When Thanksgiving rolls around, there’s nothing like starting your meal with a warm, cozy bowl of soup. Whether you’re serving it as an elegant starter or a hearty main dish for a plant-based feast, these easy vegan Thanksgiving soup recipes deliver comfort, flavor, and seasonal charm in every spoonful.
Each recipe below is simple to make, uses wholesome ingredients, and pairs beautifully with the rest of your holiday spread. Plus, most of them can be made ahead of time — freeing you up to focus on the rest of your vegan Thanksgiving menu.
Why Soup Belongs on Your Thanksgiving Table
Soup often gets overlooked during Thanksgiving planning, but it’s one of the most underrated dishes to include. Here’s why:
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It sets the tone: A warm bowl of soup creates an inviting, cozy start to the meal.
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It’s flexible: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main for smaller gatherings.
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It’s make-ahead friendly: Most soups taste better the next day as flavors deepen.
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It uses seasonal produce: Squash, pumpkin, mushrooms, and root vegetables are at their peak flavor and affordability.
Now let’s dive into a lineup of easy vegan Thanksgiving soup recipes that anyone can make — beginner cooks included.
1. Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This silky, golden soup is the essence of fall comfort. Roasting the squash first enhances its natural sweetness and adds a rich depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
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1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
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Roast squash, onion, and garlic at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until tender.
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Transfer to a pot, add broth, and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Blend until smooth and stir in coconut milk.
Make-ahead tip: This soup reheats beautifully. Add extra broth when reheating if it thickens overnight.
2. Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Packed with protein and fiber, this lentil soup is perfect if you want something filling but still healthy.
Ingredients:
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1 cup green or brown lentils
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2 carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 onion, diced
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4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
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Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes.
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Add lentils and broth; bring to a boil.
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Simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
Flavor boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving to brighten it up.
3. Creamy Mushroom Soup
Rich, earthy, and full of umami — this soup feels luxurious yet is totally dairy-free.
Ingredients:
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1 lb mushrooms (cremini or mixed)
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1 onion, diced
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup coconut or cashew cream
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
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Sauté mushrooms and onion until soft and golden.
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Add broth, simmer for 15 minutes, then blend until creamy.
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Stir in coconut cream and warm through.
Serving idea: Top with a drizzle of olive oil and a few sautéed mushroom slices.
4. Carrot Ginger Soup
Bright and vibrant, this soup adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
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6 carrots, peeled and chopped
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1 onion, diced
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1 tbsp grated ginger
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
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Sauté onion and ginger in a pot.
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Add carrots and broth, then simmer until carrots are soft.
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Blend until smooth and swirl in coconut milk.
Pro tip: Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of vegan yogurt.
5. Sweet Potato Apple Soup
Sweet, savory, and slightly tart — this cozy soup combines fall flavors perfectly.
Ingredients:
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2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
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2 apples, peeled and chopped
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1 onion, diced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
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Sauté onion, then add sweet potatoes, apples, and broth.
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Simmer until everything is soft, about 25 minutes.
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Blend smooth and season with cinnamon and salt.
It’s like autumn in a bowl — warm, slightly sweet, and totally comforting.
6. Pumpkin Sage Soup
Pumpkin isn’t just for pie — it makes a stunning soup too. Sage brings out the earthiness, while coconut milk keeps it creamy.
Ingredients:
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1 can pumpkin purée
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 onion, diced
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1 tsp dried sage
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1 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
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Sauté onion with sage until fragrant.
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Add pumpkin and broth; simmer 10 minutes.
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Blend, then stir in coconut milk.
Make it fancy: Garnish with crispy sage leaves or toasted bread crumbs.
7. Cauliflower and Leek Soup
Light but luxurious, this white soup has a delicate, mild flavor that pairs beautifully with stronger Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients:
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1 head cauliflower, chopped
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2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup oat milk or almond milk
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Sauté leeks until soft.
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Add cauliflower and broth; simmer 20 minutes.
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Blend smooth and add non-dairy milk.
Serving suggestion: Top with olive oil drizzle or crushed black pepper for contrast.
8. Spiced Red Lentil Soup
A quick, protein-rich soup with warming spices — perfect if you want something bold and fragrant.
Ingredients:
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1 cup red lentils
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1 onion, diced
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp turmeric
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4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
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Sauté onion and spices for 2 minutes.
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Add lentils and broth; simmer for 20 minutes.
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Blend partially for texture and season to taste.
This one’s great for guests who enjoy a little kick of flavor.
9. Corn Chowder (Vegan and Creamy)
Creamy without dairy, hearty without heaviness — this corn chowder will win over any guest.
Ingredients:
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3 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
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1 potato, diced
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
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Sauté onion and potato for 5 minutes.
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Add corn and broth; simmer 20 minutes.
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Blend partially for a chunky texture and stir in coconut milk.
Bonus: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth.
10. Roasted Garlic and Potato Soup
Garlic lovers rejoice — this creamy, smooth soup feels indulgent and pairs perfectly with rustic bread.
Ingredients:
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1 whole head garlic
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3 large potatoes, cubed
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup almond milk
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Olive oil
Instructions:
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Roast garlic in foil with olive oil until soft (about 30 minutes).
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Boil potatoes in broth until tender.
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Blend potatoes with roasted garlic and almond milk.
The roasted garlic adds deep, mellow sweetness — an elegant touch for the holiday.
How to Build a Balanced Thanksgiving Soup Course
To make your soups fit seamlessly into your vegan Thanksgiving menu, balance flavors and textures across courses:
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Start light: Begin with something bright like Carrot Ginger or Cauliflower Leek.
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Go rich next: Follow with something creamy like Butternut Squash or Mushroom Soup.
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Mix textures: Smooth purees pair beautifully with crusty bread or roasted toppings.
And if you’re offering multiple soups, small portions in espresso cups or small bowls look stunning and prevent overfilling before the main meal.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Soup is the ultimate make-ahead dish. Here’s how to prep efficiently:
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Make soups 2–3 days ahead. Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
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Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture.
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Freeze leftovers in labeled jars for up to 3 months.
Coconut milk or nut-based soups freeze especially well — just whisk after thawing for a smooth consistency.
Easy Pairing Ideas for Your Vegan Soups
Round out your Thanksgiving table with these perfect pairings:
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Crusty bread or rolls — for dipping into creamy soups.
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Roasted vegetables — to complement earthy flavors.
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Simple salads — crisp greens balance rich soups beautifully.
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Garnishes like toasted nuts, seeds, or herbs — for visual appeal and texture.
Hosting Tips: Soup as a Thanksgiving Starter
Soup is one of the easiest dishes to serve for a crowd. A few hosting pointers:
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Serve in mugs or small bowls for casual gatherings.
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Keep warm in a slow cooker on the “low” setting.
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Label soups if serving multiple options — guests love knowing what’s in each.
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Garnish just before serving so toppings stay crisp and fresh.
Your guests will appreciate the warmth, aroma, and color that soups bring to the holiday table.
Eco-Friendly and Compassionate Thanksgiving Inspiration
Creating a vegan Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food — it’s also about aligning your choices with compassion, sustainability, and mindfulness.
If you want to extend that spirit beyond your menu, check out The Dharma Store. They sell vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — perfect for comfy, cruelty-free holiday wear or as thoughtful gifts for the plant-based friends and family in your life.
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Final Thoughts
A warm bowl of soup has the power to make Thanksgiving feel even more comforting and memorable. From creamy pumpkin and butternut squash to hearty lentil and spiced red lentil, these easy vegan Thanksgiving soup recipes bring nourishment, color, and joy to your holiday table.
Each one celebrates the best of fall’s harvest in a plant-based, heartwarming way — and they’re all simple enough for busy hosts to make ahead.
Whether you’re planning an elegant sit-down dinner or a casual potluck, soup is the perfect way to welcome your guests and set a cozy tone for the feast ahead.
And for a thoughtful touch this Thanksgiving season, visit The Dharma Store to explore vegan t-shirts made from organic cotton — because comfort, compassion, and sustainability always pair beautifully together.