We all want a Thanksgiving dinner where every guest—vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores—leaves satisfied. Over the years I’ve developed dependable, crowd-pleasing vegan dishes for the vegans in my family, and here I’m sharing 30 favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes that make the holiday inclusive, festive, and flavorful. This collection ranges from hearty mains to comforting sides and simple desserts, with straightforward ingredients so no one feels like they’ve compromised.
At a Workman family Thanksgiving, nobody goes away anything less than full and happy—so we make sure there’s something delicious for everyone.
- Vegan Recipes for Thanksgiving
- Tips for Hosting a Vegan-Friendly Thanksgiving
- Adapting Favorite Recipes for Vegans
- Vegan Thanksgiving FAQs
- 30 Thanksgiving Vegan Recipes
Vegan Recipes for Thanksgiving
This is a substantial collection of vegan-friendly Thanksgiving choices, many of which are adaptable. These recipes lean into familiar Thanksgiving flavors—roasted vegetables, grain salads, savory soups, and rich plant-based sides—while leaving room to experiment beyond the classics. If you prefer, mix store-bought vegan items with homemade sides to save time without sacrificing variety.
Tips for Hosting a Vegan-Friendly Thanksgiving (without the stress!)
- Label dishes clearly so guests know which items are vegan.
- Veganize the sides. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts and roasted squash are easy to make vegan and please a broad crowd.
- Brighten dishes with fresh herbs and citrus—they add lift to vegetables, grains, and even desserts.
- Invite vegan guests to bring a favorite dish. They’re often happy to contribute and it introduces others to new flavors.
Adapting Favorite Recipes for Vegans
Small swaps make many traditional recipes vegan-friendly. Here are practical suggestions for common Thanksgiving dishes.
Stuffing
Prepare the base with vegetable broth. If you serve both turkey and vegan guests, bake part of the stuffing separately and use vegan butter to sauté the vegetables in the vegan portion. Vegan sausages, crumbled seitan, or other meat substitutes work well if you want a heartier texture.
Mashed Potatoes
Cook and mash as usual, then split the batch: one portion with dairy, the other whipped with plant-based milk, olive oil, and vegan butter (or vegan sour cream). Both are delicious and simple to prepare.
Kitchen Smarts
Olive oil often replaces butter nicely, and many dairy substitutes (non-dairy milk, vegan cheeses, vegan butter) are widely available. Note nut- or seed-based substitutes for guests with allergies.
Salad
Turn salad into a substantial course by adding roasted vegetables, seeds, nuts (if safe), legumes like chickpeas, and fresh or dried fruit. Whole grains such as farro or bulgur add heft. Homemade croutons tossed in olive oil make a satisfying topping.
Roasted and Stuffed Baked Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are naturally vegan when cooked in oil—season well and add rosemary, thyme, or sage. Stuffed vegetables like acorn squash with a grain-stuffing or rice mixture make attractive mains. Mushrooms add a meaty texture where needed.
Soups
Soups are easy to make vegan and are perfect for Thanksgiving lunch or as an appetizer. Consider mushroom barley, split pea, lentil tomato, curried pumpkin, or butternut squash and apple soup. Use vegetable broth and substitute dairy garnishes with vegan options.
Grain Salads
Grain-and-vegetable one-dish salads are filling and versatile. Combine whole grains with cooked vegetables or legumes and a simple olive oil-based vinaigrette. Wild rice with cranberries and scallions or quinoa with sweet potato are great choices. Add vegan cheeses if desired.
Desserts
Dessert can be the trickiest area for vegans, so be sure to make or procure at least one vegan option. Vegan dessert recipes and products continue to improve, making it easier to offer a sweet finish that everyone enjoys.
Vegan Thanksgiving FAQs
A mix works well. A store-bought vegan roast or pie can save time; pair it with homemade sides and salads for a personal touch.
Yes. Many recipes like roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and casseroles can be prepped or cooked the day before. Reheat and serve. Salads can be assembled ahead and dressed just before serving.
Olive oil, vegetable broth, non-dairy milk, vegan cheeses and butter, nutritional yeast, canned beans, lentils, whole grains, and a variety of herbs and spices. These build flavor and body in vegan dishes.
30 Thanksgiving Vegan Recipes
Below are 30 favorite vegan-friendly recipes—hearty mains, comforting sides, soups, salads, and sauces—to build a Thanksgiving menu that satisfies every guest without compromise.
Asparagus with Scallion Chimichurri Sauce
Roasted asparagus dressed with an herby scallion chimichurri makes a bright vegan side.
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Cilantro Lime Rice
Simple, flavorful vegan rice that pairs well with many sides.
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Mushroom Barley Soup
A filling, savory vegan soup we often serve for lunch on Thanksgiving day.
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Roasted Lemon Brussels Sprouts
Lemony roasted sprouts with minimal prep—two ingredients and five minutes to prep.
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Vegetarian Collard Greens
A Southern staple made without meat and suitable for vegans.
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Sautéed Broccolini and Corn
Colorful and easy—use olive oil and frozen corn for convenience.
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Eggplant Caponata
A sweet-and-savory Sicilian eggplant salad with olives, capers, and tomatoes—great on crostini or as a side.
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Crispy Stovetop Potatoes
Crunchy pan-fried potatoes make a nice complement to mashed potatoes and are easy to make vegan.
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Vegan Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
A five-ingredient soup with bright color and balanced sweetness—ideal for fall gatherings.
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Thanksgiving Salad
Roasted squash, pomegranates, pears, and a shallot vinaigrette—skip honey and goat cheese to keep it vegan, or serve cheese on the side.
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Homemade Croutons
Easy to make and a great way to add texture to soups and salads—use olive oil for a vegan version.
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Sautéed Broccolini
A simple green side for balance and color on the table.
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Simple Couscous Salad
A speedy grain salad that can be made vegan by skipping or substituting optional cheese.
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Perfect Millet
Millet’s delicate, corn-like flavor is a nice addition to a vegan Thanksgiving menu.
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Sautéed Broccoli
Olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes transform broccoli into a crowd-pleasing vegan side.
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Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
Its slight bitterness is a welcome foil to rich holiday dishes.
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Green Salad with Chickpeas and Spicy Honey Tahini Dressing
A crunchy, protein-rich salad dressed with a creamy lemony tahini—omit honey or use a vegan sweetener to keep it vegan.
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Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
Protein-rich and comforting—perfect for vegans and great served before the main meal.
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Mushroom and White Bean Stew
A rich vegetable ragout with mushrooms and beans makes an excellent vegan main or side.
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Roasted Baby Squash
Small, colorful squashes roasted until tender—an attractive vegan side.
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How to Make Roasted Potatoes
Classic roasted potatoes are easy to make vegan and are essential on the table.
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Braised Cipollini Onions with Dried Cherries (Cipollini in Agrodolce)
Sweet-savory braised onions with dried cherries—make ahead and reheat for a stunning holiday side.
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Lentil Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed lentil salad with varied textures and flavors.
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Shredded Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Use pre-sliced or shred them yourself for a quick, flavorful vegan side.
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Sautéed Spinach
A bright green, nutrient-dense side that adds color and balance to the menu.
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Orange and Herb Orzo
A colorful orzo side that can be prepared ahead and adapted to be fully vegan.
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Sesame-Honey Quinoa and Carrot Salad with Sliced Avocado
An earthy grain salad with crunchy carrots and creamy avocado; replace honey to keep it vegan.
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Roasted Carrots
Serve with a bright spinach-parsley pesto or enjoy simply roasted—use colorful carrots for a festive presentation.
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Roasted Fall Vegetables
Caramelized, colorful root vegetables are essential for a Thanksgiving spread and naturally vegan when roasted in oil.
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce
A bright, tart sauce that lifts all the earthy flavors on the plate—simple and vegan-friendly.
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