Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
We all know that Thanksgiving isn’t just about the main dishes—it’s the side dishes that truly make a Thanksgiving feast feel complete! (Sometimes it's the side dishes that I'm looking forward to the most!)
I'm sharing some of my favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes that everyone will love, whether they're vegan or not. These delicious vegan options are full of flavor, fresh produce, and are perfect for any holiday feast.
What Makes a Great Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dish?
When it comes to planning a vegan Thanksgiving, I want the side dishes to shine just as much as the main dish. To me, a great side dish is one that is packed full of flavor, uses simple ingredients, and complements the entire Thanksgiving spread.
I love incorporating seasonal fruits and veggies into my thanksgiving sides, as they add vibrant colors and the absolute best flavors to the meal. I mean, isn’t that what makes fall so exciting anyway? Incorporating all the delicious seasonal produce into your meals, yum!
Let's dive into some of my favorite vegan thanksgiving recipes :)
Farro Rice with Vegetables
One of my go-to simple side dishes for Thanksgiving is my Farro Rice with Vegetables. This dish features farro, of course! Farro is a hearty ancient grain that has a nutty flavor and a super satisfying texture. Tossed with fresh vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, and dried cranberries, it creates a delicious side dish that pairs so well with other dishes on the table. It’s loaded with lots of flavor and is a great way to bring in something that is nutritious and filling to your holiday menu.
Important: Just be sure to sub the chicken broth in this recipe to veggie broth to keep it vegan!
Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving meal is truly complete without a stuffing, and this Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing delivers all the savory flavors without the need for any animal products. It’s made with bread, herbs, and fresh vegetables like celery, onions, and carrots, which add a bright flavor to the dish. This stuffing is the perfect side dish to accompany any main course.
Air-Fried Rainbow Carrots
If you’re looking for an easy way to add some color to your holiday spread, these Air-Fried Rainbow Carrots are the way to go! They have such a vibrant color that looks SO beautiful on the table, and the air fryer gives them a nice crispy texture while still keeping their natural sweet flavor. I love serving these with a drizzle of avocado oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. They’re a simple side dish that everyone will enjoy!
Comfort Foods:
Comfort food is a big part of Thanksgiving, and I love adding vegan versions of classic dishes. Here are some of my favorite recipes that are not only vegan but also feature healthier ingredients:
Vegan Mac and Cheese
This Vegan Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite ways to bring a bit of comfort to my Thanksgiving table. It’s made with a cashew-based, vegan cheese sauce that’s rich & delicious, and it’s topped with gluten-free breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. Even though it doesn’t have traditional cheddar cheese, this dish is still loaded with the creamiest "cheese" sauce you'll ever taste! This one is also perfect for those easy weeknight dinners!
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Stuffed Mushrooms
These Stuffed Mushrooms are a favorite recipe, inspired by the famous Cheesecake Factory dish. They're filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, vegan cream cheese, walnuts, sun-dried tomato, and herbs, creating a delightful first bite that's full of flavor and the best texture you'll ever taste!
Veggie Sides:
Thanksgiving isn't just about the comfort foods — it’s also important to balance the meal with some healthy veggie sides. Here are a few easy recipes that bring the freshness of seasonal vegetables to your table.
Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans with Mushrooms
These Crispy Air Fryer Green Beans with Mushrooms are the best way to enjoy green beans during Thanksgiving. They're crispy and the mushrooms and black pepper add the best flavor. This dish is reminiscent of a green bean casserole, but just a little bit healthier :) It's one of my favorite vegan Thanksgiving dishes!
Warm Kale Salad
A delicious salad can add a wonderful contrast to the heavier sides on the table, and this Warm Kale Salad is a welcome addition. I love the texture from the toasted walnuts and pomegranates in this recipe; they add the best crunch and flavor. The dressing is the perfect finishing touch, adding a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity.
Important: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the goat cheese and substitute the honey with agave or maple syrup.
Vegan Desserts:
No holiday meal is complete without dessert! I've got a few favorite recipes for vegan desserts that everyone will love.
Sweet Potato Brownies
These Sweet Potato Brownies are made with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, which give them a moist and fudgy texture. I love that these brownies are both delicious and a bit healthier than traditional ones, making them the perfect holiday treat!
Important: To keep this dessert entirely vegan, be sure to use vegan chocolate chips!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
If you love pumpkin, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are going to be a hit! They’re bite-sized and perfect for sharing, with a creamy pumpkin filling that is SO SO GOOD! They’re easy to make ahead of time, which is always such a bonus during the busy holiday season!
Important: To keep this recipe vegan, be sure to use vegan chocolate chips and substitute agave or maple syrup for any non-vegan sweeteners.
Vegan Dutch Apple Pie
This Dutch Apple Pie is the perfect fall dessert, with a spiced, sweet-tart apple filling and a crunchy, rustic crumble topping made from oats, almonds, and coconut sugar. This recipe skips refined sugar and heavy prep work—it’s vegan and uses a store-bought crust to save time, making it a great recipe for beginners! Serve it warm, topped with a dollop of vegan coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat that your vegan guests will love! This recipe has quickly become my secret weapon to add to any vegan Thanksgiving feast.
Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
This Thanksgiving Fruit Salad is one of my go-to recipes for the holiday season! It features a delicious mix of fresh, seasonal fruits, including sweet citrus fruits like oranges, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a hint of orange zest. This combination adds a refreshing contrast to richer dishes, making it a vibrant addition to the table. I love how simple it is to prepare, and with a light dressing to tie everything together and add so much flavor!
FAQs
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The key to delicious vegan stuffing is using fresh ingredients, like fresh sage or other fresh herbs! Vegan butter is also amazing for sautéing your veggies, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
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To make a vegan version of classic pumpkin pie, swap out eggs for flax eggs, replace heavy cream or evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk, use vegan butter instead of regular butter in the crust, and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave.
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For a vegan gravy that's just as satisfying as the traditional version, try this recipe using simple yet flavorful ingredients. Start with a base of 2 cups of vegetable broth, 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option). Add 3/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for depth, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (or brown rice flour for gluten-free) to thicken it up. This creates a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with vegan stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato casserole. Drizzle in some olive oil for extra silkiness!
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Yes! Making a vegan cranberry sauce from scratch is incredibly simple. All you need are 12 oz of fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 cup of white sugar, 1 cup of water, and the zest of 1 lemon. Combine these ingredients to create a sweet-tart sauce that adds a bright, tangy flavor to your Thanksgiving menu. This easy side dish is a great addition to any vegan Thanksgiving dinner and is sure to be one of the best parts of the whole spread!
I hope this collection of the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes gives you plenty of ideas to create an amazing holiday season full of vibrant color, fresh produce, and lots of flavor for you, your vegan friends, and anyone following a plant-based diet. Whether you're making one or several easy side dishes, they’ll surely be welcome additions to any celebration or holiday feast!
Happy Thanksgiving!
