Home Vegan Post Vegan Holiday Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Celebrations

Vegan Holiday Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Celebrations

The holidays are synonymous with gathering around the table, sharing laughter, and indulging in special dishes that you only enjoy once a year. For those following a plant-based lifestyle—or anyone looking to add more vegan options—having reliable, crowd-pleasing vegan holiday recipes on hand is essential. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner for friends or contributing a dish to a potluck, these recipes ensure that everyone at the table, regardless of dietary preference, can join in the feast.

Beyond simply swapping animal products for vegan alternatives, these recipes celebrate seasonal flavors: warming spices, rich textures, and vibrant colors. From savory starters to show-stopping mains, from comforting sides to festive desserts, this guide covers everything you need to create a memorable plant-based holiday spread.

Appetizers & Starters

Getting the party started with flavorful, bite-sized treats sets the mood and keeps guests satisfied until the main course arrives. Here are two simple yet elegant appetizer ideas.

1. Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Herb “Ricotta”

Why It Works: Cremini or button mushrooms roast to tender perfection, while a creamy tofu-based filling provides richness and protein.

Ingredients (serves 8):

  • 24 large cremini mushrooms, stems removed

  • 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled

  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a bowl, combine tofu, nutritional yeast, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

  3. Drizzle mushroom caps with olive oil and place them gill-side up on a baking sheet.

  4. Spoon the tofu mixture into each cap.

  5. Bake for 15–18 minutes until mushrooms are tender and filling is lightly golden.

  6. Garnish with extra parsley before serving.

2. Cranberry-Pistachio Hummus with Pita Chips

Why It Works: A seasonal twist on classic hummus, this dip combines sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios for a festive flavor profile.

Ingredients (serves 6–8):

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

  • 1/4 cup roasted pistachios, plus extra for garnish

  • 2 tbsp tahini

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 garlic clove

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Pita bread, cut into triangles and toasted

Instructions:

  1. Combine chickpeas, cranberries, pistachios, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor.

  2. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of water if necessary to reach desired consistency.

  3. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

  4. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

Hearty Vegan Holiday Mains

A show-stopping main dish anchors the holiday table. These recipes deliver on flavor, presentation, and the satisfying heft that holiday dinners demand.

3. Lentil and Mushroom Wellington

Why It Works: A festive centerpiece that rivals traditional meat Wellington—packed with umami from mushrooms and lentils, wrapped in golden puff pastry.

Ingredients (serves 6–8):

  • 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed

  • 2 cups cooked lentils

  • 2 cups cremini mushrooms, finely chopped

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Plant milk for brushing

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook until moisture evaporates.

  3. Stir in lentils, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 more minutes. Cool slightly.

  4. Roll puff pastry into a rectangle. Spoon the lentil mixture along the center, leaving a border.

  5. Fold pastry over the filling, sealing edges and trimming excess. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet.

  6. Brush with plant milk, score the top lightly, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.

  7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

4. Holiday Nut Roast with Cranberry Glaze

Why It Works: A classic vegan main that’s rich in texture and flavor, enhanced by a sweet-tart cranberry glaze.

Ingredients (serves 6–8):

  • 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds), chopped

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, grated

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (flax “egg”)

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix ground flaxseed with water; let sit 5 minutes.

  3. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft. In a bowl, combine nuts, rice/quinoa, veggies, flax “egg,” paprika, salt, and pepper.

  4. Press mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment.

  5. Whisk glaze ingredients; pour over the loaf.

  6. Bake for 45–50 minutes until firm. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Delicious Holiday Sides

No holiday table is complete without an array of sides. These recipes complement your mains and add color, flavor, and nutritional balance.

5. Maple-Roasted Root Vegetables

Why It Works: Seasonal root vegetables caramelize beautifully under a sweet maple glaze—simple, colorful, and nutrient-dense.

Ingredients (serves 6):

  • 2 carrots, cut into sticks

  • 2 parsnips, cut into sticks

  • 1 sweet potato, cubed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, maple syrup, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

  3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.

  4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.

6. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Why It Works: Ultra-creamy and comforting, these mashed potatoes use plant milk and vegan butter for a silky texture.

Ingredients (serves 6):

  • 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk

  • 2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

  2. Drain and return to pot. Mash with plant milk and vegan butter until smooth.

  3. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm until serving.

7. Festive Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Why It Works: A light, refreshing counterpoint to heavier dishes—tangy cranberries, crunchy greens, and protein-packed quinoa.

Ingredients (serves 6):

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

  • 2 cups baby kale or spinach

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and greens.

  2. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper; pour over salad and toss to combine.

Festive Vegan Desserts

End the meal on a sweet note with desserts that celebrate seasonal flavors—without dairy or eggs.

8. Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Why It Works: A classic holiday dessert made vegan with coconut milk and warm spices.

Ingredients (serves 8):

  • 1 prepared vegan pie crust

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Whisk together pumpkin, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and spices until smooth.

  3. Pour into pie crust and bake 45–50 minutes until set. Let cool completely.

  4. Top with coconut whipped cream before serving.

9. Gingerbread Cookies

Why It Works: Spiced, chewy cookies that fill your home with festive aroma—easy to decorate with vegan icing.

Ingredients (makes ~24 cookies):

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cloves

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

  1. Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

  2. In another bowl, mix coconut oil, sugar, and molasses. Stir in dry ingredients until dough forms.

  3. Chill 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  4. Roll dough 1/4″ thick, cut shapes, and place on parchment-lined sheet.

  5. Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool before decorating.

Meal Planning & Prep Tips

  1. Make-Ahead Sauces & Gravies: Prepare vegan gravy or cranberry sauce days in advance; flavors deepen over time.

  2. Double Recipes: For dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, cook extra to feed leftovers on busy days.

  3. Delegate: Invite guests to bring one vegan side or dessert—eases your workload and adds variety.

  4. Label Everything: Clearly label vegan dishes so everyone knows they’re safe to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

With these vegan holiday recipes, you’re equipped to craft a festive, flavorful, and completely plant-based celebration. From elegant appetizers to indulgent desserts, these dishes honor holiday traditions while offering cruelty-free alternatives that delight every guest.

For kitchen tools, servingware, and eco-friendly holiday essentials, check out The Dharma Store.