Thanksgiving can feel like a juggling act when you’re hosting guests with different dietary needs — vegan, gluten-free, or both. But don’t worry — crafting a menu that’s delicious, inclusive, and festive doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mix of seasonal produce and a few smart swaps, you can create vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes that everyone will rave about.
In this guide, you’ll find eight flavorful and easy-to-make vegan and gluten-free sides that will elevate your holiday table. Each one is full of texture, color, and comfort — no dry stuffing or bland casseroles here.
And if you want to carry your compassion beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store — a shop offering vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. Their mission aligns perfectly with a mindful, cruelty-free holiday.
Let’s dive into these crowd-pleasing recipes that make every guest feel welcome.
Why Vegan and Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Sides Matter
Modern Thanksgiving dinners often include a mix of dietary preferences and allergies. From vegan guests avoiding animal products to gluten-sensitive loved ones, planning a menu that works for everyone shows thoughtfulness and care.
Vegan and gluten-free cooking doesn’t have to mean “limiting.” In fact, it’s a chance to highlight fresh, vibrant ingredients — roasted vegetables, herbs, nuts, and grains that make every bite taste like the season.
The key is balance: creamy textures, bright flavors, and hearty dishes that hold their own next to the main course. The recipes below check all those boxes.
1. Garlic-Herb Mashed Cauliflower
A lighter twist on traditional mashed potatoes, this creamy cauliflower version is rich, garlicky, and completely gluten-free.
Ingredients:
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1 large head of cauliflower, chopped
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3 cloves garlic
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2 tablespoons vegan butter
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¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Steam cauliflower and garlic until tender.
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Transfer to a food processor with vegan butter and almond milk.
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Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
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Top with parsley before serving.
Why guests will love it: It’s light, creamy, and guilt-free — plus, even kids will ask for seconds.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Balsamic Glaze
This dish turns Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans. The glaze gives them a sweet, tangy crunch that’s irresistible.
Ingredients:
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1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons maple syrup
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Toss Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper.
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Roast 20 minutes, flip, then drizzle with maple syrup and balsamic.
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Roast 10 more minutes until caramelized.
Pro tip: Add a handful of toasted pecans for extra crunch and protein.
3. Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad
This salad brings color and a satisfying nutty texture to the table — perfect for gluten-free guests who still want a hearty dish.
Ingredients:
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1 cup wild rice
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2 cups vegetable broth
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½ cup dried cranberries
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¼ cup chopped green onions
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¼ cup toasted walnuts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Cook wild rice in broth until tender.
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Toss with remaining ingredients and adjust seasoning.
Why it works: It’s bright, tangy, and keeps well — a make-ahead dream for busy hosts.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
This sweet-savory casserole is always a hit. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, with a crunchy, caramelized topping.
Ingredients:
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4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
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½ cup chopped pecans
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2 tablespoons coconut oil
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2 tablespoons coconut sugar
Instructions:
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Combine sweet potato base ingredients and spread in a baking dish.
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Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over top.
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Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Serving suggestion: Pair with vegan gravy or cranberry sauce for a comforting flavor contrast.
5. Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables
Earthy, colorful, and satisfying, this side celebrates fall’s bounty with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
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1 parsnip, 2 carrots, 1 sweet potato, 1 beet, cubed
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon rosemary
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1 teaspoon thyme
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F.
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Toss vegetables with oil and herbs.
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Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes.
Why it shines: It’s rustic, pretty, and easy to scale up for larger gatherings.
6. Vegan Gravy (Gluten-Free Option)
Gravy can make or break Thanksgiving dinner — and this one satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 tablespoons gluten-free flour (like brown rice flour)
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2 cups vegetable broth
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2 teaspoons tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
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Heat oil in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
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Slowly add broth while whisking until smooth.
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Add seasonings and simmer 5–7 minutes.
Bonus: You can make it a day ahead — it reheats beautifully.
7. Quinoa Stuffing with Mushrooms and Celery
This gluten-free stuffing alternative keeps all the cozy flavors without the bread.
Ingredients:
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1 cup quinoa
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup chopped mushrooms
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1 cup celery
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1 onion, diced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon sage
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1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
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Cook quinoa in broth until fluffy.
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Sauté mushrooms, celery, and onion in olive oil.
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Mix everything together with herbs and season to taste.
Why guests will love it: It’s protein-packed, fragrant, and satisfying — no one will miss traditional stuffing.
8. Cranberry-Orange Sauce
Store-bought cranberry sauce often contains gelatin or added sugars. This fresh version is simple and naturally vegan.
Ingredients:
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12 oz cranberries
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½ cup orange juice
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
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Simmer for 10–12 minutes until thickened.
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Cool before serving.
Tip: Make it ahead — it tastes even better the next day.
Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free, Inclusive Thanksgiving
When catering to different dietary needs, communication and preparation go a long way. Here’s how to make hosting easier:
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Label dishes clearly: Use small place cards to note “Vegan” or “Gluten-Free” so guests can relax.
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Prep ahead: Many sides can be made the day before (especially gravies, sauces, and casseroles).
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Cross-contamination check: Use separate utensils and baking sheets for gluten-free dishes.
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Serve buffet-style: It keeps things organized and lets everyone customize their plates.
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Add variety: Mix creamy dishes with crunchy ones to keep the meal interesting.
The Power of Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Living
Vegan and gluten-free cooking brings more than just dietary accommodation — it’s about nourishment, sustainability, and compassion. Using whole, plant-based ingredients supports both personal health and the planet.
When you cook without animal products or gluten, you also make your table more welcoming. Everyone deserves to enjoy the comfort and flavor of a home-cooked meal without worrying about what’s in it.
Sustainable Thanksgiving Touches
Hosting a mindful Thanksgiving goes beyond what’s on your plate. Here are a few ways to make your gathering more sustainable:
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Buy local produce: Support nearby farms for fresher ingredients.
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Skip disposable tableware: Opt for reusable plates and utensils.
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Compost scraps: Turn peelings and trimmings into garden soil.
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Donate leftovers: Many food banks welcome cooked vegan dishes.
And if you want to extend your sustainable mindset to your wardrobe, check out The Dharma Store. Their vegan-themed t-shirts, made from organic cotton, are designed to spread kindness and awareness — perfect for wearing during the holiday season or gifting to the compassionate cook in your life.
Make-Ahead Plan for a Smooth Thanksgiving Day
You don’t have to do it all at once. Here’s how to prep these dishes for a low-stress holiday:
2–3 days before:
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Cook quinoa, wild rice, and cranberry sauce.
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Toast nuts for salads and casseroles.
1 day before:
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Make vegan gravy and sweet potato casserole.
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Chop vegetables for roasting.
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Mix salad dressings and store them in jars.
Thanksgiving morning:
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Roast veggies, reheat casseroles, and fluff grains.
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Finish with fresh herbs and citrus zest for color and brightness.
By mealtime, you’ll be free to enjoy the company — not stuck at the stove.
Bringing It All Together
Your Thanksgiving table can be vibrant, inclusive, and full of flavor without relying on animal products or gluten. From the creamy mashed cauliflower to the hearty quinoa stuffing, each dish adds something special — rich textures, seasonal herbs, and bright colors that celebrate abundance.
Remember, Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. The joy of cooking for others — especially when you’ve taken their needs to heart — is what truly makes the meal memorable.
And if you want to express your gratitude and values beyond the kitchen, visit The Dharma Store. Their vegan-themed apparel is a great reminder that compassion can be lived, shared, and worn with pride.
This year, let your holiday feast — and your style — reflect what Thanksgiving is really about: kindness, togetherness, and gratitude for the simple things that nourish us all.