Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering, and, of course, feasting! But if you’re searching for plant-based inspiration, you’re in for a treat.
“101 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Buzzfeed” isn’t just a list—it’s your new guidebook for a vibrant, compassionate holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a full vegan Thanksgiving or simply looking to add some delicious meatless dishes to your table, these recipes promise flavor, comfort, and creativity.
From savory mains and show-stopping sides to delectable desserts, you’ll discover how easy and satisfying it is to celebrate the holiday with plant-based goodness. Ready to wow your friends, family—and yourself?
Let’s dive into a bountiful collection of vegan dishes that could make any Buzzfeed list proud, and ensure your Thanksgiving is unforgettable and cruelty-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Collection
There’s never been a better time to explore vegan cooking, especially when it comes to festive occasions like Thanksgiving. Here’s why these recipes will become your new holiday favorites:
- Variety for Everyone – With 101 recipes, there’s something for every palate, dietary restriction, and craving.
- Plant-Based Comfort – These dishes are hearty, satisfying, and bursting with autumn flavors.
- Simple Ingredients – Most recipes use easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients.
- Healthier Choices – Enjoy traditional holiday favorites without the heaviness of animal products.
- Inclusive & Festive – Perfect for mixed-diet gatherings, so everyone at the table feels welcome.
“Vegan Thanksgiving is about abundance, flavor, and coming together—no one misses out when the food is this good!”
Ingredients
Below is a sample spread of essential ingredients to stock up on for your vegan Thanksgiving feast. While each individual recipe will have its own unique needs, these staples appear again and again throughout the collection:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Proteins | Chickpeas, lentils, tempeh, tofu, seitan |
| Grains | Quinoa, wild rice, brown rice, farro, bread for stuffing |
| Vegetables | Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, squash, green beans, mushrooms |
| Legumes | Black beans, cannellini beans, peas |
| Nuts & Seeds | Walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds |
| Plant-Based Milks | Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk |
| Oils & Fats | Olive oil, coconut oil, vegan butter |
| Herbs & Spices | Sage, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg |
| Sweeteners | Maple syrup, coconut sugar, brown sugar |
- Chickpeas (2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- Quinoa (2 cups, cooked)
- Potatoes (5 lbs, mixed russet and Yukon gold)
- Sweet Potatoes (3 large)
- Brussels Sprouts (2 lbs)
- Green Beans (1 lb, trimmed)
- Carrots (1 lb, sliced)
- Butternut Squash (1 large, peeled and cubed)
- Fresh Sage, Thyme, Rosemary (a few sprigs each)
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups, low sodium)
- Vegan Butter (1 cup)
- Olive Oil (as needed)
- Flour (for roux and baking, 2 cups)
- Bread (whole grain, for stuffing, 1 loaf)
- Maple Syrup (1/2 cup)
- Cranberries (fresh or dried, 1 cup)
- Nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, 1 cup each)
- Mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or portobello, 1 lb)
- Plant-Based Milk (oat, soy, or almond, 2 cups)
- Garlic (1 bulb, minced)
- Onions (3 large, diced)
- Lemons (2, juiced)
- Coconut Cream (for desserts, 1 can)
- Spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt)
For even more plant-based pantry ideas, check out our Lipton Vegetable Soup Mix Recipes for Easy Family Meals.
Equipment
- Large Roasting Pan
- Baking Sheets
- Large Skillet
- Stock Pot
- Blender or Food Processor
- Mixing Bowls (various sizes)
- Wooden Spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Vegetable Peeler
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Casserole Dish
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin (for pastry/desserts)
Pro tip: Prep your tools the night before to streamline Thanksgiving Day cooking!
Instructions
With 101 recipes, there’s an abundance of preparation styles and techniques. To give you a taste of the essentials, here’s a step-by-step guide for crafting a classic vegan Thanksgiving dinner, featuring a main, two sides, and a dessert.
Mix and match these techniques as you explore the full recipe collection below!
-
Start with the Main:
- For a Vegan Lentil Loaf, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté onions, garlic, and diced carrots in olive oil until soft. Stir in cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, chopped walnuts, tomato paste, and season generously with thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Press into a loaf pan, top with ketchup or BBQ sauce, and bake for 40 minutes.
-
Prepare the Sides:
- For Garlic Mashed Potatoes, boil peeled potatoes until fork tender. Drain and mash with vegan butter, plant-based milk, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper.
- For Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, halve sprouts and toss with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Roast on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
-
Whip Up the Gravy:
- In a saucepan, sauté mushrooms and onions in vegan butter until golden. Stir in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in vegetable broth. Simmer until thick, seasoning with soy sauce, sage, and black pepper.
-
Bake the Dessert:
- For a Classic Vegan Pumpkin Pie, blend pumpkin puree, coconut cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into a prepared vegan pastry crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes. Cool and serve with coconut whipped cream.
-
Set the Table & Serve:
- Arrange your dishes on platters, garnish with fresh herbs, and invite everyone to dig in. Don’t forget the cranberry sauce!
“The secret to a stress-free vegan Thanksgiving is prepping ahead—many dishes can be made a day in advance!”
Tips & Variations
- Make Ahead: Many casseroles, loaves, and desserts can be prepared the day before and baked fresh on Thanksgiving Day.
- Gluten-Free Swaps: Substitute gluten-free bread in stuffing and almond flour in baked goods for guests with sensitivities.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Use sunflower seeds instead of nuts, or coconut yogurt in place of soy, to accommodate allergies.
- Flavor Boosters: Add smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or nutritional yeast to deepen flavors in gravies and main dishes.
- Batch Cooking: Double recipes of crowd favorites like mashed potatoes and stuffing to ensure leftovers for everyone!
- Creative Sides: Swap in roasted root vegetables, or try a vegan take on classic green bean casserole using homemade mushroom soup.
For more creative plant-based meal ideas, check out our Recipes Dehydrated Vegetables: Easy Meals and Snacks.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition will vary depending on your chosen recipes, but here’s a sample breakdown for a classic plate featuring vegan lentil loaf, garlic mashed potatoes, maple roasted Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin pie:
| Dish | Calories | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lentil Loaf (1 slice) | 210 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 7 |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes (1 cup) | 180 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts (1/2 cup) | 90 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Pumpkin Pie (1 slice) | 260 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 11 |
Plant-based Thanksgiving dishes are naturally high in fiber, rich in vitamins, and lower in saturated fat than traditional animal-based recipes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve mains like lentil loaf or stuffed squash on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon zest.
- Present sides in colorful bowls or casserole dishes for a festive, inviting table.
- Offer a variety of sauces and gravies in small pitchers so guests can help themselves.
- Pair savory dishes with vibrant salads, such as arugula with roasted beets, or a crunchy slaw.
- Finish with a dessert table, featuring pumpkin pie, pecan bars, and fruit crisps.
- Set the mood with candles, autumn flowers, and reusable napkins for a sustainable celebration.
Looking for more unique plant-based holiday ideas? Don’t miss our Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner collection!
101 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Listicle
Now, let’s get to the heart of “101 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Buzzfeed” with a massive, mouthwatering list of vegan dishes—perfect for building your own holiday menu! Explore mains, sides, salads, breads, and desserts.
Mix and match for your ideal feast.
Mains
- 1. Vegan Lentil Loaf – Hearty, nutty, and perfect with mushroom gravy.
- 2. Stuffed Acorn Squash – Filled with wild rice, cranberries, and pecans.
- 3. Seitan Wellington – Wrapped in flaky pastry with mushroom duxelles.
- 4. Mushroom & Walnut Bourguignon – Slow simmered for deep flavor.
- 5. Chickpea Cutlets – Crispy and protein-packed.
- 6. Jackfruit Pot Roast – Savory, “meaty” and crowd-pleasing.
- 7. Tofu Turkey – Herb-stuffed and oven-roasted.
- 8. Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri
- 9. Portobello Mushroom Steaks
- 10. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie – With lentils and veggies under creamy potatoes.
Sides
- 11. Classic Vegan Stuffing – Loaded with herbs and sourdough.
- 12. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 13. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 14. Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- 15. Glazed Carrots with Thyme
- 16. Wild Rice Pilaf
- 17. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
- 18. Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
- 19. Vegan Mac and Cheese
- 20. Smoky Baked Beans
- 21. Creamed Corn (Dairy-Free)
- 22. Garlic Roasted Broccoli
- 23. Vegan Gravy (Mushroom or Onion-Based)
- 24. Sautéed Spinach with Lemon
- 25. Cranberry Orange Sauce
Salads
- 26. Kale and Apple Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette
- 27. Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad
- 28. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- 29. Warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- 30. Farro, Pomegranate & Herb Salad
- 31. Autumn Quinoa Salad with Cranberries
- 32. Rainbow Slaw with Tahini Dressing
- 33. Spinach and Pear Salad with Maple Dijon
- 34. Chickpea and Roasted Pepper Salad
- 35. Fresh Herb and Avocado Salad
Breads
- 36. Vegan Dinner Rolls
- 37. Whole Wheat Cornbread
- 38. Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
- 39. Pumpkin Biscuits
- 40. Rosemary Focaccia
Gravy & Sauces
- 41. Classic Vegan Gravy
- 42. Cashew Cream Sauce
- 43. Vegan Hollandaise
- 44. Smoky Chipotle Sauce
- 45. Herb-Infused Olive Oil Drizzle
Appetizers
- 46. Vegan Cheese Ball (Try this delicious recipe!)
- 47. Stuffed Mushrooms with Almond Ricotta
- 48. Mini Potato Skins
- 49. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- 50. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Desserts
- 51. Vegan Pumpkin Pie
- 52. Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
- 53. Vegan Pecan Pie
- 54. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- 55. Cranberry Almond Tart
- 56. Sweet Potato Pie
- 57. Maple Walnut Blondies
- 58. Poached Pears in Red Wine
- 59. Pumpkin Cake Roll
- 60. Vegan Rugelach (Get the dairy-free recipe here!)
More Creative Dishes
- 61. Roasted Garlic and Parsnip Soup
- 62. Vegan “Bacon” Brussels Sprouts
- 63. Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew
- 64. Caramelized Onion Tart
- 65. Grilled Polenta with Mushroom Ragu
- 66. Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce
- 67. BBQ Tempeh Bites
- 68. Vegan Stuffed Peppers
- 69. Mashed Rutabaga with Herbs (Find plant-based rutabaga ideas here!)
- 70. Spicy Maple Glazed Tofu
International Inspirations
- 71. Turkish Stuffed Eggplant (Imam Bayildi) (Explore easy Turkish vegan recipes!)
- 72. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie (British-Inspired)
- 73. Indian Spiced Lentil Dal
- 74. Vegan Pozole Verde
- 75. Moroccan Chickpea Tagine
Hearty Casseroles
- 76. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- 77. Creamy Potato & Spinach Gratin
- 78. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
- 79. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake
- 80. Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta
Holiday Drinks & Extras
- 81. Spiced Apple Cider
- 82. Pumpkin Spice Latte (Vegan)
- 83. Cranberry Moscow Mule (Alcohol-Free)
- 84. Hot Chocolate with Coconut Whip
- 85. Chai-Spiced Almond Milk
For the Kids
- 86. Mini Pumpkin Muffins
- 87. Sweet Potato Fries
- 88. Apple Slices with Almond Butter Dip
- 89. Carrot Stars
- 90. Vegan Mac & Cheese Bites
Leftover Magic
- 91. Thanksgiving Leftovers Burritos
- 92. Vegan Pot Pie with Leftover Veggies
- 93. Savory Bread Pudding
- 94. Stuffing Waffles
- 95. Lentil Loaf Sandwiches
Quick & Easy Sides
- 96. Lemon Garlic Green Beans
- 97. Sauteed Mushrooms with Herbs
- 98. Steamed Broccolini
- 99. Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds
- 100. Apple Walnut Slaw
- 101. Simple Vegan Gravy
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is about celebrating abundance, and with these 101 vegan recipes, you’ll never feel limited. From hearty mains and creative sides to irresistible desserts, plant-based options are not only delicious—they bring everyone together around the table with compassion and care.
This collection ensures you can create a show-stopping feast that’s every bit as festive and satisfying as the traditional spread, but kinder to animals and the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just trying something new, these recipes promise to inspire and delight.
Happy plant-based Thanksgiving!
Still hungry for more? Explore our full collection of vegan recipes, including Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes for a Flavorful Fiesta and many other creative holiday and everyday meal ideas!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Loaf
Description: This hearty vegan mushroom lentil loaf is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Packed with savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, it's sure to satisfy everyone.
Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT1H25M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry brown lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse lentils and combine with vegetable broth in a pot; bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until tender.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet; sauté onion and mushrooms for 8 minutes.
- Add garlic; cook for 1 more minute.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, oats, walnuts, flaxseed, tomato paste, soy sauce, and thyme.
- Press mixture into a lined loaf pan.
- Bake for 40 minutes until firm.
- Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 29g
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