Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

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Cooking a vegan Thanksgivingfeast is easy when you have this list of delicious vegan Thanksgiving recipes + a day by day schedule to follow! All the recipes you'll need from appetizers to dessert + tips to host a stress-free Thanksgiving!

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (1)

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it but there's no need to stress when you have this list of delicious vegan recipes that you can make for your Thanksgiving dinner!

Just in case you're planning ahead and Halloween hasn't even passed yet, here's my list of 51 Vegan Halloween Recipes!

We're so lucky to be vegan in this day and age, because there are delish vegan recipes for all of your favorite classic Thanksgiving recipes! We don't have to miss out on anything anymore!

There's even a bunch of options for a vegan turkey replacement. (Keep reading to find out which store-bought vegan turkey substitute I think is the best!)

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving at your house, having a vegan Thanksgiving dinner for one at home, bringing a dish (or two) to your family gathering, or going to a vegan Thanksgiving potluck with all of your vegan friends, this list has all the BEST vegan Thanksgiving recipes for you!

Contents hide

What Do Vegan People Eat on Thanksgiving?

What is a Vegan Turkey?

Which is the Best Vegan Roast?

What Can I Make For Thanksgiving Dinner Instead of Turkey?

Ultimate List of Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

Vegan Thanksgiving Starters

Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts

What Do Vegan People Eat on Thanksgiving?

A traditional Thanksgiving meal consists of a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and some type of dessert.

Luckily, I've found the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes to replace all of these traditional recipes. Vegans can eat everything that I listed above because there is a compassionate veganized recipe for each traditional dish.

That means that we can also enjoy vegan turkey, vegan stuffing, vegan mashed potatoes, vegan gravy, vegan cornbread, vegan cranberry sauce, vegan green bean casserole, vegan sweet potato casserole, and vegan desserts too!

What is a Vegan Turkey?

A store-bought vegan turkey is made of soy or wheat gluten, depending on what brand you purchase. A vegan turkey doesn't look like the roasted turkey that you associate with Thanksgiving dinner because it doesn't have any bones or skin. It's usually formed into a loaf shape that you can slice and enjoy.

Which is the Best Vegan Roast?

I've tried a lot of vegan roasts over the years. We usually try a new one each Thanksgiving and then end up buying one of our favorites to serve for Christmas dinner.

Some aren't very good at all, but a few are absolutely delicious! Of all the vegan roasts that I tried, there are three that meet all my requirements.

  • It's flavorful + moist
  • It actually looks like a piece of turkey with stuffing
  • The stuffing in the middle is tasty
  • Prep work only includes baking it
  • The texture is very "meat-like"
  • Not too expensive

Instead of only picking my #1 favorite, I decided to share my top three favorite options in case you weren't able to find it at your local store. All three of of these roasts are delicious and make the perfect main course for your Thanksgiving dinner!

  1. Gardein Holiday Roast
  2. Trader Joe's Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast
  3. Field Roast Celebration Roast

My only complaint was that I didn't like the gravy packets that came with any of the roasts. The flavor just wasn't there for me. So, I made my own vegan gravy to go with it and it was delicious!

What Can I Make For Thanksgiving Dinner Instead of Turkey?

If you're not into a "fake meat" vegan turkey replacement or you don't want to deal with the tofurky jokes from your non-vegan family, here are some tried and true vegan recipes that could easily be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner!

Ultimate List of Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

The following list of vegan Thanksgiving recipes has everything you could possibly need to prepare the ultimate vegan Thanksgiving dinner menu for your friends and family! I also included my personal vegan Thanksgiving menu (that I use when hosting) at the end of the post if you need some inspiration.

After you read through this list of the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes, start thinking about planning your vegan Christmas dinner menu next!

Start your vegan Thanksgiving dinner off right with delicious appetizers like spinach artichoke dip, pumpkin soup, festive salads, or a vegan charcuterie board!

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (3)

Wild Rice Pomegranate Salad

This festive vegan salad is the perfect side dish to serve with your holiday meal! Loaded with arugula, nutty wild rice, roasted pecans, juicy pomegranate arils, green onions, tart dried cherries, and tangy garlic dijon dressing; this hearty gluten-free salad is a major crowd pleaser!

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Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup (Dairy-Free)

The combination of pumpkin puree, sweet potato, red lentils, fresh ginger, and coconut milk is incredibly delicious and festive! This recipe is free of dairy and gluten and it's ready to eat in about one hour!

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (5)

Smoky Acorn Squash Hummus

This oil-free roasted acorn squash hummus is creamy, sweet, and smoky! It's a delicious Fall-inspired snack or starter.

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Vegan Carrot Ginger Sweet Potato Soup

Fresh carrots, ginger, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk come together to create a rich and creamy soup that's bursting with flavor! This vegan carrot ginger soup is so vibrant that it looks like liquid gold!

ThisMediterranean Farro Saladrecipe is a healthy side dish or vegan entrée using artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives in a homemade champagne vinaigrette. Easy to make and ready to eat in 30 minutes!

Chipotle roasted chickpeas and butternut squash salad over a bed of massaged kale and topped with a handful of pumpkin seeds. Enjoy fresh, hot out of the over or cold leftovers throughout the week!

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Photo Credit:www.savorytooth.com

Spiced Pumpkin Hummus Dip

A fun fall-themed hummus dip that's easily made using a food processor.

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (11)

Photo Credit:www.healthygreenkitchen.com

Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Dried Fruit

The texture is bright and crunchy, with the sweet and salty flavours coming together beautifully to create a salad you won’t be able to get enough of!

You can't have a vegan Thanksgiving dinner menu withouthaving lots of classic side dishes, like mashed potatoesor mac and cheese! All of the traditional sides that we all know and love have been veganized to perfection!

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Creamy Vegan Mushroom Gravy

This truly is the best vegan mushroom gravy that you'll want to slather over everything and serve at every holiday meal! This vegan gravy is easy to make in just 30 minutes and it requires only 10 ingredients!

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (13)

Creamy Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Thisdairy free mac and cheeserecipe is the only one you'll ever need because it's the real deal! It's super creamy, extra cheesy, kid-friendly, non-vegan approved, and it's ready in 30 minutes!

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Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

This vegan brussels sprouts recipe is going to be your new favorite side dish! These little cabbages are super tender, they're coated in a tangy maple balsamic sauce, and they have the most delicious crispy, caramelized edges!

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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Thispumpkin pasta sauceis a cozy meal that you can make tonight for dinner in just 20 minutes! Fresh sage leaves, pumpkin puree, and a creamy coconut base gives this pasta the most decadent flavor!

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Zucchini Tomato Pesto Bake

This delicious vegan pesto veggie bake is easy to make, surprisingly quick to assemble, and it's so IMPRESSIVE! This beautiful and healthy side dish is perfect to make for the holidays.

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Photo Credit:www.hwcmagazine.com

Spicy Rosemary Butternut Squash

Spicy Rosemary Butternut Squash is a super easy less than 30 minute side dish that works perfectly as part of an autumn meal.

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Photo Credit:24carrotkitchen.com

Easy Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce is a favorite, delicious, super easy recipe that isperfect for your holiday table or everyday occasions!Just a few ingredients are needed,aboutten minutesand your house will have the aroma of the festive holidays.

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Photo Credit:delightfulvegans.com

Cumin Spiced Carrots - Delightful Vegans

Looking for a great side to your vegan Thanksgiving feast? These Cumin Spiced Carrots will do the job nicely!

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (20)

Photo Credit:www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com

Simple Skillet Green Beans

These simple skillet green beans are a perfect healthy side dish. All you need is a pile of fresh string beans, one pot, garlic, olive oil and a little spice!

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Photo Credit:www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com

Steamed Garlic Herb Butternut Squash

This quick and easySteamed Garlic and Herb Butternut Squashrecipe is an fast and flavorful side dish to add to your menu. It can be made entirely on the stovetop!

Round out your vegan Thanksgiving dinner with a one or two of these delicious and hearty casseroles!

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Vegan Scalloped Potatoes Florentine

Every bite of these cheesyvegan scalloped potatoesare super creamy and loaded with spinach! Complete your weeknight dinner or holiday meal and impress your family with this decadent oil-free and gluten-free side dish!

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Photo Credit:www.contentednesscooking.com

Mashed Cauliflower Green Bean Casserole

Mashed Cauliflower Green Bean Casserole with just 6 ingredients and made in 3 easy steps. Treat yourself tothe best delicious vegan comfort food ever.

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Photo Credit:www.vnutritionandwellness.com

Pumpkin Casserole

ThisPumpkin Casseroleis a great way to put a veggie-filled dish on the holiday table. This plant-based recipe is so creamy and tastythat no one will even realize how healthy it is!

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Photo Credit:www.wholesomeyum.com

Keto Cauliflower Stuffing

This vegan and keto stuffing uses simple ingredients, but cooks up into an ultra savory dish that even traditional stuffing lovers will appreciate — all with no bread whatsoever.

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Photo Credit:amindfullmom.com

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

This Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole is made with warming spices, rich maple syrup, and a crunchy oat crumble.

No vegan holiday meal is complete without a crowd-pleasing vegan Thanksgiving dessert!

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Photo Credit:www.veggieinspired.com

Chai Spiced Pumpkin Layer Cake ~ Veggie Inspired

Pumpkin Layer Cake with chai spices, a thin layer of pumpkin cashew filling, and topped off with creamy dairy free cinnamon buttercream frosting. It will delight your senses. The perfect fall dessert!

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Photo Credit:healthiersteps.com

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake - Healthier Steps

This Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake is so delicious, rich, and creamy, the perfect dessert for your holiday table this fall. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser!

Tips For Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

  • Prep in advance. The most important tip that I can give you is to start prepping days in advance, don't wait till the day before or the day of! You want to enjoy the holiday and not be running around like crazy, so try to prep in advance as much as you can.
  • Plan the menu. Start looking for recipes a few weeks in advance. I wrote out a timeline below of the week leading up to Thanksgiving below to help you prepare.
  • Use tried and true vegan recipes. Don't make a brand new recipe on the big day, always test it out before the holiday just in case you don't like it.
  • Ask guests to bring a dish. You can take a lot of stress of yourself if you ask whoever is coming over to bring a dish! Appetizers and desserts are the easiest because they could pick something up from the store if they didn't want to make it from scratch.
  • Outsource some recipes. If you're feeling anxious and overwhelmed about doing all of this (hello, welcome to my life!), it's completely okay to order food to pick up. You can pick up a veggie tray from Costco (it's huge!) for an easy appetizer or you could skip all the work and order a Whole Foods vegan Thanksgiving dinner TOGO! They even have vegan pies and cakes if you don't have a local vegan bakery to order from.
  • Ask for help! When people start arriving, ask them to help you with something! That way it feels like a team effort to get the meal on the table. I actually love when hosts ask me to help because sometimes I feel a little awkward at first so it gives me a way to interact and get involved. Don't feel bad asking for help!
  • Let guests help clean up. Once the meal is over, ask for help cleaning up. Often times, people want to help but don't know what you need to bedone. So if you say that you specifically need help clearing the table or loading the dishwasher, then they'll be more likely to help you where you really need it.

Thanksgiving Cooking Schedule

Saturday - If they're not already out, pull out your Thanksgiving decorations and decorate. Also, pull out the table decor, plates, linens, glasses, and silverware that you'll be using for Thanksgiving and wash it now so you can just grab it and lay it out on Thursday.

Sunday - Go over all the recipes that you plan on making and make one large grocery list on your phone, just in case you tend to leave paper lists on the kitchen counter like I do.

Also, look over the sales flyer and decide which grocery store you'll be going to. Don't forget your reusable produce bags(these are the sturdy produce bags that I use and LOVE)!

Monday - Beat the crowds and go grocery shopping! I used to work in a grocery store and while Monday is still a busy day, Tuesday and Wednesday are much busier during Thanksgiving week.

Tuesday - Start cooking anything that will last a few days in the fridge, like spinach artichoke dip or mushroom gravy. Recipes like these are just as delicious when you heat them up on the big day! Also, start cleaning the house today.

Wednesday -Finish cleaning the house and continue to cook any side dishes that can be made ahead of time. Prep anything you can, like washing lettuce for a salad or chopping vegetables.

If you decide to order any store-bought desserts, arrange to pick them up today! Most stores will be closed on Thanksgiving.

Also, make a list of everything that needs to be done the next day and a list of all the dishes you'll be serving. One time, I left the spinach artichoke dip in the fridge (that I made in advance) and forgot to serve it. If I'd had a list that wouldn't have happened!

If you're making a store-bought vegan turkey, some of them need to be defrosted overnight, so make sure you check the box and pop it into the fridge to thaw if necessary.

Thursday (Thanksgiving) - Get up early and make one final sweep of the house. Set the table and get started on any dishes that need to be prepared the day of.

Remember to put the vegan turkey in the oven before everyone comes over but it takes a lot less time to cook than a real turkey does, so plan accordingly.

Friday - Relax, you deserve it after all of that hard work!

My Menu + Prep Notes

This is my personal vegan Thanksgiving menu that I make for my family.

  • Vegan Roast (one of the three I listed above) - This needs to be cooked fresh the day of so the coating is crisp.
  • Spinach Artichoke Dip - You can make this the day before, it reheats really well.
  • Cranberry Sauce - You can make this a few days before.
  • Vegan Mac and Cheese - Make this the day of so the sauce stays "saucy." If you need to make it the day before, make sure you add additional vegetable broth or water to the sauce to loosen it up.
  • Mashed Potatoes withMushroom Gravy - Make the mashed potatoes the day before or early the day of and keep it warm in a crockpot until dinner.Make the gravy the 1-2 days before and reheat for dinner.
  • Mediterranean Farro Salad - You can make this the day before and serve it hot or cold.
  • Spicy Rosemary Butternut Squash - This dish can be made up to 3 days in advance and then reheated.
  • Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts - I don't like the flavor of reheated brussel sprouts, so I always make these fresh if possible.
  • Mashed Cauliflower Green Bean Casserole - Prepare this right before dinner so the topping stays crisp.
  • Chai Spiced Pumpkin Layer Cake

I hope you enjoy these vegan Thanksgiving recipes and can mix n' match them to create the perfect Thanksgiving menu for your family!

If you try any of these vegan Thanksgiving dinner ideas, please remember to post a picture on Instagram and tag me @Stacey_Homemaker and use the hashtag #StaceyHomemaker so I can see your meal!

You can also FOLLOW ME onFACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious vegan recipes!

Want More Vegan Holiday Recipes?

  • Vegan Halloween Recipes
  • Vegan Christmas Dinner Menu
  • Easy Valentine’s Day Themed Breakfast
  • 4th of July Vegan Recipes
  • Vegan Easter Recipes
  • Vegan Dark Chocolate Easter Eggs
Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What do vegans eat instead of turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan. Choose one of these plant-based turkey alternatives, or combine more than one in your table, complimenting with veggies, rice, salads, or any other plant-based whole foods ingredients you want.

Do vegans celebrate Thanksgiving? ›

If you're forgoing the Thanksgiving turkey this year, you have countless delicious options available to you. You could try your hand at one of these 11 meatless vegan recipes, for example, which include dishes like quinoa-stuffed acorn squash, roasted butternut squash sliders, and pumpkin curry.

How do you simplify Thanksgiving dinner? ›

These tips, tricks and timesavers can be a Thanksgiving host's saving grace.
  1. Pick the menu early. Don't leave menu planning and shopping to the last minute. ...
  2. Brine your bird. ...
  3. Start prep work a few days before Thanksgiving. ...
  4. Serve batched cocktails. ...
  5. Create simple centerpieces.
Nov 1, 2023

What is the vegan name for turkey? ›

Brands like Tofurky, Field Roast, Gardein, Beyond Meat, Lightlife, and more use plant-based ingredients in the products you can buy for any vegetarian/vegan guests.

What is the most wanted alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

What is the most unpopular Thanksgiving food? ›

The Most Disliked Traditional Thanksgiving Foods
  • Ham — 25.57%
  • Coleslaw — 25.57%
  • Pumpkin Pie — 24.28%
  • Mashed Potatoes — 18.66%
  • Macaroni and Cheese — 17.47%
  • Carrots — 16.98%
  • Apple Pie — 16.29%
  • Corn — 15.50%
Nov 21, 2023

What can I serve at Thanksgiving instead of turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

What is the least eaten food on Thanksgiving? ›

The Least Popular Thanksgiving Foods, Ranked
  • Sweet Potatoes or Yams — 25.12%
  • Stuffing/Dressing. — 22.33%
  • Pumpkin Pie. — 21.44%
  • Carrots. — 16.95%
  • Mashed Potatoes. — 15.45%
  • Corn. — 14.36%
  • Macaroni and Cheese. — 14.36%
  • Apple Pie. — 12.86%

What should you not forget for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Use this list to make sure you're prepared to have the feast you planned for.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk. A number of tasty desserts rely on this often forgotten item. ...
  • Cranberries or Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Chicken Stock or Broth. ...
  • Simply Done Containers. ...
  • Foil, Parchment Paper, Pastic Wrap. ...
  • Centerpiece. ...
  • Nuts or Dried Fruit. ...
  • Dinner Rolls.
Nov 25, 2019

What makes you tired at Thanksgiving dinner? ›

The Turkey-Tryptophan Connection—Is There Really One? Turkey meat contains tryptophan, an amino acid that the body needs to make Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and serotonin, a hormone that helps you relax and—yes, makes you sleepy.

How do you spend Thanksgiving with no family? ›

What to Do on Thanksgiving Without Family
  1. Book a night at a local hotel. Anything you can do out of the ordinary will make the holiday feel special and not blah. ...
  2. Stay in your PJs all day. 0 Guilt. ...
  3. Don't make any plans. ...
  4. Play charades over Zoom. ...
  5. Help a neighbor. ...
  6. Spend the day writing letters. ...
  7. Friendsgiving, duh.
Nov 20, 2020

What is an alternative bird to turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

As for cooking methods, duck, pheasant and goose can roast in the oven just like you would a turkey. The fattier duck and geese should be slow-roasted so the fat renders and you get a crispy skin. A quick reminder: Just like all poultry, make sure your bird reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

What can replace turkey for a meat? ›

20 turkey alternatives for Thanksgiving, including duck and pork
  • Pork.
  • Ham.
  • Duck.
  • Chicken.
  • Beef.
  • Squash.
  • Mushroom.
  • Cauliflower.
Oct 30, 2022

What is a vegan substitute for turkey slices? ›

Ingredients for Vegan Turkey Slices

The key ingredients for homemade vegan deli meat are extra-firm tofu and vital wheat gluten. Both are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Together, they produce a log of seitan that has a texture remarkably similar to store-bought deli slices.

What is the most popular vegetarian alternative to a roast turkey? ›

Vegan turkey recipes
  1. Vegan Stuffed Seitan Roast. This stuffed seitan is the perfect replacement for a stuffed turkey joint this Christmas. ...
  2. Vegan Turkey Wellington With Walnut Gravy. ...
  3. Vegan Herb-Crumbed Whole Roasted Cauliflower. ...
  4. Leftover Vegetable Christmas Pie. ...
  5. Festive Vegan 'Turkey' Sandwich. ...
  6. Vegan Seitan Twizzlers.

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