Home Vegan Post Celebrate a Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Without Breaking the Bank

Celebrate a Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Without Breaking the Bank


Celebrate a Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Without Breaking the Bank

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, good food, and gathering — not overspending. The truth is, you can create a full vegan Thanksgiving meal for under $30 that looks and tastes incredible. With a little planning, a simple menu, and smart shopping strategies, you’ll serve a comforting, wholesome feast that feels rich in flavor and tradition — without draining your wallet.

Whether you’re hosting a small group, cooking solo, or feeding a family of four, this budget-friendly vegan menu offers everything: appetizer, main course, sides, dessert, and even a beverage idea.

To help you plan and stay inspired, we’ll also include a complete cost breakdown and shopping list, all built around easy-to-find ingredients that make the most of your budget.

And if you love celebrating your vegan values beyond the plate, check out The Dharma Store — they sell vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, perfect for Thanksgiving hosting, gifting, or wearing proudly at your table.

Why a Budget Vegan Thanksgiving Works So Well

Plant-based cooking is naturally cost-efficient. Whole foods like beans, lentils, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables are inexpensive and filling. When you focus on simplicity and flavor — rather than imitation meats or fancy substitutes — you can easily create a complete vegan meal under $30 that still feels festive.

Here’s how:

  • Buy in bulk: Dried beans, rice, and grains are cheap and store well.

  • Cook from scratch: Avoid pre-packaged sides or vegan cheeses.

  • Use seasonal produce: Sweet potatoes, squash, cranberries, and Brussels sprouts are abundant and affordable in November.

  • Plan portions wisely: Most Thanksgiving dishes yield leftovers, so you’ll actually save money beyond the holiday meal itself.

Let’s dive into the $30 vegan Thanksgiving menu that hits every note — savory, sweet, hearty, and comforting.

Full Budget Vegan Thanksgiving Menu (Under $30 Total)

Appetizer: Roasted Garlic Hummus with Veggie Dippers

Cost: ~$3.50

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas ($1.00)

  • 2 cloves garlic ($0.25)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil ($0.50)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice ($0.25)

  • 1 tsp salt and pepper ($0.10)

  • Assorted veggies: 2 carrots and 1 cucumber, sliced ($1.40)

Instructions:

  1. Blend chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until creamy.

  2. Add water if needed for smoothness, and season to taste.

  3. Serve with sliced carrots and cucumbers.

Why it works: This easy starter feels indulgent and fresh. It’s high in protein, full of flavor, and affordable.

Main Course: Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Cost: ~$7.00

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried lentils ($1.25)

  • 1 onion ($0.50)

  • 2 carrots ($0.60)

  • 1 cup frozen peas ($1.00)

  • 3 cups mashed potatoes (from about 5 potatoes, $2.00)

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup ($0.25)

  • 2 tbsp flour ($0.20)

  • 2 cups vegetable broth ($1.20)

Instructions:

  1. Cook lentils in broth until tender.

  2. Sauté onion and carrots, then add flour to thicken.

  3. Stir in lentils, peas, and seasonings.

  4. Spread in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.

  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Why it works: Warm, hearty, and protein-rich — this shepherd’s pie feels like comfort food at its best. It serves as your show-stopping main without pricey ingredients like tofu or mock meats.

Side Dish 1: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Glaze

Cost: ~$4.00

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes ($2.50)

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup ($1.00)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil ($0.50)

Instructions:

  1. Cube sweet potatoes and toss with oil and maple syrup.

  2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes until caramelized.

Why it works: Sweet, rich, and naturally festive — these golden bites balance the savory lentil pie beautifully.

Side Dish 2: Simple Green Beans with Garlic & Lemon

Cost: ~$3.00

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh or frozen green beans ($2.00)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.25)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice ($0.25)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil ($0.50)

Instructions:

  1. Steam or boil green beans until tender.

  2. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add beans, and toss with lemon juice.

Why it works: Light and fresh, this side brightens the plate and balances heavier dishes.

Side Dish 3: Classic Cranberry Sauce

Cost: ~$2.50

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries ($1.75)

  • ½ cup sugar ($0.50)

  • ½ cup water ($0.25)

Instructions:

  1. Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.

  2. Simmer until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

Why it works: Tangy, bright, and naturally vegan — cranberry sauce ties everything together with a pop of color and flavor.

Dessert: No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Cups

Cost: ~$5.00

Ingredients:

  • 1 can pumpkin puree ($2.00)

  • ½ cup coconut milk ($1.00)

  • ¼ cup sugar or maple syrup ($0.75)

  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice ($0.25)

  • Crushed graham crackers or cookies for crust ($1.00)

Instructions:

  1. Mix pumpkin, coconut milk, sugar, and spices until smooth.

  2. Spoon crushed crackers into cups or jars, top with pumpkin filling.

  3. Chill for an hour before serving.

Why it works: Creamy, sweet, and festive — this dessert captures the essence of Thanksgiving without the need for baking or extra cost.

Beverage: Spiced Apple Cider Punch

Cost: ~$4.00

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider ($3.00)

  • 1 orange, sliced ($0.75)

  • 1 cinnamon stick ($0.25)

Instructions:

  1. Warm cider with orange slices and cinnamon for 10 minutes.

  2. Serve warm or chilled.

Why it works: Cozy, aromatic, and budget-friendly — the perfect drink to toast your vegan Thanksgiving feast.

Total Cost Breakdown

Dish Estimated Cost
Roasted Garlic Hummus $3.50
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie $7.00
Roasted Sweet Potatoes $4.00
Green Beans with Garlic $3.00
Cranberry Sauce $2.50
Pumpkin Pie Cups $5.00
Spiced Apple Cider $4.00
Total: $29.00

This full menu serves 4–5 people generously and even leaves room for a few pantry staples like salt, pepper, and oil that you likely already have.

Tips for Staying Under Budget

1. Shop Seasonal Produce

Buying what’s in season saves money and improves flavor. In November, look for squash, potatoes, carrots, onions, and cranberries.

2. Buy Store Brands

Generic or store-label items (like canned beans or broth) can save 30–40% compared to name brands.

3. Plan for Overlaps

Ingredients like onions, olive oil, and garlic appear in multiple recipes — meaning you get more mileage from one purchase.

4. Skip Expensive Vegan Substitutes

Vegan cheese, butter, and meat alternatives can drive up costs. Stick to whole food ingredients that naturally shine.

5. Use Pantry Staples

Before shopping, check your pantry for basics like spices, salt, oil, and flour. These often make up a hidden chunk of costs when bought new.

Make-Ahead Strategy for Less Stress

Cooking everything in one day can feel overwhelming — even for budget menus. Here’s a make-ahead plan that saves time and ensures every dish is served perfectly.

Two Days Before Thanksgiving:

  • Cook lentils and mash potatoes for the shepherd’s pie.

  • Make cranberry sauce and refrigerate.

One Day Before:

  • Roast sweet potatoes and refrigerate.

  • Prepare pumpkin pie cups and keep chilled.

Thanksgiving Morning:

  • Assemble and bake shepherd’s pie.

  • Reheat roasted sweet potatoes and green beans.

  • Warm the apple cider before serving.

This plan keeps your budget-friendly meal manageable while still allowing time to enjoy the day.

Setting the Mood on a Budget

You don’t need to buy new décor to make your Thanksgiving feel special. A few simple ideas go a long way:

  • Use nature: Scatter pinecones, apples, or colorful leaves across the table.

  • Repurpose jars: Use them for candles, drinks, or desserts.

  • DIY name cards: Cut out leaves or recycled paper and handwrite guest names.

And if you want a sustainable, stylish outfit for your Thanksgiving gathering, check out The Dharma Store. Their vegan t-shirts made from organic cotton are comfortable, eco-friendly, and a great conversation starter at any holiday table.

Bonus: Budget Leftover Ideas

Stretch your $30 meal even further with creative uses for leftovers:

  • Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Wraps: Spoon leftovers into a tortilla for a quick lunch.

  • Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash: Pan-fry cubes with onions and greens for a hearty morning meal.

  • Pumpkin Oat Parfaits: Layer leftover pumpkin filling with oats and granola.

Final Thoughts

A meaningful Thanksgiving doesn’t come from an expensive spread — it comes from intention. With this budget vegan Thanksgiving menu under $30, you’ll serve a meal that’s wholesome, sustainable, and satisfying for everyone at the table.

Cooking on a budget can be empowering — it reminds us that abundance isn’t about cost, but creativity. This year, let gratitude, simplicity, and flavor guide your celebration.

And when the feast is done, wear your values proudly with a vegan-themed tee from The Dharma Store — because compassion never goes out of style.