Home Vegan Post Gluten-Free & Vegan Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for All Guests

Gluten-Free & Vegan Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for All Guests


Planning a holiday meal that caters to multiple dietary needs can feel overwhelming, especially when Thanksgiving is usually associated with stuffing, dinner rolls, gravies, casseroles, and desserts that traditionally contain both gluten and animal products. But crafting a gluten free vegan Thanksgiving menu is absolutely possible — and more than that, it can be delicious, hearty, and satisfying for every guest at your table.

Whether you’re hosting guests with gluten sensitivities, managing allergies, or simply embracing a plant-forward lifestyle, a thoughtfully curated menu ensures everyone feels included. With so many whole-food ingredients naturally free of gluten and easy to adapt into vegan cooking, the Thanksgiving classics can be reimagined in ways that preserve all the warmth, comfort, and tradition of the holiday.

This guide breaks down appetizers, mains, sides, sauces, and desserts that are both vegan and gluten-free — without sacrificing flavor or nostalgia. These dishes are rich, festive, crowd-friendly, and ideal for any host who wants their table to reflect care, inclusivity, and creativity. We’ll also cover simple hosting tips for managing cross-contamination and planning ahead. Plus, if you want a festive plant-based shirt to wear while cooking or hosting, you can find vegan-themed organic cotton shirts from The Dharma Store — perfect for the holiday season.

Let’s build your best gluten-free and vegan Thanksgiving menu from start to finish.

Why Create a Gluten-Free & Vegan Menu?

It’s not just about restrictions — it’s about making the table welcoming for all. Here’s why more hosts are planning menus that are gluten-free, vegan, or both:

1. It accommodates multiple diets at once

Serving gluten-free and vegan dishes ensures almost everyone can enjoy the same meal, which makes hosting simpler and more inclusive.

2. Whole food ingredients shine

Many Thanksgiving essentials — sweet potatoes, squash, cranberries, greens, and spices — are naturally gluten-free and plant-based, making the transition seamless.

3. It’s healthier without sacrificing comfort

A gluten-free and vegan meal often ends up lighter, more nutritious, and easier to digest.

4. Guests feel considered

Nothing is more hospitable than offering dishes everyone can safely enjoy without stress.

With thoughtful planning, your menu will rival any traditional spread — and maybe even surpass it.

Gluten-Free Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers

Appetizers set the tone for the entire meal, so start with dishes that are flavorful, seasonal, and naturally gluten-free.

1. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

This creamy, slightly sweet hummus uses roasted pumpkin blended with chickpeas, garlic, lemon, and spices. Serve with:

  • Gluten-free crackers

  • Fresh veggies

  • Roasted potato rounds

It’s festive, colorful, and perfect for snacking without feeling heavy.

2. Cranberry Walnut Salad Cups

Use tender butter lettuce leaves as the base and fill them with:

  • Chopped apples

  • Fresh cranberries

  • Toasted walnuts

  • A maple-lemon dressing

They’re crisp, refreshing, and great for guests who want something lighter before the main meal.

3. Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Large mushrooms filled with a mixture of:

  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs

  • Spinach

  • Garlic

  • White beans

  • Herbs

They bake into bite-sized savory appetizers that disappear fast.

Gluten-Free Vegan Main Dishes for Thanksgiving

Your main course is the anchor of your menu. These options are hearty, comforting, and celebration-worthy — all without gluten or animal products.

4. Lentil and Walnut Holiday Roast

This loaf-style roast combines cooked lentils, walnuts, carrots, celery, and herbs to create a sliceable centerpiece that rivals traditional holiday roasts.

Why it works:

  • Firm texture that holds together beautifully

  • Deep holiday flavors from thyme, sage, and smoked paprika

  • Delicious with gravy or cranberry sauce

It plates beautifully and makes great leftovers.

5. Stuffed Butternut Squash With Wild Rice Pilaf

Roasted squash halves become a natural edible bowl filled with a pilaf made from:

  • Wild rice

  • Mushrooms

  • Kale

  • Cranberries

  • Pecans

This entrée delivers impressive presentation and perfect fall flavor.

6. Chickpea and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

A gluten-free and vegan twist on a nostalgic classic, this dish layers a savory chickpea-and-vegetable filling with creamy mashed potatoes.

What makes it holiday-worthy:

  • Rich vegetable gravy

  • Hearty chickpeas for protein

  • Perfectly browned potato top

It’s comforting and universally loved.

Gluten-Free Vegan Thanksgiving Sides

Sides are the heart of Thanksgiving. These gluten-free and vegan options ensure everyone gets to enjoy their favorites.

7. Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Cashew Cream

Instead of butter, use:

  • Steamed potatoes

  • Cashew cream

  • Roasted garlic

  • A splash of plant milk

The result is velvety and indulgent.

8. Maple-Roasted Carrots With Thyme

Carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven with maple syrup, fresh thyme, and a touch of salt. No need for any gluten-containing ingredients or oils.

9. Gluten-Free Vegan Stuffing

Stuffing can absolutely be delicious without gluten or animal products. Use:

  • Gluten-free bread cubes

  • Celery and onions sautéed with broth

  • Mushrooms

  • Fresh sage and rosemary

It soaks up flavor just like traditional stuffing — without the dryness that gluten-free bread sometimes has.

10. Green Beans With Caramelized Onions

This simple side features:

  • Blanched green beans

  • Sweet caramelized onions cooked without oil

  • A squeeze of lemon

It’s fresh, vibrant, and easy to prepare ahead.

11. Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Crumble

A naturally gluten-free dish made from:

  • Mashed sweet potatoes

  • Cinnamon and nutmeg

  • Maple syrup

Top with a gluten-free oat and pecan crumble for extra texture.

12. Herb-Infused Quinoa Pilaf

A savory alternative to rice or stuffing, quinoa cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.

Mix with:

  • Celery

  • Carrots

  • Vegetable broth

  • Parsley and thyme

Light yet satisfying, this pairs with any main dish.

Gluten-Free Sauces, Gravies, and Toppings

These condiments bring your Thanksgiving plate to life, and each one is both gluten-free and vegan.

13. Gluten-Free Mushroom Gravy

Use gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder to thicken:

  • Mushrooms

  • Broth

  • Garlic

  • Thyme

This gravy is earthy, rich, and perfect over potatoes or lentil roasts.

14. Classic Cranberry Sauce With Orange

A simple blend of fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, and maple syrup creates a bright, sweet-tart sauce that pairs beautifully with every dish on the table.

15. Cashew Sage Cream Sauce

Blend soaked cashews with garlic, sage, vegetable broth, and lemon to create a creamy drizzle for vegetables or grain-based sides.

Gluten-Free Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts

No Thanksgiving celebration is complete without dessert. These treats are free of dairy, eggs, and gluten — but full of comfort and seasonal flavor.

16. Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Use a gluten-free oat or almond crust filled with:

  • Pumpkin purée

  • Coconut milk or homemade cashew milk

  • Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg

  • Maple syrup

It bakes into a silky, perfectly spiced center.

17. Apple Crisp With Gluten-Free Oats

Baked apples covered with a crumble topping made from:

  • Gluten-free oats

  • Almond flour

  • Cinnamon

  • Pecans

This dessert is warm, fragrant, and perfect with dairy-free ice cream.

18. Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Blend ripe avocados with cocoa powder and maple syrup for a rich dessert that requires no baking and feels surprisingly decadent.

Tips for Hosting a Gluten-Free & Vegan Thanksgiving

To ensure your holiday experience is smooth and stress-free, keep these guidelines in mind:

Label everything

Even if everything is gluten-free and vegan, clear labels help relieve guests’ anxiety about allergens and cross-contamination.

Separate cooking spaces when possible

Use separate cutting boards for gluten-free dishes if you’re preparing anything containing gluten in the same kitchen.

Choose naturally gluten-free ingredients

Focus on:

  • Potatoes

  • Rice

  • Quinoa

  • Vegetables

  • Fruits

  • Nuts

  • Beans

These foods create filling, dependable dishes.

Plan your menu ahead

This prevents last-minute issues with substitutions and ensures you have the right ingredients.

Elevate your tablescape

If you want to add flair to the holiday setup, sustainable vegan-themed shirts from The Dharma Store can even make great host outfits or gifts for guests.

Sample Gluten-Free Vegan Thanksgiving Menu

If you want a ready-to-go meal plan, try this balanced spread:

  • Roasted pumpkin hummus

  • Lentil walnut holiday roast

  • Gluten-free vegan stuffing

  • Garlic mashed potatoes with cashew cream

  • Maple-roasted carrots

  • Cranberry orange sauce

  • Green beans with caramelized onions

  • Gluten-free vegan pumpkin pie

This selection hits all the traditional notes of a Thanksgiving feast while staying entirely vegan and gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

A gluten free vegan Thanksgiving menu doesn’t require sacrificing classic flavors or family traditions. With a little planning and creativity, you can build a feast that feels nostalgic, abundant, and inclusive. From hearty mains to cozy sides and indulgent desserts, the possibilities are rich and rewarding. And with every dish crafted to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs, no one at your table has to feel left out.

Thanksgiving is about connection, gratitude, and sharing — and a well-designed gluten-free and vegan menu reflects all of those values beautifully. For extra holiday flair, explore vegan-themed organic cotton shirts at The Dharma Store to celebrate the season in style while cooking or hosting.