Vegan Thanksgiving: 27 Recipes for Pulling off a Plant-Based Feast (2024)

The traditional Thanksgiving menu isn’t exactly vegan-friendly. But if you’re planning a plant-based spread this year, don’t panic! There are so many amazing vegan versions of the classic Thanksgiving dishes out there.

From dairy-free desserts to turkey alternatives (that aren’t tofurkey), we’ve got you covered with all the recipes you need to feed your friends — and maybe even convert some carnivores.

Vegan Thanksgiving: 27 Recipes for Pulling off a Plant-Based Feast (1)Share on Pinterest

Stuffed acorn squash

This fall-themed main course will look beautiful at the center of the table — and it tastes divine, too. It’s stuffed with chickpeas, quinoa, and pecans and has plenty of protein to keep everyone full.

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Vegan shepherd’s pie

This shepherd’s pie is super easy to prep in advance. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and tons of veggies in the filling, you’ll end up craving this year round.

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Vegan nut roast

While this roast has a vibe similar to meatloaf, the taste is entirely different (not just because it’s meatless). The base of the roast is mostly mushrooms and nuts with lots of added seasonings. Top with gravy, and you’ll have a perfect Thanksgiving main course.

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Vegan mushroom gravy

Vegan gravy may sound hard to pull off. But this mushroom-based take is not only rich and flavorful, it’s super easy to whip up. It comes together with only five ingredients and will make an amazing accompaniment to any side dish.

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Vegan country gravy

Cashew milk and vegan butter come to the rescue in this thick country gravy. Drizzle it over mashed potatoes or save some for your eggs the next morning!

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Cornbread stuffing

This sweet and savory, fall-forward vegan stuffing recipe includes pecans, dried cranberries, and maple syrup! It’s sure to have you coming back for first and second helpings.

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Vegan stuffing

This stuffing recipe uses whole-wheat bread as a base and is flavored with fennel and fresh mushrooms for a healthy take on the traditional side.

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Simple vegan stuffing

The addition of lentils to this stuffing gives it a heartier feel. With only nine ingredients, this recipe is super easy to throw together in advance or at the last minute.

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Roasted root vegetable stuffing

This stuffing recipe is easily made vegan by subbing the chicken broth for veggie broth. Made with roast root vegetables, it’s an easy way to add more veggies to your Thanksgiving dinner table.

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Vegan cornbread

If you’re not a stuffing lover, whip up this classic vegan cornbread to sop up all your sides and sauces.

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Simple vegan coleslaw

Coleslaw is a side that goes with every eating occasion! This recipe even comes with an accompanying recipe for vegan mayo.

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Pear and cherry salad

We’re really here for the fall flavor medleys in this salad. With ripe pears, dried cherries, and candied walnuts, the bright flavors in the balsamic dressing tie in the sweet and savory.

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Warm spinach salad with figs and butternut squash

This salad is packed with fall flavors from figs to butternut squash. Half of the spinach gets a little heat while the rest stays fresh!

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Kale and cranberry salad

The trick to any kale salad is properly prepping and massaging your kale. Once you’ve got that step out of the way, you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand.

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Sweet and sour cucumber salad

Swap the honey with maple syrup to ensure you get the proper combo of sweet and sour in this salad.

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Vegan sweet potato casserole

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for sweet and savory foods to make an appearance on the same plate. Add this recipe to your spread to balance the savory.

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Vegan scalloped potatoes

These scalloped potatoes are just as creamy and delicious as the dairy-filled original. These can also be prepped in advance.

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Mashed sweet potatoes

In this recipe, the sweet potatoes’ sweet natural flavors are countered with savory flavors from the garlic and fresh herbs, keeping everything perfectly balanced.

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Mashed potatoes

Every holiday dinner needs a big bowl of mashed potatoes at the center of the table. This recipe makes creamy, rich mashed potatoes to feed a crowd.

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Oven roasted potatoes

Potatoes won’t get much easier (and delicious) than with a good, simple, roasting. Toss these in the oven until crispy for a simple potato side dish.

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Naturally sweetened cranberry sauce

Cranberry sauce tends to be too sweet. This version is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and allows you to adjust the quantity to match your preference.

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Cranberry applesauce

Take your cranberry sauce to the next level with this cranberry applesauce recipe. For an easy assembly, all the ingredients can be thrown into an Instant Pot!

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No sugar added applesauce

If you’re looking for a side that’s not cranberry-based or too sweet, try this super simple three-ingredient applesauce recipe.

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Fresh cranberry relish

This recipe takes all the prep work out of cranberry sauce. Just throw the three ingredients needed into a food processor or blender, and you’re ready to go.

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Cabernet cranberry blueberry sauce

If you’re looking to wow your guest(s) this year, try adding this cranberry sauce to your line up.

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Cinnamon-roasted butternut squash

For a super-easy side, prep all the ingredients for this roasted squash in advance and just toss them in the oven for 1 hour.

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Roasted Brussels sprouts

Gotta take advantage of Brussels sprouts while they’re in season. By just roasting them with some oil and salt, you maintain the delicious Brussels sprout flavor.

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Vegan green bean casserole

The holidays are all about indulging. So, why not add some creamy and crunchy components to your basic green bean with this casserole recipe.

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Cauliflower rice risotto

This gluten-free risotto recipe is way easier than the classic rice-based version (which takes years of stirring). Serve with mixed veggies for a balanced side.

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Roasted beet relish

Add some brightness to your plate with this beet relish. With lime, cilantro, and a little syrup for sweetness, the flavors in this relish would pair well with any root vegetable.

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Mini pecan pies

A Thanksgiving classic, making these pecan pies mini is great for super-cute presentation and easy eating!

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Pumpkin cake

This three-tiered pumpkin cake has a sweet cinnamon buttercream frosting between the layers and stays moist from the pumpkin puree in the batter.

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Strawberry vegan cheesecake

Your dinner guests will be asking you to make this for every birthday and holiday after trying it. With a cashew-based cream, this rich cheesecake is also topped with strawberry cream and fresh berries.

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Vegan apple hand pies

Make sure to grab a vegan puff pastry for this recipe. The store bought puff makes these hand pies super easy to put together.

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Vegan pound cake

Pound cake can be topped with fresh fruit or icing depending on what you prefer. This recipe glazes the cake in an almond icing.

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Vegan Thanksgiving: 27 Recipes for Pulling off a Plant-Based Feast (2024)

FAQs

What is a vegan alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

by Gardein

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan.

How do vegans do Thanksgiving? ›

"A traditional Thanksgiving menu has lots of options for vegans and vegetarians: green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed or roasted potatoes, and sweet potatoes and yams—it's a carb-loaded feast, and we will happily lick our plates," says Peart.

What is a good substitute for turkey meat? ›

10 Main Course Alternatives to Turkey for Christmas
  • Duck. Another festive bird that offers flavorsome fat is duck. ...
  • Chicken. While chicken might not be the fanciest bird around, it can be a real crowd-pleaser and simple to prepare in a pinch. ...
  • Beef. ...
  • Venison. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Pork. ...
  • Ham.
Dec 16, 2020

What is the vegan version of turkey? ›

This seitan tofu roast tastes just like turkey, with crispy skin and all! This vegan turkey makes the perfect centerpiece for a delicious holiday meal. It's surprisingly easy to make, and most of it can be made ahead of time, so it's a great stress-free option.

What is the vegan name for turkey? ›

ofurky, the brilliant brand name that revolutionized Thanksgiving and mock meats forever, makes a lot more than a tofu turkey. But when it comes to a Thanksgiving meatless main course, the wheat and tofu roast filled with a wild rice stuffing is an ideal choice.

What do vegans tend to lack? ›

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

What do vegans think about Thanksgiving? ›

And while Thanksgiving is supposed to signify gratitude and abundance—the holiday centers around the autumn harvest—for many, it's the opposite. “It's all about eating and the murder of these birds or other animals,” Patty Shenker, a 30-year vegan told the LA Times.

Is there a plant-based turkey? ›

What is alternative turkey and ham made out of? Brands like Tofurky, Field Roast, Gardein, Beyond Meat, Lightlife, and more use plant-based ingredients in the products you can buy for any vegetarian/vegan guests.

Who makes vegan turkey? ›

Gardein: Plant-Based Turk'y Roast. Myrtle Greens: Vegan Whole Turkey, Vegan Whole Turkey & Vegan Turkey Roll Combo, and Vegan Whole Turkey & Ham Roll Combo. Tofurky: Plant-Based Holiday Feast. Trader Joe's: Breaded TURKEYLESS Stuffed Roast.

What meat is healthier than turkey? ›

Beef has more iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are nutrients that promote healthy blood, immunity, and nervous system health, than turkey.

What do vegetarians eat instead of turkey? ›

Burmese Tofu (aka Chickpea Flour Tofu)

For an alternative to turkey that's mild in flavor and can be treated like any other protein, turn to Burmese tofu, which transforms chickpea flour, oil, and water into a sturdy tofu-like dish.

What do you say instead of Happy Thanksgiving? ›

Short Thanksgiving greetings

May the chairs around your table be filled with those you love. May this day and every day be filled with love, joy and happiness. Wishing you every blessing of this bountiful season. May the blessings of Thanksgiving fill your heart and home with joy.

What is cheaper than turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

Roast chicken is less expensive, easy to roast, delicious, and has less portions than a large turkey, so it is perfect for a single, couple, or small family celebration. A simple chicken stuffed with mirepoix, lemons, fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, sage) and roasted whole is a great alternative to a large turkey."

Do vegans eat turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

And no, vegans do not eat chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, or even cheese, though they are often asked. But keeping a vegan happy on Thanksgiving is not difficult. Plenty of traditional dishes are (almost) vegan anyway, and the oven is on for baking special treats.

Is there a plant based turkey? ›

What is alternative turkey and ham made out of? Brands like Tofurky, Field Roast, Gardein, Beyond Meat, Lightlife, and more use plant-based ingredients in the products you can buy for any vegetarian/vegan guests.

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