30 Must-Try Vegan Side Dishes For Thanksgiving

Hannah Healy

By Hannah Healy

Updated August 26, 2024

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Vegan food has come a long way, and these new recipes offer a delicious and exciting alternative to the usual Thanksgiving menu. You’ll find creamy mashed potatoes, zesty roasted veggies, savory stuffing twists, and even fun dishes like vegan cornbread and pumpkin mac and cheese.

These vegan side dishes for Thanksgiving are a great addition to your holiday spread, whether you’re cooking for a vegan friend or just want to try something new. They’re not only delicious but also easy to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday feast with your loved ones. And hey, saving a little time (and maybe a few calories) might just leave more room for that delicious vegan pumpkin pie and other desserts!

Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Puree

A bowl of cauliflower puree with a sprig of rosemary.
Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Puree. Photo credit: Healy Eats Real.

This creamy cauliflower puree recipe is smooth like mashed potatoes with savory, salty, garlic, and herb flavors! It’s one of my favorite vegan Thanksgiving side dishes and an easy side dish to make for a simple weeknight dinner, too!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Puree

Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze

A white rectangular plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with balsamic glaze and garnished with lemon zest on a wooden table.
Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Healy Eats Real.

These lemon garlic Brussels sprouts will change your opinion of the humble yet often hated veggie. When cooked correctly and topped with a savory glaze made from balsamic vinegar, they are absolutely delicious and the perfect side dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze

Easy Baked Carrot Fries Recipe

A red bucket filled with baked carrot fries lined with white paper on a wooden surface.
Easy Baked Carrot Fries Recipe. Photo credit: Healy Eats Real.

Looking for vegan Thanksgiving sides? These baked carrot fries are a tasty and fun option that’s perfect for vegan guests, and they’re also great for easy weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious Thanksgiving side dish that fits perfectly into any plant-based diet!
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Carrot Fries Recipe

Vegan Baked Potato Pave

Four square pieces of crispy layered potatoes, seasoned with salt and garnished with chopped chives, served on a white plate.
Vegan Baked Potato Pave. Photo credit: Food Wine And Love.

Vegan Baked Potato Pave is a simple and delicious scallop potato-inspired side dish that is made without adding dairy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Baked Potato Pave

Farro Con Gandules (Farro With Pigeon Peas)

A pot of seasoned rice garnished with cilantro sits next to a white plate with a wooden spoon and a red striped cloth.
Farro Con Gandules (Farro With Pigeon Peas). Photo credit: Sense And Edibility.

Farro Con Gandules is a riff on Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules. It has the same amazing flavors!
Get the Recipe: Farro Con Gandules (Farro With Pigeon Peas)

Vegan Mushroom Stuffing

A close-up of a dish featuring seasoned cubes of bread, mushrooms, onions, and garnished with parsley in a white baking dish.
Vegan Mushroom Stuffing. Photo credit: Food Wine And Love.

Vegan Mushroom Stuffing is the perfect side to go with your holiday dinner and is Mediterranean-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Stuffing

Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus

A wooden board with a pile of roasted asparagus sprinkled with salt crystals, accompanied by half a lemon. A ceramic bowl and whole lemons are in the background.
Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus. Photo credit: Inspired Epicurean.

Air fryer frozen asparagus is a great idea for vegetable side dishes, delivering a crispy texture and tasty caramelized seasoning in just 15 minutes. This recipe card is perfect for your vegan Thanksgiving dinner and can be adjusted to your liking—air fry a bit less for a bit more snap or a bit longer for extra crunch and caramelization!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Close-up of sliced baked potatoes, arranged in a fanned formation and topped with melted shredded cheese and herbs.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes (Vegan). Photo credit: Zardy Plants.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes make a hearty and delicious side dish. These shingled sweet potatoes with garlic are so satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Sweet Potatoes (Vegan)

Easy Recipe For Green Beans With Almonds

A plate of sautéed green beans garnished with sliced almonds and minced garlic.
Easy Recipe For Green Beans With Almonds. Photo credit: Debra Klein.

This easy recipe for Green beans with almonds and garlic is ready in just 15 minutes. Sauteed green beans is the perfect veggie side dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Recipe For Green Beans With Almonds

Mashed Acorn Squash Recipe

A bowl of creamy mashed yellow vegetables, garnished with chopped green onions and black pepper, with a spoon placed inside. A white and black striped cloth is partially visible next to the bowl.
Mashed Acorn Squash Recipe. Photo credit: Debra Klein.

This mashed acorn squash recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients, and it tastes incredible. The only acorn mash you’ll ever need!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Acorn Squash Recipe

Pear Salad

A bowl of mixed greens topped with sliced pears, dried cranberries, walnuts, and a light dressing.
Pear Salad. Photo credit: Plant Based On A Budget.

This easy vegan Pear Salad is a refreshing six-ingredient side dish that’s perfect for everyday dinners or holiday meals. The best part? It’s simple to make and adds a tasty touch to any meal!
Get the Recipe: Pear Salad

Roasted Fall Vegetables

A plate of roasted vegetables including Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, and squash, garnished with rosemary, pumpkin seeds, and pomegranate seeds. Two gold utensils are placed beside the plate.
Roasted Fall Vegetables. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

This colorful combination of roasted fall vegetables is a perfect side dish for fall, winter, or Thanksgiving dinner. The balsamic glaze adds natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Fall Vegetables

Vegan Stuffing

A glass baking dish filled with a cooked vegetable casserole, featuring pieces of bread, sliced carrots, celery, and onions.
Vegan Stuffing. Photo credit: Strength And Sunshine.

Thanksgiving is never complete without some of the best Vegan Stuffing! Impress your guests with this essential side dish that’s safe for all!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole

Close-up of a green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions. The dish features green beans mixed with a creamy sauce.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Health My Lifestyle.

Looking for a vegan green bean casserole? This dairy-free version is made with just nine ingredients and topped with crispy onion! It’s perfect for a Happy Thanksgiving that’ll delight your taste buds!
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Vegan Sweet Potato

Close-up of roasted sweet potatoes and pecans, seasoned with herbs and spices. The vegetables are slightly caramelized and garnished with fresh thyme.
Vegan Sweet Potato. Photo credit: A Virtual Vegan.

Vegan sweet potatoes cooked in vegan butter, maple syrup, and stock get all the delicious flavors before roasting to a golden, sticky perfection. These tasty sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish for your holiday table or Sunday roast, and they’re a great twist on the usual vegan sweet potato casserole.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato

Vegan Sausage Stuffing Balls

A ceramic dish filled with golden-brown stuffing balls, accompanied by holly branches.
Vegan Sausage Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: The Vegan Larder.

Yummy vegan stuffing balls that are made with tempeh for a sausage-type flavor. Perfect Christmas or Thanksgiving side dish!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sausage Stuffing Balls

Instant Pot Potato Carrot Recipe

A white bowl filled with a mixed salad of cooked potatoes and carrots, garnished with chopped parsley.
Instant Pot Potato Carrot Recipe. Photo credit: Vegan In The Freezer.

Instant Pot Potato Carrot has flavor to spare, and all in under 30 minutes. It is so easy you can have your favorite vegetables anytime you want.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Carrot Recipe

Vegan Pigs in Blankets

Close-up of baked sausage rolls wrapped in golden-brown pastry with a topping of red jam, arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Vegan Pigs in Blankets. Photo credit: By The Forkful.

These vegan pigs in blankets are wrapped up extra warm with a layer of vegan bacon and a layer of puff pastry with a cranberry sauce glaze.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pigs in Blankets

Vegan Corn Pudding

A spoon is lifting a portion of creamy corn casserole from a baking dish, showing a mixture of corn kernels and a rich, golden, baked topping.
Vegan Corn Pudding. Photo credit: My Quiet Kitchen.

Corn pudding is a perfect vegan side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you’re craving rich vegan comfort food. Rich and loaded with sweet corn! This Southern-style vegan corn pudding is adapted from a family recipe. With JUST Egg and vegan butter, it’s easy to enjoy a 100% plant-based version of your holiday favorite!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Corn Pudding

Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Rosemary

A bowl of mashed sweet potatoes garnished with a sprig of rosemary.
Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Rosemary. Photo credit: Nkechi Ajaeroh.

A simple vegan mashed sweet potato recipe with rosemary, coconut milk, and coconut cream is the best vegan side dish for the holidays!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Rosemary

Cranberry Orange Relish

Close-up of a bowl of cranberry relish with visible orange zest and a spoon. The relish has a chunky texture and a vibrant red color with orange accents.
Cranberry Orange Relish. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Cranberry orange relish is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table, bringing a fresh twist to traditional holiday sides. This easy, three-ingredient dish takes just five minutes to make and pairs beautifully with your main course, whether it’s turkey or roast chicken!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Relish

Cranberry Compote

A bowl of cranberry sauce surrounded by whole cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, a red and white striped cloth, and a spoon with sauce on it.
Cranberry Compote. Photo credit: Baste Cut Fold.

A zingy cranberry compote made from fresh cranberries, oranges, ginger, and rosemary. An easy vegan cranberry compote recipe!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Compote

Vegan Baked Loaded Potatoes (Stuffed Potatoes)

Baked potatoes covered in foil, topped with shredded cheese, herbs, and bacon bits, served on a white plate.
Vegan Baked Loaded Potatoes (Stuffed Potatoes). Photo credit: Joyful Dumplings.

Vegan Baked Potato is a go-to comfort food. Vegan twice-baked loaded Potato is a game changer. So easy and satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Baked Loaded Potatoes (Stuffed Potatoes)

Easy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with sliced green onions, placed next to two spoons.
Easy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Plant-Based Folk.

Simple ingredients make this creamy garlic vegan mashed potatoes. Each mouthful is filled with comforting vibes and delicious flavor. It’s great on its own or topped with a vegan gravy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes

The Best Vegan Cauliflower Cheese

A baked cauliflower and celery dish garnished with fresh thyme. The vegetables are cooked in a creamy sauce, appearing golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
The Best Vegan Cauliflower Cheese. Photo credit: Healthy Living James.

This Vegan Cauliflower Cheese recipe took two years to be perfect! It’s so easy and the best Cauliflower Cheese out there.
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Cauliflower Cheese

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

A plate of roasted carrots and parsnips garnished with fresh rosemary and chopped nuts.
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips. Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

A delicious side dish for any meal, honey-roasted carrots and parsnips are the perfect blend of sweet, caramelized root vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Vegan Dauphinoise Potatoes

A close-up of baked cheesy scalloped potatoes topped with herbs in a white dish.
Vegan Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Healthy Living James.

These vegan dauphinoise potatoes are the best version of a classic holiday side dish. Plus, it’s a perfect cream sauce!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Dauphinoise Potatoes

Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

A baked casserole topped with a breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh sage leaves tied together, placed in an oval baking dish.
Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce. Photo credit: Friendly Vegan Kitchen.

Amazing baked Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe! It’s quick, easy to make, and topped with crispy sage breadcrumbs. Everyone loves this!
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Vegan Pumpkin Risotto

A plate of creamy pumpkin risotto topped with freshly grated cheese and garnished with green herbs.
Vegan Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Zardy Plants.

This creamy and cozy one-pot Vegan Pumpkin Risotto is the ultimate comfort meal but still healthy and family-friendly. This 20 minute dish is sure to be a favorite entree, but also makes a fabulous side with flavors or pumpkin, thyme, and rosemary. Bonus points: it’s great for a holiday meal or just a quick weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Risotto

Easy Vegan Cornbread

Two pieces of cornbread stacked on top of each other, showing a crumbly texture with visible corn kernels. The cornbread pieces are placed on a piece of white parchment paper.
Easy Vegan Cornbread. Photo credit: Plant-Based Folk.

Can’t decide on the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes? This easy vegan cornbread is a top pick with its perfect crumb and fluffy texture, plus real corn kernels for extra goodness. Meat eaters and vegans alike will love its mildly sweet flavor, making it a great side for soups, stews, and chilis—or just on its own!
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Cornbread

30 Must-Try Vegan Side Dishes For Thanksgiving
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Hannah Healy

Hannah Healy is the founder of Healy Eats Real, a health and wellness website that provides healthy recipes and helpful information on wellness. Hannah is the published author of The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Redbook, fitness and MSN.

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