Holidays are the best time to eat yummy food with family and friends, but if you’re vegan, it can be tricky. Most holiday meals have meat, cheese, or butter—like a big turkey or creamy pie—that don’t fit a plant-based diet. You want dishes that feel special and taste great, but it’s hard to find ones that work for everyone at the table.
That’s where vegan holiday recipes come in! This guide is full of easy, tasty ideas that make your holiday meal feel just as festive as the usual stuff. From warm soups to sweet treats, these recipes will make your guests smile, whether they’re vegan or not.
Keep reading for a bunch of vegan holiday meals to try. You’ll find appetizers, main dishes, sides, and more to make your Thanksgiving or Christmas super fun and delicious.
1. Yummy Vegan Holiday Appetizers to Get Started
Appetizers are like the first bite of a great meal—they make everyone excited. These vegan holiday appetizer recipes are simple to make, look pretty, and taste so good. I took some to a friend’s holiday party last year, and people kept asking for the recipe!
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
These little tomatoes are like tiny bursts of flavor, perfect for a holiday vegan party.
Ingredients:
- 20 cherry tomatoes, tops cut off and insides scooped out
- ½ cup mashed avocado
- ¼ cup chopped cucumber
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook onion and garlic in olive oil in a pan until soft, about 4 minutes.
- Mix with avocado, cucumber, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon into tomato shells.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Bean Dip with Veggies
This dip is creamy and fun, great for vegan holiday appetizers with chips or celery sticks.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
- ½ cup roasted tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Put beans, tomatoes, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, paprika, and salt in a blender.
- Blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
- Scoop into a bowl and serve with veggies or crackers.
Other Ideas:
- Olive Skewers: Stick olives, cucumber, and vegan cheese cubes on toothpicks.
- Spiced Nuts: Roast almonds with chili powder.
- Veggie Rolls: Wrap carrots and peppers in rice paper.
2. Big Vegan Holiday Main Dishes for Everyone
The main dish is like the star of your vegan holiday meals—it’s what everyone talks about. These vegan holiday main dishes are hearty and perfect for vegan Christmas mains or Thanksgiving.
Veggie Lentil Loaf
This vegan holiday loaf is warm and filling, like a cozy holiday hug. My cousin tried it and said it’s her new favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook onion, garlic, and carrots in a pan with a bit of oil until soft.
- Mix with lentils, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, soy sauce, basil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Press into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite gravy.
Vegan Holiday Roast Recipe
This vegan holiday roast recipe is awesome for vegan holiday recipes Thanksgiving. It’s like a plant-based version of a big holiday roast.
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup veggie broth
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
- Blend tofu, chickpeas, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Shape into a loaf and wrap in foil.
- Steam for 45 minutes in a pot with a steamer basket.
- Unwrap, brush with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Slice and serve with sides.
Other Ideas:
- Stuffed Zucchini: Filled with rice and beans.
- Veggie Pie: With a vegan crust and creamy filling.
- Mushroom Steaks: Grilled with herbs.
3. Cozy Vegan Soups for Holiday Nights
Soups are like a warm blanket on a cold day. These vegan holiday recipes Christmas soups are easy to make and perfect for vegan holiday meals.
Carrot Ginger Soup
This soup is bright and tasty, great for vegan holiday recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
- 4 cups veggie broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook onion, garlic, and ginger in a pot with a little oil until soft.
- Add carrots, broth, and curry powder. Cook for 20 minutes until carrots are soft.
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Heat for 5 minutes.
- Serve with bread or crackers.
Bean and Veggie Soup
This soup is hearty and good for vegan holiday recipes healthy eating.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 4 cups veggie broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook onion and garlic in a pot until soft.
- Add beans, spinach, broth, and thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley.
Other Ideas:
- Tomato Soup: With basil and a touch of cream.
- Lentil Soup: With celery and spices.
- Pea Soup: Green and creamy.
4. Fresh Vegan Salads to Brighten Your Meal
Salads are like a splash of color on your holiday table. These vegan holiday recipes for salads are light and yummy for holiday vegan food.
Apple and Nut Salad
This salad is crisp and sweet, perfect for vegan holiday recipes for family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 apple, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Toss greens with apple slices, walnuts, and raisins.
- Mix olive oil and vinegar for dressing.
- Pour over salad, add salt and pepper, and serve.
Roasted Veggie Salad
This is great for gluten-free vegan holiday recipes, warm and filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes, roasted and chopped
- 1 cup kale
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons lemon dressing
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix roasted sweet potatoes with kale, seeds, and dressing.
- Add salt and pepper.
- Serve warm or cold.
Other Ideas:
- Orange Salad: With mint and red onion.
- Chickpea Salad: With tomatoes and parsley.
- Cucumber Salad: With dill and yogurt dressing.
5. Tasty Vegan Sauces for Your Holiday Food
Sauces are like the secret ingredient that makes your vegan holiday meals pop. These vegan holiday recipes for sauces are quick and easy.
Mushroom Gravy
This gravy is awesome for vegan holiday recipes Thanksgiving, like a warm coat for your potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup veggie broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a pan with oil until soft.
- Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly add broth, stirring so it’s not lumpy.
- Add soy sauce, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook until thick, about 5 minutes.
- Pour over your main dish or sides.
Cranberry Sauce
This sauce is sweet and perfect for vegan holiday recipes Christmas.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12 oz) cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Put everything in a pot and cook on low for 10–12 minutes until cranberries pop.
- Stir a few times to keep it from sticking.
- Cool before serving.
Other Ideas:
- Garlic Sauce: For roasted veggies.
- Tomato Dip: Spicy and fun for appetizers.
- Nut Cream: Creamy for casseroles.
6. Sweet Vegan Holiday Desserts to End the Meal

Desserts are like the big finish to your holiday party. These vegan holiday recipes dessert ideas are so tasty, everyone will want more.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
This pie is a must for best vegan holiday recipes. My friend’s kids ate half of it last Thanksgiving!
Ingredients:
- 1 vegan pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix pumpkin, almond milk, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour into pie crust.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until set.
- Cool before cutting. Add vegan whipped cream if you like.
Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipes: Oat Cookies
These cookies are chewy and fun, great for vegan holiday cookie recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
- Mix vegan butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Stir in oats and baking soda.
- Shape into cookies and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and eat!
Other Ideas:
- Berry Pie: Sweet and juicy.
- Raw Vegan Holiday Recipes: Nut Balls: With cocoa and dates.
- Chocolate Cake: Rich and fudgy.
7. Easy Vegan Side Dishes for Your Table
Sides are like the helpers that make your main dish shine. These easy vegan holiday recipes are perfect for your holiday vegan meal.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These are creamy and yummy for vegan holiday recipes healthy eating.
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup almond milk
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes for 15 minutes until soft.
- Mash with almond milk, garlic, vegan butter, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Roasted Green Beans
These beans are crispy and great for holiday veggie recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss green beans with oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes until crispy.
- Serve warm.
Other Ideas:
- Corn Salad: With peppers and lime.
- Rice Pilaf: With peas and carrots.
- Baked Squash: With a touch of maple syrup.
8. Fun Vegan Drinks for Holiday Vibes
Drinks are like the happy music at your holiday party. These vegan holiday recipes for drinks are great for vegan Christmas recipes.
Hot Apple Drink
This drink is warm and cozy, like sitting by a fire.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 orange, sliced
Instructions:
- Heat juice with cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices in a pot for 10 minutes.
- Pour into mugs and serve hot.
Vegan Chocolate Milk
This is sweet and perfect for vegan holiday recipes dessert drinks.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond milk
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
- Heat almond milk in a pot.
- Add chocolate chips, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until melted.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Other Ideas:
- Berry Punch: Cold and fruity.
- Spiced Tea: With ginger and honey.
- Coconut Drink: Creamy and refreshing.
9. Warm Vegan Holiday Casserole Recipes
Casseroles are like a big, happy dish that feeds everyone. These vegan holiday casserole recipes are easy and great for a crowd.
Broccoli Casserole
This is a classic for vegan holiday recipes Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ cup vegan breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook onion and mushrooms in a pan.
- Mix with broccoli and almond milk in a dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes.
Sweet Potato Bake
This bake is perfect for vegan holiday recipes for family.
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup vegan cheese sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Layer sweet potatoes and spinach in a dish.
- Pour cheese sauce over and sprinkle with onion powder.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
Other Ideas:
- Bean Casserole: With tomatoes and spices.
- Pasta Bake: With veggies and sauce.
- Zucchini Bake: Light and cheesy.
10. Vegan Holiday Meals Delivered or Ready-Made
If you’re busy, vegan holiday meals delivered or store-bought dishes can save the day for vegan holiday meals near me.
Store-Bought Vegan Roast
This is quick and tasty for vegan holiday meals.
Instructions:
- Buy a vegan roast like Tofurky or Field Roast.
- Cook as the package says.
- Serve with homemade sides.
Vegan Meal Delivery
Great for vegan holiday meals delivered.
Options:
- Green Chef: Vegan holiday kits.
- Fresh n’ Lean: Pre-made vegan meals.
- Local Cafes: Look for vegan holiday meals near me.
Other Ideas:
- Frozen Appetizers: Vegan nuggets or dips.
- Dessert Mixes: For quick cookies or cakes.
- Canned Veggies: Ready to heat up.
11. Light Raw Vegan Holiday Recipes
For a fresh twist, raw vegan holiday recipes are like a cool drink on a hot day. They’re healthy and fun.
Cucumber Wraps
These wraps are light and great for vegan holiday recipes healthy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, sliced thin
- ½ cup mashed avocado
- ¼ cup chopped tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Spread avocado on cucumber slices.
- Add tomatoes and basil.
- Roll up and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Raw Fruit Tart
This tart is sweet for vegan holiday recipes dessert, no oven needed.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup dates
- ½ cup mashed banana
- ¼ cup orange juice
- Sliced strawberries
Instructions:
- Blend almonds and dates for a crust.
- Press into a small pan.
- Mix banana and orange juice for filling.
- Spread over crust, top with strawberries, and chill for 1 hour.
Other Ideas:
- Raw Salad: With carrots and raisins.
- Nut Treats: With cocoa and coconut.
- Fruit Bowl: With a lemon drizzle.
You don’t need meat or dairy to make a holiday vegan meal that everyone loves. These vegan holiday recipes, from a tasty vegan holiday loaf to fun vegan holiday cookie recipes, show plant-based food can be super festive. Whether it’s vegan Christmas or Thanksgiving, these dishes are easy to make and so good. Grab your apron, get cooking, and make your holiday table a big hit with these yummy ideas. Your guests will be talking about it for weeks.
FAQs for Vegan Holiday Recipes
What to cook for a vegan Christmas?
For a vegan Christmas, make a vegan holiday roast recipe like a tofu roast or a vegan holiday loaf with lentils. Add vegan holiday recipes like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Try vegan holiday appetizers like bean dip or a vegan holiday recipes dessert like pumpkin pie. These vegan Christmas recipes are tasty and make your holiday vegan meal feel special for all your guests.
What is a vegan alternative to Christmas dinner?
A vegan alternative to Christmas dinner is a vegan holiday main dish like stuffed zucchini or a vegan holiday roast recipe. Serve with vegan holiday recipes Thanksgiving sides like roasted green beans and mushroom gravy. End with vegan holiday recipes dessert like oat cookies. These vegan Christmas mains keep the holiday fun without meat for a great holiday vegan feast.
What to bring to a Christmas potluck vegan?
For a Christmas potluck, bring easy vegan holiday recipes like a vegan holiday casserole recipe with broccoli or vegan holiday appetizer recipes like stuffed tomatoes. Best vegan holiday cookie recipes, like oat cookies, are awesome. These vegan holiday recipes for family are easy to share and perfect for vegan Christmas. Try gluten-free vegan holiday recipes for everyone.
What do you serve a vegan guest?
Serve a vegan guest vegan holiday recipes like a vegan holiday main dish (lentil loaf) and holiday veggie recipes (roasted sweet potatoes). Add vegan holiday appetizers like cucumber wraps and a vegan holiday recipes dessert like fruit tart. These vegan holiday meals are yummy and make your guest feel at home at your holiday vegan table.
What to buy a vegan for Christmas?
Get a vegan a cookbook with best vegan holiday recipes or a subscription to vegan holiday meals delivered like Green Chef. Baking mixes for vegan holiday cookie recipes or olive oil (it’s vegan!) are fun gifts. A gift card for vegan holiday meals near me works too. These gifts fit a holiday vegan lifestyle and make the holiday special.
What is a vegan festive bake?
A vegan festive bake is a plant-based pastry filled with vegan holiday recipes like veggies or lentils, baked until golden. It’s great as a vegan holiday main dish or appetizer for vegan Christmas recipes. Serve with vegan holiday recipes healthy sides like salad for a full holiday vegan meal. It’s warm and festive.
What is a good vegan substitute for meat?
A good vegan substitute for meat is a vegan holiday roast recipe like a chickpea roast or vegan holiday loaf with lentils. Tofu or mushrooms work in vegan holiday main dishes. These are perfect for vegan holiday recipes Thanksgiving or vegan Christmas mains, making a hearty holiday vegan dish.
What is a good vegan dessert?
A good vegan dessert is a vegan holiday recipes dessert like vegan pumpkin pie or best vegan holiday cookie recipes like oat cookies. Raw vegan holiday recipes like fruit tarts are sweet too. These vegan holiday recipes make vegan Christmas recipes yummy, ending your holiday vegan meal perfectly.
Is olive oil vegan?
Yes, olive oil is vegan—it’s just pressed olives, no animals. It’s used in vegan holiday recipes like vegan holiday appetizers (veggie rolls) or holiday veggie recipes (roasted green beans). Olive oil adds flavor to vegan holiday meals, perfect for easy vegan holiday recipes that stay plant-based.
What’s a good vegan potluck dish?
A good vegan potluck dish is a vegan holiday casserole recipe like a sweet potato bake or vegan holiday appetizer recipes like bean dip. Easy vegan holiday recipes like apple salad or vegan holiday cookie recipes are great. These vegan holiday recipes for family are perfect for vegan Christmas potlucks.
Is pesto vegan friendly?
Regular pesto has cheese, but vegan pesto uses nutritional yeast and is awesome for vegan holiday recipes. Use it in vegan holiday appetizers like crackers or with holiday veggie recipes. It’s a fun addition to vegan holiday meals and vegan Christmas recipes, keeping your table plant-based.
How to make vegan mashed potatoes?
For vegan mashed potatoes in vegan holiday recipes, boil 4 potatoes until soft. Mash with ½ cup almond milk, 2 tablespoons vegan butter, and chopped garlic. Add salt and pepper. This easy vegan holiday recipe goes with vegan holiday main dishes like a vegan holiday loaf for a warm vegan holiday meal.
What to cook for a vegan dinner party?
For a vegan dinner party, try vegan holiday recipes like a vegan holiday roast recipe or vegan holiday casserole recipes. Add vegan holiday appetizers like stuffed tomatoes and holiday veggie recipes like roasted beans. Serve vegan holiday recipes dessert like pie. These vegan Christmas recipes make a fun holiday vegan meal.
How to be vegan when you’re broke?
To be vegan on a budget, make vegan holiday recipes like bean soup or holiday veggie recipes with cheap carrots and potatoes. Buy in bulk and use frozen veggies for easy vegan holiday recipes like salads. Skip vegan holiday meals delivered and cook vegan holiday recipes healthy at home for a holiday vegan life.
What are people who eat vegan called?
People who eat vegan are called vegans, avoiding animal products. They love vegan holiday recipes like vegan holiday main dishes (tofu roast) and vegan holiday recipes dessert (cookies). Vegans choose holiday vegan meals for animals, health, or the planet, enjoying vegan Christmas recipes for a fun holiday.