10 Unique Vegan Thanksgiving Sides So Good, Even Meat Eaters Will Dig In

By
Derek Jacobson
·

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Everyone knows turkey gets the spotlight on Thanksgiving, but let’s be honest… the sides are what people actually remember. And if you’re trying to put together a vegan-friendly spread, you don’t have to settle for the usual green beans or a lonely salad hiding at the edge of the table.

This list of vegan Thanksgiving sides is full of unique twists and unusual flavors that still feel cozy and holiday-worthy. We’re talking nachos made with sweet potatoes, roasted veggies dressed up with tahini and pomegranate, and even a smoky butternut squash soup that tastes like autumn in a bowl. These dishes will fit right in next to the stuffing and gravy, and no one will be asking “where’s the meat?”

So if you’re ready to bring something a little different to the holiday table, grab a serving spoon. Here are 10 vegan Thanksgiving sides everyone will love.

Sweet Potato Nachos

a white ceramic dish filled with sliced sweet potatoes baked to golden and topped with melted dairy-free cheese, chives, and crumbled coconut bacon

Who says nachos can’t be Thanksgiving food? These are made with roasted sweet potato rounds instead of chips, then piled high with toppings. To keep them vegan, use a dairy-free shredded cheese and top them with smoky coconut bacon instead of real bacon. They’re colorful, hearty, and a fun side that disappears fast.

What Makes a Good Vegan Thanksgiving Side

A great vegan side should stand on its own, not feel like a stand-in for something else. That means bold flavor from roasting, warm spices, maple, citrus, and fresh herbs. It also means a good mix of textures. Creamy dips, crunchy pecans and pepitas, and tender roasted vegetables keep each bite interesting.

The best part is that many classic fall foods are already plant-based. Squash, sweet potatoes, cranberries, apples, wild rice, and root vegetables are the heart of this list. You do not need fake meat or hard-to-find ingredients to make a full, filling holiday plate.

How to Pick Sides From This List

Start with one hearty dish, one bright dish, and one fun dish. The Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf is hearty enough to be the center of a vegan guest’s plate. Cranberry Apple Chutney and the Butternut Squash and Kale Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette add tang and color. Sweet Potato Nachos and Maple Roasted Carrot Fries with Spiced Yogurt Dip are the crowd-pleasers kids will grab first.

If you want something that looks special, Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini and Pomegranate is hard to beat. For a cozy starter, serve the Vegan Smoky Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup in small cups.

Tips for Keeping Sides Vegan

  • Check the toppings. Swap cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and bacon bits for vegan versions, cashew cream, or toasted nuts. Some recipes call for dairy toppings, so read them closely.
  • Use vegetable broth. Grab a carton marked vegan, since some broths contain animal products.
  • Roast in olive oil. Use oil in place of butter for vegetables.
  • Keep serving spoons separate. Label vegan dishes and give each its own spoon so they do not get mixed with turkey or gravy.

Vegan Thanksgiving FAQ

Can I make these sides ahead?
Yes. The chutney and the wild rice pilaf both keep well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Roast vegetables the day of for the best texture.

How much should I make if only a few guests are vegan?
Make full batches anyway. Meat eaters will want these too, so plan on everyone taking a scoop. Set aside a plate for your vegan guests first so they do not miss out.

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10 Unique Vegan Thanksgiving Sides So Good, Even Meat Eaters Will Dig In

Everyone knows turkey gets the spotlight on Thanksgiving, but let’s be honest… the sides are what people actually remember. And if you’re trying to put together a vegan-friendly spread, you don’t have to settle for the usual green beans or a lonely salad hiding at the edge of the table.

This list of vegan Thanksgiving sides is full of unique twists and unusual flavors that still feel cozy and holiday-worthy. We’re talking nachos made with sweet potatoes, roasted veggies dressed up with tahini and pomegranate, and even a smoky butternut squash soup that tastes like autumn in a bowl. These dishes will fit right in next to the stuffing and gravy, and no one will be asking “where’s the meat?”

So if you’re ready to bring something a little different to the holiday table, grab a serving spoon. Here are 10 vegan Thanksgiving sides everyone will love.

Sweet Potato Nachos

a white ceramic dish filled with sliced sweet potatoes baked to golden and topped with melted dairy-free cheese, chives, and crumbled coconut bacon

Who says nachos can’t be Thanksgiving food? These are made with roasted sweet potato rounds instead of chips, then piled high with toppings. To keep them vegan, use a dairy-free shredded cheese and top them with smoky coconut bacon instead of real bacon. They’re colorful, hearty, and a fun side that disappears fast.

What Makes a Good Vegan Thanksgiving Side

A great vegan side should stand on its own, not feel like a stand-in for something else. That means bold flavor from roasting, warm spices, maple, citrus, and fresh herbs. It also means a good mix of textures. Creamy dips, crunchy pecans and pepitas, and tender roasted vegetables keep each bite interesting.

The best part is that many classic fall foods are already plant-based. Squash, sweet potatoes, cranberries, apples, wild rice, and root vegetables are the heart of this list. You do not need fake meat or hard-to-find ingredients to make a full, filling holiday plate.

How to Pick Sides From This List

Start with one hearty dish, one bright dish, and one fun dish. The Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf is hearty enough to be the center of a vegan guest’s plate. Cranberry Apple Chutney and the Butternut Squash and Kale Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette add tang and color. Sweet Potato Nachos and Maple Roasted Carrot Fries with Spiced Yogurt Dip are the crowd-pleasers kids will grab first.

If you want something that looks special, Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini and Pomegranate is hard to beat. For a cozy starter, serve the Vegan Smoky Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup in small cups.

Tips for Keeping Sides Vegan

  • Check the toppings. Swap cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and bacon bits for vegan versions, cashew cream, or toasted nuts. Some recipes call for dairy toppings, so read them closely.
  • Use vegetable broth. Grab a carton marked vegan, since some broths contain animal products.
  • Roast in olive oil. Use oil in place of butter for vegetables.
  • Keep serving spoons separate. Label vegan dishes and give each its own spoon so they do not get mixed with turkey or gravy.

Vegan Thanksgiving FAQ

Can I make these sides ahead?
Yes. The chutney and the wild rice pilaf both keep well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Roast vegetables the day of for the best texture.

How much should I make if only a few guests are vegan?
Make full batches anyway. Meat eaters will want these too, so plan on everyone taking a scoop. Set aside a plate for your vegan guests first so they do not miss out.