The Ultimate Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner Guide

Listen, Thanksgiving can be overwhelming. I know it, you know it, we all scream it every year. And yet, it’s such a special time for us all – the beginning of the holiday season, and an opportunity for friends and family to come together and enjoy a delicious feast. It would be a shame for the rushing and the food prepping and the menu planning to overshadow the sense of gratitude, happiness and togetherness that fills our homes and kitchens at this special time of the year.

So I’m here to give you the full game plan to make this VEGAN Thanksgiving the best one yet. From meal planning to what to do with all the leftovers – this is the ultimate vegan Thanksgiving dinner guide.

How To Plan Ahead

The only way to cook all the food on your list and still stay sane is to plan ahead.

And I don’t mean just a measly post-it with a few notes scribbled on it. I mean proper, Ina Garten-style meal planning.

Well, I was browsing one of her cookbooks a while ago. And while Ina doesn’t cook anything I can really eat, there was this one tiny (but 100% life-changing… and sanity-saving) tip that jumped out at me.

Ina writes out a “game plan” for each and every meal she makes. It’s scarily precise – she plans everything down to “5:30pm preheat oven to 350ºF”. And as she attests, writing your game plan down makes a huge difference!

So don’t just keep a list in your head. Write it down – heck, even color code it if it will make your life easier!

Whenever I cooked big feats or multi-dish meals, I used to keep a list of all the recipes I would make, and I’d typically spend a minute or two thinking about the order in which to cook things. There was no precision, no specific order, no Ina-level organization. (It also usually evolved into chaos and me running around trying to complete everything just in time.)

But once I started writing down a proper Game Plan (yes, with capital letters): BAM! Suddenly, everything ran smoothly, and I could enjoy the Thanksgiving dinner preparations (and the dinner itself) calm and relaxed.

It’s great isn’t it? It removes all the stress out of planning and keeping things organized on the day. BUT… it gets better!

Because I want YOUR Thanksgiving to be just as relaxed, I’m sharing my Thanksgiving Game Plan right here, right now!

Download your FREE Thanksgiving Game Plan

Includes 10 recipes, a shopping list, and step-by-step game plan.

So, we’re all set with the planning. (Take a big breath in, and relax. We’re over the biggest hurdle now.)

Dishes You Can Prepare In Advance

Sure, planning your Thanksgiving day out down to the minute will make things easier. But if you can reduce the number of tasks you need to complete on the day… well, your Thanksgiving has just gotten a whole lot better.

This is where dishes you can prepare in advance come in. Meals you can prep the day before and pop into the fridge AND meals you can cook a week (!!!) before and freeze until the big day.

If these recipes sound amazing (they are), then you will want to have a look at our Thanksgiving Game Plan Menu!

Now, we have our game plan and our prepared dishes. We’re ready to absolutely ace Thanksgiving!

The Best Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

There’s this idea that vegan Thanksgiving can be lacking… 1000% not the case! Vegan Thanksgiving food is vibrant and nourishing and just so darn delicious!

Let me prove it to you… here are some of my all-time favorite vegan Thanksgiving dinner recipes – from appetizers and main dishes all the way to desserts.

Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizers Guaranteed To Impress

First impressions matter in food just as much as they do in a job interview. They set the precedent for the rest of the meal, and often serve as the ice breaker – after all, most people like to talk about food. And while the main course (and dessert) are usually the stars of the show, appetizers are an excellent opportunity to tease your guests’ taste buds with amazing flavors and textures.

But don’t make life too complicated for yourself – choose appetizers that are quick and easy to prepare, while packing the maximum flavor punch. Here are a few ideas:

Kale Chips

Everyone loves chips, and this healthy vegan variation on your usual fired potato chips makes for an excellent appetizer when paired with a delicious dip (see below for some great ideas). Get the recipe here.

Baked Oil-Free Corn Chips

If kale chips don’t quite do it for you (or you want to add more variety), these baked oil-free corn chips are quick and easy to make, and are the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dips and drinks. Get the recipe here.

Breaded Zucchini Sticks

Lightly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – and the perfect thing to nibble on while sipping a drink. These zucchini sticks make a perfect quick Thanksgiving appetizer recipe that’s bound to impress your guests. Get the recipe here.

Creamy Hummus Ranch Dressing (dairy-free, soy-free)

The perfect dip for your kale and corn chips – made in about 2 minutes, it’s creamy, incredibly delicious and an instant hit with just about everyone. Get the recipe here.

Deviled "Eggs"

We all love our devilled eggs, don’t we? Well, I’m here to tell you that there is a DELICIOUS vegan version, and you’ll definitely want to include it in your Thanksgiving dinner. Get the recipe here.

Low-Fat Guacamole

Another excellent addition to your dip selection, this guacamole recipe is a healthified version of a typical guacamole, using edamame instead of avocados. This nsures that while creamy and delicious, the “edamole” is lighter – leaving plenty of space to indulge during the main course and dessert. Get the recipe here.

Pizza Hummus (Pizza Dip)

Okay, dips in general are pretty awesome. But a pizza dip… now that’s on a whole new level. Made in under 10 minutes, this recipe will make you a Thanksgiving superstar. Get the recipe here.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

We’re getting into fancier territory here. Nothing says special occasion quite like an artichoke dip – and let me tell you, this one is DELICIOUS. Get the recipe here.

Olive Tapenade

Just give me a nice crusty piece of bread and some of this mouthwatering olive tapenade… I’ll be more than happy. And your guests will feel the same. With subtle notes of garlic, capers and oregano, this olive tapenade makes a memorable addition to every Thanksgiving menu. Get the recipe here.

Baked Vegan Corndogs

We all love food on sticks. It’s a fact. So what better way to make your Thanksgiving dinner more interesting than to include some baked vegan corndogs. Your guests will love them – after all, it’s food on sticks! Get the recipe here.

Vegan Thanksgiving Main Dishes That Will WOW Your Guests

The star of the show. The main event. The WOW element of any Thanksgiving dinner. The main dish is where the magic happens – and because we’ve mastered planning and meal prepping, that magic is effortless and stress-free.

Here is a selection of some family favourites – these vegan Thanksgiving main dishes have been perfected through the years, and carry so many lovely memories with them. They are a blend of healthy and decadent, nourishing and delicious.

Cajun Chickpea Cakes

Overflowing with spices, these cajun chickpea cakes will add a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Quick and easy to make, they are a low-stress main dish option that will impress your guests. Get the recipe here.

Crispy Chickenless Nuggets

The name says it all, doesn’t it? These “chickenless nuggets” have all the deliciousness of a nugget – without the chicken. With a crispy golden brown crust, these vegan nuggets are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Get the recipe here.

Acorn Squash & Apple Soup

A creamy fall-inspired acorn squash and apple soup that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Get the recipe here.

Cassoulet

With the days getting shorter and colder, soups and stews are always a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving table. This year, give this cassoulet a try – it’s bursting with veggies and herbs, and super easy to make! Get the recipe here.

Lentil Meatballs

Who doesn’t love a good lentil “meatball”? (Everyone does. It’s just a fact.) And even better, to create a truly impressive Thanksgiving centerpiece, why not make a lentil “meatloaf” by shaping the lentil meatball mixture into a loaf? Get the recipe here.

Meatloaf Bites

On the topic of meatloaves, if you’re sticking with small, adorable and flavor-packed, I can’t recommend these Meatloaf Bites enough! They’re a family favorite, and everyone loves them! Get the recipe here.

African Kale & Yam Soup

This African Kale & Yam Soup is as hearty as it is delicious. And with the abundance of spices, it’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner! Get the recipe here.

Curried Pumpkin Lentil Soup

For a spicy twist on your Thanksgiving dinner, include this curried pumpkin lentil soup. With aromatic notes from curry powder, garam masala and cayenne pepper, it’s utterly delicious and easy to make. Get the recipe here.

Greens Quiche

A showstopper of a dish, this vegan quiche recipe will impress your guests and leave their taste buds tingling. Packed full of vitamin-rich greens, tofu and spices, this greens quiche is an excellent choice for your Thanksgiving menu. Get the recipe here.

Lasagna Rolls

Yes, you’ve read that right. Lasagna. Rolls. With a name like that, you know it’s going to be good. (Actually, scratch that. It’s going to be freakin’ awesome.) Get the recipe here.

Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Condiments

If the main dishes are the stars of the show, then the side dishes play the supporting roles. While not as flashy, the side dishes are just as important as the “showstoppers”. They need to complement and elevate the main course – so have a good think about flavors and textures that go well together.

The perfect side dish will ensure that the meal is balanced and satisfying on all levels. Here are our top choices for the best vegan Thanksgiving side dishes and condiments:

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

A lighter alternative to the traditional mashed potatoes, these cauliflower mashed potatoes are super delicious – and they will leave more room for dessert! Get the recipe here.

Maple-Glazed Vegetables

These easy maple glazed vegetables make the perfect Thanksgiving dinner side dish. Plus, this recipe is ideal for preparing a wide range of veggies – so get creative! Get the recipe here.

Skillet Green Bean Casserole

This one is a family favorite – and with good reason. If there is such a thing as a perfect side dish, this Green Bean Casserole might just be it. Get the recipe here.

Gingered Collard Greens

The spiciness of gingers adds a whole new dimension to the collard greens, and makes this recipe a delicious Thanksgiving side dish. Get the recipe here.

Cranberry Sauce

This Citrusy Cranberry Sauce is a swankier (and simpler) version of the traditional cranberry sauce, with only 3 ingredients – but all the flavor. Get the recipe here.

Brown Gravy

We all love gravy – and this is an absolutely mouthwatering vegan gravy recipe that will have you reaching for seconds… and thirds. Get the recipe here.

Everyday Mushroom Gravy

Because why stop at just one type of gravy!? This mushroom gravy is hands-down one of the best vegan gravy recipes I’ve ever tasted, and I’m sure you’ll love it. Get the recipe here.

Thanksgiving Desserts (Or How To End The Thanksgiving Dinner With A BANG)

Now, the main dishes may be the showstopper of a successful Thanksgiving dinner, but the dessert is the most memorable part of it. Not only is it the last part of the meal, it’s most people’s favorite part as well. And with good reason – fall desserts deserve a special place in all our hearts. The abundance of spices (especially pumpkin spice!!!), the pies and the pumpkin flavor everywhere you look… it’s the season of delicious desserts.

In fact, there are so many possibilities, choosing the perfect Thanksgiving dessert can become a rather stressful experience. To make your job easier, here are some of my all-time favorite Thanksgiving desserts:

Low Fat Pumpkin Bean Bars

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without mouthwatering desserts, and these pumpkin bean bars fit the bill. With ingredients like pumpkin puree, maple syrup and peanut butter – you know they’re going to be amazing. Get the recipe here.

Pumpkin Bread

Let’s be honest: at this time of the year, we only have one thing on our mind – pumpkin. And this easy pumpkin bread recipe will fulfil all your pumpkin cravings in one fell swoop. Get the recipe here.

Pumpkin Pie

Ah, the dish we’ve all been waiting for. The crowning glory of every Thanksgiving dinner: the pumpkin pie. Well, this recipe won’t disappoint. It’s delicious, aromatic and, on top of it all, easy to make. Get the recipe here.

Apple-Cinnamon Coffee Cake

This gorgeous, rustic cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who’s not a huge pumpkin fan. Filled with apple chunks and warming notes of cinnamon, it’s bound to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. Get the recipe here.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

While carrot cake is an evergreen dessert, the cinnamon in these delicious cupcakes ensures that they will fit perfectly onto any Thanksgiving menu. Get the recipe here.

Cheesecake

This one doesn’t need any explanation or justification. It’s cheesecake and everyone loves cheesecake. Plus, this vegan cheesecake recipe can be prepared well in advance, making it the perfect stress-free dessert choice for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. Get the recipe here.

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Muffins

Trust me on this. Incorporating sweet potatoes into muffins makes them ultra soft and decadent, and the addition of cranberries and cinnamon makes them about as festive as it gets. Get the recipe here.

Chocolate Cupcakes

Let’s be honest, no dessert selection is complete without at least one chocolatey treat. These chocolate cupcakes are moist and utterly delicious – you’ll love them! Get the recipe here.

Pumpkin-Swirl Brownies

Speaking of every chocoholic’s best dream… these pumpkin swirl brownies are about as good (and delicious… and mouth-watering) as it gets. Get the recipe here.

And for even more recipes, you can download our FREE Thanksgiving Game Plan that also includes a useful shopping list and a step-by-step game plan for a perfectly timed meal.

Download your FREE Thanksgiving Game Plan

Includes 10 recipes, a shopping list, and step-by-step game plan.

Setting the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Okay, you’ve got your game plan and your recipes. But we’re not quite done yet. Setting your Thanksgiving table is just as important – it has to give your guests the feeling of warmth and coziness, while still maintaining an atmosphere of celebration and festivity.

The exact table arrangements and ornaments will depend on the size and shape of your table, the room it’s in, the number of guests and your unique style. But there are a few handy tips and tricks when it comes to creating a beautifully laid Thanksgiving table.

1. Choose your color palette. You can go with the warm tones of fall leaves, or choose a crisp, minimalist blue-and-white color scheme. For best results though, go with a combination of both. The layering of cool and warm tones will create a beautiful contrast, much like an autumnal forest against the clear blue sky.

2. Pick your tableware. Once you’ve chosen your color scheme, start thinking about the plates, cutlery, glasses and napkins. Again, go as elaborate or as minimalistic as you like. I bet you have pretty much all you need already at home, so no need for crazy shopping sprees! For extra interest on your Thanksgiving table, choose mismatched plates that still have a common color theme.

3. Design the table centerpiece. You don’t need a large budget to create a stunning Thanksgiving table centerpiece. Look to the nature for answers and inspiration. Pumpkins, squashes, golden yellow and orange leaves, apples and other fall produce can be combined into the most stunning centerpieces. In choosing the arrangement, pay attention to the shape of your table, and always leave enough room between the table settings and the centerpiece so that your guests will feel comfortable.

4. Add your personal touch. This can be through little gifts for your guests or quirky Thanksgiving-themed place cards. It’s the little things that will make your guests feel appreciated, and your Thanksgiving dinner extra special.

How To Use Thanksgiving Leftovers (In The Most Delicious Ways Possible)

So you’ve survived the Thanksgiving dinner – and now, you’re left with the aftermath. I’m speaking, of course, of all the leftovers.

I’m usually not a fan of leftovers, but Thanksgiving leftovers have an extra special place in my heart. (What can I say, I’m a glutton for mashed potatoes and gravy!) Plus, I’ve found so many creative ways to repurpose my leftovers into new exciting dishes!

But wait, there’s more! Our Happy Herbivore cookbooks are FULL of delicious vegan Thanksgiving recipes – here are a few to tickle your taste buds.

Our Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes from the Happy Herbivore cookbooks

Happy Herbivore Holidays & Gatherings:

Happy Herbivore Light & Lean:

The Happy Herbivore Cookbook:

Everyday Happy Herbivore:

Happy Herbivore Abroad:

There you have it, folks! I bet you feel a whole lot more relaxed now, ready to take on your Thanksgiving dinner like a pro. And if you haven’t yet: be sure to download your FREE copy of the Thanksgiving Game Plan, where we’ve done all the organization and planning for you!

Download your FREE Thanksgiving Game Plan

Includes 10 recipes, a shopping list, and step-by-step game plan.