When it comes to Thanksgiving, it’s easy to think of Tofurky (or vegan meatloaf) as the main event. But in reality, we all know the festivities actually revolve around the side dishes. After all, without classic dishes like vegan stuffing and mashed potatoes, a Thanksgiving spread wouldn’t feel complete.
If your stomach is grumbling in agreement, check out these 17 vegan Thanksgiving sides for your holiday menu. Happy cooking!
1. Oat Cranberry Pilaf with Pistachios
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 40 minutes
In a world of potatoes and green beans, this oat cranberry pilaf wtih pistachios sure does shine. It’s not only nutritious and simple, but requires just one skillet and 40 minutes of your time. Bonus: You can eat the leftovers for breakfast.
2. Cheesy Vegan Roasted Cauliflower
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 30 minutes
For a no-nonsense side dish, make this cheesy vegan roasted cauliflower recipe. It calls for just six ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand. Serve it a tasty sauce like this vegan Ranch dressing.
3. Easy Vegan Stuffing
Vegan | Total time: 45 minutes
Homemade vegan stuffing is one of those dishes that’s simple yet impressive. It also doubles as a chance to feature your favorite holiday herb combinations, like rosemary and thyme.
4. Miso Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Vegan | Total time: 30 minutes
If you’re looking for a flavorful vegan side dish, this is it. From the tangy apple cider dressing to the sweet pomegranate seeds, miso maple roasted Brussels sprouts will treat your taste buds. You can even make it advance and re-heat just before serving.
5. Roasted Potatoes
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 30 minutes
Looking for a reason to break out your Instant Pot this Thanksgiving? Us too. That’s why we’ve drooling over these Instant Pot roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. It also doesn’t hurt that the recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep.
6. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Vegan, Dairy-free | Total time: 1 hour
Green bean casserole may be a Thanksgiving staple, but traditional recipes call for dairy and processed ingredients. This year, try making a vegan green bean casserole from scratch. The “fried” onions are baked, while the creamy sauce is free of dairy.
7. Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Kale
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
There’s something so charming about serving food in, well, food. Take this roasted acorn squash with quinoa and kale, for example. The dish features a quinoa filling served in perfectly caramlized acorn squash, complete with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Yum.
8. Vegan Sausage & Tempeh Cornbread Stuffing
Vegan | Total time: 50 minutes
If you’ve never tried cornbread stuffing, here’s your chance. Thanks to this vegan sausage and tempeh cornbread stuffing recipe, you can switch up the classic side dish while keeping it vegan-friendly. It also calls for chunks of apple, which adds a tasty dose of sweetness.
9. Easy Cauliflower Stuffing
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 20 minutes
With all this talk of stuffing, we couldn’t help but highlight this brilliant cauliflower stuffing recipe. It’s unconventional, healthy, and appropriate for all types of dietary needs. Besides, why should bread get all the fun?
10. Vegan Green Beans in a Blanket
Vegan | Total time: 15 minutes
If you’re not a fan of green bean casserole, try these green beans in a blanket. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled, which is useful if you’re planning to feed a crowd.
11. Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 15 minutes
To brighten up your Thanksgiving spread, whip up a batch of roasted sugar snap peas. All you need is 15 minutes and six ingredients, so it’s perfect when you’re in a pinch.
12. Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 25 minutes
Whether you serve them as a side dish or appetizer, these vegan stuffed mushrooms are wonderfully tasty and fancy. Make them with thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a seasonal touch.
13. Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time:
Thanks to this vegan sweet potato mac and cheese, you can keep things festive while enjoying delicious comfort food. Top it off with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even a sprinke of cinnamon.
14. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
Vegan | Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Much like stuffing and green beans, sweet potato casserole is a must for Thanksgiving dinner. Luckily, with ingredients like non-dairy milk and vegan butter, you can make a vegan sweet potato casserole that everyone will love.
15. Roasted Pear, Walnut, and Cranberry Salad
Vegan, Gluten-free | Total time: 30 minutes
During the holidays, you can’t go wrong with simple tossed sides like this roasted pear, walnut, and cranberry salad. It features cooked pear, which complements the bitterness of kale in the sweetest way.
16. Crispy Baked Asparagus Fries
Vegan | Total time: 20 minutes
For another healthy side dish, make crispy baked asparagus fries. Since they’re baked instead of fried, these vegan bites are an ideal alternative to conventional French fries. Serve ’em with your favorite vegan dip or ketchup.
17. Vegan Mashed Potatoes & Mushroom Gravy
Vegan | Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Finally, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without mashed potatoes and gravy. This particular version is not only made from scratch, but features a mushroom gravy that’s full of flavor. It definitely beats the processed stuff from the jar.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Feature photo: ©Elena Veselova/Bigstock
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