If you're looking for healthy vegan Thanksgiving recipe ideas, this list is for you. Take the stress out of your Thanksgiving meal with these amazingly delicious dishes that are all meat, dairy, egg, and gluten-free!
Despite what you might think, Thanksgiving cooking doesn't have to be stressful - even if you're trying to build an entirely vegan Thanksgiving dinner or are dealing with a variety of dietary preferences.
If you think hosting a completely plant-based festive dinner sounds like an impossible feat, I assure you nothing could be further from the truth.
Nowadays we have so many vegan options at the grocery store - plant-based milk and butter, tasty cheeses, plus all the delightful veggies, grains, pastas, and more. That means vegan Thanksgiving isn't just possible, it's actually super attainable!
Tasty vegan sides like mac & cheese and mashed potatoes, rich-tasting entrées like casseroles or shepherd's pie, and tons of other traditional Thanksgiving recipes are included in this list.
You will find plenty of allergy-friendly recipes with both gluten and nut-free options. And if that weren't enough to entice you, these vegan desserts are sweetened with only natural ingredients. Let the feast begin!
Jump to:
- Vegan Thanksgiving Mains
- Vegan Thanksgiving Sides
- Vegan Thanksgiving Casseroles
- Vegan Thanksgiving Salads
- Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
- Related Posts
- đź’¬ Reviews
Vegan Thanksgiving Mains
Nobody will miss the turkey or the ham with one of these stunning vegan centerpieces hogging all the glory! Stuffed squash, meatloaf, meatballs, and shepherd's pie are just the beginning.
Individual Lentil Puff Pastry Pies
If you’re on the hunt for a meatless main to serve my Individual Puff Pastry Lentil Pies are the show-stopping savory centerpiece you’ve been looking for. Flaky pastry shells are stuffed with lentils, veggies, and fresh herbs and wrapped into a pretty package. From vnutritionandwellness.com
Check out this recipe
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This Stuffed Acorn Squash is a wonderful vegan main dish for Thanksgiving. Stuffed with wild rice, veggies, and tempeh, the autumn-inspired squash is savory and delicious. It can even be made ahead to save time!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Even as a vegan you can still enjoy a classic dish like mac and cheese thanks to some clever ingredients. The pumpkin flavor doesn't overpower this creamy pasta, so even those who are not crazy about it will enjoy this comforting dish. From vnutritionandwellness.com
Check out this recipe
Portobello Steaks with Whiskey Peppercorn Gravy
I can't decide what excites me more about this recipe: the Portobello 'steaks' or that amazing whiskey peppercorn sauce! From connoisseurusveg.com
Vegan Lentil Quinoa Loaf
This Lentil Shepherd's Pie is hearty and comforting dish for Thanksgiving. It's filled with lentils and made creamy with vegan mashed potatoes. From nosweatvegan.com
Vegan Meatloaf with Chickpeas and Lentils
While you shouldn't expect this chickpeas & lentils meatloaf to taste exactly like meat it's close enough and just as yummy. From jessicainthekitchen.com
Vegan Thanksgiving Meatballs
If there's any vegan recipe that will be enjoyed by your meat-eating friends it's definitely worth making. These vegan 'meatballs' are a wonderful plant-based main, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. From makingthymeforhealth.com
Vegan Thanksgiving Sides
As far as I'm concerned, it's not Thanksgiving (vegan or otherwise) without all the traditional sides. Mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potatoes - the gang's all here, plus some tasty new additions. Looking for gravy? I have several vegan options in a separate section below!!
Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts
These 15 minute Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts are the perfect side for Thanksgiving. Pan-cooked Brussels sprouts are tossed with a sweet and savory vegan dressing then topped with crunchy toasted pecans.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Cauliflower mashed potatoes are super creamy, and thanks to the cauliflower, you will have a lighter, healthier and more nutritious side dish compared to the classic recipe. From vnutritionandwellness.com
Check out this recipe
Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
You can’t go wrong with this 20-minute fall inspired Vegan Squash Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, tangy, and delicious, this easy and healthy dish is a comforting choice for a Thanksgiving side dish.
Check out this recipe
Garam Masala Roasted Squash Tahini and Lemon
Garam Masala flavors nicely complement roasted squash paired with a flavorful lemon tahini sauce and some crunchy pepitas and pomegranates for a bit of texture. From vnutritionandwellness.com
Check out this recipe
Vegan Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing
This cornbread stuffing is free of refined sugars and naturally gluten-free and tastes absolutely delicious, guaranteeing a win at any Thanksgiving table. By Bohemian Vegan Kitchen.
Creamed Spinach Gratin with Seedy Crumb Topping
Spinach gratin sounds so delicious and this side dish will add a bit of color and nutrition to your Thanksgiving table. From quitegoodfood.co.nz
Vegan Thanksgiving Casseroles
Whether you call them casseroles, hot dishes, or tray-bakes, one thing stays the same: cozy warm things baked in a 9x13 are awesome.
Pumpkin Vegetable Bake
Baked veggies & pumpkin are an absolutely delicious combo. Better yet, no one will realize they're actually eating a healthy meal! From vnutritionandwellness.com
Check out this recipe
Vegan Cheese and Parsley Baked Cauliflower
This vegan cheesy casserole really makes the cauliflower flavor shine and you can definitely add it to your list of easy Thanksgiving casseroles. From kiipfit.com
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
Those who enjoy sweet side dishes will surely appreciate this amazing sweet potato casserole that uses only applesauce as a natural sweetener. From joyfoodsunshine.com
Vegan Scalloped Cauliflower
A nutritious and low-carb recipe that's super easy to make and a real crowd pleaser! From veggiesdontbite.com
Hashbrown Casserole
While this dish would be perfect for Thanksgiving, it's also an easy and comforting meal you can eat any day of the week. From contentednesscooking.com
Vegan Thanksgiving Gravy & Cranberry Sauce
Gravy isn't just for the birds - these four recipes prove it! And no Thanksgiving is complete without cranberry sauce, but the homemade stuff is so much tastier than canned.
Shiitake Mushroom Gravy
Pour on the gravy! This Shiitake Mushroom Gravy is full of flavor and is perfect for your holiday table. It’s easy to make, comforting and delicious! From vnutritionandwellness.com
Check out this recipe
Vegan Red Wine Gravy
If you prefer a richer tasting gravy, you should check out this recipe using red wine, shallots, and mushrooms for a deep, savory dish that will pair well with almost anything. From frieddandelions.com
No-Cook 5-Minute Miso Gravy
Thanksgiving cooking can take a lot of effort and if there is no more time on your schedule for your favorite gravy try this one instead. It's no-cook, ready in 5 minutes, and miso is a probiotic food, so there are no compromises made health-wise. From glueandglitter.com
SOS-Free Carrot Gravy
SOS stands for Salt Oil Sugar, and this gravy was developed without any of the three. It's delicious and ready in under 30 minutes, so what's not to like? From veggielexi.com
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Simple recipes are always the best. This gorgeous, thick cranberry sauce is made using only 3 ingredients and it's not just vegan, it's also paleo and Whole30-approved. From eatthegains.com
Vegan Thanksgiving Salads
I'm all for having lots of different starches to choose from at Thanksgiving, but I also love having a variety of vibrant colors and crunchy sides. These bright, beautiful salads are a welcome diversion from all the heavy holiday staples.
Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts Salad
There are so many interesting textures and flavors in this salad! I'm sure if you give it a try, you won't hesitate to serve it on Thanksgiving! From avirtualvegan.com
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is an excellent source of plant-based protein, the tangy & sweet dressing is to die for, and the pomegranate makes this salad look very festive. From flavorthemoments.com
Quinoa Spinach Salad with Butternut Squash and Apples
Here's another hearty quinoa salad that also packs a generous amount of spinach. Who said you can't celebrate Thanksgiving with healthy food? From veggieinspired.com
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette
Thanksgiving is usually celebrated with heavier foods, which is why this light and healthy salad made with shaved Brussels sprouts and maple mustard dressing is just the dish you need to accompany them. From diannesvegankitchen.com
Fall Kale and Farro Salad
This kale and farro salad has so many autumn flavors it's definitely worth making and I'm sure it would look stunning on any Thanksgiving table. From themostlyvegan.com
Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
I can't speak for everyone, but THIS vegan loves her some dessert. These yummy recipes are perfect for gracing any fall table, and will impress the whole family when placed on your Thanksgiving smorgasbord.
Sweet Pumpkin Hummus
Can hummus really be a dessert? I say yes and even more: it's also a healthy one. This sweet pumpkin hummus is the perfect allergy-friendly treat. From vnutritionandwellness.com
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie bars seem like a more practical alternative to a large pie - they're so much easier to serve! And even though they're vegan, they're still super decadent. From allergyfreealaska.com
Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Pear Crumble
This apple pear crumble is a super easy dessert that looks very attractive and is also refined sugar-free. From tastingpage.com
Vegan Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Maple Frosting
I can't imagine any dessert lover would be able to turn down this wonderful cake. It's flourless and interestingly, also freezer-friendly. From countryhillcottage.com
Related Posts
- Vegan Breakfast Christmas Recipes - These yummy and nutritious recipes are *almost* as exciting as the presents under the tree!
- Healthy Vegan Casserole Recipes - I love casseroles for SO MANY REASONS. They're cozy, delicious, easy to make, and clean-up is usually a snap.
- The Ultimate List of Vegan Pumpkin Recipes - Want to extend Pumpkin Spice Latte season? Me too. These recipes have tons of inspiration for using everyone's favorite winter squash.
If you loved this recipe roundup of Healthy Vegan Thanksgiving Dishes, please comment below! Your support means the world, and I am so thankful for you all. Happy Holidays from me to you!
Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
