Home Vegan Post 10 Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Win Over Non-Vegans

10 Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Win Over Non-Vegans


Hosting Thanksgiving for a mix of vegans and non-vegans can feel tricky. You want to serve dishes that are flavorful, familiar, and satisfying — but also 100% plant-based. The good news? With the right recipes, everyone can leave the table happy and full, without missing a thing.

These 10 vegan Thanksgiving side dishes for non-vegans are built around flavor and texture — not labels. They use everyday ingredients in clever ways, offering that nostalgic comfort of the holiday without animal products. From creamy mashed potatoes to rich stuffing and decadent desserts, these sides will surprise even the most skeptical guests.

Why These Sides Work for Everyone

Before diving into recipes, it helps to understand what makes a side dish “win over” non-vegans.

  1. Familiar flavors: Think garlic, herbs, butter (vegan butter), and roasted vegetables. Familiarity makes the transition effortless.

  2. Texture is key: Creamy, crispy, or hearty textures mimic the satisfaction of traditional dishes.

  3. Season generously: Herbs and salt are your best friends. Flavorful dishes keep everyone coming back for seconds.

  4. Skip the substitutes: You don’t need fake meats or processed cheeses to impress. Whole-food ingredients often shine brightest.

Now, let’s dig into the recipes that make your Thanksgiving table a hit with every guest.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Vegan Butter

Why it wins: Creamy, fluffy, and rich — no one will guess these are dairy-free.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes

  • 3 tbsp vegan butter

  • ½ cup unsweetened oat or almond milk

  • 3 cloves roasted garlic

  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.

  2. Mash with vegan butter, warm milk, and roasted garlic.

  3. Season to taste and garnish with chives.

Tip: Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a buttery flavor that beats dairy every time.

2. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Why it wins: Crispy edges, caramelized flavor, and a hint of sweetness — even veggie skeptics dig in.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • ¼ cup chopped pecans

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Toss sprouts with oil, maple syrup, and salt.

  2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes, stirring halfway.

  3. Sprinkle with pecans before serving.

Flavor twist: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra tang.

3. Herb Stuffing with Mushrooms and Celery

Why it wins: All the classic Thanksgiving aroma — buttery, savory, and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

  • 2 stalks celery, diced

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • 2 tbsp vegan butter

  • Sage, thyme, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion, mushrooms, and celery in vegan butter.

  2. Combine with bread, herbs, and broth.

  3. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.

Pro tip: Use hearty sourdough or multigrain bread for texture that holds up.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Why it wins: Creamy, nutty, and sweet — a total crowd-pleaser that doubles as dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

  • 2 tbsp vegan butter

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • ¼ cup almond milk

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

  1. Mix potatoes with butter, maple syrup, and almond milk.

  2. Spread in a dish and top with pecans and cinnamon.

  3. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar for caramelized crunch.

5. Green Bean Almondine

Why it wins: Fresh, bright, and crisp — a perfect balance for heavier dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb green beans, trimmed

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds

  • Lemon zest and salt

Instructions:

  1. Blanch green beans for 4 minutes, then drain.

  2. Sauté garlic and almonds in olive oil until fragrant.

  3. Toss beans, add lemon zest, and serve warm.

Bonus: The lemon zest cuts through the richness of other dishes beautifully.

6. Creamy Vegan Gravy

Why it wins: Smooth, savory, and umami-packed — no drippings needed.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp flour

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp thyme

Instructions:

  1. Make a roux with oil and flour.

  2. Slowly whisk in broth and soy sauce.

  3. Add seasonings and simmer 10 minutes until thick.

Make-ahead tip: Store for up to 5 days and reheat with a splash of broth.

7. Roasted Carrots with Garlic and Thyme

Why it wins: Simple and elegant, these carrots taste as good as they look.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb baby carrots

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp thyme

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toss carrots with oil, thyme, and garlic.

  2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes, turning once.

  3. Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Variation: Add a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-savory upgrade.

8. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Walnuts

Why it wins: A festive, colorful dish that’s hearty enough for non-vegans to love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup wild rice

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries

  • ¼ cup walnuts, chopped

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley

Instructions:

  1. Cook rice in broth according to package directions.

  2. Stir in cranberries, walnuts, and olive oil.

  3. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Make it fancy: Add orange zest for a citrus note that brightens the meal.

9. Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Why it wins: A colorful mix of roasted produce that brings the feast together.

Ingredients:

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 zucchini, sliced

  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges

  • 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • Salt and herbs

Instructions:

  1. Toss all veggies in oil, vinegar, and herbs.

  2. Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes until caramelized.

Tip: Use seasonal veggies for variety and freshness.

10. Vegan Mac and Cheese Bake

Why it wins: Comfort food perfection — creamy, baked, and golden brown.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

  • 1 cup cashews (soaked)

  • 1 cup plant milk

  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

Instructions:

  1. Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth.

  2. Toss with cooked pasta, transfer to a baking dish.

  3. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.

Pro tip: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for crunch that mimics classic mac and cheese.

How to Build the Perfect Thanksgiving Plate

When hosting non-vegans, presentation matters as much as taste. Here’s how to make your vegan sides feel cohesive and inviting:

  1. Balance textures: Pair creamy dishes (mashed potatoes, casserole) with crisp ones (roasted vegetables, salad).

  2. Add color: Use vibrant ingredients — orange carrots, green beans, red cranberries — to make the plate pop.

  3. Garnish wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary make everything look fresher.

  4. Serve family-style: Encourage guests to dig in naturally without calling out what’s vegan. The flavor will speak for itself.

Make-Ahead Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Cooking for a mixed group means timing is key. Luckily, these vegan side dishes reheat beautifully.

  • Mashed potatoes: Reheat on the stove with a splash of plant milk.

  • Stuffing: Bake ahead and crisp it in the oven just before serving.

  • Gravy: Make 2–3 days ahead; whisk while reheating.

  • Casseroles: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked. Bake fresh on Thanksgiving Day.

By prepping ahead, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests.

Pairing Ideas for Non-Vegan Guests

If you’re worried about satisfying hearty appetites, pair your sides with these easy vegan mains:

  • Lentil loaf with mushroom gravy

  • Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and cranberries

  • Roasted cauliflower steak with tahini drizzle

These mains, combined with the side dishes above, create a table full of familiar flavors and textures — without any compromise.

Hosting with Confidence

You don’t need to announce which dishes are vegan. Let the food do the talking. Serve your sides with confidence, knowing they’re flavorful, nourishing, and every bit as comforting as traditional recipes.

To add a personal touch, consider matching your table theme to your values. For example, wear or gift organic, vegan-friendly apparel from The Dharma Store. Their vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton make thoughtful gifts for hosts or guests and spark meaningful conversations about compassionate living.

Final Thoughts: Flavor First, Labels Second

The best vegan Thanksgiving side dishes are the ones that bring people together — no labels, no limits, just great food. When you focus on taste, texture, and seasonal ingredients, even your non-vegan guests will be coming back for seconds.

This year, serve dishes that showcase how abundant and satisfying plant-based cooking can be. These 10 vegan Thanksgiving sides prove you don’t need dairy, eggs, or meat to create a meal full of warmth, nostalgia, and joy.

Here’s to a table where everyone feels welcome, every dish shines, and every bite celebrates gratitude — the true heart of Thanksgiving.