23 Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipe Ideas Made for the “Just One More Scoop” Crowd
Thanksgiving sides can be the best part of the meal, and this group of 23 vegan recipe ideas proves it. I love having choices that bring comfort, color, and that “one more scoop” energy without making the day feel heavy or complicated. You’ll find a mix of flavors that fit right into the holiday mood while keeping things simple enough to enjoy the day.
Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that no one will believe is vegan, this Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole is the answer. This dish combines creamy, savory flavors with the perfect golden finish that’ll have everyone going back for seconds (or thirds). Every bite has that comfort-meets-indulgence feeling that Thanksgiving side dishes are all about.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole
Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole
When a casserole involves crispy tater tots and rich, hearty flavors, it’s going to turn heads at the table. This Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole is a fun twist on a classic that brings a hit of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and exciting. Perfect for anyone who loves a cozy, comforting side dish that’s almost impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole
Mushroom Gravy
A rich, flavorful Mushroom Gravy can be the star that makes every Thanksgiving plate look and taste complete. Whether it’s poured over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or everything else on the table, it’s got that deep, earthy enjoy everyone craves. It’s the kind of gravy people ask about, and they’d probably go back for “just one more drizzle.”
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Crispy Vegan Breakfast Potatoes
These golden, perfectly cooked Crispy Vegan Breakfast Potatoes are one of those side dishes that have universal appeal. While they’re simple at heart, that crunchy exterior with the soft, fluffy insides makes them downright irresistible. This is comfort food in its best form, and you might notice the serving dish empty long before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Breakfast Potatoes
Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
The secret to a great Thanksgiving side is something simple that feels like a hug on your plate, and these Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes deliver exactly that. Creamy, airy, and wonderfully rich, they’re everything mashed potatoes should be – perfect for piling up or smothering in gravy. You could say they’re Thanksgiving essentials, in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Fresh Harvest Salad
Thanksgiving might be known for indulgence, but this Fresh Harvest Salad is a breath of fresh air that brings brightness to the table. With crisp, vibrant flavors and just the right hint of freshness, this salad balances out all the heavier dishes of the day. It’s the kind of side dish you didn’t know you needed, but end up grateful it’s there.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Harvest Salad
Fresh Quinoa Salad
This Fresh Quinoa Salad stands out for its blend of light, satisfying textures and flavors that complement the warm, hearty mains on the Thanksgiving table. It’s wholesome without feeling boring, and its bright, fresh vibe makes it feel like an upgrade to the traditional side salad. For anyone seeking balance while still enjoying great flavor, this dish checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Quinoa Salad
Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Take the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and turn them into a treat that’s crispy, golden, and almost impossible to stop snacking on with these Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. They’ve got that perfect mix of caramelized edges and soft center that puts them firmly in the “I’ll take another scoop” category. Thanksgiving or not, these are hard not to love.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Hearty Red Lentil Soup
There’s something special about serving soup as part of Thanksgiving, especially one as hearty and comforting as this Hearty Red Lentil Soup. With its warm, lightly spiced flavors, it’s the perfect way to kick off a holiday meal or bring an extra layer of richness to the table. Imagine filling your bowl and letting the coziness catch you – it’s an absolute mood-setter.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Red Lentil Soup
Golden Roasted Potatoes
Few things beat the simple perfection of these Golden Roasted Potatoes on a Thanksgiving table. Each bite is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned just enough to remind you why this dish always disappears. It’s a side that’s versatile yet packed with enough flavor to hold its own with the bigger, bold dishes.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Potatoes
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
If you’ve got skeptical sprout-eaters at the table, this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze might be the dish to change their minds. The sweet, tangy glaze paired with those golden, caramelized edges will have people rethinking boring greens. Don’t be surprised if this side draws attention as one of the tastiest surprises of the spread.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Charred Grilled Zucchini
These Charred Grilled Zucchini are one of those unexpected gems that quietly impress. The smoky, slightly charred edges bring incredible flavor to a simple veggie, while the tender bite keeps it light enough to balance out all the holiday indulgence. It’s the kind of side that makes vegetables feel anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Charred Grilled Zucchini
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Salads might not always be the first dish people mention during Thanksgiving, but this Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad is the exception. Each bite is packed with bold, cozy flavors – soft sweet potatoes, hearty chickpeas – that feel perfect for the season. It’s warm, filling, and so good that it holds its own among the classic casseroles and gravies.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole
If you’re after a casserole that hits all the marks, this Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole will be the side that feels nostalgic yet fresh at the same time. Creaminess, crunchiness, and satisfying bites – this dish is something Thanksgiving tables were made for. It’s comfort food at its coziest, and the flavors truly feel like a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Hearty Vegetable Casserole
When Thanksgiving calls for a dish that’s simple, wholesome, and downright cozy, this Hearty Vegetable Casserole fits the mood. Packed with rustic flavors and textures, it’s the kind of side that warms your heart almost as much as your belly. This “just one more scoop” dish will have people scraping the edges of the pan for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Casserole
Rustic Homemade Ratatouille
For anyone who wants a hearty, veggie-packed side that’s a little unexpected, this Rustic Homemade Ratatouille is a perfect option. Packed with beautiful, layered flavors, this dish feels wonderfully earthy and rich without overpowering the meal. If your table needs something memorable, this is the answer.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Homemade Ratatouille
Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole
There’s something about a velvety Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole that makes it the perfect partner for those heavier Thanksgiving dishes. It’s sweet without being too much, creamy in all the right ways, and so comforting that you can’t help but reach for another helping. Serve warm, and watch it disappear like a favorite memory.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole
Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole
If you’ve never tried this Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole, this dish might change your opinion of Brussels sprouts forever. The combination of creamy textures and delicate flavors creates a side dish that feels indulgent without overdoing it. It’s such a reliable choice when you need variety without straying from the comforting holiday theme.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole
Tender Sautéed Kale
This Tender Sautéed Kale is all about showcasing simple ingredients in their best light. The kale is soft, full-flavored, and makes a great addition to the richer, heavier sides on the table. People who like their greens will appreciate the balance it brings, and it’s exactly the type of dish that feels perfect for rounding out your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Is it really Thanksgiving without a green bean casserole? This Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole manages to stand out with its velvety texture and comforting flavors that feel both familiar and fresh. Even the most hesitant veggie fans tend to warm up to this dish, making it a must-have addition to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Rich Pumpkin Risotto
Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel the same without cozy pumpkin flavors, and this Rich Pumpkin Risotto delivers them in the creamiest way possible. This dish feels elegant yet deeply comforting, combining soft, rich textures with warm fall flavors that capture the spirit of the season. It’s that unique, memorable side dish everyone talks about after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pumpkin Risotto
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is everyone’s favorite comfort food, and this Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, rich, and holds its own against any of the mains on the table. This dish feels like pure celebration, and you might even catch people sneaking seconds when they think no one’s looking!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Packed with warm fall flavors and colors, this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables might be one of the prettiest sides on the table. Each piece is roasted to perfection, with caramelized edges and soft centers that bring rich, earthy sweetness to every bite. If you’re after something vibrant, this dish checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
