I don't know about you, but the sides are the real stars of my Thanksgiving table. If you're eating plant based, I promise you don't have to miss out on any of the cozy, classic goodness. I've gathered 34 vegan Thanksgiving side recipes that are so comforting and delicious, everyone will want seconds.
1. Southern Vegan Potato Salad
This Southern vegan potato salad is creamy goodness in every single bite. Tender potato cubes hang out with crisp celery, sweet relish, and fresh green onions. Everything gets enveloped in a luscious vegan mayo based dressing with a hint of mustard for zing. It's a fresh, satisfying side that brings some serious Southern charm to the table.
2. Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These vegan mashed sweet potatoes are creamy decadence, pure and simple. Each spoonful really lets the natural sweetness of the sweet potato come through. Rich vegan butter, creamy almond milk, and savory nutritional yeast make it extra special. A sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped parsley adds that warm, cozy autumn vibe we all crave.
3. Vegan Cranberry Sauce
This vegan cranberry sauce is a tangy, sweet little gem on the plate. Those plump, ruby red cranberries just burst with brightness in every spoonful. A touch of citrusy orange zest and some maple syrup simmer together to pure perfection. It's a jewel toned beauty that makes the whole meal shine.
4. Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing
Brighten up your feast with this vegan kale salad! It's loaded with fresh, lively flavors from crisp kale, baby spinach, red apple, pecans, and cranberries. But the real star is that luscious maple balsamic dressing. It's a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that coats every bite with deliciousness.
5. Southern-Style Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits
These Southern style vegan buttermilk biscuits are pure comfort. They're light, flaky, and incredibly soft, capturing everything I love about Southern cooking. The vegan buttermilk is made simply by combining soy milk and apple cider vinegar. Best enjoyed warm from the oven, these biscuits will absolutely steal the show.
6. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
Dip into the rich, savory goodness of this roasted pumpkin hummus. It's a fun twist on the classic that packs all the fall flavors. The creamy texture of chickpeas blends with the sweet, earthy flavor of roasted pumpkin. Infused with sesame oil, lemon juice, and olive oil, it's truly a taste sensation.
7. Best Lentil Soup
Escape the holiday rush and soothe your senses with this heartwarming lentil soup. It's loaded with nutritious lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Simmered until the lentils are perfectly tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. This is a warm bowl of comfort that promises a taste of home in every bite.
8. Vegan Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
Crispy, crunchy, and oh so satisfying, this vegan roasted cauliflower is a real flavor fiesta! Each floret is lightly coated in a blend of spices before being roasted to crispy perfection. The outside gets satisfyingly crunchy while the inside stays tender and juicy. Serve it with a tangy vegan dipping sauce for a lovely little treat.
9. Easy Vegan Gravy
Let's talk about the finishing touch, shall we? This vegan gravy starts with a hearty vegetable broth base and makes everything it touches taste better. Onion powder, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard come together to create a savory complexity that truly hits the spot. It's that soul warming magic your entire feast deserves.
10. Vegan Broccoli Casserole
When it comes to hearty casseroles, broccoli always delivers. This creamy, dreamy vegan version is guaranteed to be your new favorite. Crisp broccoli florets are bathed in a velvety vegan cheese sauce loaded with mushrooms and cashews. Topped with a golden, crunchy cracker layer, this dish is all about that beautiful play of textures.
11. Mashed Butternut Squash
This mashed butternut squash is the essence of fall on a spoon. The nutty notes of the squash are brightened up with nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup. Whipped until it's creamy and velvety, this side is nothing but warm, comforting flavors. It's simple, delicious, and a great fit for your vegan spread.
12. Roasted Beet Salad with Vegan Goat Cheese
Your holiday spread needs this harmony of earthy sweetness and creamy richness. This roasted beet salad with vegan goat cheese is just the thing. The roasted beets pair perfectly with a tart, vegan goat cheese crumble. Add some fresh greens and balsamic dressing and it's a work of art for your palate.
13. Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
This vegan butternut squash soup is a sweet and savory dream. Roasted butternut squash brings the rich flavor while thyme and basil add those earthy notes. A splash of coconut milk makes it incredibly creamy with a subtle sweetness you'll love. Every spoonful is a hearty, luxurious taste of fall.
14. Vegan Squash Casserole
This vegan squash casserole really captures the essence of the season. Sweet, nutty squash swims in a luscious creamy vegan sauce. That crispy top layer is the perfect contrast to the velvety filling underneath. It's a warm, inviting dish that shows just how good plant based cuisine can be.
15. Vegan Pumpkin Soup
This cozy vegan pumpkin soup is autumn in a dish, I'm telling you. Pureed pumpkin and almond milk blend together into something so velvety and decadently creamy. Warm spices and a touch of maple syrup give it the most lovely sweetness. And those toasted pumpkin seeds on top add the perfect little crunch.
16. Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Looking to add a rustic touch to your holiday table? These garlic smashed potatoes are the answer. Tender Yukon potatoes get lightly smashed and oven crisped to golden perfection. They're brushed with plant butter and olive oil, then dusted with garlic powder and red pepper flakes. The outside is so crunchy while the inside stays fluffy and hearty.
17. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole is pure velvet, you guys. Every spoonful is loaded with luscious sweet potato and those warm autumn spices that just feel like a hug. It gets its dreamy creaminess from non dairy milk and vegan butter. And that crunchy pecan crumble on top? It's the perfect partner to all that silky smoothness underneath.
18. Best Vegan Cornbread
This vegan cornbread has my whole heart. It's light as air but still packed with that wholesome cornmeal goodness. There's a subtle sweetness here that plays so nicely with all the savory dishes on your plate. These golden squares are basically a cozy reminder of home for the holidays.
19. Best Vegan Rice Pilaf
This vegan rice pilaf is a comforting embrace in every bite. Made with basmati rice, orzo, celery, and aromatics, this wholesome side is bursting with lovely flavors. It's a heartwarming dish that looks as good as it tastes.
20. Vegan Corn Casserole
Prepare to be blown away by this vegan corn casserole. It turns golden corn into a mouthwatering medley of creamy, savory goodness. Each spoonful is packed with tender kernels bathed in a luscious, comforting plant based creaminess. Baked with a golden crust, it's like a warm, cozy embrace.
21. Roasted Carrots
In a pinch and need a side dish on the table fast? These roasted carrots are pure sweet simplicity. The oven caramelizes them to perfection, bringing out all their natural sweetness. A light glaze of olive oil, garlic, and maple syrup makes the flavor even better. Finish it all off with a little parsley and you're done.
22. Vegan Stuffing
A Thanksgiving table just isn't complete without a big dish of stuffing, and this vegan version is here to party. It's loaded with aromatics, herbs, and veggies so every single bite is full of flavor. Whole grain bread cubes get toasted and moistened with vegetable broth for that perfect texture. This stuffing is plant based cooking at its finest, truly.
23. Easy Vegan Brussels Sprouts
Need a simple side you can have on the table in under an hour? These vegan Brussels sprouts are it. They're roasted until the outside is perfectly crispy and the inside is tender and buttery. The magic comes from a blend of tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and nutritional yeast for a sweet, tangy charm.
24. Vegan Dinner Rolls
These vegan dinner rolls are baked to golden brown perfection, my friends. They have the most delicate, soft crumb that just pulls apart so beautifully. Since they're made with wholesome ingredients, you don't have to stress about dietary restrictions. Warm, tender, and so comforting, these rolls are the ultimate taste of home.
25. Classic Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the warm hug we all need, and this vegan baked version is pure nostalgia. The creamy, velvety vegan cheese sauce completely coats every bit of al dente macaroni. That sauce is a magic blend of coconut milk, seasonings, Dijon mustard, and vegan butter. Topped with a golden brown layer of crispy bread crumbs, it's a classic that'll make you feel like a kid again.
26. Classic Vegan Coleslaw
Rediscover a classic with this vegan coleslaw recipe. Thinly sliced cabbage and colorful carrots get slathered in a creamy, tangy vegan dressing. The crisp freshness of the veggies against that velvety dressing is an unforgettable combo. It's a cool, refreshing side that adds a nice crunch to the table.
27. Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes
A Thanksgiving spread without mashed potatoes is simply not a thing. This vegan version is the definition of comfort food with its velvety texture and rich, buttery flavor. The vegan butter gives every spoonful that creamy quality you crave. A shower of fresh herbs on top turns each bite into a total flavor moment.
28. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Looking for the perfect side to go with your vegan turkey roast? These baked sweet potato wedges are just the ticket. They're coated in olive oil, salt, and a bit of aromatic thyme. Baked to roasted, caramelized perfection, they bring out all the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Serve them with creamy vegan aioli for a simple yet delicious addition.
29. Vegan Roasted Vegetables
This medley of vegan roasted vegetables is a rustic gem. It's a gorgeous mix of the season's best: zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. The oven works its magic, making them caramelized and tender while a herby tahini sauce adds an earthy glaze. It's a heart warming side that shows off the harvest beautifully.
30. Vegan Fall Harvest Salad
Let's celebrate the bounty of fall with this vegan harvest salad. It's piled high with fresh greens, tart apples, butternut squash, dried cherries, nuts, and hearty roasted pumpkin seeds. A drizzle of raspberry balsamic glaze ties it all together with that tangy sweetness. Every forkful is like autumn hugging your tastebuds.
31. Stuffed Acorn Squash
This stuffed acorn squash is hearty and a little fancy, in the best way. Roasted acorn squash becomes the perfect vessel for a savory medley of quinoa, mushrooms, herbs, and spices. Each bite delivers an intriguing mix of textures and flavors. It's a lovely blend of rustic and gourmet that fits right in at a festive feast.
32. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
This vegan green bean casserole is a total classic, but make it plant based. You get that snappy freshness from the green beans, all tangled up in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. Then there's a generous pile of crispy fried onions on top because we all know that's the best part. Honestly, it's so good you might just eat it straight from the dish.
33. Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole
Comfort food at its finest? That's this cheesy vegan cauliflower casserole. Tender cauliflower florets are baked in a creamy vegan cheese sauce until golden and bubbly. The secret to all that cheesiness? Nutritional yeast! It's the ultimate guilt free indulgence for your vegan Thanksgiving feast.
34. Easy Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash
This easy vegan stuffed butternut squash is hearty and elegant all at once. Tender roasted butternut squash is filled to the brim with a savory mix of beans, rice, and spinach. A blend of herbs and spices takes all those flavors up a notch. Every bite is a balance of sweet, nutty, and earthy goodness.
