23 Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas With All the Fall Flavor and None of the Fuss
Anyone planning a holiday table knows how helpful 23 vegan Thanksgiving side dish ideas can be when you’re trying to keep the menu smooth and manageable. Most celebrations run better when the sides don’t compete for attention or oven space. Holiday routines get busy fast, and simple choices make a difference. Expect options that feel seasonal, welcoming, and suited for any crowd.
Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole
There’s something extra comforting about this Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole on a cozy fall day. Each bite feels creamy and rich, offering a plant-based spin that has guests reaching for seconds. Even those skeptical of vegan dishes can’t resist the inviting aroma. With layers of flavor, it quickly becomes the highlight of any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Charred Grilled Zucchini
A platter of this Charred Grilled Zucchini brightens the table with its stunning color and irresistible smoky flavor. Whenever I serve it, guests comment on the subtle warmth that each tender slice brings. It pairs beautifully with richer dishes, balancing out the meal without a hint of fuss. This side reminds everyone that veggies really can steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Charred Grilled Zucchini
Fresh Harvest Salad
While rich casseroles have their place, this Fresh Harvest Salad brings a crisp, refreshing note to your autumn feast. It’s a celebration of seasonal produce, layered with just the right crunch and color. I love watching guests pile their plates high, clearly appreciating the lighter option among heartier fare. One bite and it’s clear why this salad is always empty by the end.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Harvest Salad
Crispy Vegan Breakfast Potatoes
Nothing draws people to the table faster than the scent of these Crispy Vegan Breakfast Potatoes. Each bite is perfectly golden, with a satisfying crunch that appeals to both kids and adults. Oddly enough, they disappear almost as soon as they hit the table, long before the main courses are served. Add a sprinkle of seasoning and you’ll see them vanish even quicker.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Breakfast Potatoes
Fresh Quinoa Salad
Every Thanksgiving needs something bright and refreshing, and this Fresh Quinoa Salad fits the bill beautifully. You’ll find it bursting with wholesome ingredients that stand out among heavier plates. I always catch someone going back for another serving, grateful for a lighter bite. Its unique texture and lively appearance make it unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Quinoa Salad
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Once these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze hit the oven, the whole house smells like autumn. The sweet glaze mingles with earthy sprouts, creating a side that truly surprises even the skeptical. I’ve noticed people often ask for the recipe before the meal ends. This dish has a way of disappearing far more quickly than expected.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Few things say Thanksgiving quite like a big bowl of this Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Silky, comforting, and undeniably creamy, they offer all the goodness you remember, without any dairy required. Whether smothered in gravy or enjoyed plain, it’s hard to resist a second helping. Somehow, this classic is even better in vegan form.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Hearty Red Lentil Soup
Steaming mugs of this Hearty Red Lentil Soup add a welcome note of comfort to any chilly November day. The soup’s depth of flavor draws people in, making it an excellent starter or even a main dish. I like to keep a pot simmering for anyone who pops by unexpectedly. One spoonful brings that familiar fall feeling right to the table.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Red Lentil Soup
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Thanks to this Creamy Mac and Cheese, everyone gets a comforting scoop of nostalgia, vegan style. Silky sauce envelopes every bite, inviting even lifelong cheese lovers to try, and love something new. I’m always surprised how quickly the serving dish is scraped clean. For many, it’s the highlight of the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese
Golden Roasted Potatoes
Serving up this Golden Roasted Potatoes yields crunchy edges and fluffy insides, exactly what makes a simple dish so special. They’re reliable favorites, never lasting long on the holiday table. Whether you’re having an intimate dinner or a packed house, these potatoes shine in any setting. Even the pickiest eaters find something to like.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Potatoes
Mushroom Gravy
Silky and full of autumn flair, this Mushroom Gravy instantly transforms every side it touches. Earthy flavors blend smoothly, making mashed potatoes and more impossible to resist. Drizzling it over just about anything brings out deeper notes. I tend to make a generous batch because it’s always requested for leftovers, too.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole
Offering this Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole introduces a completely new side dish tradition to your holiday table. The blend of creamy texture and subtle crunch makes it unforgettable after just one bite. Friends and family often ask how something so indulgent could be plant-based. It’s a perfect addition to a vegan Thanksgiving, winning over more fans every year.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole
Rich Pumpkin Risotto
A big helping of this Rich Pumpkin Risotto brings together creamy comfort and savory fall flavor, all in one spoonful. It’s a cozy dish that stands up to other classics yet feels just a bit more special. I love how its orange hue adds color and personality to the table. The warmth it brings makes every bite even more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pumpkin Risotto
Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Nostalgia and plant-based eating blend beautifully in this Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole. It’s an updated classic where every forkful feels both familiar and brand new. Even those hesitant about vegan twists find themselves impressed by the hearty creaminess. This dish truly bridges generations at any Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Rustic Homemade Ratatouille
Setting out this Rustic Homemade Ratatouille brings a burst of color and garden flavor to the spread. Layers of fall vegetables offer a dish that’s both simple and surprisingly complex. What I appreciate most is how it honors the season without upstaging the main event. It brings comfort and warmth to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Homemade Ratatouille
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
You’ll be amazed at the silky texture and rich taste in this Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese. Guests often comment on how this plant-powered version holds its own against the classics they grew up with. Serving it brings about that cozy feeling everyone craves during Thanksgiving. It’s a familiar favorite reinvented for a new era.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Offering those warm, hearty vibes while still feeling light, this Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad brings contrasts to your spread. Each forkful delivers a variety of textures with an earthy autumn touch. I notice people scoop more than they expect, loving how it breaks up the richness of traditional fare. It’s those pops of color and flavor that linger in memory.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole
Whenever this Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole comes out of the oven, excitement fills the kitchen. Each forkful is packed with layers that bring the comfort of home-cooked meals, vegan-style. I find it disappears before most other sides are even touched. Its golden crust and cozy flavors spark conversation all through dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole
Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Crisp on the outside, soft inside, these Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to pick up with fingers, a real bonus for little ones or anyone who likes to sample everything. Even folks who claim not to like sweet potatoes end up asking for more. Their naturally sweet flavor fits right in with the flavors of the season.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Tender Sautéed Kale
Livening up the plate, this Tender Sautéed Kale keeps things fresh among the many rich dishes. Its vibrant color and hearty texture welcome a lighter touch. I’m always pleased to see even kale skeptics going back for seconds. Served warm or just above room temperature, it’s quietly memorable.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Everyone knows Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a side like this Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. Its familiar, comforting flavors leave guests reminiscing about past holidays, yet there’s a new twist that’s hard to pin down. I always prepare an extra batch because the first one vanishes so quickly. The golden topping alone draws a crowd around the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
A rainbow of farm-fresh color shines from this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Everything caramelizes just right, giving a natural sweetness that pairs effortlessly with the main course. Even the most basic eater can’t resist their tempting aroma. Cleanup is a breeze, letting you enjoy your guests a bit longer.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Last on the list but always a favorite, this Creamy Broccoli Casserole layers comfort and homemade goodness with every bite. The blend of textures makes it stand out among a table of side dishes. In my experience, even broccoli skeptics find plenty to appreciate. It’s the kind of dish everyone wants a scoop of, right from the start.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Casserole
