33 Vegan Thanksgiving Sides for Busy Weeknights

Published By: Debbie Luna
Last Updated:
October 27, 2026

I get it. You scan the Thanksgiving table and think, well, nothing here is for me. But wait, this list is about to fix all that. I have 34 easy vegan Thanksgiving sides that will make your holiday spread feel just as cozy, classic, and over the top as ever.

1. Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

Roasted butternut squash takes center stage in this bowl, and it brings that sweet and savory harmony I cannot get enough of. Thyme and basil add an earthy back note, while coconut milk swoops in with creaminess and a whisper of sweetness. Every spoonful feels luxurious but also hearty, like the best parts of fall got together for dinner. This is a soup that makes you slow down and savor.

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2. Vegan Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce is a bright little jewel on the table. Plump ruby red cranberries simmer down with a pop of citrusy orange zest and just enough maple syrup to keep things sweet but tangy. Every spoonful feels vibrant and fresh, like the holiday spirit in edible form. It is the kind of easy side dish that makes your whole spread shine.

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3. Vegan Green Bean Casserole

You know that classic green bean casserole everyone fights over? This one brings all the good stuff without any dairy. The green beans stay fresh and crisp while getting swirled into a rich, creamy mushroom sauce that feels deeply savory. On top, crispy fried onions cover the whole thing like a crunchy golden blanket. It is a modern plant based spin that still hits every nostalgic note, and honestly, good luck not going back for seconds.

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4. Mashed Butternut Squash

Butternut squash shines bright here, with nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup amplifying all those nutty notes. Whipped until it is creamy and velvety, this side dish feels warm and deeply comforting. It is simple to make but tastes like something much fancier. Perfect for rounding out your vegan Thanksgiving spread.

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5. Classic Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese just knows how to bring the comfort, and this vegan version does not miss. The pasta gets coated in a creamy, velvety cheese sauce made with coconut milk, seasonings, Dijon mustard, and vegan butter until every noodle is tucked in. Then it bakes under a golden brown crust of crispy bread crumbs that shatters when you break through it. One bite and you are suddenly that kid at the holiday table again, going back for a second scoop.

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6. Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes

No Thanksgiving plate feels right without a big swoop of mashed potatoes next to your main dish. These ones are velvety, buttery, and so smooth they almost melt into the rest of your meal. Vegan butter gives them that comforting richness you miss, while a shower of fresh herbs makes every spoonful pop. This is the kind of side dish that turns a simple dinner into a full celebration.

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7. Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

This salad brightens up the whole table with crisp kale, baby spinach, red apple, pecans, and cranberries. But the real star is the luscious maple balsamic dressing, a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that coats every last leaf. The colors alone make it feel like a celebration of fall. It is fresh, vibrant, and just what your feast needs.

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8. Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole

Comfort food does not get cozier than this. Tender cauliflower florets bake in a creamy vegan cheese sauce until the whole dish turns golden and bubbly. Nutritional yeast is the magical ingredient that brings all the cheesy goodness without any dairy. It is the ultimate guilt free indulgence for your vegan Thanksgiving.

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9. Roasted Beet Salad with Vegan Goat Cheese

This salad is a work of art, and it tastes even better than it looks. Roasted beets bring that earthy sweetness, while a tart vegan goat cheese crumble adds creamy richness to every bite. Fresh greens and balsamic dressing tie the whole thing together beautifully. Your holiday table deserves something this gorgeous.

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10. Vegan Stuffing

A holiday spread is not complete until the stuffing arrives, and this vegan version is ready to shine. Each casserole dish is loaded with aromatics, herbs, and veggies, so every forkful is packed with flavor. Whole grain bread cubes get toasted and then soaked in vegetable broth until they are soft, cozy, and absolutely perfect. It is a plant based masterpiece that leaves everyone around the table feeling full and happy.

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11. Roasted Carrots

Short on time but still want something sweet and simple? These roasted carrots are your answer. The oven works its magic, caramelizing them until their natural sweetness comes bursting out. A light glaze of olive oil, garlic, and maple syrup levels them up even more. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and watch them disappear.

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12. Vegan Pumpkin Soup

This soup is autumn in a bowl, no question about it. Pureed pumpkin and almond milk melt together into something so velvety and creamy you will want to close your eyes for every spoonful. Warm spices and a touch of maple syrup wrap around you like a soft blanket from the inside out. Then toasted pumpkin seeds on top give you that little crunch to break up all the silkiness. Pure comfort.

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13. Vegan Squash Casserole

This casserole captures the season in every spoonful. Sweet and nutty squashes swim in a creamy vegan sauce that feels rich without being heavy. The crispy top layer gives you that irresistible contrast against the velvety filling underneath. It is warm and inviting, the kind of dish that makes your Thanksgiving table feel complete.

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14. Classic Vegan Coleslaw

Cool, crunchy, and ridiculously refreshing, this coleslaw is a classic done right. Thinly sliced cabbage and colorful carrots get slathered in a creamy, tangy vegan dressing. Every forkful is crisp and creamy at the same time, giving your holiday table that delightful crunch it has been missing.

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15. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Looking for the perfect companion to your vegan turkey roast? These baked sweet potato wedges are exactly right. Coated in olive oil, salt, and thyme, they roast until caramelized and full of natural sweetness. Serve them with creamy vegan aioli for a simple side that feels special and delicious.

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16. Best Lentil Soup

When the holiday rush gets loud, this lentil soup is the calm your soul needs. Nutritious lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmer together until everything becomes tender and beautifully melded. Each bowl is a symphony of cozy, comforting flavor. It tastes like home, one warm spoonful at a time.

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17. Vegan Crispy Roasted Cauliflower

Crispy, crunchy, and totally satisfying, this roasted cauliflower is a flavor fiesta. Each floret gets coated in a blend of spices and roasted until the outside becomes craggy and golden. Inside, the cauliflower stays tender and juicy. Serve it with a tangy vegan dipping sauce for the ultimate festive snack.

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18. Southern Style Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits

These biscuits are light, flaky, and impossibly soft, the kind of thing that makes you feel cozy just looking at them. The buttermilk gets a vegan makeover with soy milk and apple cider vinegar, and it creates that classic tender crumb you crave. Best enjoyed warm from the oven, they will absolutely steal the spotlight on your Thanksgiving table.

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19. Best Vegan Cornbread

I love this cornbread because it is light and fluffy but still hearty from the cornmeal. It has a gentle sweetness that plays so nicely with all the savory things on your plate, especially anything saucy. Those golden squares feel like a warm reminder of home and holidays all at once. You are going to want these on repeat.

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20. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

This hummus gives the classic a cozy fall twist. Creamy chickpeas blend with roasted pumpkin for a sweet, earthy flavor that feels totally seasonal. Sesame oil, lemon juice, and olive oil add richness and a little zing. Serve it with pretzels, crackers, or breadsticks and let everyone dig in.

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21. Southern Vegan Potato Salad

This potato salad brings Southern charm straight to your holiday spread. Tender potato cubes mingle with crisp celery, sweet relish, and fresh green onions, all tossed in a lush vegan mayo dressing. A little mustard zing keeps the creaminess from feeling too rich. It is fresh, satisfying, and the kind of side dish people will keep reaching for.

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22. Vegan Roasted Vegetables

This is the season's best produce all on one glorious sheet pan. Zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli come out of the oven caramelized and tender, their natural sweetness intensified by the heat. An earthy, herby tahini sauce glazes everything and makes it feel special but still rustic. It is a heart warming side that celebrates the harvest in the most delicious way.

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23. Easy Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash

This stuffed butternut squash feels hearty and elegant all at once. The tender roasted squash becomes the perfect bowl for a savory filling of beans, rice, and spinach, all seasoned with a lovely blend of herbs and spices. Sweet, nutty, and earthy flavors balance together in every bite. It is a complete, nutrition packed side that feels totally special.

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24. Vegan Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole is always a crowd pleaser, and this creamy vegan version is no exception. Crisp broccoli florets swim in a velvety cheese sauce loaded with mushrooms and cashews, making every bite hearty and satisfying. A golden crunchy cracker topping brings that beautiful textural play. Everyone will be back for seconds before you know it.

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25. Best Vegan Rice Pilaf

This rice pilaf is a warm and cozy side that brings big flavor without a lot of fuss. Basmati rice, orzo, celery, and aromatics mingle together until every spoonful is fluffy and satisfying. It is simple, wholesome, and beautiful on the plate. The kind of side dish that quietly becomes a favorite.

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26. Vegan Dinner Rolls

These rolls are baked to golden brown perfection and smell like everything good about the holidays. Pull one apart and you get that delicate, soft crumb that practically begs for a smear of vegan butter. They are made with wholesome ingredients, so everyone at the table can relax and reach for one. Warm, tender, and so comforting, these are the very definition of home.

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27. Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These mashed sweet potatoes are pure creamy decadence. The natural sweetness of the potatoes gets even better with rich vegan butter, creamy almond milk, and savory nutritional yeast. A little cinnamon and chopped parsley give it that warm, cozy fall personality you want on your holiday table. It is comfort and nostalgia all mashed together.

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28. Easy Vegan Gravy

Your mashed potatoes are calling, and this gravy is the answer. Built on a hearty vegetable broth, it brings the savory cozy energy your whole plate needs. A little onion powder, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard work together to make it bold and complex, never boring. Honestly, it is the soul warming finishing touch for every vegan feast.

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29. Vegan Fall Harvest Salad

This salad is basically the farmers market in a bowl. Fresh greens, tart apples, butternut squash, dried cherries, nuts, and hearty roasted pumpkin seeds all come together for a gorgeous mix of color and flavor. A raspberry balsamic glaze drizzled over the top adds that tangy sweetness that pulls everything into focus. Every forkful tastes like autumn giving your taste buds a little squeeze.

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30. Easy Vegan Brussels Sprouts

Need a simple side that comes together in under an hour? These Brussels sprouts are exactly what you want. They roast until the outside gets crispy while the inside turns tender and almost buttery. Tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and nutritional yeast give them a sweet and tangy personality that is hard to resist. Quick, easy, and totally delicious.

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31. Vegan Corn Casserole

This corn casserole is a golden, cozy dream. Tender kernels bake in a luscious plant based creaminess until everything turns warm and comforting. The top gets that gorgeous golden crust that makes you want to dive right in. Each spoonful feels like a soft, savory hug for your taste buds.

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32. Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Want something a little rustic and a lot delicious? These smashed potatoes are the move. Tender Yukon potatoes get lightly smashed and oven crisped until they turn golden and crunchy on the outside. Plant butter, olive oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes brush over every craggy little edge. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs turns this humble dish into a festive favorite.

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33. Stuffed Acorn Squash

This stuffed acorn squash is rustic and gourmet all at once. The roasted squash halves cradle a savory medley of quinoa, mushrooms, herbs, and spices. Each bite delivers an intriguing mix of textures and flavors that feels festive and satisfying. It is the kind of dish that looks stunning on the table and tastes even better.

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34. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

This casserole is pure luxury in a baking dish. Imagine spooning into the creamiest sweet potato, all whipped up with non dairy milk and vegan butter until it feels like silk. Warm autumn spices settle into every layer and make it taste like a giant hug. And then there is the top, a sparkling layer of crunchy pecan crumble that gives you the perfect contrast against all that softness. Every single bite is a little moment of fall magic.

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Debbie (Deb) started powerlifting and Olympic lifting in High School as part of her track team's programming; She continues to train in order to remain athletic. Inspire US allows Deb to share information related to training, lifting, biomechanics, and more.
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