When you think of Halloween, you might picture costumes, candy, and pumpkins—but what about dinner? Whether you’re hosting a spooky dinner party or preparing a cozy meal before trick-or-treating, a good spread deserves delicious side dishes. And the best part? With the right recipes, you can keep everything vegan, harvest-inspired, and simple to prepare.
Halloween falls during the heart of the autumn harvest, when vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are at their peak. These seasonal ingredients make it easy to create hearty, colorful, and satisfying dishes that complement any main course.
In this guide, we’ll explore creative, easy-to-make vegan Halloween dinner side dishes that capture the essence of fall without requiring hours in the kitchen. From roasted root veggies to spooky-themed salads and creamy dips, these dishes balance comfort and creativity.
And if you want to bring your plant-based passion into your wardrobe, check out The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for showing your ethical spirit this Halloween season.
Why Choose Vegan Side Dishes for Halloween Dinner?
Vegan side dishes are more than just inclusive—they’re vibrant, nutrient-packed, and deeply flavorful. Choosing plant-based recipes offers several advantages:
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Healthier options: Vegan sides tend to be lower in saturated fats and cholesterol.
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Sustainability: Using seasonal produce supports local agriculture and reduces your environmental footprint.
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Inclusivity: With dairy-free and egg-free ingredients, everyone can enjoy the meal.
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Autumn flavor: The natural sweetness and warmth of harvest vegetables make plant-based dishes shine.
When you prepare vegan Halloween dinner sides, you’re not only nourishing your guests—you’re celebrating the abundance of the season.
Essential Ingredients for a Harvest-Inspired Halloween Dinner
To make side dishes that are festive and flavorful, focus on ingredients that reflect the fall harvest and Halloween theme. These staples will bring color, nutrition, and seasonal flair to your table:
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Pumpkin & Squash: Butternut, acorn, or kabocha squash add natural sweetness and creaminess.
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Sweet Potatoes: Perfect for roasting, mashing, or baking into casseroles.
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Brussels Sprouts: Crisp, earthy, and delicious when caramelized.
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Apples & Pears: Add a touch of sweetness to salads and stuffings.
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Beets & Carrots: Naturally colorful and packed with nutrients.
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Cranberries: Bring tangy brightness and balance to savory dishes.
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Maple Syrup & Cinnamon: For warming flavor notes that evoke autumn comfort.
By using a mix of these ingredients, you can create sides that are both nutritious and visually stunning.
Easy Vegan Halloween Dinner Side Dishes: Harvest-Inspired Recipes
Below are some easy yet elegant dishes to elevate your Halloween dinner table. Each is plant-based, fall-inspired, and ideal for pairing with soups, stews, or roasts.
1. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
This dish captures all the cozy flavors of fall in one pan. The caramelized Brussels sprouts blend beautifully with the tart cranberries and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
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Fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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Olive oil
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Pure maple syrup
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Dried cranberries
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Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Toss the sprouts with oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
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Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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Add cranberries in the last 5 minutes for a chewy, tart finish.
Serving tip: Sprinkle with toasted pecans for extra crunch.
This simple recipe makes an elegant side for any Halloween dinner, balancing sweet and savory perfectly.
2. Pumpkin Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A spooky twist on a comfort classic. Pumpkin purée adds both color and richness, transforming ordinary mashed potatoes into a golden-orange delight.
Ingredients:
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Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
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Canned or fresh pumpkin purée
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Plant-based butter
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Garlic, minced
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Unsweetened almond milk
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Salt, pepper, and nutmeg
Instructions:
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Boil potatoes until tender.
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Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
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Mash potatoes with garlic, pumpkin, and warm almond milk.
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Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
The creamy texture and subtle pumpkin flavor make this a Halloween-worthy side that complements everything from lentil loafs to roasted veggies.
3. Autumn Harvest Grain Salad
A nutrient-dense, colorful salad that adds brightness to your dinner table.
Ingredients:
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Cooked quinoa or farro
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Roasted butternut squash cubes
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Chopped kale or arugula
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Dried cranberries
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Toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds
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Maple-Dijon dressing
Instructions:
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Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
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Whisk dressing ingredients—olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
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Toss together and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
This dish can be made ahead, making it ideal for busy Halloween evenings.
4. Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Casserole
Layered with flavor, this casserole is rich without being heavy—perfect for a harvest-themed dinner.
Ingredients:
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Sweet potatoes, sliced thin
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Caramelized onions
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Coconut cream
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Fresh thyme and rosemary
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Sea salt and cracked pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Layer sweet potatoes and onions in a greased baking dish.
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Pour coconut cream over the top and sprinkle herbs.
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Bake for 35 minutes until golden and tender.
This side dish feels indulgent yet wholesome, with comforting autumn spices that make it Halloween-appropriate.
5. Beet and Orange Salad with Spiced Pecans
This striking salad features deep crimson beets and bright orange segments for a naturally spooky color palette.
Ingredients:
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Roasted beets, cubed
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Orange slices
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Mixed greens
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Spiced pecans (toasted with cinnamon and chili powder)
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Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
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Arrange greens, beets, and oranges on a platter.
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Top with spiced pecans and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
The bold colors and flavors make it a standout addition to any Halloween table.
6. Roasted Garlic Pumpkin Soup (as a Side)
Soup might not seem like a side dish, but a small serving can perfectly complement your main course. This silky, savory pumpkin soup brings warmth and depth to the meal.
Ingredients:
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Roasted pumpkin flesh
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Garlic cloves
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Vegetable broth
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Coconut milk
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Sage and smoked paprika
Instructions:
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Blend roasted pumpkin and garlic with broth and coconut milk.
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Heat in a pot with sage and paprika until smooth.
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Serve with toasted seeds or breadsticks shaped like “witch fingers.”
Velvety, aromatic, and festive—this soup doubles as comfort food and spooky décor.
7. Maple-Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Carrots bring sweetness, color, and nutrition to your spread. When glazed in maple and balsamic, they transform into an elegant side dish with a hint of Halloween spirit.
Ingredients:
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Rainbow carrots
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Maple syrup
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Balsamic vinegar
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Olive oil
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Fresh parsley
Instructions:
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Toss carrots with maple syrup, balsamic, and oil.
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Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
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Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
The result: tender, glossy carrots that pair beautifully with any fall entrée.
8. Stuffed Mini Pumpkins
For a visually stunning addition to your dinner table, try mini pumpkins stuffed with quinoa, cranberries, and herbs.
Ingredients:
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Small sugar pumpkins
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Cooked quinoa
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Diced apple
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Chopped kale
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Dried cranberries
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Walnuts, toasted
Instructions:
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Cut off pumpkin tops and scoop out seeds.
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Fill with the quinoa mixture and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
The adorable presentation makes these perfect for Halloween dinner parties, and they taste as good as they look.
9. Crispy Roasted Cauliflower “Brains”
Cauliflower makes a fun, spooky side dish when roasted until golden brown and slightly crisp. For Halloween, you can play up the “brain” look with creative plating.
Ingredients:
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Cauliflower florets
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Olive oil
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Smoked paprika and garlic powder
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Sea salt
Instructions:
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Toss cauliflower with oil and spices.
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Roast at 425°F until crispy and lightly charred.
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Serve in a round bowl for a ghoulish “brain” effect.
Add a drizzle of beet purée for a dramatic and Halloween-perfect touch.
10. Savory Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
Every harvest meal needs bread, and these vegan cornbread muffins are the ultimate pairing for soups and stews.
Ingredients:
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Cornmeal
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Pumpkin purée
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Plant-based milk
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Maple syrup
Instructions:
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Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another.
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Combine and pour into muffin tins.
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Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
Fluffy, fragrant, and slightly sweet—these muffins are the perfect side for any Halloween main dish.
Tips for Building a Balanced Vegan Halloween Dinner
Creating a well-rounded vegan dinner is about combining flavors, textures, and colors that feel festive yet satisfying. Here’s how to balance your menu:
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Pair hearty sides with lighter mains. If your main course is rich (like lentil loaf or vegan shepherd’s pie), add crisp salads or roasted veggies to lighten the plate.
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Use color for visual appeal. Combine orange pumpkins, green kale, and ruby-red beets for a visually striking spread.
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Add crunch. Use roasted seeds, nuts, or crispy chickpeas for texture.
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Incorporate sweetness sparingly. Maple, apple, and cranberry flavors add autumnal sweetness without overpowering savory dishes.
Balance makes your meal memorable and enjoyable for every guest.
How to Make Your Halloween Table Feel Seasonal
Beyond the food, presentation helps create a festive Halloween atmosphere:
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Decorate with natural elements—mini pumpkins, acorns, and fall leaves.
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Use rustic serving ware like wooden boards, ceramic bowls, or cast iron skillets.
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Light candles or lanterns for a spooky, cozy glow.
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Add themed accents like black napkins or orange place settings.
These small touches make your meal feel intentional and atmospheric, enhancing the dining experience.
Pairing Vegan Sides with Main Courses
Need inspiration for what to serve with these side dishes? Try these vegan main courses that complement a harvest theme:
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Stuffed acorn squash with lentils and wild rice
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Pumpkin risotto with sage and cashew cream
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Vegan shepherd’s pie topped with garlic mashed potatoes
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Lentil stew with cornbread muffins
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Chili with roasted sweet potato fries
Each of these mains pairs beautifully with one or more of the sides above for a complete, hearty Halloween meal.
Final Thoughts: A Feast to Remember
A memorable Halloween dinner doesn’t have to be complicated—or unhealthy. With these easy vegan Halloween dinner side dishes, you can create a harvest-inspired feast that’s equal parts cozy and celebratory.
From pumpkin-infused comfort food to creative, spooky-themed sides, each dish honors the best of autumn’s bounty while staying cruelty-free. These recipes are designed to impress guests, nourish your body, and make your Halloween table come alive with color and warmth.
And when it’s time to dress the part, visit The Dharma Store for vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. They’re the perfect blend of comfort, conscience, and seasonal style.