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Not sure where to start this Thanksgiving? I have you covered with mouth-watering vegan Thanksgiving recipes! You’ll find vegan appetizers, desserts, side dishes, and flavorful main dishes. These recipes are healthy, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing!
Jump to:
- 🍁 Creating a Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
- 🍠 Appetizers
- 🥣 Sides
- 🍲 Soups
- 🥘 Main Dishes
- 🍰 Desserts
- 🥃 Drinks
- 📝 Expert Tips for Meal Prepping
- 🌱 More Vegan Recipes!
Thanksgiving has always been more about the people around the table than the food on the table. But enjoying a delicious and healthy meal that you share with the ones you love is a special way of showing your thanks.
You’ll find the classics in this collection of vegan Thanksgiving recipes, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce! All of the recipes are plant-based, dairy-free, heart-healthy, totally delicious, kid-friendly, and 100% satisfying and pleasing for every type of eater. Most of these recipes are also gluten-free!
I’ve served these dishes to my omnivore husband, picky kids, and skeptical extended family, and they have all left the table with smiles on their faces and full bellies.
🍁 Creating a Vegan Thanksgiving Menu
There are many recipes here to choose from. I suggest using a simple formula to create the ultimate menu for your Thanksgiving feast!
- Choose 3 Appetizers
- Pick 3-4 Sides, including at least one starch, vegetable, and salad or soup.
- Decide on one main dish to keep your life simple!
- Choose 1-2 desserts!
🍠 Appetizers
A few vegan appetizers are always a must before the big Thanksgiving meal! Simple apps could include a veggie tray with hummus and crackers, but these appetizers are really something special! You’ll find both savory and sweet appetizers. Cream-free pumpkin fluff is a sweet dip, while simple stuffed mushrooms are the show’s star! Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that they take hardly any extra time at all!
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Creamy vegan spinach artichoke dip is a crowd pleasing appetizer or snack made with all natural ingredients. All the cheesy and creamy goodness without any artificial vegan cheese substitutes. Shhh! Nobody will even know it's vegan!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Dip
This creamy vegan pumpkin dip has only four simple ingredients and whips up in under 5 minutes. It tastes like a light and creamy pumpkin pie filling. It's perfect for dipping fruit, graham crackers, or my favorite ginger snap cookies!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Gluten-Free Hummus
This gluten free hummus recipe has the creamiest texture without the need for any oil! It’s naturally vegan and whole food plant-based making it a healthy snack or spread you can make it at home in less than 10 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Stuffed Mushroom Caps
These easy vegan stuffed mushroom caps are filled with shallots, garlic, herbs, and panko breadcrumbs. They're baked until golden brown. Each bite is filled with flavor!
Check out this recipe
🥣 Sides
Thanksgiving is all about the sides. While Turkey traditionally takes center stage, I think the sides are what make this holiday special. These plant-based side dishes are so delicious, yet nobody would ever know they’re vegan!
You’ll find traditional favorites like cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes with vegan gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and delicious roasted Brussels sprouts! You’ll also find some time-saving recipes, like air fryer roasted carrots!
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
This light and creamy vegan sweet potato casserole is savory and sweet! Topped with chopped pecans and using whole food plant-based ingredients, it's the perfect side dish for your holiday meal!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
This creamy vegan green bean casserole is the perfect holiday side dish. This classic recipe has been reimagined to include all of the good stuff; green beans, mushrooms, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy onion topping, but without dairy or gluten! It's simple, easy, and tastes like the original, only better!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Cornbread Dressing
This vegan cornbread dressing with chunks of cornbread soaks up the flavors of onions, celery, and spices and bakes moist and fluffy. It's the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday menu!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk
These ultra-creamy vegan mashed potatoes with almond milk and garlic are the perfect side dish for your holiday gathering, or anytime of year when you're in the mood for decadent comfort food.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Gravy
This super simple vegan gravy recipe is rich, flavorful, and tastes like the real thing! It's the perfect accompaniment to your mashed potatoes, and a must on your holiday table!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Corn Casserole
This easy vegan corn casserole requires only a few simple ingredients. Stir everything together in a bowl, pop it in the oven, and you have a crowd-pleasing side dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and more!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits
These vegan buttermilk biscuits are light and fluffy with layers of buttery goodness. With only a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes, you can enjoy these biscuits in no time with little effort!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Cornbread Muffins
These vegan cornbread muffins are so simple to make with wholesome pantry ingredients. They are moist and delicate and pair SO well with your favorite chili.
Check out this recipe
Cinnamon Butternut Squash
This simple roasted cinnamon butternut squash with fresh herbs is as easy and simple as it gets! The butternut squash is crisp on the outside, soft on the inside and seasoned with warm cinnamon spice and fresh herbs. It's the perfect winter side dish!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Carrots
These air fryer carrots are seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. A touch of olive oil roasts them to perfection. Serve topped with fresh herbs!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Cranberry Sauce
This healthy and simple naturally vegan cranberry sauce is low in sugar. Spiced with cinnamon and orange zest it's sweet and tart.
Check out this recipe
Fall Kale Salad with Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is paired with this fall kale salad with cranberries, apples, and pecans for a colorful autumnal plate that can stand alone as a main dish or a side at your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.
Check out this recipe
AIr Fryer Butternut Squash
Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash is an easy side dish for holiday gatherings that requires a few simple ingredients. Seasoned with maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice, it's savory and sweet.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic
These simple vegan green beans are made using an easy cooking technique that retains their color and texture. They are sautéed with onions, garlic, and a citrus glaze, then topped with slivered almonds.
Check out this recipe
🍲 Soups
Vegan Pumpkin Soup Without Cream
This easy and delicious vegan pumpkin soup without cream is made with seven simple ingredients (plus salt and pepper) and is ready to eat in less than 15 minutes. It's a perfect soup to serve at Thanksgiving or an easy weeknight meal with a side salad.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Cauliflower Soup
This rich and creamy Vegan Cauliflower Soup with rosemary and thyme is prepared stove-top in under 30 minutes! It's a decadent warm and comforting soup that is healthy and plant-based!
Check out this recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup
Roasted butternut squash and red pepper soup with fresh sage is a fragrant, thick, creamy soup full of a rich intermingling of spices. It's perfect for an autumn or winter meal! It's vegan, and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
🥘 Main Dishes
If you’re plant-based or hosting a vegan guest, do not in any way feel obligated to serve Tofurky! There are so many better main dish ideas for your vegetarian and vegan guests. From creamy pumpkin pasta, stuffed acorn squash, quinoa stuffed zucchini, and lentil shepherd’s pie, these autumn favorites are bursting with the herbal flavors of fall.
I wouldn’t be surprised if some of your non-vegan guests decide to pass on the turkey and go for one of these main dishes instead!
Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash
This Vegan Stuffed Acorn Aquash is filled with a gluten-free wild rice stuffing with flavors of carrots, red pepper, celery, and onions. It makes an excellent vegan main dish for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Stuffed Zucchini
This Vegan Stuffed Zucchini with quinoa and walnuts is spiced with rosemary, sage, and thyme! It's a healthy and hearty meal full of nutrients and plant-protein!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf
With all the traditional seasonings of the original, this vegan chickpea meatloaf with peppers and onions is big on flavor and topped with a tomato maple glaze. It is perfect as the main dish at your next dinner party or easy enough to pull together for a weeknight meal.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Pasta
A creamy vegan pumpkin pasta made with coconut milk, loads of pumpkin purée, sage, rosemary, and thyme. The ultimate autumn meal!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Risotto
Vegan Pumpkin Risotto is a warm and comforting autumn meal. With a rich and creamy texture it'a a savory traditional Italian dish.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Potato Casserole
This vegan potato casserole has layers of Yukon gold potatoes, cauliflower, and spinach smothered with a creamy cashew sauce and topped with a crunchy toasted walnut breadcrumb topping.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This warm and comforting vegan lentil shepherd's pie is layered with a hearty and rich mushroom and lentil base topped with cauliflower mashed potatoes. It's a healthy filling meal for the whole family!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash with Black Beans and Quinoa
This vegan stuffed butternut squash is filled with black beans, quinoa, and fire-roasted tomatoes. With southwestern spices and topped with cilantro and avocado, you'll have a healthy, delicious, and filling plant-based meal.
Check out this recipe
🍰 Desserts
End your Thanksgiving meal with a decadent vegan dessert! These recipes with pumpkin, pecans, and apples have a hint of the traditional recipes with a twist! They are sweetened with natural sweeteners such as maple syrup and coconut sugar. How about some pumpkin pie bars with creamy coconut pumpkin custard? Or how about a super simple apple cake topped with cinnamon? Find these and more decadent desserts!
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars
These easy vegan pumpkin pea bars are made with an oat and almond flour crust and a pumpkin coconut milk filling. They're topped with a decadent coconut whipped cream and sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice. The perfect autumn dessert!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Apple Crisp
This vegan apple crisp is loaded with cinnamon, ginger, and dried cranberries. The oatmeal topping is made with a blend of pecans, walnuts, almond butter, and coconut sugar for a guilt-free dessert.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Baked Apples
These Vegan Baked Apples are a simple and healthy dessert perfect for apple season! The apples are cored, dusted with cinnamon, and baked until soft, then served with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Brownies
These are the ultimate vegan pumpkin brownies with a fudgy chocolate base and topped with a pumpkin pie filling. It's a healthy oil-free plant-based treat for the autumn season!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pecan Pie
A sweet and nutty vegan pecan pie that is simple to make with a caramel-like consistency! Your guests will never know it's vegan, and made with a gluten-free crust!
Check out this recipe
🥃 Drinks
Looking to serve a special drink with your meal? My cranberry mocktail is light, refreshing, and suitable for all your guests. It makes a delicious drink to serve to your guests as they arrive.
Or how about something warm and spicy with dessert? Give my pumpkin spice latte a try!!
Cranberry Mocktail
Light, refreshing, festive, and fun, this Cranberry Mocktail is suitable for all your holiday gathering guests. These mocktails combine cranberry and pomegranate juice with club soda, a hint of lime, and fresh mint. They're simply delicious!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte
A must-have for fall, this copycat Starbucks Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte is even better! Full of real pumpkin flavor, pumpkin spice, and natural sweetener, it's a healthy yet totally satisfying autumn drink!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie
This Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie is full of fall flavors. Smooth and creamy, it's naturally sweetened with banana and full of warm pumpkin flavor.
Check out this recipe
📝 Expert Tips for Meal Prepping
Prep the Day Before…
To save yourself some time, reduce overwhelm, and have a few moments actually to enjoy Thanksgiving, you can prepare some of the dishes the day before. You can also prep the vegetables for many of these dishes so you don’t spend loads of time chopping on Thanksgiving Day.
The pumpkin pie bars, apple crisp, and pumpkin soup can be made the day before.
Chop the kale for the salad, roast the butternut squash, and prepare the salad dressing, so you’ll need to put these ingredients together on the day of Thanksgiving.
Prep the green beans and acorn squash, and chop the vegetables for the wild rice stuffing and meatless meatloaf.
Prepare the Morning of…
Prepare your main dishes in the morning, such as the meatless meatloaf or potato casserole. Don’t put them in the oven just yet, as they taste best straight from the oven.
Before Guests Arrive…
One to two hours before guests arrive, roast the acorn squash and prepare the stuffing.
Thirty minutes before guests arrive, put the spinach and artichoke dip in the oven so it’s bubbly, hot, and ready to serve as an appetizer when your guests arrive.
While guests are munching on the dip, put the potato casserole and meatless meatloaf in the oven and prepare the green beans on the stove.
Enlist the help of a friend or family member to massage the kale and assemble the butternut squash and cranberry salad.
I hope you find some inspiration and enjoy these vegan Thanksgiving recipes this year!
🌱 More Vegan Recipes!
- 17 Irresistible Vegan Cherry Recipes
- 18 Vegan Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day
- 28 Vegan Christmas Cookies for the Holiday Season
- 30 Edible Christmas Gifts to Make in Advance
Reader Interactions
Comments
Leanne - Crumb Top Baking
We just celebrated the Canadian Thanksgiving and I would have loved to make some of these dishes! Luckily, they’re all suitable for fall gatherings and even Christmas dinner! I’ll have to keep this meal plan in mind for upcoming celebrations!Reply
Jessica Formicola
I have a lot of gluten free family members, so I will definitely be making some of these! Thanks so much for sharing!Reply
Veena Azmanov
Thanks for all the awesome meal recipes. So healthy and delicious.Reply
Tawnie Kroll
This is incredible – sending to all of my gluten free friends, thank you!Reply
Emily
The artichoke dip and apple crisp look amazing!Reply
