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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

103 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love!

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This list of the best 103 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes are guaranteed to satisfy everyone at your dinner table and set you up for a successful Thanksgiving meal. You can find something for every holiday occasion with fresh savory dips, easy finger foods, an entire vegan Thanksgiving turkey roast, and so much more. This list offers a vegan Thanksgiving menu full of crowd-pleasing recipes for all seasonal gatherings!

Collage of vegan Thanksgiving recipes on a white background.

Scroll through these easy-to-make vegan Thanksgiving sides, main dishes, and desserts that will kick off your festivities on the right note!


Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers

There is something for everyone in this wide range of vegan Thanksgiving recipes to serve as the first course for your holiday meal! From traditional favorites, to plant based twists on popular recipes, these vegan Thanksgiving appetizers are guaranteed to start your meal off right.

Collage of vegan Thanksgiving appetizers on a white background.

Mashed Potato Fritters With Onions aAnd Kale

Calories: 247 – Fiber: 8.5 grams – Protein: 7 grams

Why You’ll Love It: These healthy fritters are packed with veggies and are baked instead of fried, but are just as crispy as traditional fritters

Baked mashed potato and kale fritters are dairy-free and gluten-free. This is one of my favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes! With their crunchy exterior, soft interior, and generous blend of spices, you can always find a reason to serve these delectable potato bites!

Get this mashed potato fritters recipe here.

Air Fryer Jicama Fries

Calories: 115 – Fiber: 11g – Protein: 2g

Why You’ll Love It: A fabulous keto-friendly air fryer recipe that is better than French fries. 

Jicama fries are one of the best alternatives to potato fries and are just as flavorful. This gluten-free appetizer is crunchy, light, and vegan. It is a great way to get more vegetables into your diet and your kids too! Serve them as a satisfying side with all of your other thanksgiving vegetarian dishes.

Get this air fryer jicama fries recipe here.

Parmesan Kale Chips With Garlic 

Calories: 40 – Fiber: 1 gram – Protein: 1 gram 

Why You’ll Love It: This guilt-free nutritious snack is better than potato chips! 

Homemade baked kale chips are addictive! Honestly, they are crunchy, garlicky, and cheesy. Instead of parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast makes this the best vegan snack for any occasion. I find them to be a fun appetizer when hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or other holiday gathering. Just be sure to make lots of this healthy snack because they disappear in seconds.

Get this parmesan kale chips with garlic recipe here.

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets 

Calories: 300 – Fiber: 3.2 grams – Protein: 12.7 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Crispy air fryer tofu nuggets are high in protein and need no oil.

Again, this is a go-to recipe in my house! Like chicken nuggets, these air fryer tofu bites are crispy, chewy, and satisfying. But they are healthier and one of my favorite kid-friendly vegan hot appetizers. Serve them with vegan ranch dressing or simple ketchup for dipping into. The recipe is fast, dairy-free, and gluten-free to boot! It is a creative twist for a plant based thanksgiving. No animal products here!

Get this air fryer tofu nuggets recipe here.

Air Fryer Tater Tots 

Calories: 226 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 3 grams

Why You’ll Love It: With just two ingredients and some ketchup on the side, you will have one of the easiest appetizers for a happy thanksgiving.

I don’t know many people who don’t like tater tots. This is a family favorite during the holiday season, especially at the Thanksgiving table. They are perfectly crunchy when you bite into them with a soft center. You only need a bag of vegan tater tots and vegetable oil cooking spray for the air fryer. Clean-up is a snap!

Get this air fryer tater tots recipe here.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Calories: 221 – Fiber: 7 grams – Protein: 7 grams

Why You’ll Love It: You won’t miss the meat! Cauliflower wings are coated in buffalo sauce and are as good as any.

You can enjoy all the spice and crispiness of chicken wings with cauliflower bites. The air fryer ensures that these “wings” are cooked to healthy perfection without any added oil. It is at the top of the list for veggie thanksgiving appetizers. Serve them with celery sticks and ranch dressing for something fun and unique that caters to vegan lifestyles.

Get this air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe here.

Smashed Air Fryer Potatoes 

Calories: 241 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: You can’t go wrong with vegan and budget-friendly smashed potatoes that cook perfectly in the air fryer. 

I could eat smashed potatoes as a snack or side dish anytime. Smashed potatoes are crunchy on the exterior and tender like mashed potatoes on the inside. What a party in your mouth! This recipe is foolproof using the air fryer. Make sure to opt for vegan parmesan cheese for the vegan version. I would serve these with a vegan sour cream, but they can also be dipped in vegan gravy to feel more aligned with other thanksgiving vegan recipes.

Get this smashed air fryer potatoes recipe here.

Air Fryer Banana Chips 

Calories: 53 – Protein: 1 gram – Fiber: 2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Homemade banana chips are the perfect snack for a healthy, sweet, salty chip. Best part? There are only three ingredients! 

Air fryer banana chips are light on fat but sweet and crunchy with no added sugar. This won’t give the little ones a sugar high that makes them bounce off the walls, which is a win for holiday parties. Plus, you don’t need a potentially messy dipping sauce, so this is safe for the little ones to eat anywhere in the house.

Get this air fryer banana chips recipe here.

Instant Pot Popcorn 

Calories: 70 – Fiber: 0.2 grams – Protein: 0.2 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: There is no need for a popcorn maker or microwave if you have a versatile instant pot to make perfect popcorn.

Popcorn is perfect for movie night, but you probably haven’t considered it as part of your vegetarian thanksgiving. But who doesn’t love popcorn?! Your guests will love the simple pleasure of this appetizer. To make this vegan, use melted dairy-free butter to coat it before serving. With just four ingredients, nothing could be much easier than popping corn. It is crunchy, high in fiber, and insanely addictive. Add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Get this instant pot popcorn recipe here.

Miso Mushrooms

Calories: 253 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 10 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A fancy vegan appetizer with rich umami flavor for a first course at your next holiday dinner party.

Saute whole cremini or button mushrooms until golden brown and juicy. You simply coat them with garlicky miso vegan butter. They are beyond flavorful, so make a lot! They are perfect as party food with toothpicks or can be served as a satisfying first course. Everyone is going to love this as part of the vegetarian thanksgiving side dishes spread.

Get this miso mushrooms recipe here.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries 

Calories: 106 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 1.6 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: Air-fried sweet potato fries are not greasy and are the best gluten-free casual gathering appetizer.

Gather everyone around the kitchen island while you air fry batch after batch of healthy sweet potato fries that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy. These are much healthier than traditional deep-fried French fries. You can serve them with ketchup, but sriracha aioli or ranch dipping sauce would take these up a notch. Everyone loves sweet potatoes for thanksgiving, so why not offer this as one of your vegan options for thanksgiving!

Get this air fryer sweet potato fries recipe here.

Vegan Bruschetta

Calories: 254 – Fiber: 14 grams – Protein: 13 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Bruschetta is the ultimate party appetizer any time of year, and this particular recipe is right for any occasion.

I like vegan Italian-inspired appetizers for any festive event. This vegan bruschetta comes together with toasted crusty whole wheat bread topped with Tuscan white beans, zucchini, and tomatoes. You can make it seasonal with diced butternut squash. This will be loved as one of your easy vegan recipes on the table!

Get this vegan bruschetta recipe here.

Tandoori Cauliflower

Calories: 150 – Protein: 6 grams – Fiber: 6 grams

Why You’ll Love It: If you love Indian tandoori flavors, you will swoon over these tandoori roasted cauliflower bites. And no need for a tandoori oven! 

This perfect vegan appetizer, made with coconut yogurt, is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates. It is bursting with Southeast Asian spice flavors that result in a glorious golden color! This is a unique dish you must serve at your next gathering. Serve it with a tangy coconut yogurt dipping sauce or any non-dairy milk based dip.

Get this tandoori cauliflower recipe here.

 Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Calories: 332 – Fiber: 6 grams – Protein: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This is the fastest French fry recipe you will ever make. Perfectly crisp and adored by all. 

Air fryer French fries are much better than greasy fast food joint fries! All you need is a bag of vegan and gluten-free frozen fries and 10 minutes per batch. I recommend placing them hot, straight out of the fryer on the appetizer table, and then go make another batch. Trust me, they will be devoured in seconds. Remember to have a ramekin of ketchup on the table.

Get this air fryer frozen French fries recipe here.

Air Fryer Tofu With Vegan Ranch Sauce 

Calories: 300 – Fiber: 3.2 grams – Protein: 12.7 grams

Why You’ll Love It: These are gluten-free and dairy-free tofu bites with a meaty texture. If you are looking for tofu thanksgiving recipes, give this a try!

These air-fried protein and vegan goodness nuggets are a favorite among vegetarians and meat eaters. No oil is needed to achieve the crunch you want on these tofu gems. Serve with a creamy, tart, nicely seasoned ranch dressing. By the way, they are easy on your party appetizer budget.

Get this air fryer tofu nuggets recipe here.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls 

Calories: 147 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 6 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: A soft and doughy pizza roll stuffed with vegan cheese and pizza sauce that bakes flawlessly in the air fryer. 

Leave the dairy-based cheese out and go for vegan mozzarella and parmesan. Now, you only need your favorite pizza sauce. But you can definitely get creative with your favorite pizza toppings, such as bell peppers, olives, and vegan pepperoni. Once the dough and filling are rolled up, slice it into rounds and simply bake to crispy and gooey decadence. These pizza rolls are not just for kids! They make for an easy vegan thanksgiving appetizer everyone will enjoy.

Get this air fryer pizza rolls recipe here.

Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh 

Calories: 160 – Protein: 11 grams – Fiber: 1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: Tempeh is an excellent plant-based protein source that absorbs the marinade’s smoky flavor.

Are these nuggets almost like bacon bits? Yes! They are salty, smoky, and a little sweet. Air-fried tempeh cubes are pop-in-your-mouth delicious treats that you must serve at any party. They are naturally gluten-free and vegan. You don’t really need a dipping sauce because the marinade does all the work on that front. Make this one of the best vegan dishes for thanksgiving by spicing up the marinade with classic fall flavors.

Get this air fryer tempeh recipe here.

Parmesan Truffle Fries 

Calories: 141 – Protein: 4 grams – Fiber: 1 gram 

Why You’ll Love It: This crowd-pleaser is a great way to put leftover potatoes to good use for a party. 

Who doesn’t like French fries, especially with natural truffle flavor? Making the best-ever party fries only takes a bit of indulgent truffle oil. Sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese, and you will be dubbed the French fry master by your friends and family. These fries are baked, not fried! What a healthy bonus – no greasy fingers or extra calories.

Get this parmesan truffle fries recipe here.

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Calories: 113 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 3 grams

Why You’ll Love It: The easiest chip recipe to throw together at the last minute for your next big bash!

I don’t know what could be easier than crispy tortilla chips in an air fryer! Use leftover corn or flour tortillas (or both) from taco night. Air fry until golden and crunchy. Sprinkle with sea salt, and you have the closest thing to restaurant-style chips you made at home. Serve with bowls of hummus, guacamole, and salsa.

Get this air fryer tortilla chips recipe.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Calories: 106.4 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 1.6 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A sweet, salty, and spicy alternative to deep-fried sweet potato fries with a healthier spin.

Your family and friends will beg you for several batches of air-fried sweet potato fries. This is a healthy and well-seasoned upgrade to sweet potatoes fried in oil. You will love that these are seasoned with sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper! Serve with vegan ranch dip or ketchup.

Get this air fryer sweet potato fries recipe here.

Baked Zucchini Chips

Calories: 68 – Fiber: 2.1 grams – Protein: 4.3 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: Crazy, easy appetizer that will get picky eaters to enjoy healthy veggies! 

Zucchini chips are cheesy and crispy. They are baked, not fried, for a healthy take on chips. This is a delicious, guilt-free party snack that even the pickiest eaters will love. The cheesy flavor comes from non-dairy parmesan or nutritional yeast as a swap for dairy cheese. The crunch factor is from panko breadcrumbs. Your party guests will adore these awesome chips!

Get this baked zucchini chips recipe here.

Vegan Black Bean Empanadas

Calories: 96 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: The best-ever two-bite pockets of TLC that will be the hit of your celebration.

Delicate and flaky pastries stuffed with beans, corn kernels, bell peppers, and warming spices. These little hand patties are so good that you will definitely have to make a lot of them. The good news is that you can make them ahead of your party and warm them up when your guests arrive. You can also freeze them! What could be easier?

Get this vegan black bean empanadas recipe here.

Vegan Crab Cakes

Calories: 239 – Fiber: 4g – Protein: 5g

Why You’ll Love It: These vegan crab cakes are a take on the classic but without any shellfish.

You can serve these as a first course at your next holiday dinner or for a happy hour get-together. Artichoke hearts combined with veggies for a delicious gluten-free cake served with a tahini dipping sauce is all smiles. Your guests will love the wholesome goodness in these small baked bites. No one will miss the crab.

Get this vegan crab cakes recipe here.

Vegan Potato Croquettes

Calories: 167 – Fiber: 2g – Protein: 5g

Why You’ll Love It: Lovely balls of crunchy heaven that are allergen-free and budget-friendly.

The crispy outer shell almost shatters when you bite into these croquettes. The interior is surprisingly fluffy and gooey with mashed russet potatoes and shredded vegan cheese. These are well-seasoned with curry paste – yum. Your guests will be surprised to know that these croquettes are totally vegan!

Get this vegan potato croquettes recipe here.

Vegan Ceviche

Calories: 103 – Fiber: 1 gram – Protein: 4 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: A refreshing Peruvian-style ceviche made with all vegan ingredients. 

Want to really wow your guests? Serve this incredibly healthy vegan ceviche as a meal starter or in shot glasses as an amuse-bouche during cocktail hour. Your non-fish eaters will love it!

Get this vegan ceviche recipe here.

Chickpea Squash Fritters

Calories: 194 – Fiber: 6 grams – Protein: 9 grams

Why You’ll Love It: These vegan fritters have only a few ingredients with Southeast Asian spices – a great party pleaser!

Chickpea flour, shredded butternut squash, and lovely Indian spices bring out the best flavors! These sunny golden fritters are poppable finger foods that disappear quickly, so remember to make lots and lots of them. Despite these being high in protein, they are completely vegan and suitable for a plant-based diet.

Get this chickpea squash fritters recipe here.

Vegan Stuffed Dates 

Calories: 78 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: Vegan stuffed dates are cheesy, herbaceous and supe easy to pull together.

Stuff sweet Medjool date halves with salty vegan feta spiked with meaty walnuts and fresh parsley for a pleasant palate teaser. This recipe is seriously complex in flavors and easier than it looks. These will definitely replace bacon-wrapped dates on your vegan hors d’oeuvre platter. Everyone will demand the recipe and request it as a vegan thanksgiving food year after year.

Get this vegan stuffed dates recipe here.

Vegan Cashew Cheese Ball

Calories: 190 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A stunning holiday cheese ball that rivals any dairy-based cheese ball.

Every holiday appetizer table needs a festive cheese ball with crackers on the side! This is one of those must have vegan recipes for thanksgiving. It’s made with blended cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. Roll it in finely chopped nuts, preferably pistachios. Serve on a cutting board surrounded by mildly flavored crackers and celery ribs.

Get this vegan cashew cheese ball recipe here.

Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

Calories: 287 – Fiber: 5 grams – Protein: 8 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Spinach and cheese stuffed baby bella mushrooms are gluten-free, vegan appetizers that should grace your winter holiday table.

Earthy mushroom caps are the perfect little bowls for a creamy cheese and spinach filling. As the mushrooms bake, they release lots of moisture in the form of umami. I suggest serving these creamy mushroom bites hot right out of the oven while your vegetarian thanksgiving turkey roasts.

Get this vegan stuffed mushrooms recipe here.

Tomato And Apple Bruschetta

Calories: 137 – Protein: 17 grams – Fiber: 1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: Bruschetta is a fabulous vegan appetizer with many variations.

I love how fresh and light this tomato and apple bruschetta is. A little basil and balsamic vinegar are just the right touches to enhance the natural sweetness in the apples and the acid in the tomatoes. This is an inventive take on your typical bruschetta recipes. It is a breeze to prepare and delicious to nibble on!

Get this tomato and apple bruschetta recipe here.

Savory Spiced Nuts

Calories: 209 – Protein: 4 grams – Fiber: 2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: An addictively good snack or party appetizer for healthy eating on Thanksgiving.

I love nuts and jazzing them up with different spice mixtures. These make for a vegan and gluten-free party snack or holiday gift packet. Grab any raw nuts you enjoy, such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pecans. Coat them in olive oil and lots of spices. Bake until browned and crunchy. These are awesome for holiday parties or a snack any time of day.

Get this savory spiced nuts recipe here.

Crispy Baked Onion Fritters (Pakodas)

Calories: 196 – Protein: 5 grams – Fiber: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A delightfully attractive and delicious onion fritter that is vegan and gluten-free.

These onion fritters are light and delicate. Plus, baking them keeps the calorie content low. They are super crispy and fun to eat with your fingers. Dip them in ketchup just like you would onion rings for more deliciousness. Because they aren’t deep-fried, you can binge on them! Your party guests are going to go bonkers for these gluten-free appetizers. They take any gathering to the next level!

Get this crispy baked onion fritters (pakodas) recipe here.

Buffalo Quinoa Bites With Ranch Dip 

Calories: 78 – Protein: 4 grams – Fiber: 2 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: High in protein and good for you, these buffalo-style nuggets are made with whole foods and no dairy products.

This recipe is for all the buffalo lovers out there! These bites are over the top with white beans, quinoa, and chickpea flour for a big punch of plant-based protein. The dipping sauce is much better than traditional ranch with tahini, hemp hearts, and nutritional yeast. Add this to your list of vegan recipes for thanksgiving.

Get this buffalo quinoa bites with ranch dip recipe here.

Mediterranean Cucumber Bites

Calories: 30 – Protein: 2 grams – Fiber: 1 gram 

Why You’ll Love It: Extremely low in calories, easy to make, gluten-free, and vegan. 

These Mediterranean cucumber bites are low-calorie and low-carb appetizers that will wow your health-conscious friends. Fresh cucumber rounds are topped with hummus, sweet cherry tomatoes, vegan feta crumbles, and fresh herbs. Each bite offers a little crunch, juiciness from the tomatoes, creaminess from the hummus, and saltiness from the feta. You can eat as many as you want!

Get this Mediterranean cucumber bites recipe here.

Vegan Polenta Fries With Herbs

Calories: 243 – Protein: 4 grams – Fiber: 1 gram 

Why You’ll Love It: If you like polenta as much as I do, you will love how these cook up just like French fries. This is a unique addition for vegan thanksgiving recipes!

When you invite friends for a casual Thanksgiving gathering, consider stepping up your French fry game with these vegan polenta fries with herbs. You don’t need a vat of oil because you will bake them. Your guests will be impressed with your skills and ingenuity even though these fries are not hard to make.

Get this vegan polenta fries with herbs recipe here.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Calories: 82 – Protein: 4 grams – Fiber: 4 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: Delicious crisp one-bite sprouts with just six ingredients. Everyone would love these as one of the vegetarian thanksgiving recipes on the table!

Brussels sprouts for a party appetizer? You bet! When you air fry Brussels sprouts, they get a smoky char on the crispy outer leaves. The insides are pleasantly tender. Just pop these little flavor bombs in your mouth, and you have a super healthy vegan bite. Even those who don’t love Brussels sprouts will gravitate toward these nuggets.

Get this crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe here.

Cucumber Bites

Calories: 30 – Protein: 1 gram – Fiber: 1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: Quick and easy for a light vegetarian thanksgiving food.

Cucumber bites filled with a colorful sun-dried tomato spread are delicious little vegan bites. They are oil-free, making them a super low-cal and low-fat appetizer. The best part is that you can prepare the sun-dried tomato spread the day ahead and simply assemble it right before your guests arrive! These are light, so enjoy all you want. Customize with various fall flavors, too!

Get this cucumber bites recipe here.

Sun-Dried Tomato And Basil Pinwheels

Calories: 48 – Protein: 1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: These come together in just 15 minutes and can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

These pinwheels travel well if you are invited to someone else’s party. You start with soft tortillas and roll them tightly around a filling of vegan cream, parmesan cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, basil, and garlic. Slice the rolls into bite-size rounds. You are making compact sandwiches that are easy to eat without utensils. Fortunately, these are a favorite of kids and adults alike.

Get this sun-dried tomato and basil pinwheels recipe here.

Mushroom Pate 

Calories: 72 – Protein: 2 grams – Fiber: 1 gram 

Why You’ll Love It: Mushroom Pate is an incredible vegan spread that is much better than pork or veal pate. It is just as meaty but healthier for you.

Mushroom pate is so full of umami flavor and richness. It is a beautiful spread for crostini or whole-grain crackers. Toasted walnuts and sautéed shallots with mushrooms are processed with five-spice powder into a smooth and creamy spread. This is one of those easy vegan thanksgiving sides that will have even your non-vegan guests going back for seconds. 

Get this mushroom pate recipe here.

Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

Calories: 258 – Protein: 5 grams – Fiber: 5 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: Spicy, creamy, and oh-so-easy to pull together for that Thanksgiving feast. 

No celebration should be without jalapeno poppers, in my book. It only takes five ingredients and four steps to prepare piping hot poppers. Fill the Jalapeno pepper halves with plant-based cheese and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. Bake until the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve these right out of the oven for best results. No one will miss the bacon crumbles with the crisp breadcrumb topping. 

Get this vegan jalapeno poppers recipe here.

Vegan Pigs In A Blanket 

Calories: 110 – Protein: 2 grams – Fiber: 1 gram 

Why You’ll Love It: The most popular American party snack that is a fanciful and tasty take on pigs in a blanket. 

Want to make sure your kids are eating their vegetables? These sneaky pigs in a blanket will do the trick. The pigs are roasted baby carrots, and cooked until tender using various seasonings. Wrap them in buttery vegan pastry dough and bake until golden brown and flaky. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce or honey mustard. 

Get this vegan pigs in a blanket recipe here.


Vegan Soups

Creamy, hearty, satisfying soups will round out your plant based Thanksgiving dinner. These soups are all easy to make, super comforting, and are packed with classic fall flavors.

Collage of vegan Thanksgiving soups on a white background.

Pumpkin And Sweet Potato Soup

Calories: 155 – Fiber: 8.7 grams – Protein: 5.4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This comforting soup is quick, hearty, healthy, filling, and tasty.

The pumpkin and sweet potato give the soup an indulgent, rich taste and warmth, while the white beans make the soup smooth and creamy. Make this delicious, vegan, and gluten-free soup in your instant pot in under 30 minutes. No need to let it simmer for hours or stir it. All you have to do is add the ingredients, seal it, cook it, and blend it. It is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread, especially if you’re short on time. This was a hit last year!

Get this pumpkin and sweet potato soup recipe here.

Tomato Soup With Canned Tomatoes 

Calories: 31 – Fiber: 0.4 grams – Protein: 0.2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Made with only 3 ingredients, this savory and creamy soup is the perfect way to start Thanksgiving dinner.

This is the easiest tomato soup that your whole family will love. You only need canned diced tomatoes, onion, and vegetable broth to make this recipe. It’s easy to make, vegan, gluten-free, and kid-friendly. I like to prepare and freeze it for one less task to do when preparing for a vegan gluten free thanksgiving. Amp this classic recipe with vegan cream, tofu bits, white beans, or hot sauce. 

Get this tomato soup with canned tomatoes recipe here.

Italian Chickpea Soup 

Calories: 254 – Fiber: 12 grams – Protein: 12 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This simple Italian Chickpea Soup is healthy, comforting, nutritious, and easy to make. 

This soup is very flavorful with onions, carrots, spinach, and rosemary. It’s like a big hug in a mug. It is a lip-smacking way to feed vegetarian protein, vitamins, and minerals to picky eaters. This soup is perfect for meal prep and stocking your freezer for the Thanksgiving season. With fresh herbs and many other variations, this soup will quickly become a dinner favorite all year round.

Get this Italian chickpea soup recipe here.

Spaghetti Squash Soup

Calories: 89 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A feel-good soup recipe that is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

This recipe is a light and flavorful soup to give you a break from all the heavy cream-based soups. It is an ideal way to start your Thanksgiving lunch or dinner. This recipe has simple and nutritious ingredients yet tastes flavorful, fresh, and complex. With minimal chopping time, this spaghetti squash soup takes only 20 minutes of prep time. It pairs well with some crusty bread, a warm salad, or a protein-rich main dish.

Get this spaghetti squash soup recipe here.

Carrot Potato Soup

Calories: 289 – Fiber: 10 grams – Protein: 12 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This one-pot soup recipe is nutritious, low-fat, and kid-friendly.

You only need 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, and this soup will be ready to serve in under an hour. This recipe is a full and hearty meal for those who like to keep their dinners light yet filling. It has nutritious ingredients like carrots, sweet potatoes, and veggie broth. These ingredients also give it a vibrant orange color. Serve it with some crusty bread, on its own, or as part of your vegetarian thanksgiving sides.

Get this carrot potato soup recipe here.


Vegan Salads

Get creative with these vegan salads for Thanksgiving! These salads are dressed up with all kinds of fun toppings, textures, and flavors!

Collage of vegan Thanksgiving salads on a white background.

Roasted Pumpkin Salad 

Calories: 220 – Fiber: 4 grams – Protein: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This salad recipe is flavorful, filling, and super healthy! It is the best salad to cater to your search for vegan thanksgiving recipes!

It is made with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, pumpkin, kale, and arugula, giving you an explosion of flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect side dish yet hearty enough to be a main meal for those who want to keep it fresh and light. Use this salad as a side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner or a main dish for a busy weeknight dinner. This vegan and gluten-free salad recipe is an excellent option for larger meals and gatherings with varying dietary preferences.

Get this roasted pumpkin salad recipe here.

Potato Salad Without Eggs 

Calories: 259 – Fiber: 5 grams – Protein: 7 grams

Why You’ll Love It: You can’t go wrong with this simple, light, and delicious potato salad!

This is my favorite go-to recipe for all special events. It takes 10 minutes of prep and is easy to make in larger quantities. This egg-free, easy potato salad recipe is perfect for those who are not fans of the texture of hard-boiled eggs or have an egg allergy. It tastes creamy and rich, like the traditional recipe, but with an extra kick of fresh dill, mustard, and capers. I’m sure you’ll love this recipe as part of your vegan thanksgiving meal.

Get this potato salad without eggs recipe here.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad With Spinach And Chickpeas 

Calories: 321.5 – Fiber: 10.2 grams – Protein: 9.6 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This crowd-pleaser is a delicious and flavorful way to kickstart a Thanksgiving meal!

This recipe uses cauliflower florets that are perfectly roasted and tossed in a warm vinegar and mustard dressing. You get the richness from chickpeas, freshness from spinach, and tangy bite from kalamata olives. It’s like a party in your mouth. This one-pot salad is hearty, healthy, satisfying, and flavorful. It is vegan and gluten-free too.You can also prep it up to 3 days in advance if you’re short on time.

Get this roasted cauliflower salad with spinach and chickpeas recipe here.

Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad 

Calories: 135 – Fiber: 4.3 grams – Protein: 5.1 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This tomato, avocado, and cucumber salad is the textbook definition of fresh and light. It’s quick, easy, kid-friendly, vegetarian, and gluten-free. 

This salad recipe uses fresh herbs and veggies, healthy protein, and bright and flavorful dressing. You only need boiled chickpeas, creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes. You can also add some croutons to make it more filling to have it as a complete meal. It makes for a great vegan thanksgiving salad to contrast from the heavier main course.

Get this tomato avocado cucumber salad recipe here.


Plant-Based Thanksgiving Main Dishes

Vegetarian and vegan main dishes for Thanksgiving can be just as satisfying as their meat-based counterparts! From vegan turkey, to an authentic vegan wellington, and even pot pie – these plant based mains will satisfy even your most die hard meat eaters!

Collage of vegan Thanksgiving main dishes on a white background.

Vegan Turkey 

Calories: 325 – Fiber: 27 – Protein: 32 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: A perfect vegan alternative to fulfill your Thanksgiving tradition – a vegan turkey dinner that even meat lovers will devour!

Vegan turkey for thanksgiving allows for a traditional feel that is modernized and sustainable. It is packed with herbaceous spices, chickpeas, and vegan wheat gluten. This perfectly chewy meat alternative is high in protein, low in fat, and a great source of iron. You can serve this ultimate holiday meal with roasted vegetables or on a bed of wild rice.

Get this delicious vegan turkey recipe here.

Vegan Meatballs

Calories: 147 – Protein: 4 grams – Fiber: 4 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: A delicious plant-based alternative to traditional ground meatballs that are popular appetizers.

These meaty balls are prepared with beans and rolled oats as the base. They are assertively seasoned with garlic, shallots, parsley, Italian herbs and spices, and nutritional yeast. Bake the meatballs and allow them to bob in a serving pot of warm marinara sauce. Add this to your list of vegetarian protein dishes for thanksgiving!

Get this vegan meatballs recipe here.

Vegan Wellington With Lentils And Mushrooms 

Calories: 363.1 – Fiber: 10.3 grams – Protein: 11 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Yet another vegan alternative to fulfill your Thanksgiving traditions without compromising on taste or food preferences.

This comforting vegan Wellington is a flaky filo pastry filled with mushrooms, lentils, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and garlic. It has all the flavors of the traditional beef Wellington and is still vegan and nut-free. You won’t miss the meat at all. You can serve it as a main dish or entree on your Thanksgiving table. It is sure to impress your vegan and non-vegan friends and family alike.

Get this vegan Wellington recipe here.

Veggie Gnocchi With Spinach And White Beans

Calories: 300.9 – Fiber: 7.3 grams – Protein: 15.2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A tasty and healthy alternative to the traditional Italian gnocchi that is easy and quick. This is a lovely addition to a table full of vegan thanksgiving recipes!

This veggie gnocchi recipe is perfect. It will fill your belly and satisfy your soul. It’s true comfort food that looks as good as it tastes. You can serve it on any occasion or for fancy dinners. Whole wheat gnocchi, diced tomatoes, spinach, white beans, fresh basil, garlic, and crushed pepper is why it tastes so irresistible. Make this recipe once, and it will become one of your family’s favorite thanksgiving vegan main dishes.

Get this veggie gnocchi recipe here.

Easy Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe (Vegan Meatloaf) 

Calories: 180 – Fiber: 6 grams – Protein: 8 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This vegan Thanksgiving loaf will surely be the most impressive dish on your Thanksgiving dinner table!

It is a simple recipe that uses common ingredients that you’ll most probably find in your pantry. This vegan classic has lentils, walnuts, shallots, carrots, and savory spices. It has a topping of a sweet and savory tomato glaze. And the best? This lentil meatloaf is so delicious that no one will miss the meat in this vegan thanksgiving protein dish. I’m so excited for you to try it! 

Get this vegan meatloaf recipe here.

Vegan Pot Pie

Calories: 454 – Fiber: 10 grams – Protein: 10 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A simple and healthy take on the classic pot pie without any meat or dairy – the perfect plant based thanksgiving meal.

It is a hearty homemade meal with a flaky pie crust made using wholesome ingredients filled with fresh veggies. It tastes as good as its meaty versions.

This flaky vegan pot pie is the epitome of comfort food and is easy to make and serve to larger crowds. It’s perfect for the holiday season or anytime you’re craving a warm and cozy slice of nostalgia. I equally love it for thanksgiving or christmas dinner.

Get this vegan pot pie recipe here.

Healthy Risotto Recipe (Vegetarian Instant Pot Risotto) 

Calories: 398 – Fiber: 11.1 grams – Protein: 12.8 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A fancy Italian main dish made quick and simple to prepare in under 40 minutes.

This risotto recipe is creamy, healthy, and full of Italian flavors. It has mushrooms, garlic, carrots, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. It’s so impressive that you can serve it at a dinner party, potluck gathering, or family holiday. You don’t need the time, energy, and patience a regular risotto requires. This one is quick, easy, and fun. Consider it for one of your vegan gluten free thanksgiving recipes this year!

Get this healthy risotto recipe here.

Hearty Healthy Vegetable Lasagna 

Calories: 304 – Fiber: 4 grams – Protein: 17 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A hearty one-dish meal that is healthy, low-calorie, low-fat, and fiberful.

Who doesn’t love lasagna? But the problem is that regular lasagna is full of refined carbs and fat and low on veggies. This veggie lasagna is healthy, flavorful, and packed with fresh vegetables. It’s a true crowd favorite, and kids love it too. Made with whole wheat noodles, fresh herbs, veggies, and cheese, it will indeed become a favorite among your friends and family. Though it takes 2 hours to make, all the time and effort will be worth it once you taste the final product. It is the perfect addition to any veggie thanksgiving dinner.

Get this healthy vegetable lasagna recipe here.

Vegetable Polenta With Parmesan 

Calories: 358 – Fiber: 4 grams – Protein: 10 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This vegetarian polenta is simple, comforting, and satisfying. Add it to your list of vegan food for thanksgiving!

Polenta has a reputation for being boring and bland. But this dish will surprise you with its bright color, bold flavors, and varying textures. It truly looks rich and elegant, making it perfect for a sit-down dinner. It has buttery, creamy vegetable polenta with parmesan and savory roasted vegetables. 

This recipe is gluten-free and can be easily made vegan. So you can even prepare it for larger gatherings and parties with various dietary restrictions. It will be a winner for vegetarian thanksgiving entrees!

Get this vegetable polenta recipe here.


Vegan Side Dishes

Feel free to mix things up when you put together your list of vegan side dishes for Thanksgiving! We’ve got all of the traditional recipes – mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, stuffing and more, but also a few new recipes to try at your Thanksgiving dinner table!

Collage of vegan Thanksgiving side dishes on a white background.

Thanksgiving Inspired Cheese Quesadilla

Calories: 173.5 –  Carbohydrates: 25.7g –  Protein: 7.5g

Why You’ll Love It: These vegetarian quesadillas are the cutest-looking addition to your Thanksgiving menu  – creativity at its best!

Mini turkey-shaped vegetarian cheese quesadillas to feed the family – fun, kid-friendly, and delicious! This dish is a winning one, not only because it’s visually appetizing, but also because it’s filled with simple ingredients like black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, and bell peppers. This is a favorite for vegan side dishes for thanksgiving.

Get this Thanksgiving inspired cheese quesadilla recipe here.

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole 

Calories: 101 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 1.3 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Easy to make and healthy to eat! This sweet potato casserole is one of the best vegan thanksgiving dishes.

This recipe is perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and filled with plump gold raisins, crunchy pecans, and fall spices. You don’t need to wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy this dairy-free sweet potato casserole. It goes well with nearly any main course because it is not as sweet as the traditional recipes. Instead, it is an upgraded, healthy, nutritious, and gluten-free version with many flavors and textures. 

Get this vegan sweet potato casserole recipe here.

Cornbread Gluten-Free Stuffing 

Calories: 164 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 3 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This cornbread stuffing is gluten-free and lower in calories and fat than traditional stuffing.

This vegan gluten free stuffing is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it with your favorite veggies, nuts, seeds, herbs, and berries. This stuffing is baked in the oven rather than inside the turkey cavity. As a result, it turns out to be more flavorful and does not become soggy. Sometimes, I like adding fresh orange or lemon zest for an extra kick. And to make it into a vegan Thanksgiving stuffing, simply switch the regular butter with vegan butter.

Get this cornbread gluten-free stuffing recipe here.

Cranberry Sauce From Dried Cranberries 

Calories: 33 – Fiber: 1 gram – Protein: 0.1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: A quick and tasty cranberry sauce recipe that comes together in very little time. Great for when fresh cranberries are out of season or hard to find!

All you need is dried cranberries, some orange, and spices. This simple, sweet, juicy, and delicious sauce takes less than 20 minutes to make. It tastes just like the one made with fresh cranberries. So, holiday season or not, you can enjoy this fresh, less sweet, tart cranberry sauce all year round. And that too without any artificial flavors, color, or preservatives, unlike the store-bought one. 

Get this cranberry sauce from dried cranberries recipe here.

Healthy Low-Calorie Biscuits 

Calories: 141.2 – Fiber: 3.6 grams – Protein: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Each biscuit has almost zero fat and nearly only 140 calories, yet it is very tasty. 

This recipe is a perfect addition to a guilt-free, low-fat, healthy breakfast or a side dish. You need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and Greek yogurt to make this recipe. They will be in and out of the oven in under 20 minutes. The biscuits turn out flaky, fluffy, lightly sweet, and similar to traditional biscuits. The perfect pairing for your vegan thanksgiving dinner.

Get this low-calorie biscuits recipe here.

Vegan Roasted Potatoes With Rosemary 

Calories: 70 – Fiber: 2.1 grams – Protein: 1.5 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Tasty roasted potatoes that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

This vegan, easy potato recipe is very flavorful and the perfect accompaniment for thanksgiving classics. You can make it as is, add some kick with garlic or dried herbs like sage and thyme, or make it spicy with cayenne pepper or crushed chili flakes. The possibilities are endless. This is a perfect side dish during the holiday season or any special meal. 

Get this vegan roasted potatoes with rosemary recipe here.

Roasted Green Beans And Potatoes 

Calories: 213 – Fiber: 6 grams – Protein: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This one-sheet pan recipe is a healthy, vegan, and gluten-free side dish that pairs well with almost any main dish.

The process of roasting green beans and potatoes sounds very long, tedious, and messy. But these roasted green beans and potatoes can be ready to serve in under 35 minutes. It’s a perfect addition to a healthy dinner on a busy weeknight or for one of your easy vegan thanksgiving recipes. The potatoes and green beans are fresh, crispy, and not chewy.

Get this roasted green beans and potatoes recipe here.

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Buns 

Calories: 304 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 12 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Soft, fluffy cheddar cheese buns are always a favorite as a side dish or snack, requiring only common pantry ingredients. 

These buns are tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, a perfect alternative to boring dinner rolls. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, almond milk, and cheese, these buns take only 15 minutes of prep time. They’re even fun to make with kids and involve them in the kitchen.

Get this homemade cheddar cheese buns recipe here.

Healthy Mashed Potatoes (Vegan Friendly) 

Calories: 143 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: A rich, creamy, dairy-free, vegan mashed potato recipe. It’s the best side dish ever to pair with your vegan thanksgiving mains.

Potatoes, cauliflower, garlic, and fresh herbs are all it takes to make this side dish. It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. And you won’t miss the traditional mashed potato recipe, which uses oodles of butter. Mashed potatoes are so easy to make and universally loved because of all that fluffy, starchy goodness. It goes well with a holiday meal spread, on its own, or as a side dish for your favorite roasted veggies or soup. Smother them in mushroom gravy for the ultimate deliciousness.

Get this healthy mashed potatoes recipe here. 

Easy Air Fryer Carrots

Calories: 134 – Fiber: 5 grams – Protein: 2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Nothing complicated about air fryer roasted carrots loaded with vitamins A and C. 

I don’t know about you but carrots are always on my vegan thanksgiving food list. So let’s roast some carrots in the air fryer! You won’t believe how easy it is to make perfectly roasted sweet carrots that will be the party’s hit. They are tender but with a little snap. The air fryer intensifies the natural sweetness. I like to serve them with a mild vegan tartar sauce. These are a fancy vegan appetizer, so get ready for compliments.

Get this easy air fryer carrots recipe here.

Tofu Skewers With Ginger Soy Marinade

Calories: 183.9 – Fiber: 4.5 grams – Protein: 15 grams

Why You’ll Love it: A perfect hand-held treat for any gathering with tofu, veggies, and fruit. Add these to your list of veggie dishes for thanksgiving.

You really can’t go wrong with kebabs or skewers at any party. Food on a stick is just fun! These are so clever with tofu, onions, zucchini, and sweet peaches. I love this combination of flavors and textures. The best part is the sticky ginger soy marinade that caramelizes while the skewers grill or bake. Yum! 

Get this tofu skewers recipe here.

Healthy Cornbread

Calories: 125 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 3 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A super simple healthy makeover of the classic cornbread recipe without processed sugar.

Crumbly and slightly sweet cornbread is a great addition to the appetizer course bread basket at a holiday dinner. To make it vegan, substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and applesauce for the eggs. Honey is the natural sweetener in this recipe. Kids will grab squares of this yummy cornbread before the basket sits on the table! Drizzle with runny honey for an extra sweet treat. 

Get this healthy cornbread recipe here.

Vegan Quinoa Patties

Calories: 311 – Fiber: 13 grams – Protein: 17 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: Easy to make and good for you with lots of veggies and high-protein quinoa.

These Mexican-inspired quinoa cakes are a good source of vitamins, fiber, protein, and amino acids. They can totally be modified to be vegan by swapping out the feta cheese for vegan feta and omitting the egg. The patties are gently fried until golden brown on both sides. Serve them as a side to your vegan thanksgiving entrees.

Get this vegan quinoa patties recipe here. 

Vegan Fondue

Calories: 239 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 7 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This versatile warm dip is great for veggies or cubes of bread.

Fondue is simply the ultimate comfort party food. Even if you aren’t vegan, this cheesy sauce pot will satisfy you without needing dairy. You will love dipping veggies, fruit, or bread cubes in the warm, gooey, and creamy sauce. It is one of the most fun vegetarian options for thanksgiving.

Get this vegan fondue recipe here.

Vegan Potato Pancakes

Calories: 223 – Fiber: 4 grams – Protein: 4 Grams

Why You’ll Love It: Lovely potato pancakes with crunchy shells and tender interiors destined for the appetizer table.

I don’t know about you, but I love potato pancakes or golden brown fritters with serious crispy edges. With just a few pantry staples and 20 minutes, vegan potato pancakes are ready for your casual holiday dinner. Drain them quickly on paper towels, filling a lined basket with a pile of crisp potato fritters. Serve immediately with or without your favorite vegan dipping sauce. 

Get this vegan potato pancakes recipe here.

Artichoke And Jalapeno Dip

Calories: 137 – Fiber: 1 gram – Protein: 5 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Cooling and creamy dip or spread with a little kick of heat from chili peppers.

Artichoke and jalapeno dip is a great alternative to the usual onion dip. This one has a subtle hint of spice from the jalapeno peppers. Make this vegan by using plant-based cream cheese, parmesan, sour cream, and yogurt instead of dairy. This dip is great for chips, pita triangles, or veggies. Leftovers can be spread on your favorite wraps for lunch the next day. 

Get this jalapeno artichoke dip recipe here.

Vegan Frittata

Calories: 187 – Fiber: 4 grams – Protein: 8 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: Slice this vegan frittata into hand-held size wedges and serve it at any party or brunch gathering as an appetizer. 

This is a lovely frittata in both its brilliant hue and vegan ingredients. It slices up perfectly so you can hold it in your hand for a few nibbles. This recipe meets the dietary needs of vegans and gluten-free guests. And it will fool your egg and dairy eaters. It’s that good! 

Get this vegan frittata recipe here.

Butter Bean Hummus

Calories: 135 – Fiber: 4 grams – Protein: 5 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This hummus is gluten-free, high-protein, and a great source of dietary fiber.

Butter beans are so creamy that they make the absolute smoothest hummus. With only four ingredients, butter bean hummus is ready in 10 minutes. You can serve this vegan party appetizer with carrots, celery, radishes, seeded crackers, and pita chips. Everyone is going to love this garlicky and silky hummus dip. Use the leftovers to spread on sandwiches for lunch. 

Get this butter bean hummus recipe here.

BBQ Seitan Wings

Calories: 356 – Protein: 47 grams – Fiber: 2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Seitan wings are packed with protein and ridiculously delicious to pair with any vegan thanksgiving main dish.

Want a really high-protein party appetizer without animal protein? It all starts with vital wheat gluten that every market stocks these days. Seitan is great because you can work it into various shapes, including wings! After the seitan wings are almost cooked, coat them with BBQ sauce and finish them in the oven until the sauce is sticky, sweet, and shiny.

Get this BBQ seitan wings recipe here.

Kale Dip 

Calories: 37 – Fiber: 0.2 grams – Protein: 1.4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Kale dip is a healthy, party-friendly appetizer dip with a smoky chipotle flavor.

Make kale dip with non-dairy cream cheese for a vegan contribution to the buffet table at your next potluck dinner. Don’t forget to bring some veggies and pita wedges for dipping! This is a total crowd-pleaser that is creamy, cheesy, and savory. Homemade kale dip is a very healthy alternative to store-bought. Everyone will be impressed with this dip at your vegan thanksgiving dinner.

Get this kale dip recipe here.

Air Fryer Vegan Garlic Bread

Calories: 191 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 6 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Toasty, buttery, garlicky bread pieces are always a favorite as an appetizer or a dinner accompaniment, requiring only four ingredients.

This garlic bread is simply incredible when baked in the air fryer. The circulating hot air toasts the crusty bread, melts the vegan butter, so it seeps into the bread, and softens the garlic. There is no way any vegan guest is going to pass this up. And your kitchen is going to smell amazing! 

Get this air fryer vegan garlic bread recipe here.

Mushroom Toast With Spinach And Roasted Garlic 

Calories: 140.7 – Fiber: 2.7 grams – Protein: 7.5 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: This can be served as an appetizer or a brunch pre-meal nibble. This is likely to become your favorite new toast recipe! 

This toast will please your palate with robust flavors and contrasting textures. It is crisp whole wheat bread topped with soft tofu, sautéed spinach, roasted garlic, onions, and mushrooms. For a great vegan party finger food dish. You will want to make 2 per person because they are that delicious. 

Get this mushroom toast recipe here.

 Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Calories: 385 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 8 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: A staple of the South, fried green tomatoes are easy, crunchy, and tangy. 

Southern fried green tomato appetizers have gotten a healthy makeover with this air fryer cooking method. Coated in seasoned cornmeal and flour, they are air-fried until golden brown and crispy. Make this popular veggie dish vegan using liquid plant-based eggs for coating and an egg-free mayo for the remoulade dipping sauce. 

Get this air fryer fried green tomatoes recipe here.

BBQ Flatbread (Black Bean Pizza)

Calories: 190 – Protein: 9 grams – Fiber: 5 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: BBQ flatbread is a fun new recipe for vegan pizza night or side to your meatless thanksgiving main dish.

BBQ flatbread is very festive and colorful, with black beans, sweet corn kernels, red bell peppers, and vegan mozzarella cheese atop BBQ sauce on a premade flatbread pizza crust. What could be easier? This is a fun and healthy twist on the classic tomato and cheese pizza. Nothing standard about this! I love that this appetizer will last in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can make it a day before your outing. 

Get this BBQ flatbread recipe here.

Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

Calories: 84 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 3 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: This is a great alternative to tomato-based salsa for your vegetarian thanksgiving menu.

A copycat of Chipotle’s corn salsa, roasted corn, and jalapeño peppers are seasoned assertively and finished with lime juice and fresh cilantro leaves. This is a little sweet, a touch spicy, and tangy. This will be a hearty dip for tortilla chips at your next get-together. Feel free to adjust the spice level. 

Get this roasted chili corn salsa recipe here.

Crispy Baked Chickpeas

Calories: 110 – Protein: 4.4 grams – Fiber: 3.5 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Nut-free party snacks that are just as high in protein yet lower in fat.

If you haven’t ever tried roasted chickpeas, you are missing out on an epic crunchy snack. You can season them a hundred different ways. This recipe calls for truffle salt, which makes them an elevated snack. You are going to love the crispy shells and crunchy interiors. 

This is one of my favorite snacks to serve at parties. And they are so easy on your food budget! 

Get this crispy baked chickpeas recipe here.

Vegan Flatbread

Calories: -297 Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 7 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A yeast-free and dairy-free flatbread that is the perfect base for vegan pizza. 

With just five ingredients, you can have soft and fluffy vegan flatbread that is great for pizza toppings, hummus, and veggies. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this bread from scratch with just the ingredients likely already in your pantry. AP flour, baking powder, salt, oil, and unsweetened almond milk are all you need! 

Get this vegan flatbread recipe here.

Mushroom Flatbread

Calories: 347 – Fiber: 6.9 grams – Protein: 16.4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: An easy sheet pan pizza recipe that kids and adults will devour.

Vegan-ize this incredible pizza recipe by using dairy-free cheese. It will still taste fabulous and be gooey. The pizza highlights pesto and mushrooms. Once baked, you only need to cut it into bite-size squares, and you have one of the best vegan thanksgiving recipes!

Get this mushroom flatbread recipe here.

Gluten-Free Focaccia

Calories: 105 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A gluten-free chewy and crisp bread that is gluten-free and can be sliced into appetizer-size squares.

If you appreciate focaccia as much as I do, you will love this very approachable recipe for a completely vegan and celiac-compliant bread. While this is delectable all by itself, feel free to top the bread squares with items such as sliced olives, baby greens, or hummus. 

Get this gluten-free focaccia recipe here.

Zucchini Flatbread 

Calories: 413 – Fiber: 10 grams – Protein: 17 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This zucchini flatbread is cheesy, garlicky, rocking with veggies, and a fan favorite.

These high-fiber veggies like corn kernels and fresh zucchini are pure bliss. Vegan mozzarella is melty and stretchy. The whole wheat naan bread is the crust, so making the dough from scratch is unnecessary. I love serving this with stuffed mushrooms on the side. What a healthy party dish to share with good friends and family!

Get this zucchini flatbread recipe here. 

Black Olive Tapenade

Calories: 63 – Fiber: 1g – Protein: 1g

Why You’ll Love It: Make this olive spread with pantry staples in just 10 minutes.

Briny kalamata olives and canned black olives are processed with capers and olive oil to make a delicious condiment for crackers or pita triangles. This briny dip recipe is a great way to add bold flavors to any cold vegan platter or charcuterie board. Just leave out the optional anchovies. This is the best recipe to impress and satisfy a crowd.

Get this black olive tapenade recipe here.

 Creamy Buffalo Chickpea Dip

Calories: 133 – Fiber: 6 grams – Protein: 8 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This dip will become your new favorite vegan-friendly appetizer for dunking vegetables into.

Creamy buffalo chickpea dip is a great way to enjoy all those zesty buffalo wings flavors without any chicken. It is a rich source of plant-based protein. You can even serve this at room temperature or outdoors because there isn’t any dairy or mayonnaise. 

Get this creamy buffalo chickpea dip recipe here.

 Vegan Shrimp With Cocktail Sauce

Calories: 315 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 7 grams

Why You’ll Love It: It tastes almost like shrimp with a similar texture! One of the most simple yet impressive plant based thanksgiving recipes!

Among vegan alternatives, this is an ideal Thanksgiving day dish that everyone will love. Vegan shrimp have no seafood in them at all. Even your avid shellfish lovers will become fans of this! Meaty oyster mushrooms are dipped in a vegan egg wash and then coated in generously seasoned breadcrumbs. 

The best part is that they are baked, not deep-fried. Serve with a classic red cocktail sauce. 

Get this vegan shrimp and cocktail sauce recipe here.

Beetroot Hummus

Calories: 176 – Protein: 6.6 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A tasty and gluten-free party spread that is easy to prepare.

Beetroot hummus is gorgeous with its deep red color. Everyone will love this with its slightly sweet flavor from the beets. Chickpeas and tahini make the hummus creamy, and lemon offers some tanginess. This fabulous dip is a healthy vegan party dish. Serve it with veggies and grain-free crackers. Don’t miss out, add this to your vegetarian thanksgiving ideas!

Get this beetroot hummus recipe here.

Baba Ganoush (Smoky Eggplant Dip) 

Calories: 162 – Protein: 3 grams – Fiber: 5 grams 

Why You’ll Love It: A classic take on a fabulous vegan dip with origins in Middle Eastern cuisine – a fun twist to traditional vegan thanksgiving dishes!

This smoky eggplant dip is a staple in the Lebanese diet. It is a great alternative to hummus for any event. Roasted and charred eggplant (aubergine) flesh is mashed or processed with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. It is very healthy and completely vegan, and grain-free. 

Get this baba ganoush recipe here.

Vegan Arugula Pesto

Calories: 53 – Protein: 1 gram – Fiber: 0.2 grams

Why You’ll Love It: What a great idea! Pesto made with arugula and orange instead of basil and lemon! The orange flavor can inspire other vegan thanksgiving ideas too, as it pairs well with cranberries and clove!

You and your house guests will really love this twist on basil pesto, made with arugula leaves, juice from fresh mandarin oranges, pine nuts, and avocado oil. With only five ingredients, this whips up in just 5 minutes! This pesto is vegan, paleo, and Whole30 compliant. Pesto is great to embellish soups or to top bruschetta. You can also use this tasty sauce as a dip for pita triangles and veggie sticks. 

Get this vegan arugula pesto recipe here.

 Green Pea Hummus

Calories: 256 – Protein: 11 grams – Fiber: 12 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A perfect dip or spread for a party with beautiful pastel green whipped peas. 

Spring peas, chickpeas, and lemon juice combined for the lightest and prettiest hummus you will ever eat! You can use either fresh baby peas or frozen sweet peas. Serve with thin vegan crackers, small toasts, or radishes and cucumbers. This is an eye-catcher that will bring on the Ahs! Oh, and it tastes incredible, too! What a fresh take on hummus! 

Get this green pea hummus recipe here.

Loaded Potatoes

Calories: 237 – Protein: 7.2 grams – Fiber: 4 grams

Why You’ll Love It: A perfect appetizer course before all the delicious vegetarian thanksgiving mains!

This is the best-loaded potato recipe you will make repeatedly! These are not your typical twice-baked potatoes overflowing with cheddar cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Top it with vegan cheese sauce and bake again until bubbling. Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. 

Get this loaded potatoes recipe here.


Vegan Desserts For Thanksgiving

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without amazing, delicious, mouthwatering desserts! The good news is, you can enjoy all of the classic Thanksgiving desserts with some plant based twists, and add a few more that no one will be able to tell are vegan!

Collage of vegan Thanksgiving desserts on a white background.

Healthy Pumpkin Brownies 

Calories: 140 – Fiber: 2.9 grams – Protein: 2.1 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Fudgy, chocolaty, and decadent brownies with less than 150 calories per serving. It doesn’t get better!

With only 15 minutes of prep time, these pumpkin brownies are healthy yet indulgent and satisfying. The pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove make it the perfect fall-time dessert. These brownies are easy to make and fun to switch things up. The layer of pumpkin brownie is thick, chewy, and sweet. It is a nice break from the regular and classic chocolate brownies, and fun swap to traditional thanksgiving desserts.

Get this healthy pumpkin brownies recipe here.

Chocolate Almond Milk Pudding 

Calories: 166 – Fiber: 6 grams – Protein: 3 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This creamy and delicious no-bake dessert comes together in minutes for a tasty raw vegan thanksgiving option.

The recipe calls for avocado, almond milk, and cacao powder. The creaminess of the avocado pairs really well with the richness of chocolate. This chocolate almond milk pudding is vegan, naturally sweetened, totally guilt-free, yet super decadent. It’s creamy and luscious like the fancy ‘pot de creme’ without any of the guilt and calories. This way, you can enjoy an indulgent dessert more frequently than the other unhealthy dessert options.

Get this chocolate almond milk pudding recipe here.

Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry 

Calories: 114 – Fiber: 1 gram – Protein: 1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: Fresh apples and warm sugar wrapped in flaky golden pastry – it doesn’t get much better! That’s a lip-smacking combination for the best vegan thanksgiving desserts!

You won’t be able to resist these mini apple pies. The combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla tastes like nostalgia in every bite. They’re easy to serve to large crowds at dinner parties and potlucks. You don’t need any extra plates or cutlery to serve them. And the best part? These mini apple pies are healthier than the regular ones.

Get this mini apple pies with puff pastry recipe here.

Vegan Pumpkin Banana Bread 

Calories: 191 – Fiber: 2 grams – Protein: 3 grams

Why You’ll Love It: This moist and flavorful vegan quick bread takes only 10 minutes to prep.

With minimal effort, you can enjoy the taste of fall all year round. It makes a delicious breakfast, snack, or sweet treat. Most pumpkin bread recipes are unhealthy and sugary. But this pumpkin banana bread is healthier, easier to make, and filled with fall flavors. Top with pumpkin seeds for a beautiful addition to your vegan thanksgiving desserts spread.

It has a lot of nourishing vitamins, minerals, fibers, and healthy fats. It also uses coconut sugar instead of unhealthy refined sugar. You have to try it to understand how easy, quick, and tasty this bread is.

Get this vegan pumpkin banana bread recipe here.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Calories: 261 – Fiber: 4 grams – Protein: 6 grams

Why You’ll Love It: Not only is this pumpkin pie vegan, it also happens to be gluten-free, oil-free, and healthy too (but it tastes just like the traditional version!)

This healthy vegan Thanksgiving recipe has a golden, flaky crust, and a creamy pumpkin filling, all for under 300 calories and just 15 grams of sugar per slice (half that of a regular slice of pumpkin pie!) It’s family friendly, super easy to make, and will be a star at your Thanksgiving table!

Get this vegan pumpkin pie recipe here.

Rainbow Fruit Skewers 

Calories: 178 – Fiber: 3 grams – Protein: 1 gram

Why You’ll Love It: I don’t know any easier appetizer recipe on the planet than fruit skewers! It is light so you’ll still have plenty of room for your vegetarian thanksgiving dinner!

Colorful fresh fruit skewers are the perfect appetizer all year round. They don’t require any cooking, and assembly is a snap. The fruit is naturally sweet and rich in vitamins and antioxidants. You can get creative and modify with fruits that pair well along side a pumpkin spice yogurt dip. The best part is that they are kid-friendly! 

Get this rainbow fruit skewers recipe here.

I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your Thanksgiving menu in this list of vegan and vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes! You can have a delicious meal while still keeping every recipe 100% plant based! Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving and wonderful holiday season!

More Delicious Recipes!

14 responses to “103 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Everyone Will Love!”

  1. We have been trying to eat more vegetables at home and this collection is very timely. I have bookmarked the page and hope to try them all.5 stars

  2. Agree w/ you, Anjali. I think all of us who love and appreciate food look forward to this holiday. I’m fortunate enough to have a stepmother who is an amazing chef, so I don’t have to do much. I am bringing some veggie kabobs though as an app, so I’m not totally off the hook:)

    Will need to burn lots of calories next week but that’s why we eat healthy most of the time, so we don’t feel guilty when we splurge, right?

    • Veggie kabobs sound great Scott!! And yes, you are exactly right – splurging one day on Thanksgiving is really not a problem, especially if you get right back on track the week after. Hope you have a wonderfully delicious Thanksgiving!!

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