Thanksgiving has always been my favorite food-related holiday, so I’m excited to share so many vegan Thanksgiving recipes with you!
Here, you’ll find a mix of classic Thanksgiving dishes like with a vegan twist, along with creative and inventive dishes check all the Thanksgiving boxes: comforting, indulgent, and delicious.
Whether you’re looking to make the best possible mashed potatoes or want to try a new main dish that’s not turkey, I’ve got you covered! Scroll on for 40 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes, from starters and side dishes to mains and desserts.
Table of Contents:
1. Vegan Thanksgiving FAQs
2. Starters
3. Side Dishes
4. Main Dishes
5. Desserts
Vegan Thanksgiving FAQs
What’s a good turkey substitute?
Store-bought vegan turkeys are not my cup of tea, but there are plenty of other hearty options that would make a worthy centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table. Vegan shepherd’s pie or a stuffed butternut squash are both excellent options, as are these pumpkin ricotta stuffed shells. For something a little more ambitious (but incredible), try this vegan moussaka.
How can I make vegan Thanksgiving easier and less stressful as a host?
The most impactful thing you can do to make things less stressful is to make as many dishes as you can before the big day arrives. Some of my favorite dishes are the aforementioned moussaka, vegan mashed potatoes, and this baked mac and cheese. On the big day, all you’ll need to do is reheat these dishes in the oven or microwave. Easy peasy.
How do I ensure my vegan dishes are flavorful?
Lean heavily into umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, nutritional yeast, miso paste, and soy sauce, all of which add a rich depth of flavor. Don’t skimp on spices and herbs. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage can elevate any dish and bring those cozy, woodsy fall flavors everyone expects (and loves) at Thanksgiving.
And don’t forget adding an acidic element; this butternut squash kale salad is a great choice, as is this fresh herb salad with sumac shallots (4th recipe card in the blog post).
Are there any good vegan Thanksgiving desserts?
Absolutely! We have a whole section of delectable Thanksgiving desserts you can find below.
Better yet, many of them seem fancy but are actually quite easy to make. The vegan apple crisp and this pumpkin cream tart are prime examples.
How can I survive a non-vegan Thanksgiving?
When you find yourself at an omnivore Thanksgiving, the best thing you can do is to cook as many dishes as you can. This not only earns you brownie points with the host, it also ensures there are multiple dishes you yourself can enjoy.
As a general rule, prioritize dishes that could work as a main dish for you and as a side dish for the omnivore guests, and try to make your dishes ahead of time so you’re not fighting for oven space. You might open up some eyes to just how good vegan cooking can be!
Starters
Outrageously Good Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
This Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip in a bread bowl is sure to be the most popular appetizer at the party! It’s creamy, cheesy, and just as indulgent as the classic without the heaviness of dairy. A must-make for the holidays!
Check out this recipe
Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
My gourmet Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is the crowd pleasing fall salad you need on your holiday menu!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup just got a makeover with this Vegan Mushroom Soup. With a creamy bisque-like texture and incredible savory flavor, this is a gourmet soup that will wow your tastebuds. Perfect for holiday dinners!
Check out this recipe
Fresh Herb Salad with Sumac Shallots
This palate-cleansing salad is the perfect starter or side dish for your fall table. The base consists of cucumber ribbons, fresh herbs, scallions, and wedges of crisp Little Gem lettuce. The star of the show are the shallots, which get quickly marinated in vinegar and sumac, a spice common in Middle Eastern cooking that’s bright, tangy, citrusy yet a little earthy.
Note: This recipe is the 4th in linked blog post.
Check out this recipe
Note: This recipe is the 4th in linked blog post.
Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad
Featuring crispy and chewy roasted butternut squash and cabbage, kale and carrot ribbons, chickpeas, a tangy vinaigrette, and a sweet-and-spicy almond crunch, this is the fall salad of your dreams! Hearty yet refreshing, it’s perfect for fall entertaining.
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Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
This Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup is thickened naturally with white beans and cashews, so it's luscious and creamy but dairy-free. It's a quick and easy dump-and-go Instant Pot recipe that's made with just 10ish ingredients, so it's perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Thai Pumpkin Soup
Add some authentic Thai flavor to your Thanksgiving table this year with my cozy Thai Pumpkin Soup! It’s creamy, easy to make, and layered with winter squash, warm and spicy aromatics, and bold spices and herbs.
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Kale and Brussels Sprouts Winter Salad
This salad is as tasty as it is beautiful and colorful. It is light and crisp yet creamy thanks to the creamy Caesar dressing, making it the perfect addition to a Thanksgiving table that’s usually dominated by heavy and rich dishes.
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Ginger-Tahini Dressing
The most perfect crispy smashed potatoes get drizzled with a tangy, slightly sweet, and nutty ginger-tahini dressing and then topped with fresh mint, cilantro, chili peppers, and roasted peanuts. An addictive blend of textures and gourmet Asian-inspired flavors.
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Roasted Beet and Fennel Salad with Walnut Bread Crumbs
This roasted beet and fennel salad is popping with freshness and lots of flavor. Featuring crispy walnut bread crumbs, lots of fresh herbs, and an easy citrus vinaigrette. It's THE salad to make you fall in love with salads.
Check out this recipe
Side Dishes
The Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and rich yet fluffy and light vegan mashed potatoes are possible! In this post I share the seven essential secrets you need to know for absolutely amazing vegan mashed potatoes.
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Seriously Good Vegan Gravy
This vegan gravy is supercharged with savory flavor and is so creamy and rich that no one will miss the meat! A perfect pairing with mashed potatoes and a must for your holiday menu. Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free.
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Crispy Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
This Crispy Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. An incredibly creamy (and easy) vegan cheese sauce gets paired with elbow macaroni, covered in a crispy and buttery breadcrumb, and then baked in the oven.
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Sweet Chili-Ginger Brussels Sprouts
My holiday table is never complete without Brussels sprouts, so I love coming up with new and fresh ways to serve them. Like these Chinese-inspired Sweet Chili-Ginger Brussels Sprouts! Brussels sprouts get roasted until browned, then doused in a sticky, spicy and slightly sweet sauce with fresh ginger and garlic.
Note: This recipe is the 2nd in linked blog post.
Check out this recipe
Note: This recipe is the 2nd in linked blog post.
Vegan Wild Mushroom Stuffing
This Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing will wow your holiday guests with its taste and presentation! Like traditional stuffing, this Wild Mushroom Stuffing is tender and moist yet a little crunchy! Bake it in a traditional pan or turn it into a festive Stuffing Wreath for a unique holiday centerpiece.
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Warm Lentil Salad with Delicata Squash and Cilantro Cashew Cream
The perfect warm salad, this recipe is made with hearty and wholesome ingredients like lentils, delicate squash, and cashews. Proof that salads don’t have to be boring or skimpy. It’s a wonderful option for meal prep or an excellent entree for a dinner party.
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Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
The BEST vegan mac and cheese you’ll ever taste! Made with wholesome ingredients like roasted pumpkin and cashews, but super creamy and indulgent, this Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is vegan comfort food at its finest.
Check out this recipe
Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter
Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter is a crowd pleasing indulgent side dish! The blog post includes tips on how to cook Japanese sweet potatoes, where to buy Japanese sweet potatoes, and the differences between Japanese Sweet Potatoes vs Sweet Potatoes.
Check out this recipe
Maple Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are coated in a buttery and sweet maple-butter glaze, then finished in the oven until perfectly browned, caramelized, and sticky. A simple yet gourmet vegan side dish for holiday dinners!
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The Best Vegan Cornbread
This crispy-crusted, buttery, and moist vegan cornbread is truly the best cornbread you'll ever eat. A must-make, whether paired with vegan chili or on your holiday table! No one will know it's vegan (easy to make GF).
Check out this recipe
Main Dishes
Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This is the best vegan shepherd’s pie you’ll try! A hearty, flavor-packed lentil and sticky onion filling meets fluffy mashed potatoes and cauliflower in this protein-rich, healthy plant based dinner recipe. The perfect healthy comfort food for winter.
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The Best Vegan Wellington
A savory vegan loaf gets wrapped in flaky golden pastry and makes for the best winter comfort food. This is truly the best Vegan Wellington you will ever try! Includes step-by-step photos and detailed instructions so you can nail this Vegan Mushroom Wellington and wow your holiday guests!
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Vegan Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells
The ultimate fall comfort food, these vegan Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed shells are cheesy, creamy, chewy, and garlicky. Made with a homemade vegan ricotta spread, pumpkin, and the best garlic béchamel sauce, you’ll never put your fork down!
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Vegan Baked Butternut Squash
Baked butternut squash is filled with hearty grains and a cheesy Alfredo sauce and then baked again until melty and golden brown. This recipe is hearty, indulgent, and finger lickin’ good!
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Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
This is the BEST vegan mushroom stroganoff you will ever try! It’s packed with umami, is super flavorful, and is so creamy you won’t believe it’s dairy-free and vegan. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Lentil Stuffed Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash gets stuffed with the most flavorful, umami-packed lentil filling, then drizzled with a creamy sauce made from the scooped out butternut squash. A hearty and satisfying main course for any winter dinner, especially holiday meals!
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Creamy Lentil and Vegetable Bake
This vegan, gluten-free Creamy Lentil and Vegetable Bake is the ultimate comfort food. Sweet, caramelized roasted vegetables and creamy lentils are baked in a rich cashew cream and make for an excellent vegan main dish for any holiday gathering!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
A vegan “sausage” stuffing with kale and quinoa get stuffed into roasted butternut squash, then drizzled with a creamy garlic white sauce. This Vegan Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash is a delicious vegan main dish or a crowd pleasing side dish for the fall season that’s hearty yet wholesome!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto
This vegan Instant Pot risotto enables you to enjoy the creamy, indulgent taste and texture of risotto with half the work! With a creamy butternut squash puree and miso maple butter, this vegan butternut squash risotto is the ultimate fall comfort food!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
This vegan wild rice stuffed squash is healthy yet comforting, making it an excellent option for a hearty winter dinner. Made with wholesome ingredients like butternut squash and wild rice, It’s gluten-free and won’t weigh you down, but it’s incredibly flavorful and will please vegans and non-vegans alike.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Moussaka
You’ll fall deep into comfort food heaven after tasting this Vegan Moussaka. This Greek layered casserole is delightfully indulgent, featuring layers of roasted potatoes and eggplant, a rich “meat” sauce, and an incredible vegan bechamel, all baked to creamy perfection. A must for special occasions!
Check out this recipe
Desserts
Vegan Apple Crisp
Warmly spiced and maple syrup-glazed apple slices are topped with a buttery oat-pecan streusel, then baked until golden brown, bubbling, and crisp. It’s a comforting and impressive Thanksgiving dessert!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Gingersnap Pumpkin Cream Tart
This Gingersnap Pumpkin Cream Tart features a luscious no-bake pumpkin cream filling and is much easier to make than pumpkin pie! It’s healthy, vegan, and gluten-free, but tastes indulgent. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving!
Check out this recipe
Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake
This Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake is soft and moist yet light and airy – the best of both worlds! With warm cinnamon apple flavors, it’s a perfect easy yet impressive cake for the fall baking season!
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Vegan Salted Chocolate Cream Tart
With a no-bake brownie base and a creamy salted chocolate filling, this gluten-free, vegan Salted Chocolate Cream Tart is one of the best desserts you’ll ever taste! It’s rich and creamy but made with wholesome ingredients and requires no baking. Make it for a special occasion and wow your guests!
Check out this recipe
Baked Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
Unlike many vegan cheesecakes, this one is baked and is just as rich, dense and creamy as tradtional cheesecake, but of course is vegan as well as gluten-free. It’s a crowd-pleasing holiday dessert that everyone in your family will love.
Check out this recipe
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These Baked Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars have the rich, creamy, and decadent texture of traditional cheesecake but without the dairy and cholesterol. With a gingery, chocolate crust and a creamy pumpkin swirl filling, these are a must-make during fall.
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Pomegranate Glazed Gingerbread Bundt Cake
This cake is bursting with warming flavors from the gingerbread spices, which contrast really deliciously with the tart-sweetness of the pomegranate glaze. And it is beautiful and elegant enough to serve as the centerpiece/dessert on your holiday table!
Check out this recipe
The Best Vegan Pumpkin Bread
This is the BEST vegan pumpkin bread you’ll try! It’s incredibly moist and tender, uses simple ingredients, and features a homemade pumpkin spice blend that takes the flavor over the top. A must make during pumpkin season!
Check out this recipe
I hope you enjoyed this roundup of 40 Fantastic Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes and Ideas! If you make one of these recipes, be sure to tag me with your creations on Instagram and leave a comment on the blog post!
So many delicious recipes to try! Thank you from the bottom of my stomach! LOL My husband and I have been on this plant based way of life for over a year and have never seen anything but delicious recipes from you!! Thank you again!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
We’re happy you find the list helpful, Patricia! :) Have a great Thanksgiving!
After my wife died, I had to learn to cook.
You have become my go to.
Thank you for your delightful recipes.
Thank you for your gourmet smile.
Sorry for your loss, Robert. Thank you for following and taking the time to leave a comment. We are grateful you turned to Rainbow Plant Life for the recipes :)
The link for the pumpkin miso tart is not right. It takes you to a different recipe. I cannot find the miso tart on your website by searching for it by name.
Always love your recipes! Can’t seem to get the kabocha squash banana bread link to take me anywhere but the ‘best vegan banana bread’ recipe. Do you still have the kabocha squash banana bread recipe?
Great recipes, can’t wait to try them.
Thank you :) I hope you will enjoy them and have a great Thanksgiving!
Wow, so many amazing and colorful vegan recipes! I am sure they all taste heavenly and I would love to try them all at the same time. :)
Thank you so much dear Ela :) There are so many delicious meals to make at the holidays and I love how easy it is to make them vegan!