When I think about Thanksgiving, my thoughts focus on family and food. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, reflect on our blessings, and acknowledge our gratitude. Luckily, my family all celebrates with a feast of vegan Thanksgiving recipes.
In an effort to bring my family favorites to you, I compiled some vegan Thanksgiving recipes to help plan your Vegan Thanksgiving meal.
I clearly remember my first plant-based Thanksgiving. Actually, I made two dinners; one for the meat-eaters and another meal for my plant-based family. Since then, everyone in the family enjoys our vegan Thanksgiving recipes, and my life is now much easier around the holidays.
Let's begin with some of my family's favorite appetizers for Thanksgiving. Because my family loves appetizers, we start early Thanksgiving Day and graze throughout the day.
VEGAN THANKSGIVING APPETIZER RECIPES
AVOCADO HUMMUS RECIPE
I love my Thanksgiving table full of vibrant colors. Avocado Hummus, for example, is a light and healthy dip served with bright vegetables and whole wheat pita bread.
BABY STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS
These bite-sized baby stuffed portobello mushrooms are incredibly savory and pop right in your mouth. Easy to make, these stuffed mushrooms can be made ahead of time and heated up right before your family and friends arrive.
ASPARAGUS WRAPPED IN OIL-FREE DOUGH WITH MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE
Take some simple asparagus to the next level and give it some fancy flare. Dipped in this savory Mustard Dipping Sauce, this asparagus, wrapped in the oil-free dough turns an ordinary appetizer table into a beautiful display.
VEGAN BRUSCHETTA BOARD
When you want to add color to a table, a Vegan Bruschetta board with a variety of toppings is a crowd-pleaser. We love boards, and bruschetta is easy to make ahead of time and provide many different combinations to please everyone in the family.
TANGY VEGAN MEATBALLS
One of my family's favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes is Vegan Tangy Crockpot Meatless Meatballs. Made with lentils, these meatballs cook in a crockpot all Thanksgiving Day with a simple sauce. At my house, these little vegan meatballs disappear quickly.
THANKSGIVING SALAD AND SOUP RECIPES
Even on Thanksgiving, it's important to get your greens, so I always make a large salad or soup to accompany our Thanksgiving meal.
VEGAN WALDORF SALAD
Regardless of my menu, my family always asks for Vegan Waldorf Salad. Full of apples, grapes, walnuts, and a variety of recipes, this salad recipe is dressed in a sweet yet savory dressing.
HARVEST SALAD RECIPE
Without a doubt, serving a salad full of sweet potatoes, apples, walnuts, and an array of vegetables, this Harvest Salad is full of fall flavors. Dressed in an oil-free maple dijon dressing, this salad makes a perfect addition to Thanksgiving dinner.
ASPARAGUS SALAD RECIPE
Asparagus, orzo, and bright vegetables make this oil-free salad a delicious accompaniment to Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, Asparagus Salad combines roasted asparagus and raw vegetables for a savory, make-ahead salad to make Thanksgiving dinner easy to prepare.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH POTATO SOUP
In addition, Butternut Squash Potato Soup combines butternut squash and potatoes with savory shallots. In order to make Thanksgiving preparation easier, this soup is cooked in a crockpot.
Then, using a high-speed blender or immersion blender, butternut squash potato soup can be made ahead of time and reheated.
POTATO LEEK SOUP
Another one of my family's favorite soups is Potato Leek Soup. During the fall, this soup is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a holiday dinner. In fact, this soup recipe is made with vegetables and its creaminess comes from potatoes.
Not only is potato leek soup easy to make, but it can also be made ahead of time.
VEGAN THANKSGIVING ENTREE RECIPES
Throughout the years, I've made a variety of different Thanksgiving entrees. These recipes, however, are on the top of the list for Thanksgiving successes.
VEGETABLE STRUDEL SERVED WITH BUTTER BEAN MASHED POTATOES AND NO CHICKEN GRAVY
No matter how many vegetables I pack into a Vegetable Strudel, it always turns out fabulous. Even the kids enjoy this dish, covered in gravy with mashed potatoes on the side.
LENTIL MEATLOAF
Whenever I make this Vegan Meatloaf recipe, my family asks why I didn't make two, so they can have cold sandwiches the next day. Again, this vegan meatloaf recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated on Thanksgiving Day to make planning easy.
PORTOBELLO WELLINGTON SERVED WITH GARLIC ROASTED POTATOES AND BROCCOLI.
Elegant, yet easy to prepare, these individual portobello wellingtons are always a Thanksgiving hit. Not only are the large portobello mushrooms stuffed with a savory filling, but they are also wrapped in dough and baked to perfection.
VEGGIE STUFFED SHELLS
Sometimes, my family requests an Italian entree for Thanksgiving dinner. One of my favorite dishes to prepare is Veggie Stuffed Shells. Similar to other entrees in my top favorites, stuffed shells can also be made ahead of time and cooked when your friends and family arrive.
Whenever I serve veggie stuffed shells, I make an Antipasto Salad, and Vegan Garlic Bread too.
VEGAN POT PIE
Last, but certainly not least, is one of my newest posts, Vegan Pot Pie. Even though I just made this recipe recently, my family has suggested these individual pot pies be this year's dinner.
Another option, however, is to make a large pot pie or use a rectangular pan to serve many people.
VEGAN THANKSGIVING SIDE DISH RECIPES
If you are hosting a buffet type dinner or having an intimate dinner, side dishes are always a crowd-pleaser. After cooking a big meal, I sometimes like to eat side dishes for my dinner.
VEGAN SCALLOPED POTATOES
Whenever I make Vegan Scalloped Potatoes, my family goes crazy. Everyone, despite their favorite foods, always finds room for creamy savory potatoes.
Since these potatoes are made with only vegetables, you can have second helpings.
OIL-FREE CORNBREAD
Again, this dense and delicate cornbread recipe is easily made ahead of time and goes with almost every entree. Sweet, yet savory, vegan cornbread is one of my favorite vegan recipes for Thanksgiving.
BUTTERBEAN MASHED POTATOES (SERVED WITH VEGAN STUFFED MUSHROOMS & ASPARAGUS
In order to get that buttery flavored mashed potatoes, try using butterbeans. Not only do butterbeans taste like butter, but they also provide a creamy texture.
VEGAN THANKSGIVING DESSERT RECIPES
In the event you have are still hungry, Thanksgiving dessert is always popular. Although I generally skip dessert, my family loves dessert.
PUMPKIN "CRACK" DIP
As a seasonal favorite dessert, this pumpkin dip recipe is simple to make with a few simple ingredients. In fact, I often take this dip to parties in the fall, since it is a party favorite. Great for a fruit dip, or for vegan ginger snap cookies.
MINI VEGAN PUMPKIN PIES
Instead of making a large pie, try making Mini Vegan Pumpkin Pies! As a result, your guests won't leave your house stuffed. Because these mini pies are a perfect size for just two bites, no one will feel guilt for indulging.
APPLE CRISP
Similar to pumpkin desserts, this apple crisp recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving. Light and healthy, vegan apple crisp is made with fresh apples, maple syrup, and Engine Pumpkin Apple Granola (seasonal).
VEGAN CARAMEL SAUCE
Because I always prefer a light dessert, Vegan Caramel Sauce served with apple slices is my favorite Thanksgiving dessert recipe. Light and sweet, this clean and healthy sauce is the perfect way to end a holiday meal.
From my family to your family, Happy Thanksgiving. May you have a happy, healthy, holiday filled with wonderful food, loved ones, and thanks.
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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