A Plant-Based Thanksgiving: Satisfying Sides That Steal the Show
When Thanksgiving rolls around, most people picture turkey at the center of the table—but the real magic often happens on the sidelines. If you're living a plant-based lifestyle or hosting vegan guests, crafting a memorable, satisfying feast doesn’t mean missing out. In fact, vegan Thanksgiving side dishes can be so flavorful and hearty that even the meat-eaters will reach for seconds.
From savory stuffings to creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and nostalgic casseroles, this guide shares the best vegan-friendly sides that celebrate fall’s bounty. These dishes are easy to make, packed with seasonal ingredients, and free from animal products—perfect for a compassionate and delicious holiday meal.
Ready to reinvent Thanksgiving traditions with kindness and flavor? Let’s get cooking.
Pantry Essentials for Vegan Holiday Cooking
Before diving into the recipes, stock your kitchen with these vegan staples that make plant-based cooking during the holidays a breeze:
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Plant-based butter (great for mashed potatoes, baking, and sautéing)
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Olive oil or avocado oil
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Vegetable broth
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Nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy, savory flavor)
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Non-dairy milk (unsweetened almond, oat, or soy)
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Flour or cornstarch (for thickening gravies and sauces)
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Herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, sage, smoked paprika, and nutmeg
Having these on hand ensures your sides come together smoothly, without compromise on taste or texture.
15 Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy, and comforting, mashed potatoes are a holiday must-have. Use almond milk and plant-based butter, then stir in roasted garlic for a rich flavor without dairy.
2. Mushroom Gravy
Earthy mushrooms cooked with onions and vegetable broth make for a thick, savory gravy. Thicken it with a little flour or cornstarch and finish with a dash of soy sauce for umami.
3. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a splash of maple syrup, then roast until golden. Optional: add toasted pecans or dried cranberries for texture and color.
4. Vegan Stuffing
Cubed gluten-free or sourdough bread sautéed with celery, onions, mushrooms, and herbs creates a stuffing that’s both moist and crisp. Use veggie broth to bring it all together.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole
Mash roasted sweet potatoes with a bit of maple syrup, cinnamon, and a splash of almond milk. Top with a pecan crumble or oat-based topping and bake until golden.
6. Green Bean Almondine
Blanched green beans sautéed with slivered almonds, garlic, and lemon zest make for a bright, crunchy contrast to richer dishes.
7. Cranberry Orange Relish
Skip the canned stuff. Combine fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a bit of maple syrup in a saucepan and simmer until thickened for a tart-sweet side that pairs well with savory dishes.
8. Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy arborio rice cooked slowly in vegetable broth and finished with puréed roasted butternut squash makes a luxe, cozy side dish. Stir in nutritional yeast for a hint of “cheesiness.”
9. Cauliflower Gratin
Use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes and bake them in a vegan béchamel sauce thickened with flour and plant milk. Add garlic, mustard, and nutritional yeast for depth.
10. Caramelized Onion Tart
A gluten-free or vegan puff pastry base topped with slow-cooked caramelized onions and rosemary makes for an elegant, crowd-pleasing starter or side.
11. Harvest Quinoa Salad
Quinoa tossed with roasted squash, cranberries, kale, and pumpkin seeds makes for a light yet hearty side dish full of texture and nutrition.
12. Roasted Root Vegetables
Chop carrots, parsnips, turnips, and beets. Toss with olive oil, sea salt, thyme, and roast until caramelized. Simple, rustic, and full of fall flavor.
13. Vegan Cornbread
Make cornbread using cornmeal, flour, baking powder, almond milk, and applesauce as an egg replacer. It’s moist, golden, and perfect for soaking up gravy.
14. Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Whole baby carrots roasted with balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and rosemary make for a side that’s sweet, savory, and elegant.
15. Spiced Apple & Walnut Slaw
Thinly sliced apples, cabbage, and walnuts tossed with a maple-Dijon vinaigrette provide a refreshing, tangy contrast to rich dishes.
Tips for a Seamless Vegan Thanksgiving
Whether you're planning an entirely vegan spread or just adding a few animal-free dishes, these tips can help ensure a smooth and delicious celebration.
1. Plan Ahead
Many vegan side dishes can be made a day or two in advance—especially stuffing, casseroles, and cranberry sauce. Reheat just before serving.
2. Focus on Texture
Balance creamy (mashed potatoes, casseroles) with crunchy (slaws, roasted veggies) to keep the meal exciting.
3. Use Seasonal Ingredients
Root vegetables, squash, apples, and cranberries are naturally vegan-friendly and taste their best this time of year.
4. Label Everything
If you’re hosting a mixed-diet group, clearly label your vegan dishes. It also helps guests with allergies or food sensitivities.
5. Create a Vegan Gravy Station
Having a plant-based gravy option makes it easier for guests to enjoy multiple dishes—especially mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Building a Balanced Holiday Plate
A successful vegan Thanksgiving plate should offer a mix of:
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Protein: Lentil loaf, quinoa salad, or beans in the stuffing
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Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, and olive oil-based dressings
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Fiber: Whole grains, root vegetables, and leafy greens
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Complex carbs: Potatoes, squash, and gluten-free grains
Don’t forget the sauces. Vegan gravies and dressings elevate simple components and tie your plate together.
Hosting or Attending as a Vegan Guest
If you're hosting:
Offer variety and don’t be afraid to showcase plant-based versions of classics. Often, non-vegans appreciate creative dishes they wouldn’t typically try.
If you're attending:
Bring your favorite vegan side to share. Choose something substantial like a casserole, stuffing, or hearty salad that doubles as a main dish if needed.
Where Food Meets Compassion
Celebrating Thanksgiving with vegan side dishes lets you honor the season’s abundance without sacrificing your values. These recipes prove that holiday food can be inclusive, nourishing, and deeply flavorful. Whether you're a lifelong vegan or just exploring new options, you can craft a table that reflects both tradition and transformation.
And if you're looking to wear your values with pride, visit The Dharma Store—a shop dedicated to vegan-themed apparel made from soft, sustainable organic cotton. It’s a stylish way to share your beliefs long after the dishes are done.
Make this Thanksgiving one to remember—plant-based, peaceful, and packed with delicious sides that bring everyone together.