Planning a Thanksgiving menu that satisfies everyone can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re hosting guests who are both vegan and gluten-free. Traditional holiday sides often rely on butter, cream, or wheat-based ingredients—but that doesn’t mean your menu has to lose its comforting, festive flair.
The good news? With a few thoughtful swaps and creative touches, you can serve dishes that are entirely plant-based, free from gluten, and absolutely delicious. These vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes for guests are flavorful, colorful, and satisfying—proving you don’t need dairy or gluten to capture that holiday magic.
Let’s explore a lineup of sides that will make everyone at your table, from your most health-conscious guest to your traditionalist uncle, come back for seconds.
Why Vegan and Gluten-Free Side Dishes Matter
More families are blending different dietary needs around the holidays. Between vegan lifestyles, gluten sensitivities, and food allergies, inclusive dishes are becoming essential—not just considerate.
Choosing vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes means:
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Everyone can enjoy the meal. No one has to miss out because of allergies or preferences.
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The dishes are naturally wholesome. Fresh vegetables, herbs, nuts, and gluten-free grains keep things nutritious and flavorful.
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They show thoughtfulness. Preparing inclusive food demonstrates care for your guests’ comfort and values.
And if you want to extend that spirit of compassion beyond the table, check out The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com). Their vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton reflect the same thoughtful lifestyle—perfect for those who love expressing their plant-based values with pride.
1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but cauliflower offers a light, velvety alternative that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
How to make it:
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Steam or boil cauliflower florets until tender.
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Blend with roasted garlic, a splash of unsweetened almond milk, and vegan butter.
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Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutritional yeast for creaminess.
Why guests love it: It has all the comfort of mashed potatoes but feels lighter, making room for more delicious sides on the plate.
2. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
These caramelized Brussels sprouts bring together sweet, tart, and savory notes in one elegant dish.
How to make it:
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Halve Brussels sprouts, toss in olive oil and a drizzle of maple syrup.
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Roast until golden and crisp.
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Toss with dried cranberries and toasted pecans before serving.
Flavor tip: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy finish. The contrast of maple and balsamic is unbeatable.
3. Wild Rice & Pecan Stuffing
Traditional stuffing is often loaded with bread, butter, and chicken broth. This version uses wild rice as the base for a hearty, gluten-free and vegan alternative.
How to make it:
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Cook wild rice in vegetable broth until tender.
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Sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms in olive oil.
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Mix in chopped pecans, dried cranberries, herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme), and the cooked rice.
Make-ahead tip: This dish reheats beautifully, so prepare it the day before and warm it up in the oven before serving.
4. Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet, smooth, and topped with crunch—this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to make it:
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Mash cooked sweet potatoes with coconut milk, cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup.
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Spread in a casserole dish and top with a crumble made of gluten-free oats, almond flour, and chopped pecans.
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Bake until golden and bubbling.
Why it works: It’s naturally sweet enough for kids and indulgent enough for adults, with zero dairy or gluten.
5. Quinoa Harvest Salad
A refreshing and colorful side that balances heavier dishes on the table.
How to make it:
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Combine cooked quinoa with roasted butternut squash, diced apples, kale, and dried cranberries.
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Toss with an olive oil and lemon vinaigrette.
Presentation idea: Serve it in a large bowl garnished with pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
6. Garlic-Roasted Green Beans with Almonds
Green beans get a glow-up in this simple, elegant dish.
How to make it:
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Roast trimmed green beans with olive oil and minced garlic until tender-crisp.
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Sprinkle with toasted almond slivers just before serving.
Why guests love it: It’s crisp, nutty, and pairs beautifully with any Thanksgiving main.
7. Vegan Gravy (Gluten-Free Version)
No Thanksgiving table is complete without gravy. This version is smooth, savory, and gluten-free.
How to make it:
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Sauté onions and garlic until caramelized.
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Stir in gluten-free flour (such as rice flour or cornstarch) to thicken.
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Add vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), and herbs.
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Simmer until silky smooth.
Serving idea: Pour it over mashed cauliflower or drizzle on your stuffing for the ultimate finishing touch.
8. Herbed Lentil Loaf Bites
While not a main dish, these mini lentil loaves are excellent as hearty sides or finger foods.
How to make it:
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Combine cooked lentils, gluten-free breadcrumbs, carrots, onions, and herbs.
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Form into mini loaves or muffin shapes.
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Bake until firm and golden.
Why it works: These are protein-packed, flavorful, and easy to serve to a crowd—plus, they freeze well for leftovers.
9. Cranberry-Orange Relish
Store-bought cranberry sauce often contains gelatin or refined sugars. This homemade version is both vegan and gluten-free, bursting with fresh citrus flavor.
How to make it:
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Pulse fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a bit of maple syrup in a food processor.
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Let it chill for a few hours before serving.
Why guests love it: It adds a tangy, refreshing contrast to rich sides like casseroles and loaves.
10. Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Tahini Drizzle
This colorful side looks stunning on the table and delivers rich flavor with minimal effort.
How to make it:
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Toss carrots with olive oil and roast until caramelized.
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Mix tahini with lemon juice and water until smooth, then drizzle over the top.
Optional garnish: Sprinkle with parsley or pomegranate seeds for color.
11. Vegan & Gluten-Free Cornbread
Warm, golden cornbread completes any Thanksgiving spread.
How to make it:
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Mix cornmeal with gluten-free flour, plant milk, flaxseed meal (as an egg replacer), and a touch of maple syrup.
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Bake in a skillet or muffin tin until fluffy and golden.
Serving suggestion: Brush with vegan butter right out of the oven. Serve alongside chili, stuffing, or soup.
12. Roasted Garlic & Herb Potatoes
If you’re avoiding mashed potatoes, roasted garlic potatoes are a simple alternative.
How to make it:
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Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Roast until crisp on the outside and soft inside.
Pro tip: Use colorful fingerling potatoes for an eye-catching presentation.
13. Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Cream Swirl
A smooth, warming soup that doubles as a starter or side.
How to make it:
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Roast diced butternut squash with onions and garlic.
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Blend with vegetable broth and coconut milk until creamy.
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Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Serving tip: Add a swirl of coconut cream and a few toasted pumpkin seeds for a restaurant-worthy finish.
14. Gluten-Free Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory bites make a sophisticated side or appetizer.
How to make it:
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Remove stems from large mushrooms and fill with a mix of quinoa, spinach, garlic, and herbs.
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Bake until mushrooms are tender and the filling is slightly crisp.
Why guests love them: They’re rich, hearty, and easy to eat—perfect for mingling before the main meal.
15. Apple-Cinnamon Baked Pears
A light and elegant way to end the meal or complement savory dishes.
How to make it:
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Halve ripe pears, scoop out cores, and fill with chopped apples, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
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Drizzle with maple syrup and bake until tender.
Optional addition: Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for dessert-level decadence.
Make-Ahead & Hosting Tips
The secret to a stress-free vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving is prep and presentation. Here’s how to make the day effortless:
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Prep early. Many dishes—like stuffing, salads, and casseroles—can be made a day ahead.
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Use separate utensils. Keep gluten-free foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
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Label your dishes. Guests appreciate knowing what’s safe for them to eat.
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Balance textures and colors. Pair creamy dishes with crunchy sides for variety.
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Serve family-style. It keeps things casual and warm—everyone can take what they love.
Setting the Table: Style Meets Compassion
Thanksgiving décor doesn’t have to be over the top. Pair natural textures like linen napkins and wood serving trays with warm autumn tones. Add fresh herbs or mini pumpkins for easy, sustainable beauty.
If you love sharing your plant-based lifestyle beyond the meal, consider wearing something from The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com). Their vegan-themed, organic cotton t-shirts are a subtle, stylish nod to compassionate living—perfect for hosting or gifting during the holidays.
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Final Thoughts
Hosting a Thanksgiving meal that’s both vegan and gluten-free doesn’t have to feel restrictive—it can be an opportunity to get creative, inclusive, and inspired. With dishes like roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, wild rice stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and maple-roasted Brussels sprouts, your guests will feel cared for and completely satisfied.
More than just a feast, your vegan and gluten-free menu reflects gratitude and compassion—the true heart of the holiday. And if you want to express that spirit every day, visit The Dharma Store (www.thedharmastore.com) for vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton that celebrate kindness in style.
This year, your Thanksgiving table can be beautiful, welcoming, and kind to all—humans, animals, and the planet alike.