Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, food. While the main course often gets the spotlight, it’s the side dishes that truly make the feast unforgettable. For those following a plant-based diet — or simply looking to add more vibrant vegetables to their table — these vegan Thanksgiving side dishes deliver big on flavor, texture, and comfort.
From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted Brussels sprouts and rich casseroles, these recipes prove that you don’t need butter, milk, or cheese to create mouthwatering sides everyone will love. Each dish celebrates the best seasonal produce, combining traditional flavors with a compassionate, modern twist.
Here are 10 irresistible vegan sides that will make your Thanksgiving spread shine.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Olive Oil and Herbs
No Thanksgiving is complete without mashed potatoes, and this vegan version is every bit as creamy as the original. Instead of butter and cream, use Yukon gold potatoes mashed with warm almond milk, olive oil, roasted garlic, and a sprinkle of rosemary. The result is fluffy, savory perfection that pairs beautifully with vegan gravy.
Tip: Warm your milk and oil before mixing to ensure a smoother mash and deeper flavor.
Serve in a rustic bowl topped with chopped chives or thyme for a classic, elegant look.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts are a holiday favorite that deserve more love. Roasting them until golden and crispy brings out their natural sweetness. Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup and balsamic glaze for a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy.
This dish offers contrast to heavier sides and adds beautiful color to your Thanksgiving plate.
Optional add-ins: Toasted pecans or dried cranberries can add texture and seasonal flair.
3. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
A true Thanksgiving icon, green bean casserole is traditionally made with cream and crispy onions. This vegan version swaps the dairy for a rich mushroom-cashew cream sauce that’s every bit as indulgent. Fresh green beans keep the texture crisp and bright, while homemade fried onions on top add crunch.
You can assemble it the day before and bake just before dinner, saving valuable time during holiday chaos.
4. Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Pecans
Sweet potatoes are a staple of any Thanksgiving table, but this roasted version offers a simple, wholesome alternative to the overly sweet marshmallow-topped casserole.
Toss cubes of sweet potato with maple syrup, cinnamon, and olive oil. Roast until caramelized, then top with toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.
The balance of warm spice and sweetness makes this dish irresistible — and it happens to be naturally gluten-free.
5. Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its finest, vegan mac and cheese has earned its place among the best vegan Thanksgiving side dishes. A silky sauce made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and a touch of mustard gives that signature cheesy flavor. Toss with elbow macaroni and bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare the sauce and pasta separately a day in advance, then combine and bake before serving for easy entertaining.
6. Savory Stuffing with Mushrooms and Sage
Stuffing is the heart of Thanksgiving sides — rich, herby, and satisfying. To make it vegan, replace butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth for moisture. Add sautéed mushrooms, celery, onion, and plenty of sage and thyme for that classic holiday aroma.
Crusty bread cubes absorb all the flavor and bake up perfectly golden on top.
For extra texture, sprinkle in toasted walnuts or chestnuts before baking.
7. Roasted Carrots with Tahini Drizzle
Simple yet elegant, roasted carrots with tahini dressing bring color and sophistication to your spread. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and cumin, then roast until tender and caramelized. Drizzle with a lemony tahini sauce and sprinkle with parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
This dish offers balance — earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet — making it an ideal complement to heavier sides.
8. Cranberry-Orange Relish
Forget the canned sauce — this bright, tangy cranberry relish is a refreshing upgrade. Blend fresh cranberries with orange zest, maple syrup, and a hint of ginger for a sweet-tart side that cuts through the richness of the meal.
It’s a beautiful pop of color on the table and tastes amazing alongside savory dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes.
The best part? You can make it up to three days in advance.
9. Vegan Gravy
Every plate of Thanksgiving food needs gravy, and this vegan version doesn’t disappoint. Made with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and vegetable broth, it’s deeply savory and full-bodied. Flour or cornstarch thickens it to perfection, and soy sauce or tamari adds umami depth.
Pour it generously over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even roasted vegetables — it ties all the flavors together seamlessly.
10. Autumn Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Balance out your meal with a light, refreshing salad that celebrates the season’s bounty. Toss mixed greens with roasted squash, apple slices, dried cranberries, and candied pecans. Drizzle with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette for brightness.
This salad adds a crisp, clean contrast to creamy casseroles and starchier sides — and it looks stunning on the table.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving Spread
Cooking for Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, especially when balancing traditional expectations with vegan choices. These tips will help you pull off a stress-free and delicious holiday meal:
1. Mix textures. Combine creamy, crunchy, and fresh sides for variety. For instance, pair mashed potatoes with crisp salads or roasted vegetables.
2. Choose versatile ingredients. Potatoes, mushrooms, and root vegetables are naturally flavorful and can be used in multiple dishes.
3. Make ahead. Many sides — like stuffing, casseroles, and cranberry relish — taste even better after sitting overnight.
4. Don’t skip the garnish. Fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, or toasted nuts elevate presentation instantly.
5. Balance the flavors. Include both sweet and savory options to create harmony across the table.
6. Label dishes. If you’re hosting a mixed crowd, mark vegan items clearly so guests can easily identify them.
Make-Ahead Guide for a Calm Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is best enjoyed when you’re not rushing around the kitchen. Here’s how to plan ahead:
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Two to three days before: Make cranberry relish, prepare salad dressings, and toast nuts or breadcrumbs.
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One day before: Assemble casseroles, stuffing, and vegan mac and cheese. Store covered in the fridge.
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Morning of: Roast vegetables, prepare mashed potatoes, and make gravy.
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Before serving: Reheat dishes in the oven or on the stove and garnish right before bringing them to the table.
A little preparation goes a long way — your guests will feel your calm, and your meal will taste even better.
How to Present Vegan Side Dishes Beautifully
Presentation matters as much as taste, especially on Thanksgiving. Use these ideas to create a visually stunning table:
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Serve roasted vegetables on white platters to make the colors pop.
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Use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme as garnish — they smell incredible and add sophistication.
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Add edible elements like citrus slices or cranberries for seasonal flair.
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Serve dips and sauces in small bowls for easy access.
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Mix textures — glossy glazed carrots beside creamy mashed potatoes create visual contrast.
These small details help elevate your vegan Thanksgiving side dishes from simple recipes to memorable experiences.
Why Vegan Side Dishes Are a Hit with Everyone
Even if your guests aren’t vegan, plant-based sides have broad appeal. They’re flavorful, nutrient-rich, and often lighter, allowing everyone to enjoy dessert without feeling stuffed. Plus, vegan dishes are allergy-friendly for those avoiding dairy or eggs.
Most importantly, they show that compassion and creativity can coexist beautifully in the kitchen. Choosing vegan sides is a way to celebrate abundance without compromise.
A Thanksgiving Rooted in Compassion
Thanksgiving is more than a feast — it’s a reflection of gratitude and mindfulness. Choosing vegan Thanksgiving side dishes means honoring that tradition in a way that extends kindness to animals, the environment, and ourselves.
Cooking plant-based allows you to reconnect with food in its purest form — colorful vegetables, wholesome grains, and vibrant flavors. It’s not about restriction but celebration. Every dish tells a story of care, creativity, and community.
That spirit of compassion doesn’t stop at the dinner table. If you want to share your vegan values beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store — a brand that creates vegan-themed T-shirts made from organic cotton. Their mission aligns perfectly with living kindly and sustainably every day.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is the ultimate food holiday, and these vegan Thanksgiving side dishes prove that you don’t need animal products to create a feast full of flavor and comfort.
Whether you choose classic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a vibrant autumn salad, these recipes will make your table as beautiful as it is delicious.
This year, celebrate gratitude with compassion, creativity, and plenty of plant-based goodness. Your guests — and the planet — will thank you.