisfying recipes. They combine the best of traditional holiday favorites with fresh, plant-based ingredients that nourish both body and soul.

Whether you are a seasoned vegan or simply curious about plant-based cooking, these recipes offer something for everyone at your table.

By embracing the vibrant colors, textures, and tastes of the season, you can craft a festive menu that celebrates compassion and creativity. Don’t forget to browse other inspiring recipes like the Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a vegan breakfast treat or the hearty Best Spg Seasoning Recipe to enhance your holiday dishes.

Here’s to a joyful, delicious, and plant-powered Thanksgiving!

📖 Recipe Card: 19 Vegan Recipes Thanksgiving

Description: A collection of 19 delicious vegan recipes perfect for a Thanksgiving feast. Each recipe is plant-based, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Prep Time: PT45M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT2H15M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup chopped kale
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes.
  3. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
  4. In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. In a skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  6. Add kale and cook until wilted.
  7. Combine cooked quinoa, roasted squash, kale mixture, dried cranberries, and pecans in a large bowl.
  8. Mix gently and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve warm as a side dish or main course.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Marta K

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