Hearty & Healthy: Your Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based, Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Sides
Discover my absolute favorite plant-based Thanksgiving sides that are not only incredibly hearty and delicious but also entirely gluten-free! Mix and match these vibrant recipes to craft a truly unforgettable and cozy vegan Thanksgiving feast that everyone will adore.
Having experienced 33 Thanksgivings in my lifetime, this year marks a special milestone: it will be my very first time hosting! As I dive into the exciting yet slightly daunting world of entertaining, I find myself pondering countless questions about hosting etiquette and holiday preparations. From debating the perfect time to adorn the house with festive Christmas decorations to figuring out just how many trusty camping chairs can comfortably encircle my kitchen table, every detail feels important.
But among all the delightful dilemmas, one question truly stands out: Is there such a thing as too many Thanksgiving sides? For me, the answer is a resounding “absolutely not!” Thanksgiving sides are, without a doubt, my most beloved part of the entire holiday menu. They offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase a diverse array of flavors and textures, making the meal truly memorable.
Embracing a plant-based lifestyle, I’ve always found it incredibly easy to craft an entirely vegan Thanksgiving spread, especially by focusing on an abundance of delicious side dish recipes. This curated collection of my favorite plant-based Thanksgiving sides is designed to offer something truly special for every palate at your holiday gathering. Whether your guests are committed vegans, curious flexitarians, or simply looking for incredibly tasty and healthy options, these recipes are guaranteed to impress.
While I wish I could gather all of you, my wonderful friends, around my table this Thanksgiving – though I’m quite sure I lack the necessary quantity of camping chairs for such a grand affair – sharing these recipes is the next best thing! Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to be both vegan and gluten-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the bounty without compromise. Mix and match these vibrant and wholesome creations to build a beautiful, generous holiday spread that’s perfect for sharing and celebrating.
And let’s be clear: these incredible side dishes aren’t just for Thanksgiving! Their versatility and deliciousness make them perfect for any festive occasion. Save this recipe roundup and revisit these culinary gems for Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or any of the wonderful winter holidays that bring you joy and togetherness. They are guaranteed to become staple recipes in your holiday repertoire, bringing warmth and flavor to your table all season long.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Figs & Pecans
Elevate your vegetable game with these sweet and savory oven-roasted Brussels sprouts. The natural bitterness of the sprouts is beautifully balanced by the rich, sticky sweetness of chopped dried figs and the earthy crunch of pecans. This dish is not only a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving table but also makes a wonderful winter appetizer or a hearty side for any special occasion. Roasting brings out the best in Brussels sprouts, transforming them into tender, caramelized bites that even sprout skeptics will love. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that adds both flavor and vibrant color to your holiday spread.
Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs & Pecans
Reimagine classic candied yams with a healthier, plant-based twist. These yams are naturally sweetened with the subtle caramel notes of coconut sugar and the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup, offering a guilt-free indulgence. The addition of crunchy cacao nibs provides a delightful hint of bitter chocolate, perfectly complementing the sweetness, while pecans add a textural contrast and nutty depth. This vegan holiday side is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a touch of warmth and tradition to your festive meal, proving that healthy can be utterly delicious.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Almond Butter Gravy
For a lighter yet equally satisfying take on mashed potatoes, this recipe blends creamy Yukon potatoes with nutrient-rich cauliflower. The result is a fluffy, flavorful mash that’s incredibly wholesome. What truly sets this dish apart is the luscious, creamy almond butter “gravy.” This innovative plant-based gravy adds a savory, nutty depth, creating a truly unique and comforting side. It’s perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, making it an ideal plant-based holiday side that everyone will rave about for its incredible texture and rich flavor profile.
Harissa Roasted Cauliflower with Cranberries & Hazelnuts
Infuse your holiday table with vibrant flavors and a touch of spice! This harissa roasted cauliflower is baked to perfection until tender-crisp, then coated in a rich, creamy tahini sauce. The dish is beautifully finished with a scattering of fresh herbs, tart cranberries, and crunchy hazelnuts, offering a delightful interplay of textures and tastes. The harissa provides a warm, aromatic kick, while the tahini mellows it out, and the cranberries and hazelnuts add festive flair. Enjoy this versatile creation as a standout appetizer or a memorable side dish that will undoubtedly become a holiday favorite.
Roasted Squash & Arugula Salad
Brighten your holiday spread with this effortlessly elegant roasted squash and arugula salad. Tender, caramelized winter squash takes center stage, offering a sweet and earthy counterpoint to the peppery bite of fresh arugula. Toasted pine nuts add a buttery crunch, while dried cranberries contribute a burst of tart sweetness, tying all the flavors together. Drizzled with a zesty apple cider vinegar-based dressing, this salad is a refreshing yet hearty option. It’s not just a beautiful side for Thanksgiving; its robust flavors make it perfect for fall and winter lunches, adding a healthy and vibrant touch to any meal.
Butternut Squash Noodle Cranberry Salad
Step away from the ordinary with this inventive butternut squash noodle cranberry salad. Featuring delicate strands of roasted butternut squash “noodles,” this dish is both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful. Caramelized yellow onion and fragrant fresh sage infuse the salad with aromatic warmth, while dried cranberries provide a delightful tang and chewiness. This unique combination creates a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes. It’s an ideal vegan and gluten-free holiday side dish, offering a creative and wholesome alternative to traditional pasta salads, making your holiday meal both nutritious and exciting.
Tri-Colored Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Add a burst of color and flavor to your table with this quick and easy tri-colored roasted cauliflower salad. Using a mix of purple, yellow, and white cauliflower florets, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. Roasted to perfection with simple seasonings and fresh herbs, each bite offers a tender yet slightly firm texture and a naturally sweet, earthy flavor. Preparing it all on one pan makes cleanup a breeze, perfect for busy holiday cooking. Enjoy this versatile dish as a festive holiday side, or add your favorite plant-based protein for a comforting and cozy entrée.
Vegan & Grain-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
This healthier sweet potato casserole redefines holiday comfort food, offering all the rich flavor without the excess sugar or grains. The creamy sweet potato base is perfectly spiced, while the crunchy pecan cookie crumble topping provides an irresistible textural contrast and an extra layer of nutty sweetness. Being gluten-free and grain-free, this casserole caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of its decadent taste. It’s a wonderful dish to share with family, proving that a beloved holiday classic can be both wholesome and incredibly delicious, making it a staple on your festive table.
Dijon Tahini Green Beans
Ensure you get your essential greens in a truly delicious way with these Dijon Tahini Green Beans. Blanched to crisp-tender perfection, these vibrant green beans are then coated in a rich, creamy, and entirely oil-free Dijon tahini dressing. The tangy kick from the Dijon mustard combined with the earthy nuttiness of tahini creates a sophisticated and incredibly flavorful sauce that elevates simple green beans into a gourmet side. This dish is not only healthy and satisfying but also adds a beautiful pop of color and a unique flavor profile that perfectly complements any holiday spread, making it an unexpected crowd-pleaser.
Stovetop Cauliflower Rice Stuffing
For those looking for a lighter, low-carb alternative to traditional stuffing, this stovetop cauliflower rice stuffing is an absolute game-changer. Made with finely riced cauliflower, it’s entirely grain-free and gluten-free, yet still delivers all the comforting flavors and textures you expect from a holiday stuffing. Prepared in one pan on the stovetop, it’s a quick and nutritious holiday side that saves oven space and time. Infused with aromatic herbs and savory spices, this stuffing is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, proving that healthy choices can be just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.
Low-Sugar Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ditch the canned varieties and embrace the fresh, vibrant flavors of this low-sugar orange cranberry sauce. Refined sugar-free, this sauce is naturally sweetened with the subtle sweetness of pure maple syrup and the bright, zesty notes of fresh-squeezed orange. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a wonderfully easy and incredibly flavorful addition to your healthy holiday celebration. The tartness of the cranberries is beautifully balanced by the sweetness and citrus, creating a sauce that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal, offering a burst of festive flavor.
Delicata Chickpea Bake With Almond Butter “Gravy”
While often thought of as a main, this versatile 1-pan delicata chickpea bake can also serve as a show-stopping side dish. It features tender, sweet delicata squash, protein-packed chickpeas, and nutrient-dense romanesco broccoli, all roasted together on a single pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. What truly elevates this dish is the savory, oil-free almond butter “gravy” that generously coats every ingredient, adding a creamy richness and depth. This dish is not only perfect for holiday gatherings but also an excellent option for meal prep or easy, nourishing weeknight dinners, showcasing its incredible flexibility and deliciousness.
Crafting Your Perfect Plant-Based Holiday Spread
Creating a memorable holiday meal doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have a collection of versatile, flavorful, and healthy side dishes at your fingertips. These plant-based and gluten-free recipes are designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your table, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of festive spirit. From sweet and savory to tangy and spiced, each recipe offers a unique contribution, ensuring a balanced and exciting holiday feast. Remember, the beauty of holiday cooking lies in sharing good food and good company, and these dishes are crafted with exactly that in mind.
I Want to Hear From You!
If you decide to make any of these incredible plant-based Thanksgiving sides or other holiday recipes, please let me know about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create more delicious content.
Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review right here on the blog. I love hearing your thoughts and seeing your creations.
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Happy holidays to you and yours – may your celebrations be filled with warmth, love, and incredible food!