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At our house, Thanksgiving is a little bit of everything—roasted turkey, cranberry relish, soft rolls, and plenty of veggies straight from the oven. My husband and kids dive into the classic feast, and I happily pile my plate high with all the plant-based sides that make the meal feel complete. Below, I’m sharing my favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes that deserve a spot right beside the mashed potatoes and gravy.

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes for 2025

Over the years, I’ve learned that when vegan dishes are done right, no one even notices they’re vegan. They just ask for seconds. These thanksgiving recipes below are gorgeous, flavorful, nourishing and special enough for the holiday table — no disclaimers needed.

1
Whole roasted cauliflower on a bed of mashed potatoes

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Rustic Herb Sauce

This is your plant-based centerpiece — no turkey required. A golden roasted cauliflower served over creamy mashed potatoes and drizzled with garlicky rosemary-sage sauce, then topped with cranberries, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs. Cozy, hearty, and beautiful on the table.
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2
Sautéed green beans recipe with savory topping, and a lemon wedge for garnish

Sautéed Green Beans

Skip the heavy casserole. These garlicky green beans with a pop of lemon and red pepper flakes are bright, crisp-tender, and way more flavorful than anything topped with fried onions.
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3
Creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe on a plate

Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy, dreamy, and completely dairy-free. Cashews and miso create a luscious sauce that tastes like the real deal — maybe better. Comfort food, reinvented.
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4
gray bowl full of green olive tapenade a topped with fresh parsley leaves.

Best Green Olive Tapenade

Whether you love olive tapenade or are a newbie to this delicious appetizer, you need to try the best Green Olive Tapenade. It's salty, herby and oh so delicious on a crostini. And it only takes 5 minutes to make, so what are you waiting for?!
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5
Bowl of cranberry relish with decorative orange wedges.

Best Cranberry Relish Recipe

Fresh, tart, and a little fancy. This cranberry relish mixes zesty oranges, crisp apples, pomegranates, and maple syrup for a bright burst of flavor (and color!) on your plate.
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6
Oven roasted brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized, nutty, and slightly sweet — these roasted Brussels sprouts with maple walnuts are the side dish that always disappears first. Even the “I don’t like Brussels” crowd will go back for seconds.
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7
A vibrant and colorful fall harvest salad recipe with candied pecans, ready to be served

Fall Harvest Salad Recipe

A fresh mix of crisp greens, juicy pears, dried cherries, and candied pecans tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the balance your Thanksgiving table needs — light yet satisfying.
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8
Pumpkin seeds in a bowl of bright pumpkin soup.

Roasted Vegan Pumpkin Soup

This soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Roasted pumpkin, garlic, and onion blended with creamy coconut milk for that velvety texture you’ll crave all season long.
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9

Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

Crispy edges, buttery inside, and packed with herby flavor. It’s simple, cozy, and pairs perfectly with everything on your plate.
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10

Non-Alcoholic Sangria with Berries

A vibrant, fizzy mocktail made with citrus, apples, and berries. It’s the perfect sip for toasting — festive without the hangover.
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11
peanut butter fudge topped with chocolate and crushed peanut butter cups.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Bites

Because you deserve dessert, too. These no-bake fudge bites are rich, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened with dates. Keep them in the freezer for easy snacking.
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12
Candied orange peel recipe on a black wire basket

Homemade Candied Orange Peel Recipe

Simple, nostalgic, and sweet. These chewy citrus treats are perfect for gifting or topping desserts. Proof that the best holiday candy is homemade.
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13
Two glass mugs of crockpot apple cider surrounded by fresh ingredients.

Easy Crockpot Apple Cider

Set it, forget it, and let your whole house smell like fall. This slow-cooked apple cider is warm, spiced, and perfect for sipping after the big meal.
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Whether you’re going full-on vegan or just adding more plants to your holiday spread, these recipes prove that flavor and comfort don’t require meat or dairy. Make a few, mix them in with family favorites, and enjoy a Thanksgiving that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.

Progress over perfection — and plenty of seconds, please.

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes FAQs

What do vegans eat on Thanksgiving?

This might surprise you, but vegans eat Thanksgiving foods just like everyone else! The table still has mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pie—just made with plant-based swaps. If you’re including vegans at your dinner, check which dishes include meat or by-products like eggs, honey, or butter. Simple swaps like vegan butter, flax eggs, or plant-based milk make it easy for everyone to enjoy the day together.

What is a vegan alternative to turkey?

A common vegan alternative to turkey is Tofurky, a plant-based roast filled with savory stuffing and rich gravy. Yet I prefer to make something from scratch that’s less processed and way more flavorful, like a Roasted Cauliflower or a hearty lentil loaf or mushroom Wellington—both packed with flavor and perfect for slicing and serving like a traditional roast. Each option brings that cozy, holiday comfort to the table without the bird.

What can I replace turkey with for Thanksgiving?

Skip the turkey and go plant-powered this Thanksgiving with a show-stopping Whole Roasted Cauliflower on a bed of mashed potatoes. It’s golden, savory, and satisfying enough to be the star of your table. Or try hearty swaps like a lentil loaf, mushroom Wellington, or stuffed squash for that cozy, festive vibe without the bird.

Are mashed potatoes vegan?

Traditional mashed potatoes aren’t always vegan because they’re often made with butter, milk, or cream—all of which come from dairy. But it’s super easy to make vegan mashed potatoes that taste just as rich and fluffy. Swap in plant-based butter (like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance) and unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as almond, oat, or cashew). A drizzle of olive oil or a scoop of roasted garlic can take the flavor over the top. So yes—mashed potatoes can be vegan, as long as you skip the dairy and keep those swaps in mind.

Share Your Favorite Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

I’d love to hear what your favorite vegan sides are for Thanksgiving. Maybe I can add to my menu next year and share my recipe version with you. Drop a comment below with your favorites. Let’s inspire each other to keep rawkin’ this season — one veggie at a time.

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About the Author

Jen Hansard

I’m a mom who swapped Lucky Charms for green smoothies and shares plant-based recipes that reach millions. My husband and I live in Oklahoma City with our teenagers. Fav things include running, traveling and tacos.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’m not vegan, but I love your recipes and plan on using a few this year. Thanks for putting this together to give me some great ideas!

  2. I’ve made the famous loaded sweet potato and plant-based Caprese salad before and they were both really good! I plan on making the vegan pumpkin soup next.

    1. The loaded sweet potato is one of my favorites too!! I cannot wait for you to try the vegan pumpkin soup next!! Enjoy 🙂

  3. I made Famous Loaded Sweet Potato last night… can’t wait for my guest to try it for the Feast!

  4. I’d like to try the 7 layer dip, but I’ll need to get your book! I’ve been meaning to try the Buffalo cauliflower wings, but my husband, who eats almost anything, doesn’t like cauliflower. I might give them a try anyways!

    1. You should totally give it a try!! Here is where you can purchase our book if you are interested in getting those extra recipes 🙂

  5. What a TERRIFIC layout for a great Thanksgiving! Here’s what I am making: Blackened Brussels Sprouts (my family LOVES them), 7 Layer Dip + Chips, Famous Loaded Sweet Potato, and Almond Butter Cups. YUMMY!

    1. Those are delicious choices!!! Let us know how they turn out when you make them 🙂

  6. We have been doing this for a few years. We have vegans, gluten-free, and vegetarian families. The last two years, our main entree has been a vegetarian shepards pie, filled with some great winter veggies. Our daughter-in-law makes it and tops it with a ½ & ½ mixture of mashed white and sweet potatoes! It’s heavenly, then we add a fruit salad and a vegetarian salad, like fresh broccoli salad. Our starters are gf crackers with mixtures of veggies and either hummus or avocado, and dates stuffed with Marcona almonds. We can add some of your recipes to ours! Happy Thanksgiving!

    1. Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

      Your dishes sounds delightful!! Thank you for sharing them with us and we hope our recipes are a great addition to Thanksgiving!!

  7. These recipes are wonderful suggestions! Def will make the cauliflower buffalo wings. The Blackened Brussels Sprouts and the Loaded Sweet Potato will be a plus with the turkey my husband loves to cook! A nice melding of eating styles. And, the kids will love the Healthy Rice Crispy Treats. For me? I’ll want to relax with a Hot Chocolate. I haven’t seen/made that recipe yet! Happy Thanksgiving! And thank you for making our holiday meal a little easier and healthier!

    1. The hot chocolate recipe is LOVED by many!!! I cannot wait for you to try it!!! I’m pretty sure I included just so you could try it. Hahaha. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving Beverly. xoxoxo

    2. You are so welcome, Beverly!! I have a feeling your kids will love the Healthy Rice Crispy Treats too + the hot chocolate is AMAZING!!! =P

    1. You’re so welcome Emily. Feel free to share the post with friends and family if you think it would help them get inspired too.

    2. You are so welcome, Emily!! Let us know what you think once you give it a try!!

  8. Hi! I’m gonna try to make the blackened brussel sprouts & minestrone soup. For dessert, almond butter cups & rice crispy treats. Can’t wait! Yummy!

    1. Yum!!! I cannot wait for you to try it! Let us know what you think when you do 🙂

  9. Ministrone soup looks amazing….doubt I will be able to wait for Thanksgiving! That will be in my tummy this weekend!!

    1. Not a bad idea at all! Hahahaha! Hope you enjoy it Tonia. Thanks for being a rawkstar. xoxoxo

  10. Thanks for all of the inspiration! I might really have to give your cauliflower buffalo wings a go!

    1. You’re so welcome! You def should make the Cauliflower Buffalo Wings… the key is to chop into small flourets and cook at a high temp to get the texture right. My mouth is drooling just thinking about them— hahhaha!

    2. You are welcome!! I think you totally should. You will not be disappointed 🙂

    1. Awww— I am so glad you’re gonna give it a go! I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with these recipes— they are very tasty!

  11. I can’t wait to try the blackened Brussel sprouts. I’ve never quite been able to get that crisp!

    1. They are so delicious!! Let us know what you think once you give them a try!