Home Vegan Post Delicious & Cheap Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes Under Budget

Delicious & Cheap Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes Under Budget


Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. Many of the most comforting, crowd-pleasing holiday dishes come from humble ingredients like potatoes, carrots, grains, beans, and seasonal vegetables. These ingredients are naturally budget-friendly, abundant in November, and ideal for creating a hearty, satisfying plant-based feast without overspending.

If you're planning a plant-based menu or contributing a dish to the holiday table, focusing on cheap vegan Thanksgiving side dishes is a smart way to feed a crowd without compromising on flavor. With the right recipes, you can stretch simple ingredients into dishes that feel festive, delicious, and worthy of the holiday spotlight.

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, feeding a large group, or simply trying to keep grocery costs down this year, these budget-friendly vegan side dishes will help you build an affordable yet memorable meal. And if you want to add a little plant-based style to your Thanksgiving prep, check out vegan-themed organic cotton shirts at The Dharma Store.

Let’s dive into the best low-cost vegan side dishes that deliver big flavor on a small budget.

Why Vegan Thanksgiving Sides Are Naturally Budget-Friendly

One of the biggest advantages of a plant-based holiday meal is cost. Animal-based dishes often drive grocery spending up, while vegan cooking relies on vegetables, legumes, starches, and grains — some of the most affordable ingredients available.

Here’s why vegan sides are ideal for budget-conscious Thanksgiving planning:

1. Seasonal produce is inexpensive

November is peak season for affordable vegetables like:

  • Potatoes

  • Sweet potatoes

  • Carrots

  • Brussels sprouts

  • Cabbage

  • Winter squash

  • Onions

  • Celery

Seasonal availability means lower prices and fresher ingredients.

2. Most vegan sides use pantry staples

Oats, rice, lentils, beans, garlic, spices, and broth form the backbone of many vegan dishes and are extremely cost-effective.

3. Large batch cooking saves money

Side dishes like stuffing, casseroles, roasted veg, and mashed potatoes scale up easily, making them ideal for large gatherings.

4. No specialty items required

You can keep everything simple and still produce stunning dishes without costly vegan cheeses or meats.

5. Vegan recipes reduce food waste

Trimmings from veggies can be used for broth, leftovers repurpose well, and many dishes are freezer-friendly.

Overall, budget-friendly vegan sides don’t feel cheap — they feel wholesome, comforting, and deeply flavorful.

Cheap Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Deliver Big Flavor

These dishes combine affordability, simplicity, and classic Thanksgiving taste profiles. They rely on basic, inexpensive ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.

1. Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most budget-friendly vegetables you can buy, especially in bulk. Herb-roasted potatoes work beautifully as a Thanksgiving side dish thanks to their crispy edges, rich aroma, and comforting flavor.

Why it’s budget-friendly:

  • Uses just potatoes, oil, garlic, and herbs

  • Easy to scale for large groups

  • Works with any type of potato

They’re golden, flavorful, and pair perfectly with every main dish on the holiday table.

2. Simple Maple-Glazed Carrots

Carrots are incredibly cheap in fall and winter. A little maple syrup, salt, and oven roasting transforms them into a beautiful, sweet-savory side dish.

Benefits:

  • Kid-friendly

  • Very inexpensive

  • Quick to prepare

They add color and brightness to a Thanksgiving plate without costing much.

3. Cabbage and Apple Slaw With Dijon Dressing

Cabbage is often one of the cheapest vegetables per pound, and apples are abundant during fall. Combined, they create a refreshing, crunchy side dish that balances heavier holiday foods.

Why it’s ideal:

  • Budget-friendly ingredients

  • No cooking required

  • Light and refreshing

This slaw adds a welcome contrast to mashed potatoes and stuffing.

4. Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are affordable, filling, and naturally sweet. For a savory twist, mashed sweet potatoes with garlic and spices create a hearty dish without requiring vegan butter or cream if you prefer to keep costs even lower.

Why it’s a budget winner:

  • Sweet potatoes stretch far with little cost

  • Minimal ingredients needed

  • Good make-ahead dish

They bring warmth and holiday comfort to the menu.

5. Classic Bread Stuffing (Vegan & Inexpensive)

Stuffing is one of the most iconic Thanksgiving sides. Making a vegan version is incredibly affordable when you use stale bread, vegetables, herbs, and broth.

Why stuffing stays low-cost:

  • Uses old or discounted bread

  • Onion, celery, and garlic are inexpensive

  • Herbs bring maximum flavor with minimal cost

It’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending much.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Drizzle

Brussels sprouts become crispy and caramelized when roasted. A drizzle of balsamic adds tangy sweetness without requiring many ingredients.

Budget perks:

  • Inexpensive during fall

  • Simple seasoning

  • Feels gourmet but costs very little

Even those skeptical of Brussels sprouts may be converted with this version.

7. Lemon Garlic Green Beans

Green beans are affordable and easy to cook in large batches. Tossed with lemon, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, they create a lively and vibrant side dish.

Why they’re great:

  • Low ingredient cost

  • Takes less than 15 minutes

  • A lighter alternative to green bean casserole

They add freshness and color to the Thanksgiving table.

8. Savory Lentil-Stuffed Squash

This dish looks elegant but is surprisingly cheap. Lentils are one of the most affordable protein sources, and acorn or butternut squash is low-cost in November.

Why it’s budget-friendly:

  • Lentils go far on a small budget

  • Seasonal squash is inexpensive

  • Makes a hearty, filling side dish

This option balances protein, vegetables, and warmth.

9. Cranberry Orange Sauce (Naturally Vegan)

Homemade cranberry sauce is easy and significantly cheaper than buying pre-made versions. Cranberries, sugar, and an orange are all you need.

Benefits:

  • Very inexpensive

  • Stores well

  • Adds bright color to the plate

The flavors complement every Thanksgiving dish beautifully.

10. Seasoned Rice Pilaf With Vegetables

Rice pilaf is one of the most economical dishes you can serve. Rice is inexpensive, and adding carrots, onion, and celery elevates it into a flavorful side dish.

Why it’s a smart choice:

  • Rice feeds large groups for very little money

  • Vegetables add texture and color

  • Works with any Thanksgiving main

It’s warm, comforting, and incredibly cost-effective.

11. Roasted Garlic and Herb Chickpeas

Chickpeas can be used as a protein-rich, crunchy side dish or topping for salads and grain dishes. Roasted chickpeas are inexpensive and easy to prepare.

Why it works:

  • Canned chickpeas are budget-friendly

  • Only seasoning and roasting required

  • Adds variety to the side dish lineup

These chickpeas can replace heavier processed vegan appetizers.

12. Sautéed Kale With Caramelized Onions

Kale can be very affordable, especially when purchased in large bunches. Pairing it with caramelized onions adds sweetness and depth.

Benefits:

  • Simple ingredients

  • Easy to make ahead

  • Nutrient-packed and warming

This dish balances the richness of other holiday foods.

How to Build a Full Budget-Friendly Vegan Thanksgiving Menu

You can design a complete Thanksgiving feast using the sides above without going over budget. Here’s a sample low-cost menu:

Main Dish: Lentil-stuffed squash or hearty roasted vegetables

Sides:

  • Herb-roasted potatoes

  • Maple-glazed carrots

  • Classic vegan stuffing

  • Green beans with lemon and garlic

  • Cranberry orange sauce

  • Rice pilaf

This entire spread uses affordable ingredients and can feed a large group without straining your finances.

If you want to bring a plant-powered vibe to your holiday kitchen, checkout vegan-themed organic cotton shirts at The Dharma Store — a fun way to celebrate while cooking and hosting.

Tips for Keeping Vegan Thanksgiving Sides Affordable

Sticking to your budget is easier with a few strategic choices. Here’s how to stretch your ingredients and dollars further:

1. Shop for ingredients early

Prices often rise close to Thanksgiving. Buying ahead ensures fresher veggies and lower prices.

2. Use what you already have

Check your pantry for staples like:

  • Rice

  • Oats

  • Flour

  • Spices

  • Canned beans

  • Garlic

You may already have half the ingredients needed for multiple side dishes.

3. Choose dishes that share ingredients

For example:

  • Onions and garlic appear in almost every recipe

  • Potatoes, carrots, and celery are versatile

  • Herbs like thyme and rosemary work across multiple dishes

This reduces the overall shopping list.

4. Buy in bulk

Buying these ingredients in bulk saves money:

  • Potatoes

  • Carrots

  • Rice

  • Lentils

  • Onions

  • Sweet potatoes

Bulk shopping is especially helpful for large gatherings.

5. Skip expensive vegan substitutes

You don’t need pricey vegan cheese, butter, or creams to create delicious sides. Let whole foods shine naturally.

6. Roast instead of sauté

Roasting:

  • Enhances flavor

  • Uses less oil

  • Requires fewer ingredients

And roasted vegetables always look beautiful in a spread.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a holiday built around gratitude, warmth, and togetherness — none of which require an expensive menu. With clever planning and humble ingredients, you can create cheap vegan Thanksgiving side dishes that feel just as festive and flavorful as any gourmet spread.

Seasonal vegetables, pantry staples, and simple preparations go a long way. Whether you choose roasted potatoes, bright green beans, rich stuffing, or sweet glazed carrots, every dish can shine without stretching your budget.

And if you want to celebrate the holiday in style, explore the vegan-themed organic cotton shirts at The Dharma Store — perfect for adding a little plant-based personality to your Thanksgiving celebration.