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. Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up. 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
Protein: 0.5gCalories: 90 kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: MyQuietKitchenBonus: 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. 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! Protein: 0gCalories: 89kcalReady in: 10 minutesRecipe by: VeganBlueberryBonus: 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
Bonus: quick, simple On the search for a quick, tasty homemade soup recipe? This pea and mint soup is deliciously easy and vegan too! 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. Protein: 5gCalories: 375kcalReady in: 30 minsRecipe by: ThroughTheFibroFogBonus: 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
Protein: 11gCalories: 253kcalReady in: 2hrs 15 mins (15 mins prep)Recipe by: MyQuietKitchenBonus: 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. Protein: 22.5gCalories: 176kcalReady in: 2 hours 10 minutesRecipe by: ZardyPlantsBonus: 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. Protein: 5gCalories: 342kcalReady in: 50 minutesRecipe by: OohLaLaItsVeganBonus: 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. Protein: 9gCalories: 225kcalReady in: 1 hourRecipe by: WatchLearnEatBonus: 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! Protein: 9gCalories: 351 kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: VeganOnBoardBonus: 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
Bonus: cheesy, filling, healthy Looking for healthy comfort food options? This vegan broccoli casserole is hearty, filling & surprisingly light! Try it now! Protein: 3gCalories: 170kcalReady in: 30 minsRecipe by: HealthMyLifestyleBonus: 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! Protein: 7gCalories: 235kcalReady in: 1 hourRecipe by: CookEatLiveLoveBonus: 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
Protein: 4.8gCalories: 255kcalReady in: 1 hour 30 minutesRecipe by: LavenderAndMacaronsBonus: 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! Protein: 6gCalories: 319 kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: OohLaLaItsVeganBonus: 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. Protein: 4gCalories: 306 kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: LavenderAndMacaronsBonus: 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
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! Bonus: sweet, tender Parsnips in Syrup and Mustard. Vegan and veggie, perfect for all. Simple ingredients and great results every time. 30 mins cooking. 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. Protein: 3gCalories: 101kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: ThroughTheFibroFogBonus: 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! Protein: 2gCalories: 62kcalReady in: 50 minutesRecipe by: ThroughTheFibroFogBonus: 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
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. 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! 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. 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. 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
Protein: 6gCalories: 261 kcalReady in: 50 minutes + 4 hours cooling timeRecipe by: MyQuietKitchenBonus: 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) Protein: 10 gCalories: 437kcalReady in: 55 minutesRecipe by: HealthMyLifestyleBonus: 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!). 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!
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 SoupA rich warm soup full of autumnal flavours! Main dish:Seitan TurkeyAn impossibly juicy, meaty ‘turkey’ that everyone will love! Sides:Vegan Green Bean CasseroleAs salty, creamy and crispy crunchy as the original! Mashed PotatoesSmooth and creamy mash, who’d have guessed it was vegan! Cornbread StuffingMoist torn cornbread, baked with nuts, seeds and fragrant herbs. Brussel Sprouts with BalsamicSweet and crispy sprouts with tangy balsamic Dessert:Pumpkin PieSweet and smooth, served with a dollop of vegan ice cream. Sauce:Cranberry SauceTangy, naturally sweet homemade sauce that pairs perfectly with salty mains.
Menu 2: Healthy
Appetizer:Pea and Mint SoupA light refreshing soup to whet your appetite! Main dish:Chickpea Meatloaf with Wild RiceA rich, smoky loaf made with flavourful mushrooms and ground nuts. Sides:Sweet Potato CasseroleA healthy take on the classic, packed with veggies and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. Brussel Sprouts with BalsamicSweet and crispy sprouts with tangy balsamic Parsnips with Syrup and MustardTart mustard and sweet, tender parsnips make a happy combo! Braised Cabbage with AppleFlavourful, sharp and sweet cabbage with bites of crunchy apple. Dessert:Avocado Chocolate MousseA creamy mousse with a rich chocolatey flavour. All creaminess from avocados! Sauce:Cranberry RelishSharp, fresh citrussy relish made with fresh cranberries, orange and pecans
Menu 3: Gluten-free
Appetizer:Cauliflower and Lentil SoupA warmly spiced Moroccan inspired soup, Main dish:Chickpea Veggie LoafPacked with chickpeas and veggies, this is a flavourful nut roast that will make a great centrepiece. Sides:Green Bean CasseroleAs salty, creamy and crispy crunchy as the original! Mashed PotatoesSmooth and creamy mash. Carrots with Tarragon and MintSweet carrots with flavourful fresh herbs – the perfect roasted veggies. Braised Cabbage with AppleFlavourful, sharp and sweet cabbage with bites of crunchy apple. Ginger Brussel SproutsZingy, spicy ginger brussel sprouts,, smashed and roasted. Dessert:Pecan Cream PieCreamy, but no cream! Pastry, but no gluten. This dreamy pie ticks all the boxes. Sauces:Cranberry SauceTangy, 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. I hope these vegan thanksgiving recipes have inspired you! Let us know how your vegan thanksgiving dinner went in the comments below 🙂
