Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, delicious food. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle or simply wanting to try plant-based dishes this holiday, finding recipes that are both easy and festive can sometimes feel overwhelming.
But fear not! This collection of easy vegan Thanksgiving recipes is designed to bring mouthwatering flavors and comforting textures to your holiday table without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious to add more plant-based meals to your celebration, these recipes will satisfy every guest. From savory mains and creamy sides to delightful desserts, you’ll discover simple, wholesome dishes that celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Plus, these recipes are perfect for prepping ahead, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These recipes are crafted with simplicity and flavor in mind. You don’t need to be an expert cook to pull off a memorable vegan Thanksgiving feast.
The ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, and the methods are straightforward, minimizing stress and maximizing joy.
Each dish is bursting with seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and hearty grains, delivering warmth and comfort on a chilly fall day. Plus, these recipes are versatile enough to be customized to your taste, dietary needs, and time constraints.
If you’re looking to explore more vegan dishes beyond Thanksgiving, check out these favorites: Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals, Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade, and Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests.
Ingredients
Dish | Ingredients |
---|---|
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup |
|
Maple-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts |
|
Holiday Lentil Loaf |
|
Classic Vegan Mashed Potatoes |
|
Easy Cranberry Sauce |
|
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Baking sheet
- Loaf pan (8×4 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor or blender (for lentil loaf and mashed potatoes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Potato masher or ricer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Medium saucepan
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add cubed butternut squash, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return to pot, stir in coconut milk, and adjust seasoning. Keep warm while preparing other dishes.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until caramelized and tender.
- Make the Lentil Loaf: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a food processor, pulse mushrooms, onion, and garlic until finely chopped. Combine with cooked lentils, grated carrot, oats, tomato paste, soy sauce, herbs, flax egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined but not mushy.
- Press mixture firmly into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until firm and slightly browned on top. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare Classic Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
- Add vegan butter and warm almond milk. Mash to desired consistency. Stir in roasted garlic if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, water, orange zest, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Let cool before serving.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: Prepare the cranberry sauce a day ahead for richer flavor and to save time on the big day.
For a nutty twist, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the lentil loaf mixture.
If you prefer a creamier soup, blend in a cooked apple or pear along with the butternut squash for a subtle sweetness.
Want to add more plant-based options? Explore these recipes for Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today or check out our Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal for soulful holiday inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
Dish | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Butternut Squash Soup | 180 | 3 | 7 | 27 | 5 |
Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts | 140 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 6 |
Holiday Lentil Loaf | 230 | 12 | 5 | 33 | 8 |
Classic Mashed Potatoes | 210 | 4 | 7 | 33 | 4 |
Easy Cranberry Sauce | 90 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 3 |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan Thanksgiving feast with warm crusty bread or rolls. For a homemade touch, try our Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves.
Pair the lentil loaf slices with a generous helping of mashed potatoes and a drizzle of mushroom gravy (easily made by sautéing mushrooms, garlic, and vegetable broth thickened with a little cornstarch).
Add roasted Brussels sprouts and a spoonful of tart cranberry sauce on the side for a colorful, balanced plate.
For dessert, consider a seasonal pumpkin pie or explore our collection of Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for creative plant-based sweets to end your meal on a high note.
Conclusion
Creating a memorable vegan Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These easy vegan recipes highlight the best of fall flavors and bring warmth to your holiday table without sacrificing taste or tradition.
From the velvety butternut squash soup to the savory lentil loaf, each dish offers wholesome nourishment and festive delight.
By embracing plant-based options, you’re not only catering to vegan guests but also introducing everyone to the vibrant, diverse world of vegan cooking. Feel free to mix and match these recipes, personalize them to your preferences, and enjoy the process of cooking with intention and gratitude.
For more delicious vegan meal ideas, don’t forget to check out our other recipes like the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious to keep your menu exciting all year round.
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffed Acorn Squash
Description: A simple and flavorful vegan main dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory quinoa and vegetable stuffing.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush acorn squash halves with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast squash for 30 minutes until tender.
- While squash is roasting, cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and kale, cook until softened.
- Stir in cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, walnuts, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the quinoa mixture into the roasted squash halves.
- Return stuffed squash to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 45 g
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