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50 Ultimate Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes

November 19, 2023
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Get ready for 50 Ultimate Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes! With tasty apps, droolworthy sides, hearty mains + oh-so-satisfying desserts, your holiday table will be a hit, making sure everyone gets a taste!

50 Ultimate Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes

Vegans + vegetarians unite! Feast your eyes on my go-to collection of the 50 Ultimate Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes--- Explore a range of refreshing mocktails + drinks, delicious sides, hearty main courses + luscious desserts—all entirely plant-based, with gluten-free options galore! Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, and beyond! Bursting with flavor + just as delicious as traditional favorites!

Collage of plant-based recipes for Thanksgiving.

Ah, Thanksgiving—the time for giving thanks and feasting. But for our vegan + vegetarian friends, it can also mean limited meal options among the buttery, turkey-filled, bacon-laden dishes.

If there's one thing I won't stand for, it's anyone leaving my house hungry! So, this Thanksgiving, let's switch things up. Whether you're bringing a dish or running the show I've got the ultimate plant-based menu lined up to give you some inspiration. From drinks to sides, mains, and desserts, I'm here to show you how a vegan feast can steal the spotlight--Everyone gets to savor the feast without feeling like they're missing out on a thing!

Check out 50 Ultimate Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes for your table this year.

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DRINKS:

#1: Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail

Closeup of a glass of Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail

Cranberries, citrus, and spices are the perfect trifecta for a refreshing Thanksgiving mocktail.

#2: Roasted Apple Pear Mocktail

Roasted Apple Pear Mocktail in a small glass

Apples and pears are so similar, yet so different. Combining them both into a mocktail makes for a festive and unexpected flavor combo!

#3: Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail 

Glass of Pineapple Jalapeño Lime Mocktail

Sweetness sometimes calls for spice, especially in a festive mocktail. This jalapeno-centered drink is well-balanced and totally addictive!

#4: Pear Ginger Lemon + Thyme Drink

Pear Ginger Lemon and Thyme Drink in a small glass

Herby thyme and spicy ginger come together in a mocktail that tastes exactly like the holidays.

#5: Blood Orange Strawberry Mocktail 

Blood Orange Strawberry Mocktail in a glass with a honey dipper

This festive red mocktail is fruity, delicate, and lightly sweet. Perfectly sippable!

#6: Sparkling Cranberry Orange Ginger Mocktail

Sparkling Cranberry Orange Ginger Mocktail in a small glass with a golden base

Cranberry and orange are the signature flavors of Thanksgiving. Adults and kids alike will love this drink alongside their festive appetizers!

#7: APPLE CARAMEL ESPRESSO MARTINI

Apple Caramel Espresso Martini in a long-stemmed glass topped with a sprig of rosemary

Adding apple and caramel to an espresso martini creates an unbeatable combination!

APPETIZERS:

#8: The Best Thanksgiving Crostinis

Crostinis on a white platter with forks, a drink, honey, and garnish. Perfect for you thanksgiving menu

#9: THE PERFECT VEGAN BLUEBERRY CROSTINIS

Vegan Blueberry Crostinis on a round dish

Crostinis are incredibly versatile and simple appetizers that you can customize to your heart's content! And how adorable is it that the word translates to "little toasts" in Italian? So cute!

#10: ROASTED GARLIC OLIVE OIL DIP

Up close shot of garlic dip in a bowl with a spoon and piece of bread.

#11: HEALTHY GREEN GODDESS SALAD DIP

Overhead shot of Green Goddess Salad Dip surrounded by chips and topped with lime wedges

Dips are always a crowd-pleaser, and I make sure to have a variety to keep everyone happy!

#12: CRISPY BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER WINGS

Closeup of Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

#13: LEMON PEPPER CAULIFLOWER WINGS

Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Bites

Cauliflower "wings" are a delightful twist—crispy and bursting with flavor, they make for a delicious appetizer option!

SIDES:

#14: ULTRA CREAMY CHEESY GARLIC VEGAN MASHED POTATOES

Mashed potatoes in a bowl with two gold spoons and garnish.

What's a Thanksgiving feast without mashed potatoes? Everyone can savor them without even noticing the difference!

#15. Vegan Skillet Sweet Potato Casserole

Wooden spoon in a skillet of Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole will trump any other sweet potatoes that you've had. With a crisp nutty topping, you can't go wrong!

#16. Fall Harvest Apple Kale Salad

Fall Harvest Apple Kale Salad in a decorative serving bowl

Kale, pecans, red onion, and a creamy dressing make the perfect salad on your Thanksgiving table. This is one of my favorite plant-based Thanksgiving recipes!

#17: THE ULTIMATE VEGAN MAC + CHEESE

Wooden spoon stirring a pan of Vegan Mac and Cheese

#18. Easy Vegan Pumpkin Mac + Cheese

Closeup of Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Everyone loves mac and cheese! This one is so rich and creamy, your family might not know its vegan!

#19. Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac + Cheese

Overhead shot of plates of Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac and Cheese

Add a little spice to your Thanksgiving with some vegan buffalo mac and cheese, which is baked until bubbly and crisp.

#20. Easy Skillet Vegan Stuffing

Overhead shot of Vegan Stuffing

All stuffing needs good bread, texture, and a hint of sweetness. This vegan stuffing is everything you want.

#21: VEGAN WILD RICE STUFFING

Wild rice in a serving bowl with two gold serving spoons and bowls of ingredients around.

#22: Maple Herb Glazed Carrots + Cranberries

Maple Herb Glazed Carrots with Cranberries on a serving platter

The sweetness in carrots goes so perfectly with dried fruit. Plus, everyone needs more veggies on their Thanksgiving tables!

#23: CRISPY GARLIC HERB SMASHED POTATOES

Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes on parchment paper

#24: EASY VEGAN ROASTED POTATO SALAD

Overhead shot of a plate of Vegan Roasted Potato Salad

The more potatoes, the merrier at my holiday table! They always disappear so fast.

#25: ROASTED CAULIFLOWER GREEN GODDESS SALAD

Salad on a white round plate with seasonings + herbs, lime wedges, dressing, and yellow napkin.

#26: SPICY CHIPOTLE SWEET POTATO CHOPPED SALAD

Overhead shot of a Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad

I believe having at least one salad is essential to bring some freshness to balance out the heavier Thanksgiving dishes.

#27: VEGAN SWEET POTATO MAPLE HERB CORNBREAD

Pieces of Vegan Sweet Potato Maple Herb Cornbread on three small, stacked plates

#28: VEGAN SWEET CORNBREAD

Stack of Vegan Sweet Cornbread

This plant-based swap of cornbread is perfect for adding items to your table that people probably won't even notice are vegan, yet they're equally delicious!

MAINS

#29: Vegan BBQ Wellington

Partially-sliced Vegan BBQ Wellington on a white serving platter

Need an impressive main course for a vegan crowd? This BBQ wellington is 100% vegan and 100% scrumptious!

#30: Vegan Pot Pie

Overhead shot of Vegan Pot Pie

Tons of veggies are stewed and topped with homemade vegan biscuits for a meatless twist on a classic dish!

#31: WILD + BROWN RICE STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Up close shot of stuffed butternut squash with two forks and garnish.

his hearty and heartwarming dish blends earthy squash with a hearty wild rice stuffing. It's gluten-free + vegan, making it perfect for everyone at your table.

#32: Cajun Sweet Potato Grits + Chickpeas

Chickpeas and grits on a black plate with two spoons and a red napkin and herbs.

Bring flavors of the south to your Thanksgiving table with these amazing grits and chickpeas!

#33: VEGAN FALL HARVEST FARRO BOWL

Food bowl on a brown wood table with forks, glass of drink, and bowls of ingredients.

Just because it's Thanksgiving doesn't mean your food can't be healthy! This seasonal buddha bowl is a sensational plant-based Thanksgiving recipe!

#34: MAPLE CHILI SWEET POTATO BOWL

Up close shot of sweet potato bowl with two gold forks.

This buddha bowl/grain bowl is a harmonious blend of flavors that's both comforting + delicious.

#35: Sticky Teriyaki + Maple Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower sliced atop herbs + cranberries on a platter with two serving spoons.

Bring a vegan "roast" to the table with my perfectly seasoned whole-roasted cauliflower!

#36: MAPLE HERB ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Overhead shot of a plate of Maple Herb Roasted Butternut Squash with utensils

Perfectly roasted whole butternut squash, topped with dried cranberries, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, and a delicious maple syrup glaze----this recipe is a definite holiday feast crowd-pleaser! 

#37: SPICED CHICKPEA STUFFED SWEET POTATOES

Three Spiced Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with a fork on parchment paper

#38: VEGAN JAMAICAN POWER BOWL

Overhead shot of a Vegan Jamaican Power Bowl

#39: BUTTERNUT SQUASH SWEET POTATO SHEPHERD’S PIE

Shepherd's pie scooped out of skillet with two gold forks, side of drink + bread.

A hearty and filling main course, this vegan shepherd's pie is a perfect meal all in one. One of my favorite plant-based Thanksgiving recipes!

SAUCY ESSENTIALS:

Cranberry sauce and gravy? They're non-negotiables on my holiday spread! And both can be made totally vegan!--- I prefer making them ahead of time, so when the kitchen turns into chaos, those essentials are all set!

#40: EASY MAKE AHEAD GRAVY

Gravy in a pot and bowl with a spoon and side of bread.

#41: PERFECT CRANBERRY SAUCE

White bowl of Apple Cranberry Sauce

DESSERT:

Leave a little room for the sweet finale—whether you opt for a variety of desserts or stick to just one, here are my all-time favorites to choose from!

#42: Best Vegan Sweet Potato Pie

Fork with a piece from a slice of Vegan Sweet Potato Pie

A classic pie just got a vegan update! With a flaky crust and creamy middle, this is the ultimate pie.

#43: Vegan Banana Cake with Maple Buttercream

Fork with a piece of a slice of Vegan Banana Cake with Maple Buttercream

Banana and maple are one of my favorite flavor combinations. Surprise your loved ones with this show-stopping cake this Thanksgiving!

#44: Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Slice being taken from a Vegan Pumpkin Pie

Vegan crust and filling are totally attainable when baking almost any pie! This classic pumpkin will be your new favorite.

#45: The Best Vegan Chocolate Cake

Slice of Vegan Chocolate Cake on a plate

For the chocoholics, this one is for you! Rich and decadent chocolate cake is the perfect dessert this Thanksgiving!

#46: BEST VEGAN PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS

Plant based Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Add some apples into vegan cinnamon rolls and you have this unique dessert! Enjoy with thick and creamy frosting over the top.

#47: Vegan Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie

Slice of Vegan Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie on two small, stacked plates

What more could you need than apples, cranberries, and oats? This crumble pie combines two amazing plant-based Thanksgiving recipes into one delicate dessert.

#48: VEGAN SOUTHERN BOURBON PECAN PIE

Vegan Southern Bourbon Pecan Pie missing a slice

#49: VEGAN MAPLE PUMPKIN PIE

Vegan Plant-based Maple Pumpkin Pie missing a few slices

#50: BEST VEGAN SWEET POTATO PIE

Slice of plant-based Sweet Potato Pie topped with coconut whipped cream

This pie it is smooth, velvety, naturally sweetened, full of sweet potato flavor and is housed with a buttery, flaky crust. This recipe is sure to please the crowd during the Holiday season, one slice and bite at a time!

That's A Wrap On My Plant-Based Thanksgiving Roundup!

Thanksgiving is a time to stick to show your loved ones that these dishes can be made vegan and scrumptious! If you bring any one of these dishes to your Thanksgiving gathering, you will be the talk of the party

And there you have it! If you're craving more Thanksgiving recipe inspiration, feel free to explore my Thanksgiving category. I hope you enjoyed this list and have a beautiful Thanksgiving. I'm truly grateful for you!

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THE RECIPES ON THIS LIST!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with many of the recipes on this list of Thanksgiving recipes. Everything from my fave glassware, baking sheet, skillet, mixing bowls, cooking thongs, cooking utensils, skillets, dutch ovens, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

More Thanksgiving Recipes + Holiday Guides!

It's that time of year, y'all, and I'm prepped and ready to make it smooth and enjoyable! Check out my other guides for all the tips and tricks you need!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried any recipes from 50 Ultimate Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes or any other Thanksgiving recipes on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Shanika

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