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A traditional American Thanksgiving dinner is all about the turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potato and mushroom gravy, green bean casserole, roasted carrot, candied yams, apple pie, and pumpkin pie. It can be a meat, sugar, and carb overload!
And a vegan Thanksgiving is no different -- there are so many recipes to make a plant-based and meat-free vegan Thanksgiving menu now. Some of the main dishes we have in this post may surprise vegans and non-vegans alike with how they can have vegan turkey, wellington, and a holiday roast courtesy of seitan and vital wheat gluten.
Through the years the meaning of a Thanksgiving recipe has evolved with the introduction of different ingredients and cuisines. Now, every type of vegetable, such as acorn squash, roasted butternut squash, and kale can be enjoyed in a vegan Thanksgiving dinner. Actually, most people do not have a strict menu and lentil loaf, scalloped potatoes, pot pie, vegan lasagna, and wild rice with pearl onions can very well be enjoyed on this holiday where food is the star.
We gathered 40 vegan Thanksgiving recipes to help you build your vegan Thanksgiving menu.
Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes
1. Vegan Holiday Roast
Vegan, gluten-free
This Vegan Holiday Roast is the one Thanksgiving and Holiday Vegan recipe you need and that will get oohs and ahhs at the table. How can the celeriac, a humble-looking root vegetable, become the star of your holiday dinner? By adding a magic blend of herbs and condiments and roasting it to perfection.
Ingredients:
1 celeriac
12 potatoes
4 cloves garlic finely minced
2 branches rosemary
5 bay leaves
1 pinch salt and pepper
Get the instructions here: Vegan Holiday Roast
2. Nut Roast
Vegan
This nut roast is the classic main course for a vegan Thanksgiving. This vegan meatloaf recipe is so simple plus it is delicious hot or cold.
Ingredients:
200 g red lentils
1 onion finely sliced
50 g sun-dried tomatoes oil reserved, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic crushed
50 g dried apricots chopped
200 g mixed nuts chopped
50 g mixed seeds
1½ tsp dried mixed herbs
1 tsp soy sauce
1 carrot grated
1 tsp turmeric powder
Salt and pepper
Get the instructions here: Nut Roast
3. Gooey Cheesy Layered Cashew Nut Roast
Vegan
This isn't just a standard vegan meatloaf, it's a cashew nut roast with a gooey layer of vegan cheese and spinach in the middle! It is perfect for Thanksgiving and great the next day too, if it lasts that long.
Ingredients:
1 onion - diced
220 g cashews or mixed nuts - a 50/50 mix of cashews & almonds is also great.
100 g breadcrumbs
1 tbsp fresh rosemary
150 ml vegetable stock
200 g spinach
75 g vegan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Get the instructions here: Gooey Cheesy Layered Cashew Nut Roast
4. Vegan Turkey
Vegan
Seitan aka wheat-gluten is used to make this roast that has all the seasonal flavors you love. You can make it ahead of time and free up more time to relax and enjoy your Thanksgiving day.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
2 cups vital wheat gluten
1 cup soy flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp nutritional yeast flakes
2 tsp salt
1 tsp MSG
½ tsp dried sage powder
½ tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp dried thyme
Wet Ingredients
1.5 cups water
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Broth Ingredients
1 gallon water
2 cups onion
1 cup carrots
2 Tbsp dried parsley
8 cloves garlic
⅓ cup nutritional yeast flakes
2 Tbsp soy sauce
4 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp black pepper
Browning Ingredients
3 Tbsp vegan butter
1 Tbsp soy sauce
¼ cup water
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp sage
1 tsp thyme
ground black pepper
Get the instructions here: Vegan Turkey
5. All-Vegetable Shepherd's Pie No Beans Here
Vegan
This 4-pound vegetable-filled Shepherds Pie is a sure crowd-pleaser. No beans or lentils, just wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients:
Potato Topping
2 Cups Potatoes cubed
2 Cups Cauliflower chopped
2 TBS Nutritional Yeast optional
TBS Vegan Butter optional
All Vegetables Shepherd's Pie No Beans Here
2 Pounds Mixed Frozen Vegetables
1 Pound Baby Bella use what you have
4 TBS Chickpea Flour optional use what you have on hand
1 1/2 Cup Water for sauteing and thickening
8 oz Roll Soyrizo optional
6 Slices Vegan Cheese I used Gouda from Follow Your Heart optional
6. Vegan Wellington
Vegan
This vegan Wellington will be a showstopper. It has all the flavor of the traditional recipe but will be loved by all your guests. It is surprisingly easy to make too!
Ingredients:
1 sheet vegan puff pastry , thawed if frozen (about 10X13)
2 tablespoons ground flax meal + 5 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil , or preferred cooking oil
½ medium onion , diced
2 small carrots , diced small
2 stalks celery , diced
4 cloves garlic , minced or crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground sage
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
8 ounces mushrooms , minced or finely chopped
1.5 tablespoons tamari sauce , low sodium (sub soy sauce)
1 15 oz can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) , drained well but NOT rinsed
¾ cup unsalted walnuts , ground into a course meal (measured whole)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs , more if needed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1.5 tablespoons vegan worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt , more to taste
Fresh cracked pepper , to taste
1 tablespoon vegan butter , melted
Get the instructions here: Vegan Wellington
7. Vegan Ham
Vegan
This vegan ham with smoky maple glaze will be the star of your Thanksgiving meal. It is meaty and tender, incredibly flavourful, and you can prepare in advance, to save you precious time for making all your delicious sides.
Ingredients:
For the Ham
1 cup chickpeas canned or cooked (drained)
1 cup vegetable broth use a salty/flavourful broth like my homemade version
3-4 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons avocado oil or cooking oil of choice (sub more broth for oil free)
2 teaspoons liquid smoke
1.5 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
200 grams vital wheat gluten approx. 1.5 cups
For the Maple Glaze
½ cup vegetable broth use a salty/flavourful broth like my homemade version
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Get the instructions here: Vegan Ham
Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
8. Vegan Dinner Rolls
Vegan
These vegan dinner rolls are fluffy and wonderful, it is a perfect side dish for your holiday feasts. Made from scratch, it doesn't get any tastier than this.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour all-purpose or bread
2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (one packet)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup water
3 Tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Get the instructions here: Vegan Dinner Rolls
9. Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Cranberries with Pecans and Balsamic Vinegar
Vegan, gluten-free, low carb
This simple vegan recipe is perfect for your Thanksgiving table! The bright colors of brussels sprouts and cranberries together make a beautiful and tasty side dish.
Ingredients:
4 Cups Brussels Sprouts halved
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Kosher Sea Salt
1 tsp Coarse Ground Black Pepper
3 Tbsp Water
1 Cup Fresh Whole Cranberries
1/2 Cup Pecans coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Get the instructions here: Roasted Brussels Sprout and Cranberries with Pecans and Balsamic Vinegar
10. Sautéed Green Beans and Mushrooms
Vegan, gluten-free, low carb
This vegan recipe is a delicious and crunchy combination of green beans and mushrooms sautéed with red peppers. It makes an excellent side dish for a holiday gathering or a simple meal at home.
Ingredients:
8 oz green beans
4 oz mushrooms, pre-sliced
2 mini red bell peppers, chopped
¼ onions, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
1 tbsp coconut aminos
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt, to taste
Get the instructions here: Sauteed Green Beans and Mushrooms
11. Polenta, Cauliflower, and Pinenut Vegan Stuffing
Vegan, gluten-free, low carb
This is a plant-based and gluten-free stuffing that uses polenta instead of bread. It has traditional flavors but with a unique twist.
1 1/2-2 heads of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
1 red bell pepper, chopped into med pieces
1 med onion, chopped med
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 lb. polenta roll, chopped into cm cubes
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil. You can use butter if desired
1 1/2 oz. Toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup chopped sage, plus more garnish
Get the instructions here: Polenta, Cauliflower, and Pinenut Vegan Stuffing
12. Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
Vegan, gluten-free
This delicious sweet potato and quinoa salad is full of flavor and simple to prepare. It is ideal to make in advance and is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients:
For the Salad
1 cup (175 g) quinoa - rinsed well See Note 1
2 cups (500 ml) water - for cooking the quinoa See Note 2
1 large (about 500 g) sweet potato
2 spring onions/scallions - finely sliced, the white and some of the green part
1 tbsp olive oil See Note 3
1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped See Note 4
1/4 cup pine nuts/pinoli See Note 5
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
For the Dressing
1 tsp lemon zest See Note 6
2 tsp lemon juice - freshly squeezed See Note 6 and 7
3 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp maple syrup
Get the instructions here: Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
13. Curried Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
Vegan
Use this vegan curried brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes to spice up your dinner. This is a stovetop recipe so it frees up room in the oven on Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
1 10 oz bag Brussels sprouts, shaved
1 Large potato, chopped in medium size pieces
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Jeera seeds
1/4 tsp Turmeric
1 tblsp Ground coriander
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tsp Ginger, minced
1/8-1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper, depending on taste
1/8 tsp Asafoetida
Salt to taste
Get the instructions here: Curried Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
14. Easy Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Soy Sauce
Vegan
These easy garlic roasted mushrooms make the perfect Thanksgiving side! They are ready in 20 minutes, low carb, and keto-friendly!
Ingredients:
2 lbs mushrooms
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
handful of fresh herbs
Get the instructions here: Easy Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Soy Sauce
15. Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
Vegan, gluten-free
Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic is an easy side dish that uses only a few simple ingredients. In less than 15 minutes you will have tender green beans to accompany your dinner!
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs fresh string green beans ends trimmed
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
3-4 large garlic cloves minced
1/2 tsp salt
Ground black pepper to taste
Get the instructions here: Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
16. Plant-based Stuffing
Vegan
Say hello to your new go-to stuffing recipe! It is a healthy version of your classic stuffing dish that is full of amazing flavor!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 sourdough baguettes, diced
1/3 cup of vegan butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 ribs of celery, thinly sliced
1 large granny smith apple, diced
2 links of your favorite vegan sausage (diced)
1 1/2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh sage
3 teaspoons of chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme
1/3 cup of minced fresh parsley
3/4 cup of dried cranberries
1 3/4 cups of vegetable broth
Get the instructions here: Plant-based Stuffing
17. Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Vegan, gluten-free
This recipe is so simple and roasting the cabbage really enhances the flavor and makes it tender!
Ingredients:
2 small cabbage heads
3 tbsp. olive oil
½ tsp. salt or to taste
2 tsp. paprika
1 tbsp. garlic powder
Get the instructions here: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
18 Slow Cooker Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Vegan
This is a vegan sweet potato casserole that is a healthy, delicious twist on the classic Thanksgiving side. Baked in the slow cooker (more room for goodies in the oven!), you will fall in love with this ultimate healthy comfort food that boasts a crispy pecan-oat crumble topping ideal for complimenting the sweet potato base. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Slow Cooker Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
4 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups soy milk use your preference
4 tablespoon pecan oil can substitute with olive or any neutral-flavored oil
1/8 cup coconut sugar can substitute with light brown sugar
1/8 cup pure maple syrup it's ok to add an extra dollop, if desired
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger optional
1/4 teaspoon allspice
pinch kosher salt we used pink Himalayan salt
Slow Cooker Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole Topping
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup pecans lightly toasted, if desired (optional)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons pecan oil can substitute with olive or any neutral-flavored oil and have more on standby
1 tablespoon Truvia sweet complete can substitute with light brown or granulated sugar, or more maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon allspice optional
Get the instructions here: Slow Cooker Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
19. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Vegan
No more green beans from a can! Now you can make it vegan and from scratch.
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh green beans rinsed, drained and cut in half, lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ sweet onion finely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
2 cups baby bella mushrooms finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
2 cups vegan crispy fried onions
Get the instructions here: Vegan Green Bean Casserole
20. Rustic Rosemary Thyme Mashed Potatoes
Vegan, gluten-freeLevel-up the usual vegan mashed potatoes with herbs and creamy coconut milk. Guests are sure to give compliments to the chef!
Ingredients:
4 lbs White Skinned Potatoes
1 TB Dried Rosemary (crushed)
2 Tsp Dried Thyme
1 Tsp Minced Garlic
1 Tsp Onion Powder
½ Tsp Black Pepper
¼ Cup Lite Culinary Coconut Milk
2 TB Herbed Olive Oil
Get the instructions here: Rustic Rosemary Thyme Mashed Potatoes
Vegan Thanksgiving Dressing and Sauces
21. Apple Cider Dressing
Vegan, gluten-free, low carb
This is a delicious and tangy apple cider dressing! Made with maple syrup and dijon, this dressing is raw and full of healthy ingredients. Gluten free, vegan, + allergy friendly.
Ingredients:
½ cup apple cider
¼ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Get the instructions here: Apple Cider Dressing
22. Vegan Custard
Vegan
This vegan custard will make your Thanksgiving desserts even more indulgent!
Ingredients:
400 ml (13.5 floz) unsweetened plant-based milk
4 tbsp light brown soft sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp cornflour
3 tbsp plant-based cream cheese
Get the instructions here: Vegan Custard
23. Boozy Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Vegan, gluten-free
Make sure to break free of the canned stuff with this herbaceous Boozy Cranberry Sauce. It is also make-ahead friendly.
Ingredients:
2 12 oz bags cranberries or frozen cranberries, washed and picked through
1 1/2 cup dark brown sugar plus more as needed
1" piece ginger unpeeled and sliced into 1/4" thick coins
3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (omit if you're not using cinnamon sticks)
1 3" sprig rosemary
1 vanilla bean split and scraped (or 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract)
pinch kosher salt
4" piece orange peel
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3/4 cup bourbon
24. Vegan Homemade Mushroom Gravy
Vegan, gluten-free
Gather fresh mushrooms, herbs, broth, and white wine to make this super savory vegan gravy.
Ingredients:
8 oz mushrooms Fresh - Button or Cremini - washed & sliced
2 tablespoon vegan butter
2 cloves garlic minced
¼ teaspoon basil dried - sweet basil
¼ cup wine I suggest white (I use Chardonnay)
1 cup vegetable broth
t tablespoon vegetable bouillon
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Arrowroot add more if needed
Salt & pepper to taste
Get the instructions here: Vegan Homemade Mushroom Gravy
SHOP SOZY
