Far from being restrictive, limiting, bland or boring, a plant-based diet is abundant and full of flavor, variety, novelty and possibility. We can not only survive but thrive without using and abusing animals. So when delicious and compassionate alternatives are available to choose from, why wouldn’t we?
For me, veganism is about what we embrace and say Yes to, as well as what we walk away from and say No More to. Before I became vegan, all I seemed to see were the things I’d be losing, the things I’d be giving up. These feelings resurfaced during my first holiday season as a fledgling vegan.
Veganism is about what we embrace and say Yes to, as well as what we walk away from and say No More to.
These days, I am so grateful for what I have gained. I no longer grieve for the things I’ve given up because those ‘things’ were not things–they were living, breathing being, and they were never mine to begin with.
As November rushes in, I know that the holidays will present certain challenges as a vegan in a non-vegan world. But I am more sure of this way of life than ever before, and I have more to celebrate than ever before.
If you’re a vegan looking for tasty, celebratory recipes (or a non-vegan that is hosting a plant-powered person and isn’t quite sure what to cook for them), here are some of my tried-and-true festive recipes and a few newbies I’m excited to try out this coming holiday season.
Celebratory Centerpieces
Everyone knows that Christmas and Thanksgiving are all about the side-dishes, but how beautiful and mouthwatering are these celebratory centerpieces?
If you can’t decide between them, then why not make two or, for that matter, three? I mean, as long as we’re breaking with tradition, we really can make this meal whatever we want it to be….
Chestnut & Cashew Vegan Nut Roast
I made this classic nut roast for my first vegan Christmas and at least two Thanksgivings.
It is tender, nutty and full of flavor. My family enjoyed it as a side-dish (they viewed it more like stuffing than a main meal, but they all agreed it was delicious and happily ate the leftovers over the next few days).
I highly recommend it, and will be making it year after year.
Stuffed Butternut Squash
There are endless variations of stuffed squash to choose from, including the Veg-Ducken for experienced cooks (or the very brave).
Stuffed with wild rice, spinach balsamic onions, roasted peppers, mushrooms and sundried tomatoes, this version by Avant-Garde Vegan looks incredible. I love Gaz Oakley’s cheerful enthusiasm, and seeing all the steps in a video makes this meal a little less daunting than it might initially seem.
Mushroom Wellington with Rosemary & Pecans
This plant-based take on the traditional dish comes highly recommended by a friend who has been making it for several years. The recipe is technically vegetarian with notes for vegan substitutions, such as an “egg-less wash” for achieving that golden glow on pastry dishes.
Festive Portobello Mushroom Wellington
Another Wellington recipe from the BOSH boys. BOSH recipes never fail to deliver; this looks so cosy and flavorful!
Gaz Oakley’s No ‘Turkey’ Roast
I’m a fairly confident cook but I haven’t yet plucked up the courage to make anything involving homemade seitan. This looks amazing and totally worth the effort.
Definitely the most labor-intensive recipe of the bunch, but it can (and should) be made in advance, so I might rise to the challenge this Christmas (and fall back on one of the following pre-prepared options if it all goes pear shaped!)
Pre-Prepared Options
Not everyone has the time, energy or inclination to cook from scratch, especially if you are are the only vegan at the dinner table. Luckily, there are more and more tasty plant-based options on the market every year, so it should be relatively easy to find a vegan main to go with your sides.
- Trader Joes’s Breaded Turkey-Less Stuffed Roast with Gravy (honestly, I’m not a big fan of the gravy, but the roast itself is by far my favorite of all the store-bought options I’ve tried over the years)
- Celebration Roast by Field Roast
- Hazelnut Cranberry Roast En Croute by Field Roast
- Gardein Holiday Roast with Cranberry Wild Rice Stuffing
- 12 Vegan Thanksgiving Items at Trader Joe’s to Up Your Holiday Feast
Savory Sides
If you’re a vegan hosting for the holidays, you can be certain that your side-dishes are safe to eat. But if you’re a guest in someone else’s home, it’s not always the case that a vegetable dish is truly animal-friendly.
When you’re a new vegan, it’s important to remember that our friends and family aren’t mind-readers. And many people genuinely don’t know what being vegan even means (I know I didn’t).
Communication is key at any time but especially at the holidays.
Don’t be afraid to provide your host with a list of ingredients that are not vegan; even if they’re aware of things like eggs and dairy, they might not think about things like honey or that there are animal products lurking in condiments like Worcestershire Sauce or store-bought salad dressings.
If communication is stressful then come from a place of contribution and show up with a stunning side that’s safe for you to eat and will knock their socks off at the same time.
Unfortunately, some people are not receptive to facts and information about animal use and cruelty, but they will open their mind to a plant-based diet when they see how delicious it can be.
Having said that, if cooking isn’t your thing then don’t feel that you have to impress or influence anyone. Being vegan is about aligning your actions with your ethics and your side-dish will be perfect as long as it is a reflection of your values.
Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries
So beautiful! And a wonderful combination of color and flavor. Parsnips would work really well too, and you could always replace the almonds with toasted pumpkin seeds if allergies are an issue.
Miso Roasted Parsnips on Mustard Butter Bean Mash & Garlic
Oh man, the flavor profiles in this dish are out of this world. I laugh–muah ha ha ha–at anyone who thinks plant-based eating is bland and boring. I’m eating the best food of my life, thanks to good folks like Niki at Rebel Recipes who has a host of festive vegan recipes to make your mouth water.
Roasted Squash Arugula Salad with Crispy Shallots, Macadamia Nut Cheese & Balsamic Reduction
Minimalist Baker is no longer fully plant-based, but she’s still one of my go-to food bloggers for incredible vegan dishes, like this lovely salad. Filling and satisfying yet somehow light and refreshing at the same time.
The Best Vegan Mac & Cheese
Trust me. I’ve made this Mississippi Vegan creation on more than one occasion and it will be on our holiday table for sure this year. Creamy, cheesy, comfort food at its best. I love to top mine with Trader Joe’s crispy fried onion pieces–diviiiine!
Simple Vegan Dinner Rolls
Pair Minimalist Baker’s perfectly fluffy dinner rolls with a plant-based butter or for mopping up a rich and savory vegan gravy.
The possibilities are endless:
- Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions by Isa Chandra
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Mustard Vinaigrette
- Simple Vegan Stuffing by Minimalist Baker
- Vegan Stuffing Balls by Nadia
- Radhika Desai’s Roasted Vegetable Cornbread Stuffing
You Say Potato, I Say…
Potatoes!!! More potatoes! All the potatoes! Potatoes, potatoes!
I’m not a big drinker, but when it comes to spuds I certainly live up to the Irish stereotype.
With so many delicious and creamy plant-based milks and butters to choose from, potato dishes are one of the easiest to make vegan without sacrificing taste or texture. Oat milk is my favorite, but almond milk is also a good option (coconut or hazelnut milk would not work as well for these dishes). Miyokos European Style cultured butter was an absolute game changer for me–I would choose it over dairy butter even if I weren’t vegan–and it’s now widely available. Earth Balance is also very good, but if you can afford to (and aren’t allergic to cashews), I would splurge on Miyokos for a special occasion.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Another keeper from Minimalist Baker. I recommend making a double batch of these creamy garlicy mashed potatoes because, no matter what else is on the dining table, this is definitely going to be the dish that keeps people coming back for more and more.
It’s All Gravy Baby….
A lot of folks lay claim to the holy grail title of Best Vegan Gravy.
I’m sure they’re all worthy contenders, but this liquid gold by High Vibe Lifestyle is my personal favorite. Not only is it the best vegan gravy I’ve ever had, it’s the best gravy I’ve ever had. Period.
- The Best Ever Vegan Gravy by the Avant Garde Vegan
- Wild Mushroom Gravy with Red Wine by Süssholz
- Trader Joe’s Organic Savory Vegan Gravy
- Vegan Mushroom Make-Ahead Gravy, NY Times Cooking
Vegan Christmas Roast Potatoes & all the Trimmings
I adore Gaz Oakley, aka the Avant Garde Vegan. His enthusiasm is infectious and his kitchen skills are top notch. In this video, he cooks up the best crispy roast potatoes and all the trimmings, including roasted zesty sprouts, orange glazed carrots and pan-roasted maple parsnips… So good!
Decadent Desserts
I’m a savory gal and some years I don’t bother with dessert until the day after Christmas or Thanksgiving, much to the confusion and suspicion of everyone else in my family.
My mother-in-law is a wonderful baker and is happy to veganize the pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, but when I host at Christmas I have my eye on these sweet beauties.
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Pecan Frosting
These cupcakes by Nora Cooks Vegan check all the holiday boxes! They stole the show at last year’s Thanksgiving, and I’m most definitely making them again this year.
Subtly spiced with festive fall spices, they are moist and fluffy, and the frosting is sensational. Highly recommended!
Raw Pumpkin White Chocolate Tart
Flowers in the Salad is a joy to follow on Instagram. This Pumpkin White Chocolate Tart is but one of many stunning sweets and desserts on her website (her No-Bake Mocha Tart with Hazelnuts is another strong contender).
Salted Caramel Pecan Pie (Vegan & Gluten Free)
I’m addicted to dates and eat one or two with a dollop of almond butter every other day. I was blown away to discover that they make a deeeelicious and nutritious caramel (with the aid of a food processor), and this Salted Caramel Pecan Pie takes the decadence to a whole new level.
Vegan Yule Logs
How adorable is this chocolate Bûche de Noël by Crumbs & Caramel? The vegan mushroom meringues are just too cute.
Or for a spiced and snowy vibe, check out this Gingerbread Yule Log by the Little Blog of Vegan.
The Happy Pear’s Easy Vegan Christmas Pudding & Vegan Mince Pies
My American family are not at all down with the fruitcake-as-dessert thing, so before I was vegan I would just buy a miniature microwaveable version and keep my Irish customs to myself.
Yay for the Happy Pear brothers! Not only have they veganized one of my childhood favorites, they’ve also created a mini no-bake version, aaaaand my other childhood favorite–mince pies.
Still Hungry?
The internet runneth over with festive vegan recipes. For those of you who are addicted to cookbooks like I am, check out these holiday hardbacks and beautiful vegan collections for more mouthwatering inspiration!
My mouth is watering at all the fine recipes you’ve come up with. Unfortunately, I am stuck in an expensive vegetable and nut and etc. void, where some of the ingredients are available, but so cost-prohibitive that I’m still neither vegetarian nor vegan. I don’t eat red meat, and go lightly on other meat choices, but I simply can’t afford the choices that would help. If I ever get rich, or can afford a part-time chef to help, then I’d love to be at least vegetarian, if not fully vegan. And I don’t imagine the recent fires in California are going to help bring the costs down for vegetables and etc. any time in the near future (sigh!). Have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ll be thinking of you enviously!
Hi Victoria, I’m in the middle of writing a post about being plant-based on a budget. It’s so frustrating to read about these “food deserts” where vegetable options are super expensive or almost inaccessible. This is especially true in minority communities; there’s a lot of racism around preventing people of color (or poorer people people) from accessing healthy and nutritious food, which has the knock-on effect of many preventable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease which are super expensive to treat and deal with. Our food system is very broken. And you’re right, the fires in California will have a detrimental affect not just on food prices but on food availability across the country. What’s frustrating is that animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of climate change and other forms of environmental destruction, so the food we’re eating is having a horrible impact on the planet and will result in major food scarcity in the future. It’s a vicious cycle. I’ve personally found that my shopping list has been cut by a third since becoming plant based as meat is more expensive where I live. Hopefully my upcoming blog post will have some helpful information as it sounds like you’re interested in being vegetarian/vegan but struggle with options and availability. I’ll try to finish that soon but i’m a slow writer so it might be a week or two LOL. Hope you’re well! 🙂
I used to rely almost solely for vegetarian information on my favorite cookbook of all time, Julie Jordan’s “Wings of Life” cookbook by Ten Speed Press. She ran a fantastic vegetarian restaurant in Ithaca, NY, where I went to college. That was in the ’70’s. Goofy me, a few years back my family and I visited the town again, and I was expecting still to find the restaurant in operation! What a disappointment. But even though I’m living in a fairly urban area near Boston now, the costs of groceries (especially things that are good for you) has increased so much that I cannot afford the things I want. Even ten years ago or so, I could still afford to cook from Joel Fuhrman’s “The End of Dieting” and “”The Eat to LIve Cookbook” (mostly vegetarian) from his PBS series, but then there were several big increases in groceries, and it all just became impossible. I do love reading recipes, though, so i’ll be watching for your post, just in case it becomes possible to do at least one main dish or a dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas that is plant-based.
Thank you so much for this extensive list of recipe ideas! We will definitely be trying some of these this holiday season (maple roasted carrots… um… yes please!). I’m honestly feeling less anxious about approaching holiday meal planning thanks to this posting.
Just in case you’re interested and haven’t seen this recipe as of yet, one of my favorite go-to holiday recipes is this mushroom gravy: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017760-vegan-mushroom-make-ahead-gravy
I make a triple batch every year because it’s such a hit (with vegans/vegetarians and omnivores alike), and because I want to have at least one full pint of it for my own enjoyment. We’ve even considered thinning it down just a bit and eating it as a soup.
Thanks Halie! It genuinely makes me so happy that you feel less anxious now. I found that writing the post was a way for me to work through my own anxiety around Thanksgiving with my non-vegan in-laws. It was really affirming to find so many amazing recipes and now I feel super excited
I’ll edit the post and add your gravy recommendation to the list, thanks for sharing. My husband doesn’t like mushrooms but it’s a texture thing so maybe I’ll try straining through a fine-mesh strainer like they suggest.
Thank you! And pre-emptive happy holidays 🙂