12 Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Easy + Make-Ahead)

The best Thanksgiving sides bring color, texture, and plenty of flavor to the table, without making the cooking schedule impossible. These 12 vegan Thanksgiving side dishes include crisp salads, roasted vegetables, creamy baked mac and cheese, fluffy naan, and a mushroom gravy that takes just seven minutes. I chose recipes that can work around a busy oven, with a mix of fresh, make-ahead, stovetop, and baked options. Some are substantial enough to satisfy anyone looking for extra protein, while others add the bright, fresh contrast a holiday plate needs. Choose three or four with different textures, then use the quick picks below to match them to your timing and table.

Quick picks

• Fastest: Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy, ready in 7 minutes
• Best centerpiece side: Maple Roasted Carrots with Butter Bean Dip, colorful enough to serve on a large platter
• Best for a full table: Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese, makes ten servings
• Freshest option: Grilled Broccolini and Pomegranate Salad, brings greens, herbs, and tart pomegranate to the plate
• Highest protein: Crispy Shaved Potato Salad, 32 g of protein per serving

How to choose Thanksgiving sides

Aim for one creamy dish, one roasted vegetable, one fresh salad, and a sauce or bread. The mac and cheese covers the creamy option, while the maple carrots, cauliflower salad, or crispy potatoes add deeper roasted flavors. Use the broccolini, holiday salad, or festive maple salad for freshness. The mushroom gravy is quick enough to make while everything else rests, and the naan is useful when you want something soft for scooping up sauces.

The recipes

1

Maple Roasted Carrots with Creamy Butter Bean Dip

high-fiber·lower-calorieGFNFSF

Maple-roasted carrots sit over creamy butter bean dip with pomegranate, pistachios, and dill, ready in 30 minutes.

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2

Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese (Dairy-Free)

high-fiber·high-protein·iron-richGFONF

Red lentil sauce, mushrooms, pasta, and golden breadcrumbs make a creamy bake that serves ten.

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3

Festive Maple Salad

GFSF

Roasted squash, chickpeas, candied pecans, greens, and maple vinaigrette bring color and crunch to the holiday table.

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4

Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts Holiday Salad

lower-calorieGFSF

Roasted pumpkin and Brussels sprouts meet lentils, cranberries, almonds, and maple mustard dressing in a colorful holiday salad.

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5

Baked Harvest Salad

high-fiber·iron-richGFSF

Chickpeas and seasonal vegetables roast together before being tossed with greens and vinaigrette for a warm 40-minute salad.

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6

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Veggies on a White Bean Spread

calcium-rich·high-fiber·high-protein·iron-richGFSF

Sweet and spicy roasted vegetables sit over a roasted garlic and white bean spread for a colorful holiday platter.

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7

Grilled Broccolini and Pomegranate Salad

high-fiber

Grilled broccolini, pomegranate, pistachios, herbs, and avocado dressing bring a fresh, crisp contrast to richer holiday dishes.

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8

Curry Baked Veggies with Raita Sauce

high-fiberGFNFSF

Roasted vegetables, chickpeas, almonds, and a cooling raita make a colorful tray that can work as a main or generous side.

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9

Easy Dairy-Free Naan (Vegan)

high-protein·lower-calorieNF

Silken tofu keeps this dairy-free naan soft and tender, ready for scooping up gravy, dips, or saucy vegetables.

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10

Spiced Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad

high-fiber·iron-richGFSF

Spiced roasted cauliflower and chickpeas sit over greens with herbs and a creamy dressing for a substantial salad.

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11

Crispy Shaved Potato Salad

calcium-rich·high-proteinGFNF

Crispy shaved potatoes, smoky tofu pieces, cucumber, radishes, dill, and yogurt dressing make a fresh, substantial salad.

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12

Easy Vegan Mushroom Gravy

NF

Porcini powder deepens this savory mushroom gravy, which comes together in just seven minutes on the stovetop.

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Choose a balanced mix, note which dishes need the oven, and prepare the salads or dips first so the final hour stays calm.

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