I am so excited to share this list with you! Building a holiday table without the usual butter and cream can feel like a big task, but I promise it's absolutely possible to have a spread that's just as cozy and delicious. I've gathered 34 plant-based sides that are warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Everyone will want seconds. Let's get that table set!
1. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
This casserole is a total flavor party and a fresh take on a classic. You get that bright, snappy freshness from the green beans in every single serving. They're coated in a rich, savory mushroom sauce that's wonderfully creamy. Then comes a generous layer of crispy fried onions on top, giving you that irresistible crunch. I'm telling you, it's simply too good to resist.
2. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Looking for the perfect side for your vegan turkey roast? These baked sweet potato wedges are just the ticket. They're coated in olive oil, salt, and enhanced with thyme. Baked to roasted caramelized perfection, they really bring out the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes. Serve these with creamy vegan aioli for a simple yet delicious addition to your menu.
3. Classic Vegan Coleslaw
Rediscover a classic with this vegan coleslaw recipe. It features thinly sliced cabbage and vibrant carrots slathered with a creamy, tangy vegan dressing. The crisp freshness of the veggies combined with the velvety dressing makes for an unforgettable taste sensation. It's a cool, refreshing side that brings a delightful crunch to your meal.
4. Vegan Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
Crispy, crunchy, and so satisfying, this roasted cauliflower is an authentic flavor fiesta. Each floret is lightly coated in a blend of spices before being roasted to crispy perfection. The outside gets satisfyingly crunchy while the inside keeps its natural, tender juiciness. Serve it with a tangy vegan dipping sauce for a truly flavorful treat.
5. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Enjoy the hearty sophistication of this stuffed acorn squash. The roasted squash acts as a bowl for a savory medley of quinoa, mushrooms, herbs, and spices. Each bite delivers an intriguing mixture of textures and flavors that's both rustic and gourmet. It's an artful combination that's perfect for a festive vegan feast.
6. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
Dip into the rich, savory goodness of this roasted pumpkin hummus. It's a fantastic twist on the classic that packs all the best fall flavors. The creamy texture of chickpeas blends with the sweet, earthy flavor of roasted pumpkin perfectly. Infused with sesame oil, lemon juice, and olive oil, this hummus is truly a taste sensation. Serve it with pretzels, crackers, or breadsticks.
7. Vegan Pumpkin Soup
Diving into a bowl of this soup is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. It's the epitome of autumn in a dish. Pureed pumpkin and almond milk blend together seamlessly to create a texture that's both velvety and decadently creamy. With warm spices and a touch of maple syrup, every spoonful is like enjoying a hug from the inside out. The toasted pumpkin seeds on top add a lovely little crunch.
8. Vegan Roasted Vegetables
Relish the flavors of the season with this medley of roasted vegetables. It brings together zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli all in one beautiful dish. The veggies come out of the oven caramelized and tender, their natural sweetness brought out by the heat. They're glazed with an earthy, herby tahini-based sauce that takes them over the top. It's a rustic and heart-warming side dish.
9. Best Lentil Soup
Take a break from the holiday rush and soothe your senses with this heartwarming lentil soup. It's loaded with nutritious lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs for a symphony of comforting flavors. It simmers until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. It's a warm bowl of comfort that promises a taste of home in every bite.
10. Easy Vegan Gravy
You're going to want to pour this savory goodness all over everything. Hearty vegetable broth gives it so much depth. Onion powder, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard create a complex flavor that really wakes up your palate. It's the soul-warming finishing touch that ties your whole vegan feast together.
11. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
This is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. The sweet potato is incredibly smooth and rich, with warm autumn spices woven right through it. Non-dairy milk and vegan butter give it that creamy, indulgent texture. On top, there's a beautiful layer of pecan crumble that adds the most satisfying crunch. It really is a perfect balance of silky and crispy.
12. Vegan Squash Casserole
Embrace the season with this warm and inviting vegan squash casserole. It combines the sweet, nutty notes of squashes in a creamy vegan sauce that's absolutely dreamy. The crispy top layer gives a beautiful contrast to the velvety filling underneath. It's a dish that truly captures the heart of Thanksgiving and shows how good plant-based eating can be.
13. Roasted Carrots
If you're in a pinch and need a side dish quickly, these roasted carrots are the answer. They're cooked to caramelized perfection in the oven, which really brings out their natural sweetness. A light glaze of olive oil, garlic, and maple syrup enhances the flavors beautifully. A finishing touch of parsley makes it look as good as it tastes.
14. Vegan Cranberry Sauce
This sauce is a bright and tangy surprise that's so easy to love. Every spoonful is packed with plump, ruby-red cranberries that basically burst with flavor. It simmers down with a touch of citrusy orange zest and is sweetened with maple syrup, which is just lovely. This vibrant, jewel-toned dish will make your entire feast shine.
15. Vegan Fall Harvest Salad
This salad is a celebration of the season's bounty in a bowl. It features fresh greens, tart apples, butternut squash, dried cherries, nuts, and hearty roasted pumpkin seeds. A drizzle of raspberry balsamic glaze brings a tangy sweetness that pulls all the elements together. With every forkful, you'll taste the essence of autumn hugging your tastebuds.
16. Best Vegan Rice Pilaf
Every bite of this vegan rice pilaf is a comforting embrace. Made with basmati rice, orzo, celery, and aromatics, this wholesome side bursts with delightful flavors. It's a heartwarming dish that's visually enticing and completely satisfying. I'm so glad to have this one in my rotation.
17. Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This dish is creamy decadence at its finest. Each spoonful celebrates the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes in the most comforting way. The recipe is packed with rich vegan butter, creamy almond milk, and savory nutritional yeast. A sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped parsley adds a warm, cozy, autumnal character that makes this a must-have for your feast.
18. Roasted Beet Salad with Vegan Goat Cheese
This salad brings a harmony of earthy sweetness and creamy richness to your holiday spread. The roasted beets pair perfectly with a tart vegan goat cheese crumble. It's complemented by a medley of fresh greens and balsamic dressing to delight your senses. This salad is a work of art on your plate and a masterpiece for your palate.
19. Best Vegan Cornbread
I am absolutely charmed by this vegan cornbread. It has a light, airy texture but is still packed with the wholesome goodness of cornmeal. There's a subtle sweetness to it that pairs beautifully with all your savory dishes. It's like a golden square of joy that reminds you of home and heart-filled holidays. This is the classic you need to soak up all those saucy plates.
20. Vegan Dinner Rolls
These rolls are the ultimate sidekick for your hearty mains or your favorite spreads. They're baked to golden brown perfection with the most delicate soft crumb when you pull them apart. Since they're made with wholesome ingredients, you don't have to worry about any dietary restrictions. Warm, tender, and comforting, these rolls really are the taste of home.
21. Mashed Butternut Squash
Taste the essence of fall with this simple and delicious side. The nutty notes of the squash really shine, enhanced by nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup. Whipped to a creamy, velvety consistency, it boasts warm and comforting flavors in every bite. It's the perfect addition to your vegan Thanksgiving spread.
22. Vegan Broccoli Casserole
This creamy, dreamy vegan casserole will quickly become your next favorite. The crisp broccoli florets are bathed in a velvety vegan cheese sauce that's loaded with mushrooms and cashews. Topped with golden, crunchy crackers, this dish brings a beautiful play of textures to the table. It's a vibrant, wholesome side that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
23. Easy Vegan Brussels Sprouts
If you need a simple side that comes together in under an hour, this is the one for you. These Brussels sprouts are roasted until they have a crispy exterior and a tender, buttery core. The recipe features tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and nutritional yeast for a sweet and tangy charm. I love how easy and delicious this one is.
24. Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole
This is comfort food at its finest. Tender cauliflower florets are baked in a creamy vegan cheese sauce until everything is golden and bubbly. The secret to its cheesiness is nutritional yeast, which works like magic to make this casserole a delightful treat. It's the ultimate guilt-free indulgence for your vegan Thanksgiving feast.
25. Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing
Brighten up your feast with the fresh and vibrant flavors in this kale salad. It features crisp kale, baby spinach, red apple, pecans, and cranberries for a beautiful mix of textures. The star, however, is the luscious maple balsamic dressing. It's a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that coats every single element. This salad will grace your table with the holiday spirit.
26. Classic Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
Comfort food doesn't get much better than a warm dish of mac and cheese, and this version is one everyone at the table can adore. The creamy, velvety vegan cheese sauce coats every piece of al dente macaroni so perfectly. That sauce is made with coconut milk, seasonings, Dijon mustard, and vegan butter for incredible richness. It all gets topped with a golden brown layer of crispy bread crumbs for the perfect finish.
27. Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes
No holiday meal feels complete without a big bowl of mashed potatoes on the table. This version lets you enjoy all the comfort without any dairy. They're velvety and smooth, with a rich, buttery taste that just melts in your mouth. The secret to that creaminess is a good helping of vegan butter. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs turns every spoonful into a little flavor bomb.
28. Southern Vegan Potato Salad
This potato salad brings a serious dose of Southern charm to your table. Tender potato cubes mingle with crisp celery, sweet relish, and fresh green onions for a fantastic mix of textures. Everything is enveloped in a lush vegan mayo-based dressing with just a hint of mustard for a little zing. It's a fresh and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
29. Vegan Corn Casserole
Prepare to be blown away by the irresistible charm of this corn casserole. It transforms the golden goodness of corn into a mouthwatering medley of creamy, savory delight. Each spoonful packs tender kernels bathed in a luscious plant-based creaminess. Baked to perfection with a golden crust, it's like a warm, cozy embrace.
30. Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
This soup is a sweet and savory harmony that feels so luxurious. The rich flavor of roasted butternut squash blends with the earthy notes of thyme and basil beautifully. Coconut milk adds a wonderful creaminess and a subtle sweetness that makes every spoonful a moment to savor. It's a hearty and delicious symphony of fall flavors that I just love.
31. Garlic Smashed Potatoes
If you want to add a rustic touch to your holiday table, these garlic smashed potatoes are perfect. Tender Yukon potatoes are lightly smashed and oven-crisped to golden perfection. They're brushed with plant butter and olive oil, then dusted with garlic powder and red pepper flakes. The exterior gets satisfyingly crunchy while the inside stays fluffy and hearty.
32. Easy Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash
This dish is hearty elegance at its best. The tender roasted butternut squash brims with a savory filling of beans, rice, and spinach. A delightful blend of herbs and spices enhances the filling and takes the flavors to the next level. Each bite offers a balance of sweet, nutty, and earthy flavors. It's a complete, nutrition-packed side that's truly satisfying.
33. Southern-Style Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits
These biscuits are light, flaky, and incredibly soft, capturing the true essence of Southern cooking. Because they're completely plant-based, you can enjoy them completely guilt-free. The secret is making the buttermilk vegan by combining soy milk and apple cider vinegar. They're best enjoyed warm from the oven, and they'll absolutely steal the spotlight on your Thanksgiving table.
34. Vegan Stuffing
A holiday spread just isn't the same without a big casserole of stuffing. This plant-based version is packed with aromatics, herbs, and veggies, so every bite is loaded with flavor. The whole grain bread cubes are toasted and moistened with vegetable broth, giving it that perfect hearty texture. It's a delicious testament to the wonders of plant-based cooking and a flavorful masterpiece that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.