For many, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time to reflect on all they are grateful for in life. It is also a time to enjoy a delicious feast with friends and family. But it can also be an overwhelming experience for people who have dietary restrictions or preferences. The good news is there are plenty of options out there.
As you sit down at the table this year, why not try something new? We’ve compiled some easy vegan Thanksgiving dinner ideas to help you stay on track this holiday season without sacrificing any flavor. From savory sides to indulgent desserts, we have you covered.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Cream Sauce
Butternut squash has a sweet and nutty taste that can be used in many different ways at Thanksgiving. The roasted butternut squash and sage sauce is one of the easiest recipes you can try this holiday.
The butternut squash is cooked until soft and then simmered in a savory sage sauce. The flavors are amazing, and the sauce is addictive. Get the recipe for this Butternut Squash and Sage Cream Sauce at Serious Eats to make a perfect dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
A vegan green bean casserole is another excellent idea for your vegan Thanksgiving dinner for you and your loved ones. This dish is so easy to make and has many variations, which means there’s something for everyone.
This recipe starts with super flavorful fried onions, celery, garlic, and mushroom soup as the base of this dish that contains fresh beans cooked in almond milk. Here are some vegan green bean casserole recipes that will be perfect for your holiday meal!
Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries
The vegan wild rice stuffing with cranberries is made from whole grain, and it’s loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber to keep you feeling full all day long. It also has a ton of flavor. This recipe for Vegan Wild Rice Stuffing With Cranberries contains all wild rice, celery, onion, sage, thyme, extra virgin olive oil, and a vegetable broth (mushroom). Toasted almonds or pecans are added to complement the cranberries and make the dish sweeter.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an iconic Thanksgiving dish that provides a comforting feel to the meal. This year, try something new for the mashed potatoes. Instead of making them out of butter and cream, opt for this Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe. This dish is vegan and gluten-free, so everyone on your dinner table can enjoy it.
Kale Salad With Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa
Look no further if you are looking for a side dish to accompany your vegan Thanksgiving meal. This Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa is an excellent addition to any holiday dinner. Not only does it make the plate beautiful, but it also contains wonderful flavors that guarantee satisfaction.
This salad starts with the traditional ingredients of kale, pickled cranberries, apples, and vegan cheeses. For flavor, it also includes lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Mushroom Gravy
If you have mashed potatoes on your menu this year, try topping them with mushroom gravy. It is easy to make, and the mushrooms are already savory for that extra level of flavor in your meal. This mushroom gravy recipe includes mushrooms, shallots, garlic, rosemary, thyme, vegetable stock, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and fresh black pepper.
Vegan Cranberry Sauce
Homemade vegan cranberry sauce is a delicious topping for any Thanksgiving dish. It’s sweet and tart with a savory flavor that will complement any meal. Making it is simple, and you can add as much or little sugar as you want to your liking.
Here’s a four-ingredient Vegan cranberry sauce recipe to try this Thanksgiving that only takes 15 minutes to prepare.
Apple Pie Oatmeal Muffins
Apple oatmeal muffins are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving meal. These vegan muffins are healthy and can be made with or without nuts, making them accessible to everyone.
This apple oatmeal muffins recipe is also low-fat and gluten-free, so it’s not too indulgent. The aroma of fresh apple pie fills the air as you pull these vegan baked goods out of the oven for your family’s Thanksgiving feast this year. This easy dessert recipe is perfect if you want a scrumptious treat that can be made quickly.
Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
Pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert. Whether it’s pumpkin pie, apple pie, or even sweet potato pie, there are many options for this traditional dish. If you’re looking for a dish to wow family and friends this Thanksgiving but aren’t too keen on using animal products for baking pies, give this vegan version a try. The ingredients needed include vegan pie crust, sweet potatoes, full-fat coconut milk, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
No Bake Pumpkin Chai Cheesecake
Pumpkins are in plenty this time of the year, and there’s no better way of enjoying them than making a sumptuous pie. Try this delicious pumpkin chai cheesecake recipe for a vegan and gluten-free dessert everyone will love. Moreover, this easy and flavorful recipe doesn’t involve any baking. Use the no-bake pumpkin chai cheesecake recipe from Sweet Simple Vegan for a memorable Thanksgiving addition to your table.
To make the crust, you’ll need deglet noor or Medjool dates, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, and sea salt. For the filling, you need raw cashews, full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. CocoWhip, Pumpkin seeds, Cinnamon and Date Syrup, are excellent choices for toppings.
Last Thoughts
If you are vegan or have a friend that is, finding friendly recipes and food options is challenging, which can make Thanksgiving a little harder to pull off. However, with some creativity and effort, you can have a fantastic holiday dinner without compromising your dietary preferences.
We have just the thing for you if you are looking for more vegan and gluten-free choices. Our diverse catalog has the most delicious, gluten-free snacks you can find. Visit us for sustainably-sourced, clean-eating ingredients for salads, soups, and other dishes without compromising flavor.