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Thanksgiving is a time for sharing gratitude and enjoying comforting, flavorful dishes with the people we care about most.
If you’re celebrating with a plant-based menu, you’re in for a treat. Vegan sides bring so much warmth and creativity to the table, proving you don’t need meat or dairy to make the holiday special. The best part? These dishes are simple, budget-friendly, and packed with seasonal goodness.
This year, focus on plant-powered sides that everyone will love — because when the food is this good, nobody will miss a thing!
How to Select the Best Vegan Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
- Create a Flavorful Balance: Thanksgiving is all about harmony. Pair creamy mashed potatoes with crispy roasted veggies, and add a vibrant cranberry sauce for a touch of tanginess. Combining textures and flavors keeps the table exciting and satisfying.
- Celebrate Seasonal Veggies: Sweet potatoes, squash, and Brussels sprouts are at their best during fall. These fresh, budget-friendly ingredients bring natural flavor and warmth to any dish, making your sides stand out.
- Keep It Simple and Stress-Free: Stick to straightforward recipes that come together quickly or can be made ahead. Focusing on easy dishes means you can enjoy the holiday without feeling rushed.
- Make Crowd-Pleasing Favorites: Everyone loves a classic, so lean into vegan versions of beloved sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies. These familiar dishes, with a plant-based twist, are guaranteed hits.
- Embrace Affordable Ingredients: The best sides don’t need to cost a fortune. Potatoes, lentils, frozen veggies, and pantry staples like spices and olive oil deliver incredible flavor without breaking the bank.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Replacement
Thanksgiving doesn’t need a turkey to feel complete!
Try a flavorful stuffed butternut squash filled with quinoa, cranberries, and pecans for a festive and hearty centerpiece. A Puerto Rican pastelón, made with layers of sweet plantains, savory lentil filling, and spices, brings a unique and comforting twist to the table.
For something bold, try mushroom pernil — meaty mushrooms marinated in garlic, oregano, and citrus, then roasted to perfection. You can also go for a lentil loaf, packed with herbs and spices, or a whole roasted cauliflower brushed with garlic and paprika.
These plant-based mains bring vibrant flavor and creativity to your Thanksgiving spread!
Fluffy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Vegan Butter Chicken (Tofu Makhani)
Oil-Free Mushroom Gravy (Naturally Vegan!)
Mushroom Lentil Loaf
Sugar-Free Vegan Applesauce
Mashed Carrots With Cinnamon
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing
Vegan Creamy Red Potato Salad
Gluten-Free Onion Gravy
Arroz Con Gandules (Puerto Rican Yellow Rice)
Jackfruit Pernil
Did you try any of the recipes on the list?
Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us!
More Vegan Recipes to Try
FAQs About Vegan Thanksgiving
The most common sides are mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes — all of which can easily be made vegan.
Vegetarians often enjoy hearty mains like stuffed squash, lentil loaf, or a savory mushroom pot pie as a turkey alternative.
Many condiments used on Thanksgiving are naturally dairy-free, like cranberry sauce, mustard, and ketchup. Just double-check store-bought gravy or creamy dressings to ensure they’re plant-based!
Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans are incredibly filling and high in protein, making them perfect for a satisfying Thanksgiving dish.
Aim for at least 3-5 vegan sides to offer a variety of flavors and textures that complement your main course.
Dairy-Free Coconut Creamed Corn
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