As the crisp autumn air carries the scent of fall leaves and the sound of crunching footsteps, we can't help but anticipate the comforting coziness of Thanksgiving – a holiday imbued with gratitude, togetherness, and above all, mouth watering food. Traditional Thanksgiving tables are laden with bountiful dishes, each carrying its own story of tradition and family memories. But, what if your food preferences lean towards a more plant-based lifestyle?

‍

Here's the good news: being vegan doesn't mean missing out on the deliciousness that Thanksgiving has to offer. A vegan Thanksgiving feast can be just as satiating, flavorful, and comforting as its conventional counterpart. The beauty of plant-based cooking is its unlimited creativity, resourcefulness, and ability to transform simple, earth-grown ingredients into spectacular dishes that satisfy both the palate and the soul. The art of plant-based cooking has mastered the use of substitutes, bringing traditional favorites to life with veggies, whole grains, legumes, animal product substitutes, and dairy alternatives. Whether you're a seasoned vegan cook or new to the vegan lifestyle, or even if you're just curious about incorporating more plant-based dishes into your holiday feast, you're in for a treat.

‍

Join us as we delve into the world of vegan and vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, each promising a flavorful adventure that redefines the conventional meat eater Thanksgiving fare. You'll discover that vegan dishes can be as heartwarming, diverse, and simply wonderful as any other, ensuring your Thanksgiving table is a celebration of life, love, gratitude, and great food this holiday season.

‍

Strapped on time to meal plan and shop for your favorite Thanksgiving recipes? Give Hungryroot a go and experience the delight of healthy groceries that transform into tasty recipes —including vegan recipes—delivered straight to your door! Start your journey by taking our personalized quiz to get the best recommendations just for you.

Our Favorite Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

Whether you're new to the vegan lifestyle or you're a seasoned pro, you'll find plenty of delicious meals to inspire your next Thanksgiving session. Below, we've combed through our library of 2000+ recipes to curate a selection of delicious, yet simple vegan Thanksgiving meals and sides that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Plant-based, Roast Sweet Potato Mash: Get ready to bring the magic of Thanksgiving to your table with this spectacular, plant-based roast and creamy mashed potatoes. Brussel sprouts are seasoned and roasted to perfection to complement the star of the show: the plant-based, sage + garlic celebration roast. This hearty roast is made from butternut squash, onions and lentils and is sliced and seared offering a substitute for traditional Thanksgiving meat. The meal is finished with a classic, vegan mushroom gravy sauce that brings a depth of flavor to the dish that ties everything together. The main dish is then paired with a side of creamy, sweet potatoes that complement the savory roast and Brussels sprouts. Get ready to wow your guests with this incredibly delicious, easy-to-prepare, and plant-based Thanksgiving wonder!

Fall “Chicken” Tender Plate With Mushroom Gravy: Thanksgiving is all about savoring the fall flavors, and what better way to do it than with our sensational plant-based chicken tender plate served with rich mushroom gravy? A vibrant mix of harvest vegetables is seasoned and baked until beautifully caramelized in the oven. Stir in naturally sweet cranberries, as a subtle complement to the savory veggies, adding a festive touch. The plant-based chicken tenders are seared and paired with the veggies while the flavorful vegan gravy is layered on top to enhance the umami-rich flavors and add a savory goodness that is impossible to resist. With this dish, you’re set to create a festive meal that’s brimming with love, warmth, and the true essence of Thanksgiving.

Broccoli Mac ‘N Cheez Rotini: This Thanksgiving, let’s rekindle the comforting nostalgia of a home-cooked meal with this delightful, vegan mac ‘n cheese. This nutrient-dense version of the classic mac ‘n cheese offers a fun and flavorful twist, combining the hearty wholesomeness of broccoli and the guilt-free decadence of vegan cheese. Chopped, tender sweet baby broccoli is paired with chickpea rotini and a creamy cashew cheddar sauce to create a satisfying, rich, and refreshing meal. For an extra zing, sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Invite your guests to dive into the indulgent world of plant-based comfort food and add this dish to your next festive menu.

Family Size Vegan Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Any Thanksgiving would be incomplete without the comforting, velvety-smooth presence of mashed potatoes on your dinner table. In less than half an hour, you can prepare a lip-smacking side dish that packs a punch of garlic flavor and the creaminess of vegan butter. Roasted garlic cloves are paired with creamy, mashed russet potatoes mixed with oat milk-based vegan butter. When you finally mash all the ingredients together to a smooth consistency, you end up with a bowl of garlicky, buttery goodness that can win over even the sternest mashed potato traditionalists.

Family Size Vegan Sweet Potato Marshmallow Boats: Get ready to charm your guests this Thanksgiving with an exciting, sweet surprise. This recipe is a delightful fusion of soft, creamy sweet potatoes and fluffy, toasty vegan marshmallows, elegantly presented in their own natural “boat”. Sweet potatoes are warmed up until tender to offer a creamy base for the boats. The sweet potato filling is scooped out and mixed with creamy vegan butter (or coconut milk) to create a heavenly mash that’s carefully placed back into the potato skins. A layer of chopped vegan marshmallows melts into a dreamy, sweet blanket over the potato mash. Pair with velvety maple syrup or pomegranate seeds as toppings for extra sweetness and zest. These boats are not just a vegan alternative, but a festive treat that everyone at your table will love and remember.

Black Bean Avocado Stuffed Sweet Potato: Ditch traditional sweet potato casserole with these sweet potatoes and imagine having a festive Thanksgiving meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nourishing, plant-based goodness. The dish has it all: the sweetness of creamy sweet potatoes, the tanginess of fresh lime, the creamy indulgence of ripe avocado, and the bold flavors of simmered Cuban black beans. Once the sweet potatoes are baked, fill them with warm black beans, and top with the luscious avocado slices. Then, sprinkle fresh, fragrant cilantro leaves on top for an extra burst of flavor. Finally, a vibrant squeeze of fresh lime juice helps bring out all the flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, get ready to fall in love with this dish.

Chorizo Harvest Veggie Polenta: Thanksgiving is a time to come together, share gratitude, and most importantly, indulge in a lavish festive meal like this one. The dish combines rich, spicy flavors of plant-based “chorizo” with the creamy comfort of yellow polenta and the freshness of harvest veggie roasting mix. The symphony of flavors creates an irresistible, comforting meal that will be the star of your Thanksgiving spread! Once everything is cooked, a layer of velvety polenta is topped with hearty chorizo and crowned with tender, roasted veggies. This recipe proves that vegan dishes can offer a depth of flavor and hearty satisfaction that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.

Zesty Roasted Cauliflower Brussels Bowl: If you’re looking for a unique, nutrient-packed meal that also happens to be irresistibly tasty, then look no further than this fall-inspired, savory bowl. Brimming with colorful vegetables, and full-bodied flavors, and drizzled in a zesty house dressing, this dish guarantees to please your guests this Thanksgiving. The roasted cauliflower florets bring out the natural sweetness and give the dish a golden, crispy edge, while the sauteed Brussel sprouts provide a delightful contrast. The luscious, mashed sweet potatoes tie everything together, adding a comforting touch to the bowl. 

Plant-based Chicken Tender + Brussels Plate: Embrace the delights of plant-based eating with this quick and delicious “chicken” tender and Brussels plate. This easy recipe pairs crispy plant-based chicken tenders with nutrient-rich Brussels roasted in olive oil and served alongside cooked sweet potatoes. To elevate the flavors, this dish is served with a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce. Incorporating plant-based meals into your Thanksgiving menu has never been easier or more delicious with this recipe. 

Kale Quinoa Bites Squash Bowl: This recipe encapsulates the spirit of a Thanksgiving dinner in every mouthful! This heartwarming meal brings together the savory taste of kale and quinoa bites with the natural sweetness of butternut squash cubes. These veggies are all served on a bed of a deliciously nutty wild rice quinoa blend adding a layer of complex carbs that will keep you and your guests full. The dish is made even more mouthwatering with a spoonful of our spinach artichoke sauce, a creamy, flavorful addition that ties all the ingredients together. Thanksgiving is a time to embrace heartwarming flavors and foods that bring comfort, and this recipe embodies that spirit perfectly. 

Beyond Sausage + Tomato Sauce Lentil Skillet: This skillet combines bold, flavorful ingredients for a hearty and satisfying Thanksgiving meal ready in just 16 minutes. The star of this dish is the Beyond Sausage brat sausage, which offers a rich, savory, and slightly spicy taste that is strikingly similar to traditional meat-based sausages. The super blend salad, a mix of nutritious greens, adds a fresh crunch and lightness that balances out the hearty sausage.The lentil quinoa rice mix adds a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying chewiness. The dish is brought together with the superfood tomato sauce that infuses the skillet with a tangy sweetness that complements the savory sausage and nutty grains, resulting in a well-rounded meal. It’s a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it perfect for a Thanksgiving meal.

Veggie Sides

Lemongrass Tofu Nuggets + Mixed Veggies: This recipe is a delightful and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. The star of this side dish is the lemongrass tofu nuggets that are sauteed and paired with a medley of nutritious and colorful vegetables. As a Thanksgiving side dish, this tofu and veggie skillet offers a healthier option amidst the often heavy and rich traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Technicolor Chickpea Avocado Salad: Consider replacing vegan stuffing with this vibrant and healthy side dish that will add a burst of color and fresh flavors to your Thanksgiving table. Ready in just 4 minutes, this recipe requires minimal prep time making it a quick and easy addition to your holiday menu. Chickpeas are combined with a rainbow veggie mix and sliced, mini cucumbers to create a burst of crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors and textures. Sliced, fresh avocados are layered on top to complement the rest of the ingredients. The salad is tossed in a tangy sesame ginger dressing, which imparts a vibrant and exotic flavor profile to the dish. For Thanksgiving, this salad can offer a refreshing contrast to your more traditional sides!

Sesame Ginger Tofu + Stir Fry Veggies: This Thanksgiving, a vegetable side dish can introduce some Asian flair into your traditional holiday feast. Lemongrass tofu nuggets are paired with a sauteed seven-veggie stir-fry consisting of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. The sesame ginger sauce is the star that ties everything together. With its rich and slightly sweet and spicy flavors, this sauce adds an Asian-inspired touch to the dish, bringing out the best in the tofu and vegetables. As a meal, it’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter, vegetable-rich, and high-protein side dish on their Thanksgiving menu.

Spinach Artichoke Veggieful Plate: This recipe brings together a blend of nutrient-rich vegetables and rich flavors that will satisfy your Thanksgiving guests and add a healthy option to your holiday spread. The star ingredients of this dish are the shaved Brussels and butternut squash cubes that provide a beautiful balance of flavors, making the dish taste as impressive as it looks. The spinach artichoke and potatoes add a creamy, savory element to the dish and provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet squash and Brussels sprouts. This veggie plate is a testament to the fact that a Thanksgiving dish can be healthy, flavorful, and festive all at the same time!

Spinach Artichoke Butternut + Broccoli Plate: This exquisite Thanksgiving side dish combines an assortment of healthy and flavorful ingredients, creating a fun addition to the holiday table. This recipe features shaved Brussels, baby broccoli, and butternut squash cubes, all smothered in a creamy spinach artichoke sauce that brings the entire dish together. The combination of colors from the various vegetables also makes this dish visually appealing, adding to the festive aesthetic of the Thanksgiving table.

Successfully Planning A Vegan Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving table is a place of warmth, togetherness, and abundant flavors. And as we've seen throughout this guide, there's absolutely no reason why a vegan Thanksgiving should be any different. If anything, embracing a plant-based menu for the holiday can infuse the meal with exciting new tastes and textures, enhancing the joy of the occasion even further.

Throughout this guide, we've explored a range of vegan recipes, each infused with flavors as diverse and harmonious as the people around our Thanksgiving tables. From the hardiness of a Technicolor Chickpea Avocado Salad to the comforting tenderness of Spinach Artichoke Butternut + Broccoli Plate, we've seen that vegan dishes can not only stand up to traditional Thanksgiving fare but can often steal the show. More importantly, they demonstrate that a plant-based holiday meal can honor the spirit of Thanksgiving by celebrating the season's bounty in a way that's good for our health and the planet.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we invite you to revisit these recipes, adapt them to suit your preferences, or simply use them as inspiration for your vegan holiday menu. Here's to a Thanksgiving that celebrates not only gratitude and togetherness but also the delights of plant-based eating. Happy Thanksgiving!

We know that life can get hectic, but sticking to your healthy lifestyle shouldn't be a struggle. That's why Hungryroot brings you custom-selected, healthy groceries that magically turn into delicious, easy-to-cook meals, delivered right to your door. Our seamless process not only frees up your valuable time but also helps you effortlessly embrace a healthy lifestyle, letting you savor the rewards of a nourishing, happier life. Let us be your trusted partner on your new journey—because you deserve to feel good, inside and out.

Start your healthy journey by taking our personalized quiz to get your own healthy and tasty recipe recommendations.