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Wondering what on earth to cook for a vegan thanksgiving dinner? Don’t worry – we’ve got your whole menu sorted, with vegan thanksgiving recipes from mashed potato, to seitan turkey, to green bean casserole to vegan pumpkin pie!
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- The Recipes Dips and Sauces Appetizers Turkey Replacements Side Dishes Desserts
- Sample Menus Classic Menu Healthy Menu Gluten-free Menu
- Top Tips For Thanksgiving Prep
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It seems like an impossible task right? Cooking a whole Thanksgiving meal without any animal products!? A lot of the traditional dishes we associate with a Thanksgiving table are designed for and by meat eaters.
To be fair, there are a few vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes (mac and cheese, green bean casserole), but I’ll be the first to admit that vegan food is not the first thing you think of when you think ‘Thanksgiving’.
So if you have vegan family members, a vegan friend or you’re trying the vegan lifestyle out for yourself, you’re probably going to want a bit of guidance. That’s where this Thanksgiving menu comes in!
I’ve got examples of all the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes, split into categories so you can easily design a menu for Thanksgiving day.
There are dips and sauces, soups, turkey replacements, a range of sides from roast veggies, to casseroles, to stuffing, and even desserts at the end.
If you pick one or two from each category, you’ll have a vegan feast ready in no time! If you want to save time, scroll to the bottom of the list, where I’ve put together some sample menus using these recipes.
What’s on the menu for vegan Thanksgiving dinner?
Let’s have a look at the recipes, starting with dips to serve before the meal.
Dips and Sauces
1. Vegan Cranberry Sauce
Protein : 0.5g Calories : 90 kcal Ready in : 20 minutes Recipe by : MyQuietKitchen Bonus : sweet, simple
Easy and healthy vegan cranberry sauce! Just 3 ingredients and great for so much more than Thanksgiving. No refined sugar and only 15 minutes of prep/cook time. Plus flavor options like ginger, boozy, and spiced.
2. Red Onion Chutney
Bonus : tangy, versatile
This red onion chutney calls for minimal sugar, allowing the flavourful spices and caramelised onions shine through to make a sweet but savory spread, side dish or dip!
3. Cranberry Relish
Protein : 0g Calories : 89kcal Ready in : 10 minutes Recipe by : VeganBlueberry Bonus : refreshing, tasty
This raw fresh Cranberry Relish is refreshing to the palate! Pairs well with other items for a delightful holiday meal, or stands alone with flair!
Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers
4. Pea and Mint Soup
Bonus : quick, simple
On the search for a quick, tasty homemade soup recipe? This pea and mint soup is deliciously easy and vegan too!
5. Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Soup
Bonus : comforting, warming
A beautiful vegan soup starring cauliflower and lentils, spiced with a taste of Morocco. High in protein, creamy soups like this work for lunch or dinner.
6. Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Protein : 5g Calories : 375kcal Ready in : 30 mins Recipe by : ThroughTheFibroFog Bonus : flavourful, hearty
This butternut squash and apple soup is the perfect fall recipe. With the smooth and nutty tasting squash, sweet apple and fragrant sage, it is full of flavour and so healthy too. A vegan and low histamine soup to warm you up on a chilly day.
Turkey Replacements
7. Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf
Protein : 11g Calories : 253kcal Ready in : 2hrs 15 mins (15 mins prep) Recipe by : MyQuietKitchen Bonus : flavourful, rich
This vegan chickpea meatloaf is hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor and texture. With mushrooms, kale, walnuts, and wild rice, it’s a beautiful centerpiece for your thanksgiving table and a healthy dinner any time of year. Gluten-free and oil-free/whole-food plant-based (WFPB) with a nut-free option.
8. Seitan Turkey
Protein : 22.5g Calories : 176kcal Ready in : 2 hours 10 minutes Recipe by : ZardyPlants Bonus : super meaty, delicious
Decadent yet healthy, this home cooked Seitan Turkey is moist, packed with flavor, and has an awesome meaty texture. This vegan turkey recipe is perfect for a holiday centerpiece, easy meal prep, or even just a nice main dish for a family dinner. It’s sure to be one of your favorite vegan thanksgiving recipes.
9. Vegan Mushroom Wellington
Protein : 5g Calories : 342kcal Ready in : 50 minutes Recipe by : OohLaLaItsVegan Bonus : simple, flakey, rich
This Vegan Mushroom Wellington is stuffed with caramelized onions, savory mushrooms, sweet potato and springs of rosemary. An easy, fabulous Vegan Beef Wellington that blows away the traditional classic. Made with vegan puff pastry.
10. Chickpea Veggie Loaf
Protein : 9g Calories : 225kcal Ready in : 1 hour Recipe by : WatchLearnEat Bonus : flavourful, gluten free
This flavorful chickpea veggie loaf is packed with carrot, celery and onion and features the flavors of thyme and sage, making it the perfect vegan main course for any holiday such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and more!
11. Easy Nut Roast
Protein : 9g Calories : 351 kcal Ready in : 45 minutes Recipe by : VeganOnBoard Bonus : easy, quick
This easy nut roast is a family favourite. It’s a staple for a vegan holiday table and is always popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Our recipe is quick to prepare with just 10 ingredients and is rich in nutty flavour.
Side Dishes
Casseroles
12. Vegan Broccoli Casserole
Bonus : cheesy, filling, healthy
Looking for healthy comfort food options? This vegan broccoli casserole is hearty, filling & surprisingly light! Try it now!
13. Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
Protein : 3g Calories : 170kcal Ready in : 30 mins Recipe by : HealthMyLifestyle Bonus : crispy, creamy, rich
This Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole is a traditional green bean casserole made without dairy and only requires 9 ingredients. It’s also vegan and gluten-free and comes together quickly, making it the perfect side dish for busy nights or holiday meals!
14. Sweet Potato Gratin
Protein : 7g Calories : 235kcal Ready in : 1 hour Recipe by : CookEatLiveLove Bonus : flavourful, packed with veggies
This savory sweet potato casserole makes a great side dish for meals during the holiday season as well as weeknight dinners throughout the year. This baked sweet potato recipe is made with creamy sweet potatoes, quinoa, and spinach topped with a crunchy breadcrumb and walnut topping.
Stuffing and Cornbread
15. Vegan Cornbread Stuffing
Protein: 4.8g Calories: 255kcal Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes Recipe by: LavenderAndMacarons Bonus: fruity, crispy
Celebrate Thanksgiving with this savory Vegan Cornbread Dressing. Store-bought or homemade cornbread is baked with cranberries, pine nuts and flavorful herbs. So easy to make and really delicious!
16. Vegan Croissant Stuffing
Protein : 6g Calories : 319 kcal Ready in : 45 minutes Recipe by : OohLaLaItsVegan Bonus : cheezy, juicy
Croissant stuffing never tasted so good as when it’s made with juicy mushrooms, hints of fresh sage and thyme, and savory caramelized onions. This vegan stuffing goes from prep to plate in about 45 minutes.
17. Vegan Cornbread Stuffing
Protein : 4g Calories : 306 kcal Ready in : 40 minutes Recipe by : LavenderAndMacarons Bonus : moist, slightly sweet
Soft and moist, this Vegan Cornbread recipe is the perfect side dish for soups, stews and vegan Chili. Made with cornmeal, plant-based milk and a touch of sweetness, this easy dairy free cornbread is a classic Southern dish.
Veggies
18. Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic
Bonus : tangy, crispy
No longer will your Brussel Sprouts with balsamic vinegar lay unloved at the table. These are the BEST sprouts ever and MUST be tried by all!
19. Parsnips in Syrup & Mustard
Bonus : sweet, tender
Parsnips in Syrup and Mustard. Vegan and veggie, perfect for all. Simple ingredients and great results every time. 30 mins cooking.
20. Honey Glazed Carrots in Tarragon
Bonus : sweet, flavourful
Delicious soft honey (I actually use maple syrup so it’s truly vegan) glazed carrots complemented with tarragon and mint for that real Christmassy flavour. Very easy to prepare and ready in 20 minutes.
21. Ginger Brussel Sprouts
Protein : 3g Calories : 101kcal Ready in : 40 minutes Recipe by : ThroughTheFibroFog Bonus : zingy flavour, simple
These ginger Brussels sprouts are a fun appetizer or side, and full of flavour from a zingy ginger marinade. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or holiday meals, these easy to make vegan smashed sprouts are a great way to jazz up the dull boiled sprouts we all used to avoid!
22. Braised Red Cabbage with Apple
Protein : 2g Calories : 62kcal Ready in : 50 minutes Recipe by : ThroughTheFibroFog Bonus : easy, crunchy
This vegan braised red cabbage with apple is full of flavour and the perfect side dish for your Christmas dinner and holiday recipes. Super easy to make in your skillet, it saves on valuable oven space for your other dishes!
Potatoes
23. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Bonus : creamy, simple
The simple yet incredibly effective aromatised oil makes these vegan mashed potatoes better than any of their contemporaries. Creamy without the cream. A dinner table staple that the whole family will enjoy.
24. Sweet Potato with a Pistachio Dressing
Bonus : sweet, nutritious
Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes cubes with a beautifully sweet and nutty pistachio dressing drizzled over. Plus, this recipe is vegan and full of nutrients!
25. Vegan Potato Salad
Bonus : creamy, easy
Damn Delicious Vegan Potato Salad – take your BBQ to the next level without oil or mayo in this delicious animal friendly classic.
26. Healthy Mashed Sweet Potato
Bonus : spicy, healthy
Sweet potatoes are incredibly healthy – they just need to be done right. And we know exactly how. Vegan-friendly, quick and with an amazing infusion of flavour.
27. Proper Roast Potatoes
Bonus : crispy fluffy
Proper Roast Potatoes. The best there are, were, and ever will be. Easy recipe with great results. Crispy yet fluffy potato with a hint of rosemary.
Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
28. Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie
Protein : 6g Calories : 261 kcal Ready in : 50 minutes + 4 hours cooling time Recipe by : MyQuietKitchen Bonus : gluten free, nostalgic flavour
No thanksgiving feast is complete without a delicious pie! This healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie comes with all of the delicious nostalgia of fall and winter feasts but none of the saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar crash! (Nut-free option)
29. Pecan Cream Pie
Protein : 10 g Calories : 437kcal Ready in : 55 minutes Recipe by : HealthMyLifestyle Bonus : easy, naturally sweet
This Pecan Cream Pie recipe is easy, requiring only 9 ingredients and incredibly delicious, made with coconut cream and naturally sweetened with dates. It’s vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free (but you’d never know!).
30. Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Bonus : rich, creamy
Smooth and Creamy Chocolate Avocado Mousse – the truly healthy dessert that ticks all the right boxes. It’s vegan too, but you wouldn’t know it!
Ingredients
- 6 dates, dried (pitted)
- 10 tbsp water (10 tbsp = 150 ml)
- 1 avocado (medium)
- 3 tsp cacao powder
- ½ cup raspberries, fresh (other berries are fine too of course)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Roughly chop the dates into small pieces.
- Chuck them, the maple syrup and water into a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Peel and add the avocado and cocoa. The easiest way to peel an avocado is to cut it in half, make a nick on each side and peel it like a banana.
- Blend again until creamy.
- Quick taste test – if you’d like it a little sweeter than add that tablespoon of maple syrup and quickly blend again.
- Now garnish with berries of your choice, raspberries for example. Leave it in the fridge for an hour or so to cool.
NOTES
Nutrition
Vegan Thanksgiving Sample Menus
I’ve used these recipes to put together some menus that will hopefully be just the combinations you are looking for! Enjoy:
Menu 1: Classic
Appetizer: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup A rich warm soup full of autumnal flavours!
Main dish: Seitan Turkey An impossibly juicy, meaty ‘turkey’ that everyone will love!
Sides : Vegan Green Bean Casserole As salty, creamy and crispy crunchy as the original!
Mashed Potatoes Smooth and creamy mash, who’d have guessed it was vegan!
Cornbread Stuffing Moist torn cornbread, baked with nuts, seeds and fragrant herbs.
Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Sweet and crispy sprouts with tangy balsamic
Dessert : Pumpkin Pie Sweet and smooth, served with a dollop of vegan ice cream.
Sauce : Cranberry Sauce Tangy, naturally sweet homemade sauce that pairs perfectly with salty mains.
Menu 2: Healthy
Appetizer : Pea and Mint Soup A light refreshing soup to whet your appetite!
Main dish: Chickpea Meatloaf with Wild Rice A rich, smoky loaf made with flavourful mushrooms and ground nuts.
Sides: Sweet Potato Casserole A healthy take on the classic, packed with veggies and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Sweet and crispy sprouts with tangy balsamic
Parsnips with Syrup and Mustard Tart mustard and sweet, tender parsnips make a happy combo!
Braised Cabbage with Apple Flavourful, sharp and sweet cabbage with bites of crunchy apple.
Dessert: Avocado Chocolate Mousse A creamy mousse with a rich chocolatey flavour. All creaminess from avocados!
Sauce: Cranberry Relish Sharp, fresh citrussy relish made with fresh cranberries, orange and pecans
Menu 3: Gluten-free
Appetizer : Cauliflower and Lentil Soup A warmly spiced Moroccan inspired soup,
Main dish: Chickpea Veggie Loaf Packed with chickpeas and veggies, this is a flavourful nut roast that will make a great centrepiece.
Sides : Green Bean Casserole As salty, creamy and crispy crunchy as the original!
Mashed Potatoes Smooth and creamy mash.
Carrots with Tarragon and Mint Sweet carrots with flavourful fresh herbs – the perfect roasted veggies.
Braised Cabbage with Apple Flavourful, sharp and sweet cabbage with bites of crunchy apple.
Ginger Brussel Sprouts Zingy, spicy ginger brussel sprouts,, smashed and roasted.
Dessert: Pecan Cream Pie Creamy, but no cream! Pastry, but no gluten. This dreamy pie ticks all the boxes.
Sauces: Cranberry Sauce Tangy, naturally sweet homemade sauce that pairs perfectly with salty mains.
Top Tips for Thanksgiving Dinner Prep!
It can be pretty overwhelming to prepare such a big meal, especially if you are having guests over. Here are some tips for easing the strain and making sure you have the best day possible!
- Beat the crowds and go shopping a good few days before – most ingredients will keep!
- Think about what you can make or prep ahead of time. For example, a pecan or pumpkin pie can be served cold, as can cranberry sauce. You can make a nut loaf the day before and store it raw in the fridge, so all you have to do on the day is pop it in the oven! Do what you can on the days leading up to Thanksgiving, then you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself!
- If you love organising things, like me, I suggest making a schedule of all the different dishes’ cooking times. That way you can stagger when things go in, so that they are all ready at roughly the same time.
- Ask for help! It’s a fun family activity to sit together and chop veggies, or nuts or whatever it may be!
Here is a quick rundown of some commonly asked questions surrounding veganism and thanksgiving. I hope they answer any doubts or queries you might have!
What do vegan people eat on Thanksgiving?
Vegan versions of traditional dishes! Examples include: mashed potatoes without the cream, green bean casserole, with dairy-free alternatives, a meat-free alternative to turkey, such as a nut roast.
What do vegans eat on Thanksgiving instead of turkey?
Nut roasts, “fake” meat eg. seitan, a vegetable wellington. There are many possible vegan thanksgiving turkey replacement options.
What is a good alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving?
Fake meat, vegan sausages, a nut roast or a vegetable wellington are all good options. Nut roasts are the classic, but some people prefer fake meat for the ‘meat eating’ experience associated with Thanksgiving.
What protein do vegans eat on thanksgiving?
A nut roast usually has a fair amount of protein and provides the protein replacement for many vegans on thanksgiving.
