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Because Thanksgiving is a food-focused holiday centered around turkey as the main course, taking your celebration into plant-based territory can feel a bit intimidating. But let us assure you that hosting a vegan Thanksgiving dinner is not only 100% possible, it can feature dishes that are just as satisfying as traditional ones, packed with the same fall flavors we all know and love. The spiciness of pumpkin, the heartiness of a thick gravy, and the warm fluffiness of stuffing can all be accomplished in vegan-friendly ways—believe it or not—and we’re here to show you how.
Below, you’ll find 35 vegan recipes that explore the potential of Thanksgiving cuisine without using a single egg, pat of butter, or dash of milk. And of course, there’s zero meat involved. But if you make a handful of these—from soups to dips to donuts—your guests won’t even notice the winged gobbler missing from the table. We’ll even venture to say you’ll reuse some recipes through the rest of the winter because they’re just that good.
1
Green Beans with Almond Gremolata
Rosemary, almonds, and orange zest put a lovely Thanksgiving-inspired spin on these delicious, accidentally vegan green beans.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
2
Mustard-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
A mustard and apricot jam glaze brings the fall flavor, and Brussels sprouts offer anti-inflammatory health perks. It’s a win-win!
Get the recipe from Prevention »
3
Roasted Butternut Squash with Frizzled Sage
We know sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving go-to, but butternut squash may be its secret superior, coming in hot with the same sweet starchiness at a fraction of the caloric cost.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
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4
Pomegranate Orange Tart
Vegan desserts can be tricky to master, but this seasonal tart is a no-brainer. Made with pure maple syrup and pomegranate molasses, it’s bound to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
5
Pumpkin-Carrot Soup
A hearty and warm pumpkin-flavored anything screams Thanksgiving, and this vegan soup ticks all the right boxes. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser, too.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
6
Curried White Bean Dip
Appetizers are a Thanksgiving staple and this creamy, fulfilling one won’t last long. Serve it with sliced pita bread, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
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7
Herb Smashed Root Veggies
A medley of smashed root veggies pack the same comforting warmth of mashed potatoes with tons of extra flavor. This recipe features parsnips, rutabaga, potatoes, and carrots.
Get the recipe from Prevention »
8
Roasted Pears With Vegan Salted Caramel
A decadent dessert for under 250 calories? Savor the sweetness of roasted pears and a delightfully vegan caramel sauce (all thanks to coconut cream).
Get the recipe from Prevention »
9
Roasted Cauliflower With Cranberry Vinaigrette
Cauliflower is full of good-for-your-gut fiber, and this version amps things up with a tangy vinaigrette and toasted nuts for crunch. Just leave the goat cheese off your plate (or sub out with your favorite vegan version).
Get the recipe from Prevention »
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10
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Curry powder, coconut milk, and a sprinkle of cilantro give this brightly colored squash soup its show-stopping flavor.
11
Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear, and Onion
That moment when you take a bite expecting a boring potato—and instead you get a delicious burst of juicy pear! Yum!
12
Creamy Roasted Squash Puree
Mmm, roast a butternut squash and then blend with maple syrup, shallots, and thyme for a creamy side dish that will get gobbled up faster than you can say Happy Turkey-Free Day.
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13
Green Beans With Shallots
This classic Ina Garten recipe is easy to make vegan—just use a plant-based butter, such as Miyoko’s or Earth Balance, and you get the same crunchy, classic taste without the dairy.
14
Cranberry Relish
What can we say, it’s a classic! This super-easy recipe gives fresh cranberries the extra citrusy zest of oranges and lemons.
15
Best Vegan Pumpkin Pie
A crust made of crushed pecans and oats? A topping made from whipped coconut cream? It almost doesn’t matter what’s in the middle, but this scrumptious pumpkin pie will have everyone begging for seconds.
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16
Fall Harvest Quinoa and Kale Salad
Okay, it’s a cliché that vegans love kale—but this salad, sprinkled with quinoa, crunchy pistachios, and sweet apple slices, demonstrates exactly why the powerful green is so addictive.
17
Mini Vegan Carrot Dogs in a Blanket
Got a lot of kids at your vegan Thanksgiving? Hey, you don’t even need kids as an excuse to make this all-time favorite finger-food app. But these pigs in blankets contain no actual pigs or cows—just tasty baby carrots in disguise. Shh, we won’t tell if you don’t.
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18
Parsnip Soup
Parsnips look like a paler, shyer version of a carrot—but they pack a delicious flavor in this soup. Especially when topped with chopped hazelnuts and a drizzle of olive oil.
19
Vegan Wellington
Your guests will do a double-take when you unveil this classic British dish at the center of your table. Instead of filling the puff pastry with beef, you’ll whip up a tasty stew of lentils, veggies, and sunflower seeds.
Marisa Cohen
Deputy Editor
Marisa Cohen is an editor in the Hearst Lifestyle Group’s Health Newsroom, who has covered health, nutrition, parenting and culture for dozens of magazines and websites over the past two decades.
