Looking for creative vegan Thanksgiving recipes? Scroll on for my most festive plant-based ideas, from appetizers and sides, to main dishes.
Thanksgiving is – and I suspect forever will be – my favorite holiday. When I first started cooking for Thanksgiving (or in my case, Friendsgiving), I began with all the classics I’d seen Rachael, Giada, and Ina offer on the Food Network: turkey, gravy, potatoes, stuffing.
But when I transitioned to eating primarily plant-based, I knew some changes would have to be made. The goat cheese on my crostini made way for cashew ricotta, the turkey drippings in my gravy became mushrooms, and so on. Lest it sound like I was giving something up, my Thanksgivings actually became even more abundant. And putting together my annual menu – without any meat or dairy – became my favorite creative culinary challenge of the year.
If you’re gearing up for your first “wfpb” holiday meal – or heading to a potluck – you may be wondering what to put on your menu. Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes, including turkey-less main dishes, starchy sides, vegetables, salads, and of course, my beloved mushroom gravy.
Vegan Main Dishes
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Basically an XL version of the classic appetizer.
White Bean Cassoulet
A hearty bean casserole with roasted veggies.
Mushroom Hand Pies
A meatless take on the classic beef version.
Vegetarian Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls
Savory stuffed cabbage in tomato broth.
Cauliflower Pot Pie
Creamy, veg-packed filling with a puff pastry crust.
Mushroom Bourguignon
Beef makes way for mushrooms in this French bistro classic.
Tempeh Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty tempeh filling with red wine, plus with fluffy mashed potatoes.
Vegetable Sides
Charred Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and pomegranate seeds.
Maple Roasted Carrots with Tahini
Candy-sweet maple roasted carrots with a tangy sauce.
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds
An easy French-inspired recipe.
Smoky Creamed Corn
Made with miso, smoked paprika, and coconut milk.
Miso Roasted Cabbage
An unexpected alternative to Brussels sprouts.
Healthy Salads
The Best Thanksgiving Salad
Arugula-apple salad with roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and almonds.
Purple Cabbage Slaw
A crunchy, colorful salad to break up the sea of beige dishes.
Tuscan Kale Salad with Delicata Squash
Plus quick-pickled red onions and chipotle croutons.
Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
Features a creamy, umami-packed cashew dressing and homemade croutons.
Starchy Side Dishes
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Like a warm, cozy hug.
Mushroom-Leek Stuffing
Will make your whole home smell like Thanksgiving.
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of fluffy potato slices in a creamy cashew sauce.
Celeriac Purée
Fluffy, creamy, and perfumed with garlic.
Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
No oven required.
Fall Farro Salad
Featuring chewy grains, carrots, herbs, and cranberries.
Miso Shiitake Risotto
Miso broth is the secret to the best vegan risotto.
French “Melting Potatoes”
My quest to make the best brunch potatoes led me to this genius French technique.
White Bean Purée with Fried Leeks
An easy alternative to mashed potatoes.
Gravy
The Best Vegan Gravy
A make ahead-able option with cremini mushrooms, white wine, and soy sauce.
Appetizers
Lemon-Garlic Cannellini Bean Dip
Ready in under 10 minutes.
The Ultimate Vegan Snack Board
Charcuterie, who?
Caramelized Onion Crostini
Everybody’s favorite thing at every party I’ve ever cooked for. Period.
Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)
A 5-minute dip made with pantry staples.
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