All the vegan Thanksgiving ideas to host your best holiday dinner in one place! This is the guide you need with appetizers, sides, main dishes and dessert. We have it all!
All of that, plus tips and tricks to make your vegan Thanksgiving smooth and stress free. Learn how to make a meal plan and prep ahead so that you aren't left with hours and hours of work the day of!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
This post was originally published on November 7, 2016.
This list of vegan thanksgiving ideas is going to blow your mind, so many traditional recipes made vegan! However, I also have a planned vegan thanksgiving menu for those that want zero thinking involved!
Vegan Thanksgiving Dishes
When it comes to hosting a vegan thanksgiving dinner, I need planning and prepping. I love going through all of my vegan thanksgiving recipes and seeing what I think will go together best and what my guests will love most. This guide will help you do the same!
There is no rule with how many of each you need, you can serve all sides if you want! But I like to choose a few from each category to have options for everyone that will be eating.
Make sure you have or can get the ingredients used because you don't want to scramble at the last minute. I use a lot of easy to find options, but depending on where you live, it may or may not be easy to get.
Having quality ingredients is something I strive for, as well as having things that can be used in multiple recipes to reduce waste. We love our Silk plant-based milks for all the creamy goodness in many of my recipes!
Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers
A great way to start your Thanksgiving dinner is with appetizers! Have them prepped and ready to go so people can snack as they arrive and wait for the main event.
Healthy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
This vegan spinach artichoke dip is a healthy version of the original without the dairy but as creamy and delicious as ever!
see recipe
Vegan Charcuterie Grazing Board Ideas
Creative and delicious ideas to make the best vegan charcuterie board! Perfect for your next party, follow these easy step by step instructions.
see recipe
Roasted Carrot Hummus Recipe
This carrot hummus is made from rich caramelized roasted carrots and white beans for a perfect creamy dip you won't be able to stop eating!
see recipe
Gluten-Free Sausage Balls (Vegan)
These gluten free sausage balls are a twist on the traditional recipe but equally as amazing! Uses simple ingredients to get that cheesy savory flavor.
see recipe
Vegan Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
These vegan stuffed mushrooms are the perfect classic appetizer. Easy to make, so flavorful and even gluten-free!
see recipe
The Best Vegan Cheese Fondue
This vegan fondue is the perfect snack when you're craving something cheesy. The ultimate mix of Swiss cheese like flavor with a hint of white wine tang!
Vegan Pinwheels
These vegan pinwheels are the perfect snack! Super kid friendly, versatile and easy enough the littles can make them too!
see recipe
Secret Ingredient Greek Hummus
A light and airy whipped consistency with hints of lemon and Kalamata olives. This flavorful Greek hummus is the perfect appetizer or snack!
see recipe
Easy Vegan Bruschetta with Baked Polenta Rounds
This easy bruschetta is the perfect vegan appetizer you can throw together in minutes! It's gluten free, flavorful and has an extra bonus of added protein!
see recipe
Smoky Jalapeño Ranch Vegan Cheese Ball
A flavor bomb of an appetizer to blow the minds of cheese lovers everywhere. This easy smoky jalapeño ranch vegan cheese ball is the perfect party addition!
see recipe
Vegan Bruschetta Cheese Ball
Tangy, creamy, full of flavor and dairy free! You won't believe how these healthy ingredients come together to make a bruschetta flavored vegan cheese ball.
see recipe
Yellow Split Pea Dip (Greek Fava)
Switch up your hummus routine with this protein filled yellow split pea dip. It's called "Fava" in Greek, and the perfect way to get your healthy snacking on!
see recipe
Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
This collection of recipe ideas could honestly make up the entire meal. You can stick solely to the more classic items, serve something a little more unique, or offer a mix of both.
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This vegan mashed potatoes recipe is next level incredible. They are so creamy, rich and satisfying you'll have no idea they are dairy free! Easy to make and the perfect side dish.
see recipe
Authentic Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe
Authentic Greek lemon potatoes are made with a perfect blend of olive oil and herbs. Perfectly crisp outer edges, creamy and soft on the inside!
see recipe
Best Vegan Scalloped Potatoes (Gluten Free)
Hands down the best vegan scalloped potatoes recipe that is also gluten-free. Layered with a rich, creamy, buttery sauce that you won't believe is dairy free!
see recipe
Best Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is the best vegan sweet potato casserole out there! The buttery crunchy topping has no dairy and is even gluten-free.
Scalloped Cauliflower (Healthy Cauliflower Casserole)
Scalloped Cauliflower is baked in a rich creamy dairy free sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. The most incredible side dish ever!
see recipe
Gluten-Free Vegan Cornbread Muffins
These vegan cornbread muffins are not only gluten-free but they are so easy to make and taste incredible with rich, maple flavors of fall!
see recipe
Best Vegan Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe
This vegan cornbread recipe is the best ever! It's easy to make, gluten-free and perfectly moist and delicious.
see recipe
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These maple roasted Brussels sprouts are baked in the oven to crispy perfection with an amazing combo of sweet and salty. Add sriracha for a spicy twist!
see recipe
The Best Vegan Broccoli Casserole
Hands down the best vegan broccoli casserole recipe out there! Creamy, rich and satisfying without the dairy, but you'd never know. Also easy to make!
see recipe
Easy Vegan Green Bean Casserole (with Mushrooms)
This vegan green bean casserole uses fresh green beans and mushrooms mixed with a rich dairy free cream sauce and topped with crispy onions!
see recipe
Fasolakia (Greek Green Beans)
These classic Greek green beans, called fasolakia in Greece, come from my mother's authentic Greek kitchen! They are so healthy and amazing.
see recipe
Gluten-Free Vegan Stuffing Recipe
This vegan stuffing recipe is not only perfectly textured without the mush, but packed with flavor. Option to make it gluten-free too!
see recipe
Easy Vegan Quinoa Stuffing
This easy vegan quinoa stuffing has sweet butternut squash, tangy cranberries and buttery pistachios. A flavorful way to switch up traditional stuffing!
see recipe
Rice Stuffing Recipe for Christmas
This rice stuffing recipe is the perfect side dish for Christmas! It's made with nuts and currants for the perfect texture and flavor combo.
see recipe
Easy Maple Roasted Carrots
Maple roasted carrots are the perfect sweet and salty buttery side dish! This recipe has a hint of smoke, with an optional creamy lemon sauce!
see recipe
World's Best Greek Vegan Spanakopita
This authentic Greek recipe has gotten a makeover and is better than ever. This vegan spanakopita is hands down the absolute best you've ever had!
see recipe
Peas with Scallions and Dill
5 ingredients to your next favorite side dish! Whether it's the holidays, or a weekly meal, these peas with scallions and dill are the perfect addition!
see recipe
Vegan Thanksgiving Salads
It's so nice to serve a little freshness along with all of the other Thanksgiving dishes. These vegan salads are anything but boring and will be a wonderful addition to your dinner.
Vegan Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Satisfy your Greek cravings with this Vegan Horiatiki Salad. Fresh veggies, kalamata olives, and dairy free feta create a flavorful and healthy dish!
see recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Kale
This roasted butternut squash salad is rich and savory with the absolute perfect flavor. It's filled with healthy ingredients making it an amazing vegan salad choice!
see recipe
Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
This kale salad with lemon dressing is easy to make and filled with amazing flavors and textures. Simply add ingredients to the bowl and eat!
see recipe
Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This Mediterranean orzo salad is a 20 minute recipe you won't want to miss!! It's easy to throw together with my special trick, and doesn't skimp on flavor. Plus, easily make it vegan using your favorite dairy free cheese!
see recipe
Lentil Quinoa Salad
This recipe has it all: protein, iron, veggies and the health benefits of quinoa. So easy to put together and a great spring dish!
see recipe
Vegan Caesar Salad
This vegan caesar dressing is absolutely delicious and done in only 5 minutes! It has a classic version and is perfect for so many things.
see recipe
Amazing Greek Farro Salad Recipe
Try this easy and delicious Greek farro salad, packed with wholesome ingredients and tangy vegan feta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
see recipe
Best Vegan Broccoli Salad (with Cranberries)
A creamy vegan broccoli salad that is out of this world amazing! Combines crunchy broccoli with a mix of incredible flavors tossed in a tangy dressing.
see recipe
Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes
Classic Thanksgiving meals usually are based around turkey or another meat. So what do vegans eat on Thanksgiving instead of turkey? Anything they want! Tofurky may have had its time, but these recipes are way better!
Roasted Butternut Squash
Whether you are roasting a whole butternut squash as is, or cutting it in half, this will be your go to recipe! Customize the flavors, are keep it plain and simple.
see recipe
Vegan Lentil Meatloaf Recipe
The best mouthwatering vegan lentil meatloaf recipe! A twist on a classic dish with a hearty, satisfying flavor and perfect texture.
see recipe
The BEST Vegan Moussaka
This authentic vegan moussaka recipe is the best you'll ever try! Layers of eggplant, creamy bechamel and a meaty lentil ragu.
see recipe
Easy Gluten Free Vegan Pot Pie Recipe
This easy gluten free vegan pot pie recipe will blow your mind! It's so creamy and delicious you will not believe it has no dairy or gluten.
Creamy Vegan Winter Squash and Zucchini Soup
This winter squash soup is so easy to make and has added zucchini making it veggie packed. It's vegan but so creamy and delicious you won't miss the dairy!
see recipe
Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta
This creamy butternut squash pasta is vegan, so easy and uses a special ingredient that cuts the overall fat. But the flavor is still unreal!
see recipe
Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups
Ultra rich and creamy vegan butternut squash lasagna roll ups will hit the spot like nothing else! The perfect rich flavor rolled into a veggie filled meal.
see recipe
Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy vegan butternut squash soup using eight simple ingredients and a coconut milk base is the perfect fall meal. Bonus, it's easy to make!
see recipe
Vegan Greek Pastitsio Recipe
This is hands down the best vegan Greek pastitsio recipe you will ever find! Based on my mom's traditional recipe, it's healthy and has a flavor that's unreal. You won't miss the meat or dairy at all!
see recipe
Vegan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This vegan stuffed cabbage rolls recipe uses a meaty chickpea lentil filling mixed with rice, garlic, tomatoes, sauerkraut and spices for an incredible result!
see recipe
Healthy Veggie Mac and Cheese
This veggie mac and cheese is so creamy and delicious! You will have no idea it is healthy, vegan and gluten-free.
see recipe
Creamy Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This vegan baked mac and cheese is restaurant flavor but made with healthy whole foods. So creamy and amazing!
see recipe
Healthy Vegan Cottage Pie (With Vegetables)
A hearty vegan cottage pie made with a savory meaty mix of lentils and chickpeas and vegetables then topped fluffy mashed potatoes. Absolute perfection!
see recipe
Vegan Portobello Mushroom Steak Recipe
This easy vegan portobello steak recipe is the perfect flavorful main dish. Pairs amazing with all the sides for a well rounded hearty meal!
Easy Vegan Vegetable Lasagna (Gluten Free)
This vegan lasagna is made with vegetables, rich tomato sauce and has a special trick so you don't have to boil the noodles! It can also be made gluten free.
see recipe
Creamy Potato and Veggie Casserole
This easy veggie casserole is satisfying, creamy, delicious and full of healthy ingredients. It makes the perfect vegan side or main dish!
Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
What would Thanksgiving be without pumpkin pie? Don't stop there! Choose a couple of these vegan desserts to include in your menu.
Healthy Vegan Pumpkin Cupcakes
These healthy vegan pumpkin cupcakes are so easy to make with only nine whole food ingredients. The texture is absolutely incredible, you'll have no idea they are gluten-free!
see recipe
Amazing Layered Vegan Pumpkin Dessert
Forget pie, this layered vegan pumpkin dessert will be your new favorite fall treat! It's no bake, simple to make and the perfect way to wow your guests.
see recipe
Best Vegan Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie
A vegan gluten free pumpkin pie with a rich creamy custard like filling that's made with only 9 ingredients! So easy and absolutely delicious.
see recipe
Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are quick, easy and taste incredible! Bonus that they are gluten-free and made with whole foods.
see recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crust
This vegan pumpkin pie with pecan crust is easy to make and out of this world delicious! You won't believe how rich, thick and creamy it is!
see recipe
Baked Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Donuts
Just because you crave a donut, doesn't mean you need to resort to a greasy, fried one. Sure, those taste good but they are not the healthiest choice. These pumpkin spice ones are fluffy, moist, and super soft.
see recipe
Raw or Baked Layered Pumpkin Caramel Pie in a Mason Jar
Rich, deep flavors of decadent fall come together to create this much healthier replacement for your next holiday dessert. You will never look at standard pumpkin pie the same!
see recipe
Best Healthy Vegan Apple Crisp (Gluten Free)
The best vegan apple crisp recipe ever made with only 5 ingredients! So easy, healthy, gluten-free and takes only 10 minutes of prep time.
Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe
This vegan gluten-free apple pie is the best remake of the traditional version. Rich buttery flavor with tender sweet apples using healthy ingredients!
see recipe
Easy Apple Cobbler
This easy apple cobbler only takes 15 minutes of prep and then the oven does the work! It tastes incredible and also happens to be vegan and gluten free.
see recipe
Cinnamon Caramel Apple Pecan Pie
Cinnamon flavored caramel marries an apple pie and takes up residence in a cute mason jar. Plant based, gluten and refined sugar free love.
see recipe
Healthy Baked Cinnamon Apples
Elevate your dessert game with these healthy baked cinnamon apples. The fusion of tender apples and fragrant cinnamon, baked to perfection!
see recipe
Tips and Tricks for Hosting a Vegan Thanksgiving
- Write a menu out at least 1 week in advance. This gives you time to grocery shop and prep as much food ahead of time as you can.
- Consider the number of people on your guest list to make sure you have enough food. You may need to double or triple the recipes.
- If you are serving a wide variety of dishes you can assume people will eat less than a serving of each.
- However, if you only serve a couple options you will want to make enough for one serving per person.
- Review all of your recipes for the list of ingredients and how much of each item you will need (taking into consideration your number of guests) and check your kitchen before heading to the store. It's a bummer when you're halfway through a recipe and realize you're out of something.
- Try to choose a mix of dishes. For example, you want veggies, potatoes, stuffing, salad, etc. instead of four potato dishes.
- Don't try a recipe for the first time the day of your party. It's stressful enough hosting Thanksgiving dinner, do at least one trial run ahead of time, or at least prep ahead.
- Set the table the day before the party, or even sooner if you know no one will mess it up. This way it's checked off the to do list and no one has to run around as the food is almost ready.
How to Prep Vegan Thanksgiving Dishes
Much of your Thanksgiving dinner can be made ahead of time, or at the very least partially prepared.
- Wash and cut any vegetables up to 2 days in advance.
- Cut and dry the bread for stuffing ahead of time.
- The majority of the appetizers on this list can be made entirely in advance. The components of the stuffed mushrooms, pinwheels, and polenta rounds can be prepped so they can quickly be assembled the day of.
- Make any sauces, dressings, or toppings up to 3 days ahead of time. Some can even be frozen for longer!
- Most casseroles can be assembled the day before baking, just let the dish come to room temp for about 20 minutes before baking.
- The vegan desserts also keep really well and can be made beforehand.
The Vegan 8
So fantastic lady!! All I can think about is your white cheese sauce and how I just want to eat a huge bowl of that for Thanksgiving...I'm all good with that, LOL!! Seriously, great idea to include the shopping list! I posted my Thanksgiving meal plan last year as well, but didn't do a shopping list and that is a great idea. Looks like a lot of work to put that together. You did a great job and I can totally see why your guests never leave without having an overstuffed happy belly, haha!
veggiesdontbite
LOL. That cheese sauce is quite addicting! Thanks so much mama. Yes, it was quite a job! But I know how hard it is to put this together for people and I wanted to help!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
what a great roundup of recipes sophia! I'd love to have any one of these dishes for this meal plan on my thanksgiving menu!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Anjali! It was a lot of work but so worth it to help others!
Uma
I will share with my vegan friends! All are good recipes.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much Uma!
Laura
Such a great idea, and such a great selection of healthy choices! I'd make them all even if not for Thanksgiving!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Laura! Healthy but so tasty!
Mel |avirtualvegan.com
How helpful is this? It makes life so much easier and what fantastic recipes. I would certainly be a happy guest if I was served up all of that deliciousness!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Mel! My sister is hosting this year, I host Christmas. But I will be bringing many of these!
Linda @ Veganosity
Planning is key if you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner. I do the same thing you do. I plan my menu, shopping list, and then what I'll make the days before and the day of. Great menu!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Linda!! You have to plan or you go nuts! LOL!
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction
What an i incredibly delicious shopping list! I'm totally craving a Hot Pumpkin Spice Drink right now!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! We love the hot pumpkin!!
Elizabeth
Mmmm such a gorgeous spread! It just goes to show that a turkey doesn't need to be the showstopper for a Thanksgiving meal. Yum!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Elizabeth! No missing the turkey for sure!
Just Jo
I've never had Thanksgiving dinner being British but this is a genius idea and would help me to get everything I need. Beautiful photography and I really love that you included a shopping list - excellent time saving addition for this busy time of year!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! I have never been a Thanksgiving dinner fan but I love it now that I focus on sides!
Brian Jones
Lovely collection of recipes, those carrots sound absolutely incredible.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
This is so amazing, Sophia! What a feast! I really enjoy your meal plans.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Amy! I appreciate your kind words!
Aimee | Wallflower Kitchen
Really like the idea of doing a meal plan with a shopping list. So handy! Lot's of delicious looking food here 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Aimee!! I know people love the shopping list, so although it's loads of work I do it!
Nicole Dawson
I want to come to your house for Thanksgiving!
veggiesdontbite
Hahaha!!! My sister is hosting this year 😉
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
This looks like one amazing meal! I love that you've included a shopping list to make things easier.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Dianne!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A great delicious meal plan!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!