Thanksgiving is a time for connection, gratitude, and, of course, incredible food. But for guests who avoid gluten or animal products, traditional menus often leave them picking through side dishes or skipping dessert altogether. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little creativity, you can craft a gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving menu that’s abundant, satisfying, and every bit as indulgent as the classic feast.
This guide features flavorful, crowd-pleasing dishes—from mains to desserts—that everyone can enjoy. These recipes skip gluten, dairy, eggs, and animal products, yet they overflow with rich, seasonal flavors that make Thanksgiving unforgettable.
Why Choose Gluten-Free Vegan Thanksgiving Dishes?
Creating a gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving spread isn’t just about accommodating dietary restrictions—it’s about inclusivity and compassion. Here’s why it’s worth embracing:
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Inclusive for all: You’ll have something for everyone at the table—vegans, celiacs, and guests who simply love great food.
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Healthier ingredients: Whole, plant-based foods often bring lighter yet nutrient-dense balance to a heavy meal.
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Sustainability: Vegan and gluten-free recipes emphasize grains, legumes, and vegetables that are kinder to the planet.
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Flavor-first cooking: Relying on fresh herbs, seasonal produce, and smart seasoning unlocks deep flavor naturally.
The best part? Nobody will even miss the gluten or animal products when the dishes are this good.
1. Roasted Cauliflower “Steaks” with Herb Gravy
Thick-cut roasted cauliflower steaks are hearty, satisfying, and beautifully golden on the table.
Ingredients:
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Cauliflower heads, sliced into thick slabs
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Olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper
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Fresh thyme and rosemary
Instructions:
Brush cauliflower with oil and season generously. Roast until golden brown, then drizzle with a gluten-free vegan gravy made from vegetable broth, tamari, and a cornstarch-thickened roux.
Why it works:
It’s a stunning main dish that’s simple yet elegant—perfect for both intimate and large Thanksgiving dinners.
2. Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze
This vegan lentil loaf is the perfect plant-based substitute for traditional meatloaf or turkey. It slices beautifully and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
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Cooked lentils, gluten-free oats, and finely chopped vegetables
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Flaxseed meal for binding
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Tomato paste, soy-free tamari, and maple syrup
Instructions:
Mix ingredients, press into a loaf pan, top with a maple-tomato glaze, and bake until firm and fragrant.
Tip:
Let it rest before slicing for perfect texture.
3. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cashew Butter
No Thanksgiving table feels complete without mashed potatoes—but this version skips dairy while keeping all the comfort.
Ingredients:
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Yukon gold potatoes
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Cashew butter or coconut cream
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Roasted garlic, salt, and a splash of plant milk
Instructions:
Mash until creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed. Garnish with chives or parsley for a restaurant-style touch.
Bonus:
It’s naturally gluten-free and absolutely luscious.
4. Wild Rice and Pecan Stuffing
Traditional stuffing often contains bread, but this gluten-free version made with wild rice delivers earthy, nutty flavor and incredible texture.
Ingredients:
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Wild rice and vegetable broth
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Celery, onion, carrots, and garlic
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Chopped pecans and dried cranberries
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Fresh sage and parsley
Instructions:
Cook rice, sauté vegetables, and mix everything together with herbs and cranberries. Bake until warmed through.
Why it’s perfect:
It’s hearty, colorful, and makes an excellent side or main for guests avoiding gluten.
5. Maple-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets. A maple glaze ties them together beautifully.
Ingredients:
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Carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips
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Olive oil, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar
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Thyme and sea salt
Instructions:
Toss vegetables in glaze and roast until caramelized. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
Pro tip:
Use a mix of colorful roots for a gorgeous autumn presentation.
6. Gluten-Free Vegan Gravy
Every Thanksgiving meal needs gravy—and this version doesn’t disappoint.
Ingredients:
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Olive oil, gluten-free flour (like brown rice or sorghum), and vegetable broth
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Tamari, garlic, onion powder, and thyme
Instructions:
Whisk flour and oil into a roux, then gradually add broth until smooth. Season to taste and simmer until thick.
Why it’s essential:
It ties the entire meal together—pour it over cauliflower steaks, lentil loaf, or mashed potatoes.
7. Harvest Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
A light, crisp salad balances the heavier elements of your Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients:
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Mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, and sliced apples
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Candied pecans and dried cranberries
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A maple-Dijon vinaigrette made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and mustard
Instructions:
Toss just before serving for freshness and crunch.
Hosting tip:
Serve in a large wooden bowl for a rustic, harvest-inspired look.
8. Vegan Green Bean Casserole (Gluten-Free)
A Thanksgiving classic made fully plant-based and gluten-free—creamy, savory, and nostalgic.
Ingredients:
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Fresh green beans
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Cashew cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and onions
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Crispy gluten-free fried onions for topping
Instructions:
Mix cooked beans with the sauce, bake until bubbly, and top with onions right before serving.
Result:
Comforting, creamy perfection without dairy or wheat.
9. Cranberry-Orange Sauce with Cinnamon
Skip the canned version and make your own cranberry sauce bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
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Fresh cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon
Instructions:
Simmer until thick and glossy, then chill.
Why it shines:
The bright acidity complements rich dishes and brings color to your Thanksgiving spread.
10. Gluten-Free Vegan Biscuits
Soft, flaky, and perfect for sopping up gravy, these biscuits are a must-have for your table.
Ingredients:
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Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
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Baking powder, vegan butter, and almond milk
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A touch of apple cider vinegar for lift
Instructions:
Mix, roll, cut, and bake until golden. Serve warm with vegan butter or jam.
11. Roasted Acorn Squash with Quinoa Stuffing
A centerpiece-worthy dish that’s both beautiful and satisfying.
Ingredients:
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Halved acorn squash
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Cooked quinoa, kale, cranberries, and walnuts
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Olive oil, garlic, and herbs
Instructions:
Roast squash, fill with quinoa mixture, and bake again briefly.
Why guests love it:
It’s hearty enough for a main dish and visually stunning on the table.
12. Gluten-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese
This comfort-food favorite belongs at every celebration. Creamy, cheesy, and completely dairy-free.
Ingredients:
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Gluten-free pasta
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Cashew-based cheese sauce with nutritional yeast and mustard
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Garlic powder, lemon juice, and smoked paprika
Instructions:
Blend sauce ingredients, toss with hot pasta, and bake for a few minutes for a golden top.
13. Spiced Apple Cider Glazed Tempeh
A flavorful, protein-packed option that adds savory-sweet contrast to your plate.
Ingredients:
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Tempeh, sliced
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Apple cider, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard
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Cinnamon and smoked paprika
Instructions:
Simmer tempeh in the glaze until caramelized. Serve over mashed potatoes or alongside vegetables.
Flavor note:
It’s tangy, rich, and a little smoky—the perfect balance.
14. Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkin pie. This version features a nut-based crust and silky spiced filling.
Ingredients:
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Almond flour and coconut oil for the crust
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Pumpkin purée, coconut milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice for the filling
Instructions:
Blend filling, pour into crust, and bake until set. Chill before slicing.
Why it’s perfect:
Creamy, classic flavor—without gluten, dairy, or eggs.
15. Pecan-Date Caramel Tarts
Mini desserts are ideal for parties, and these tarts deliver sticky-sweet indulgence.
Ingredients:
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Gluten-free oat crust
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Medjool dates, almond butter, and vanilla for caramel
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Chopped pecans for topping
Instructions:
Fill baked crusts with date caramel and chill. Garnish with sea salt for balance.
16. Spiced Pear Crisp (Gluten-Free & Vegan)
Warm, fragrant, and topped with a crunchy oat topping, this crisp makes a cozy finale to your meal.
Ingredients:
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Sliced pears, cinnamon, and maple syrup
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Gluten-free oats, almond flour, and coconut oil for the topping
Instructions:
Bake until bubbling and golden. Serve with vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish.
Hosting Tips for a Seamless Gluten-Free Vegan Thanksgiving
To make your holiday meal smooth, inclusive, and stress-free, keep these tips in mind:
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Label dishes: Clearly mark gluten-free and vegan items to make guests feel comfortable.
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Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate utensils and cutting boards for gluten-free preparation.
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Prep in advance: Many vegan and gluten-free dishes—like lentil loaf, gravies, and desserts—taste even better the next day.
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Include texture and color: Varying your ingredients keeps the meal exciting and beautiful.
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Balance your menu: Combine creamy, crunchy, and bright flavors for a complete experience.
A thoughtfully planned menu ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied and grateful.
A Celebration for Every Guest
When you create gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving dishes, you’re not just making food—you’re building community. You’re saying, “Everyone belongs here.” From savory mains to decadent desserts, every bite celebrates abundance, inclusion, and kindness.
The spirit of Thanksgiving isn’t found in the turkey—it’s in the gratitude we share and the mindful choices we make.
Show Your Compassion Year-Round
If living vegan brings you joy and pride, wear it with confidence. Explore The Dharma Store for vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—an ethical way to express your values while supporting sustainable, cruelty-free living.
Final Thoughts
Your Thanksgiving table can be both comforting and conscious. With these gluten-free vegan Thanksgiving dishes, you’ll serve a feast that satisfies every palate and honors every guest. Full of flavor, texture, and compassion, it’s proof that plant-based cooking isn’t a compromise—it’s a celebration.
This year, give thanks for good food, good company, and a world made kinder by mindful choices.