Healthy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes (GF)

If you’re looking for healthy vegan Thanksgiving recipe ideas, this list is for you. Take the stress out of your Thanksgiving meal with these amazingly delicious dishes that are all meat, dairy, egg, and gluten-free!

Despite what you might think, Thanksgiving cooking doesn’t have to be stressful – even if you’re trying to build an entirely vegan Thanksgiving dinner or are dealing with a variety of dietary preferences.

If you think hosting a completely plant-based festive dinner sounds like an impossible feat, I assure you nothing could be further from the truth.

Nowadays we have so many vegan options at the grocery store – plant-based milk and butter, tasty cheeses, plus all the delightful veggies, grains, pastas, and more. That means vegan Thanksgiving isn’t just possible, it’s actually super attainable!

Tasty vegan sides like mac & cheese and mashed potatoes, rich-tasting entrées like casseroles or shepherd’s pie, and tons of other traditional Thanksgiving recipes are included in this list.

You will find plenty of allergy-friendly recipes with both gluten and nut-free options. And if that weren’t enough to entice you, these vegan desserts are sweetened with only natural ingredients. Let the feast begin!

Vegan Thanksgiving Mains

Nobody will miss the turkey or the ham with one of these stunning vegan centerpieces hogging all the glory! Stuffed squash, meatloaf, meatballs, and shepherd’s pie are just the beginning.

Individual Lentil Puff Pastry Pies

If you’re on the hunt for a meatless main to serve my Individual Puff Pastry Lentil Pies are the show-stopping savory centerpiece you’ve been looking for. Flaky pastry shells are stuffed with lentils, veggies, and fresh herbs and wrapped into a pretty package. From vnutritionandwellness.com

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Stuffed Acorn Squash

This Stuffed Acorn Squash is a wonderful vegan main dish for Thanksgiving. Stuffed with wild rice, veggies, and tempeh, the autumn-inspired squash is savory and delicious. It can even be made ahead to save time!

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Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Even as a vegan you can still enjoy a classic dish like mac and cheese thanks to some clever ingredients. The pumpkin flavor doesn’t overpower this creamy pasta, so even those who are not crazy about it will enjoy this comforting dish. From vnutritionandwellness.com

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Portobello Steaks with Whiskey Peppercorn Gravy

I can’t decide what excites me more about this recipe: the Portobello ‘steaks’ or that amazing whiskey peppercorn sauce! From connoisseurusveg.com

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Vegan Lentil Quinoa Loaf

This Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is hearty and comforting dish for Thanksgiving. It’s filled with lentils and made creamy with vegan mashed potatoes. From nosweatvegan.com

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Vegan Meatloaf with Chickpeas and Lentils

While you shouldn’t expect this chickpeas & lentils meatloaf to taste exactly like meat it’s close enough and just as yummy. From jessicainthekitchen.com

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Vegan Thanksgiving Meatballs

If there’s any vegan recipe that will be enjoyed by your meat-eating friends it’s definitely worth making. These vegan ‘meatballs’ are a wonderful plant-based main, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. From makingthymeforhealth.com

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Vegan Thanksgiving Sides

As far as I’m concerned, it’s not Thanksgiving (vegan or otherwise) without all the traditional sides. Mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potatoes – the gang’s all here, plus some tasty new additions. Looking for gravy? I have several vegan options in a separate section below!!

Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

These 15 minute Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts are the perfect side for Thanksgiving. Pan-cooked Brussels sprouts are tossed with a sweet and savory vegan dressing then topped with crunchy toasted pecans.

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Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Cauliflower mashed potatoes are super creamy, and thanks to the cauliflower, you will have a lighter, healthier and more nutritious side dish compared to the classic recipe. From vnutritionandwellness.com

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Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

You can’t go wrong with this 20-minute fall inspired Vegan Squash Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, tangy, and delicious, this easy and healthy dish is a comforting choice for a Thanksgiving side dish.

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Garam Masala Roasted Squash Tahini and Lemon

Garam Masala flavors nicely complement roasted squash paired with a flavorful lemon tahini sauce and some crunchy pepitas and pomegranates for a bit of texture. From vnutritionandwellness.com

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Vegan Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing

This cornbread stuffing is free of refined sugars and naturally gluten-free and tastes absolutely delicious, guaranteeing a win at any Thanksgiving table. By Bohemian Vegan Kitchen.

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Creamed Spinach Gratin with Seedy Crumb Topping

Spinach gratin sounds so delicious and this side dish will add a bit of color and nutrition to your Thanksgiving table. From quitegoodfood.co.nz

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Vegan Thanksgiving Casseroles

Whether you call them casseroles, hot dishes, or tray-bakes, one thing stays the same: cozy warm things baked in a 9×13 are awesome.

Pumpkin Vegetable Bake

Baked veggies & pumpkin are an absolutely delicious combo. Better yet, no one will realize they’re actually eating a healthy meal! From vnutritionandwellness.com

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Vegan Cheese and Parsley Baked Cauliflower

This vegan cheesy casserole really makes the cauliflower flavor shine and you can definitely add it to your list of easy Thanksgiving casseroles. From kiipfit.com

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Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

Those who enjoy sweet side dishes will surely appreciate this amazing sweet potato casserole that uses only applesauce as a natural sweetener. From joyfoodsunshine.com

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Vegan Scalloped Cauliflower

A nutritious and low-carb recipe that’s super easy to make and a real crowd pleaser! From veggiesdontbite.com

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Hashbrown Casserole

While this dish would be perfect for Thanksgiving, it’s also an easy and comforting meal you can eat any day of the week. From contentednesscooking.com

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Vegan Thanksgiving Gravy & Cranberry Sauce

Gravy isn’t just for the birds – these four recipes prove it! And no Thanksgiving is complete without cranberry sauce, but the homemade stuff is so much tastier than canned.

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy

Pour on the gravy! This Shiitake Mushroom Gravy is full of flavor and is perfect for your holiday table. It’s easy to make, comforting and delicious! From vnutritionandwellness.com

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Vegan Red Wine Gravy

If you prefer a richer tasting gravy, you should check out this recipe using red wine, shallots, and mushrooms for a deep, savory dish that will pair well with almost anything. From frieddandelions.com

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No-Cook 5-Minute Miso Gravy

Thanksgiving cooking can take a lot of effort and if there is no more time on your schedule for your favorite gravy try this one instead. It’s no-cook, ready in 5 minutes, and miso is a probiotic food, so there are no compromises made health-wise. From glueandglitter.com

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SOS-Free Carrot Gravy

SOS stands for Salt Oil Sugar, and this gravy was developed without any of the three. It’s delicious and ready in under 30 minutes, so what’s not to like? From veggielexi.com

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Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Simple recipes are always the best. This gorgeous, thick cranberry sauce is made using only 3 ingredients and it’s not just vegan, it’s also paleo and Whole30-approved. From eatthegains.com

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Vegan Thanksgiving Salads

I’m all for having lots of different starches to choose from at Thanksgiving, but I also love having a variety of vibrant colors and crunchy sides. These bright, beautiful salads are a welcome diversion from all the heavy holiday staples.

Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts Salad

There are so many interesting textures and flavors in this salad! I’m sure if you give it a try, you won’t hesitate to serve it on Thanksgiving! From avirtualvegan.com

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Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is an excellent source of plant-based protein, the tangy & sweet dressing is to die for, and the pomegranate makes this salad look very festive. From flavorthemoments.com

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Quinoa Spinach Salad with Butternut Squash and Apples

Here’s another hearty quinoa salad that also packs a generous amount of spinach. Who said you can’t celebrate Thanksgiving with healthy food? From veggieinspired.com

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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette

Thanksgiving is usually celebrated with heavier foods, which is why this light and healthy salad made with shaved Brussels sprouts and maple mustard dressing is just the dish you need to accompany them. From diannesvegankitchen.com

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Fall Kale and Farro Salad

This kale and farro salad has so many autumn flavors it’s definitely worth making and I’m sure it would look stunning on any Thanksgiving table. From themostlyvegan.com

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Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts

I can’t speak for everyone, but THIS vegan loves her some dessert. These yummy recipes are perfect for gracing any fall table, and will impress the whole family when placed on your Thanksgiving smorgasbord.

Sweet Pumpkin Hummus

Can hummus really be a dessert? I say yes and even more: it’s also a healthy one. This sweet pumpkin hummus is the perfect allergy-friendly treat. From vnutritionandwellness.com

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Vegan Apple Crumble

Crumbles are super easy to make in general, and this apple one is made only with healthy, whole ingredients and gluten-free. I sweetened it with dates and topped it with coconut cream for a truly comforting treat. From vnutritionandwellness.com

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Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars seem like a more practical alternative to a large pie – they’re so much easier to serve! And even though they’re vegan, they’re still super decadent. From allergyfreealaska.com

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Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Pear Crumble

This apple pear crumble is a super easy dessert that looks very attractive and is also refined sugar-free. From tastingpage.com

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Vegan Applesauce Cake with Cinnamon Maple Frosting

I can’t imagine any dessert lover would be able to turn down this wonderful cake. It’s flourless and interestingly, also freezer-friendly. From countryhillcottage.com

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Related Posts

• Vegan Breakfast Christmas Recipes – These yummy and nutritious recipes are *almost* as exciting as the presents under the tree!
• Healthy Vegan Casserole Recipes – I love casseroles for SO MANY REASONS. They’re cozy, delicious, easy to make, and clean-up is usually a snap.
• The Ultimate List of Vegan Pumpkin Recipes – Want to extend Pumpkin Spice Latte season? Me too. These recipes have tons of inspiration for using everyone’s favorite winter squash.

If you loved this recipe roundup of Healthy Vegan Thanksgiving Dishes, please comment below! Your support means the world, and I am so thankful for you all. Happy Holidays from me to you!

Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition

Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel confident in creating sustainable habits that align with their values and health goals. She shares easy gluten-free plant-powered food to nourish your body + satisfy your tastebuds. Mary Ellen’s recipes and nutrition info have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.