Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner 2022 (Menu + Recipes)

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Wondering what on earth to cook for a vegan thanksgiving dinner? Don’t worry – we’ve got your whole menu sorted, with vegan thanksgiving recipes from mashed potato, to seitan turkey, to green bean casserole to vegan pumpkin pie!

It seems like an impossible task right? Cooking a whole Thanksgiving meal without any animal products!? A lot of the traditional dishes we associate with a Thanksgiving table are designed for and by meat eaters.

To be fair, there are a few vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes (mac and cheese, green bean casserole), but I’ll be the first to admit that vegan food is not the first thing you think of when you think ‘Thanksgiving’.

So if you have vegan family members, a vegan friend or you’re trying the vegan lifestyle out for yourself, you’re probably going to want a bit of guidance. That’s where this Thanksgiving menu comes in!

I’ve got examples of all the best vegan Thanksgiving recipes, split into categories so you can easily design a menu for Thanksgiving day.

There are dips and sauces, soups, turkey replacements, a range of sides from roast veggies, to casseroles, to stuffing, and even desserts at the end.

If you pick one or two from each category, you’ll have a vegan feast ready in no time! If you want to save time, scroll to the bottom of the list, where I’ve put together some sample menus using these recipes.

What’s on the menu for vegan Thanksgiving dinner?

Let’s have a look at the recipes, starting with dips to serve before the meal.

Dips and Sauces

Protein: 0.5g
Calories: 90 kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: MyQuietKitchen
Bonus: sweet, simple

Easy and healthy vegan cranberry sauce! Just 3 ingredients and great for so much more than Thanksgiving. No refined sugar and only 15 minutes of prep/cook time. Plus flavor options like ginger, boozy, and spiced.

Bonus: tangy, versatile

This red onion chutney calls for minimal sugar, allowing the flavourful spices and caramelised onions shine through to make a sweet but savory spread, side dish or dip!

Protein: 0g
Calories: 89kcal
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: VeganBlueberry
Bonus: refreshing, tasty

This raw fresh Cranberry Relish is refreshing to the palate! Pairs well with other items for a delightful holiday meal, or stands alone with flair!

Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers

Bonus: quick, simple

On the search for a quick, tasty homemade soup recipe? This pea and mint soup is deliciously easy and vegan too!

Bonus: comforting, warming

A beautiful vegan soup starring cauliflower and lentils, spiced with a taste of Morocco. High in protein, creamy soups like this work for lunch or dinner.

Protein: 5g
Calories: 375kcal
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: ThroughTheFibroFog
Bonus: flavourful, hearty

This butternut squash and apple soup is the perfect fall recipe. With the smooth and nutty tasting squash, sweet apple and fragrant sage, it is full of flavour and so healthy too. A vegan and low histamine soup to warm you up on a chilly day.

Turkey Replacements

Protein: 11g
Calories: 253kcal
Ready in: 2hrs 15 mins (15 mins prep)
Recipe by: MyQuietKitchen
Bonus: flavourful, rich

This vegan chickpea meatloaf is hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor and texture. With mushrooms, kale, walnuts, and wild rice, it’s a beautiful centerpiece for your thanksgiving table and a healthy dinner any time of year. Gluten-free and oil-free/whole-food plant-based (WFPB) with a nut-free option.

Protein: 22.5g
Calories: 176kcal
Ready in: 2 hours 10 minutes
Recipe by: ZardyPlants
Bonus: super meaty, delicious

Decadent yet healthy, this home cooked Seitan Turkey is moist, packed with flavor, and has an awesome meaty texture. This vegan turkey recipe is perfect for a holiday centerpiece, easy meal prep, or even just a nice main dish for a family dinner. It’s sure to be one of your favorite vegan thanksgiving recipes.

Protein: 5g
Calories: 342kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: OohLaLaItsVegan
Bonus: simple, flakey, rich

This Vegan Mushroom Wellington is stuffed with caramelized onions, savory mushrooms, sweet potato and springs of rosemary. An easy, fabulous Vegan Beef Wellington that blows away the traditional classic. Made with vegan puff pastry.

Protein: 9g
Calories: 225kcal
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: WatchLearnEat
Bonus: flavourful, gluten free

This flavorful chickpea veggie loaf is packed with carrot, celery and onion and features the flavors of thyme and sage, making it the perfect vegan main course for any holiday such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and more!

Protein: 9g
Calories: 351 kcal
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: VeganOnBoard
Bonus: easy, quick

This easy nut roast is a family favourite. It’s a staple for a vegan holiday table and is always popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Our recipe is quick to prepare with just 10 ingredients and is rich in nutty flavour.

Side Dishes

Casseroles

Bonus: cheesy, filling, healthy

Looking for healthy comfort food options? This vegan broccoli casserole is hearty, filling & surprisingly light! Try it now!

Protein: 3g
Calories: 170kcal
Ready in: 30 mins
Recipe by: HealthMyLifestyle
Bonus: crispy, creamy, rich

This Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole is a traditional green bean casserole made without dairy and only requires 9 ingredients. It’s also vegan and gluten-free and comes together quickly, making it the perfect side dish for busy nights or holiday meals!

Protein: 7g
Calories: 235kcal
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: CookEatLiveLove
Bonus: flavourful, packed with veggies

This savory sweet potato casserole makes a great side dish for meals during the holiday season as well as weeknight dinners throughout the year. This baked sweet potato recipe is made with creamy sweet potatoes, quinoa, and spinach topped with a crunchy breadcrumb and walnut topping.

Stuffing and Cornbread

Protein: 4.8g
Calories: 255kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes
Recipe by: LavenderAndMacarons
Bonus: fruity, crispy

Celebrate Thanksgiving with this savory Vegan Cornbread Dressing. Store-bought or homemade cornbread is baked with cranberries, pine nuts and flavorful herbs. So easy to make and really delicious!

Protein: 6g
Calories: 319 kcal
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: OohLaLaItsVegan
Bonus: cheezy, juicy

Croissant stuffing never tasted so good as when it’s made with juicy mushrooms, hints of fresh sage and thyme, and savory caramelized onions. This vegan stuffing goes from prep to plate in about 45 minutes.

Protein: 4g
Calories: 306 kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: LavenderAndMacarons
Bonus: moist, slightly sweet

Soft and moist, this Vegan Cornbread recipe is the perfect side dish for soups, stews and vegan Chili. Made with cornmeal, plant-based milk and a touch of sweetness, this easy dairy free cornbread is a classic Southern dish.

Veggies

Bonus: tangy, crispy

No longer will your Brussel Sprouts with balsamic vinegar lay unloved at the table. These are the BEST sprouts ever and MUST be tried by all!

Bonus: sweet, tender

Parsnips in Syrup and Mustard. Vegan and veggie, perfect for all. Simple ingredients and great results every time. 30 mins cooking.

Bonus: sweet, flavourful

Delicious soft honey glazed carrots complemented with tarragon and mint for that real Christmassy flavour. Very easy to prepare and ready in 20 minutes.

Protein: 3g
Calories: 101kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: ThroughTheFibroFog
Bonus: zingy flavour, simple

These ginger Brussels sprouts are a fun appetizer or side, and full of flavour from a zingy ginger marinade. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or holiday meals, these easy to make vegan smashed sprouts are a great way to jazz up the dull boiled sprouts we all used to avoid!

Protein: 2g
Calories: 62kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: ThroughTheFibroFog
Bonus: easy, crunchy

This vegan braised red cabbage with apple is full of flavour and the perfect side dish for your Christmas dinner and holiday recipes. Super easy to make in your skillet, it saves on valuable oven space for your other dishes!

Potatoes

Bonus: creamy, simple

The simple yet incredibly effective aromatised oil makes these vegan mashed potatoes better than any of their contemporaries. Creamy without the cream. A dinner table staple that the whole family will enjoy.

Bonus: sweet, nutritious

Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes cubes with a beautifully sweet and nutty pistachio dressing drizzled over. Plus, this recipe is vegan and full of nutrients!

Bonus: creamy, easy

Damn Delicious Vegan Potato Salad – take your BBQ to the next level without oil or mayo in this delicious animal friendly classic.

Bonus: spicy, healthy

Sweet potatoes are incredibly healthy – they just need to be done right. And we know exactly how. Vegan-friendly, quick and with an amazing infusion of flavour.

Bonus: crispy fluffy

Proper Roast Potatoes. The best there are, were, and ever will be. Easy recipe with great results. Crispy yet fluffy potato with a hint of rosemary.

Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts

Protein: 6g
Calories: 261 kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes + 4 hours cooling time
Recipe by: MyQuietKitchen
Bonus: gluten free, nostalgic flavour

No thanksgiving feast is complete without a delicious pie! This healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie comes with all of the delicious nostalgia of fall and winter feasts but none of the saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar crash! (Nut-free option)

Protein: 10 g
Calories: 437kcal
Ready in: 55 minutes
Recipe by: HealthMyLifestyle
Bonus: easy, naturally sweet

This Pecan Cream Pie recipe is easy, requiring only 9 ingredients and incredibly delicious, made with coconut cream and naturally sweetened with dates. It’s vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free (but you’d never know!).

Bonus: rich, creamy

Smooth and Creamy Chocolate Avocado Mousse – the truly healthy dessert that ticks all the right boxes. It’s vegan too, but you wouldn’t know it!

I’ve used these recipes to put together some menus that will hopefully be just the combinations you are looking for! Enjoy:

Appetizer:
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
A rich warm soup full of autumnal flavours!

Main dish:
Seitan Turkey
An impossibly juicy, meaty ‘turkey’ that everyone will love!

Sides:
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
As salty, creamy and crispy crunchy as the original!

Mashed Potatoes
Smooth and creamy mash, who’d have guessed it was vegan!

Cornbread Stuffing
Moist torn cornbread, baked with nuts, seeds and fragrant herbs.

Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic
Sweet and crispy sprouts with tangy balsamic

Dessert:
Pumpkin Pie
Sweet and smooth, served with a dollop of vegan ice cream.

Sauce:
Cranberry Sauce
Tangy, naturally sweet homemade sauce that pairs perfectly with salty mains.

Appetizer:
Pea and Mint Soup
A light refreshing soup to whet your appetite!

Main dish:
Chickpea Meatloaf with Wild Rice
A rich, smoky loaf made with flavourful mushrooms and ground nuts.

Sides:
Sweet Potato Casserole
A healthy take on the classic, packed with veggies and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.

Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic
Sweet and crispy sprouts with tangy balsamic

Parsnips with Syrup and Mustard
Tart mustard and sweet, tender parsnips make a happy combo!

Braised Cabbage with Apple
Flavourful, sharp and sweet cabbage with bites of crunchy apple.

Dessert:
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
A creamy mousse with a rich chocolatey flavour. All creaminess from avocados!

Sauce:
Cranberry Relish
Sharp, fresh citrussy relish made with fresh cranberries, orange and pecans

Appetizer:
Cauliflower and Lentil Soup
A warmly spiced Moroccan inspired soup,

Main dish:
Chickpea Veggie Loaf
Packed with chickpeas and veggies, this is a flavourful nut roast that will make a great centrepiece.

Sides:
Green Bean Casserole
As salty, creamy and crispy crunchy as the original!

Mashed Potatoes
Smooth and creamy mash.

Carrots with Tarragon and Mint
Sweet carrots with flavourful fresh herbs – the perfect roasted veggies.

Braised Cabbage with Apple
Flavourful, sharp and sweet cabbage with bites of crunchy apple.

Ginger Brussel Sprouts
Zingy, spicy ginger brussel sprouts,, smashed and roasted.

Dessert:
Pecan Cream Pie
Creamy, but no cream! Pastry, but no gluten. This dreamy pie ticks all the boxes.

Sauces:
Cranberry Sauce
Tangy, naturally sweet homemade sauce that pairs perfectly with salty mains.

Top Tips for Thanksgiving Dinner Prep!

It can be pretty overwhelming to prepare such a big meal, especially if you are having guests over. Here are some tips for easing the strain and making sure you have the best day possible!

• Beat the crowds and go shopping a good few days before – most ingredients will keep!
• Think about what you can make or prep ahead of time. For example, a pecan or pumpkin pie can be served cold, as can cranberry sauce. You can make a nut loaf the day before and store it raw in the fridge, so all you have to do on the day is pop it in the oven! Do what you can on the days leading up to Thanksgiving, then you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself!
• If you love organising things, like me, I suggest making a schedule of all the different dishes’ cooking times. That way you can stagger when things go in, so that they are all ready at roughly the same time.
• Ask for help! It’s a fun family activity to sit together and chop veggies, or nuts or whatever it may be!

Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes FAQs

Here is a quick rundown of some commonly asked questions surrounding veganism and thanksgiving. I hope they answer any doubts or queries you might have!

What do vegan people eat on Thanksgiving?

Vegan versions of traditional dishes! Examples include: mashed potatoes without the cream, green bean casserole, with dairy-free alternatives, a meat-free alternative to turkey, such as a nut roast.

What do vegans eat on Thanksgiving instead of turkey?

Nut roasts, “fake” meat eg. seitan, a vegetable wellington. There are many possible vegan thanksgiving turkey replacement options.

What is a good alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving?

Fake meat, vegan sausages, a nut roast or a vegetable wellington are all good options. Nut roasts are the classic, but some people prefer fake meat for the ‘meat eating’ experience associated with Thanksgiving.

What protein do vegans eat on thanksgiving?

A nut roast usually has a fair amount of protein and provides the protein replacement for many vegans on thanksgiving.

I hope these vegan thanksgiving recipes have inspired you! Let us know how your vegan thanksgiving dinner went in the comments below 🙂