35 Must-Try Vegan Holiday Recipes

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These 35 Vegan Holiday Recipes are packed with festive flavors and perfect for all your holiday gatherings! Whether you're hosting a vegan Thanksgiving, need ideas for a guest at Christmas dinner, or are just looking to add some plant-based dishes to your holiday table, this roundup has you covered. From Sweet Potato Casserole to a Holiday Harvest Layered Salad and my fan favorite Cranberry Salsa, these recipes are guaranteed to impress vegans and non-vegans alike!

The Best Holiday Recipes for Vegans

The holidays seem to come all at once and most of the time we are never prepared enough! It’s time to change that – here at Jackfruitful Kitchen, things are always a step ahead of the game and with the holidays around the corner it’s the perfect time to share a handful of delicious recipes! From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, let’s take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane and get inspired for the big dinner spreads to come! Start with a warm bowl of vegan butternut squash soup or a crunchy kale salad to set the tone for your meal. For the main event, consider roasted stuffed acorn squash, a vegan holiday roast, or a savory lentil soup. No holiday spread is complete without dessert and a cocktail so grab your shaker and put on your apron because we’ve got something for every course. These vegan holiday recipes are perfect for the holiday season and will leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied.

What Do You Feed A Vegan At Thanksgiving?

Feeding a vegan at Thanksgiving is easier than ever with vegan holiday recipes that satisfy every craving. For a main course, consider a Holiday Harvest Layered Salad or miso mashed potatoes with roasted chickpeas and broccoli. Meals that are loaded with flavor, have a hint of autumnal vibes and are easy to make into sides or mains are the way to go. If you want to impress, try making a vegan holiday roast or a stuffed butternut squash that looks as good as it tastes! These dishes are so filling, festive, and delicious that nobody will be missing the classics!

What Do Vegans Eat at Christmas?

This is a question I’ve heard so many times from family members and followers alike – and I get it! Christmas is all about the turkey and the buttery mashed potatoes right? Well maybe once upon a time but we have come so far and veering from the classics isn’t a bad thing, especially when they are healthy, indulgent and plant-based! For a festive and delicious vegan Christmas dinner, think hearty mains like roasted butternut squash and stuffed acorn squash filled with quinoa and cranberries. You might be surprised to know how easy it is to turn a classic recipe vegan – think swapping butter for dairy-free butter, or cheese for panacheeza! With the abundance of plant-based options available, vegans can enjoy a truly magical Christmas dinner that’s both healthy and indulgent!

Festive Vegan Appetizers & Drinks

Start things off deliciously with festive vegan appetizers and drinks! Nothing toasts to the holiday cheer like fun and decorative appetizers like Vegan Cheeseballs or a cozy Apple Cider Bourbon Fizz cocktail! 

Take your holiday table to a new level with these beautifully crafted Holiday Vegan Cheese Balls. Combining vegan ricotta, nuts, and cranberries, it’s a creamy, nutty, and sweet treat that’s sure to delight guests, proving vegan appetizers can be irresistibly delicious.

Full Recipe Here

Move aside cranberry sauce, there’s a new Thanksgiving superstar in town! Meet the Cranberry Salsa, a delightful blend of antioxidant-packed cranberries and beets. This zesty and refreshing holiday appetizer is a game-changer, adding a burst of flavor and vibrant colors to your Thanksgiving plate. Don’t be surprised when even beet skeptics go back for seconds!

Full Recipe Here

Welcome autumn with a twist in your glass! My Apple Cider Margarita blends tangy cider, cinnamon spice, and tequila for a cozy, refined sugar-free cocktail. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spirited, ideal for any fall occasion.

Full Recipe Here

This Apple Cider Bourbon Fizz is the perfect festive drink to celebrate the holidays, especially Thanksgiving! It is subtly sweet, easy to make, and super refreshing! Every family get-together is instantly more fun when you throw a festive, bubbly drink into the mix (mocktail version optional) you definitely need to serve this one!

Full Recipe Here

This Strawberry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on a classic, featuring Nature Fresh Farms Little Obsessions Strawberries, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this appetizer is both simple and impressive. I can’t think of a better way to start off a holiday meal with loved ones than juicy strawberries, basil and sweet balsamic atop crispy baguette slices!

Full Recipe Here

Easy Vegan Sides & Shareable Salads

As a vegan; there have been many times I truly just survived at holiday meals with the sides and the salads and while those days might be over they still are my absolute favorite part of any holiday meal. The idea is always to make things easier, not harder during the holidays and what better way than with Layered Salads, or recipes that you can prep one day and roast the second? These easy, shareable dishes are perfect for balancing your main course and can often be prepped ahead for stress-free holiday cooking. Crowd-pleasers for any gathering!

This Wild Rice Stuffing with Roasted Fennel is a gluten-free holiday side dish bursting with flavor. The perfectly roasted butternut squash, fennel, nutty wild rice, and tangy cranberries are tossed in a light orange-balsamic dressing. Topped with pistachios and fennel fronds, this dish is vibrant, healthy, and the perfect addition to any holiday table!

Full Recipe Here

Reimagine the classic layered salad with a festive twist perfect for holidays. Featuring jewel-toned layers and a savory grain-free granola crunch, this Holiday Harvest Layered Salad is a vibrant, flavorful addition to any celebration table.

Full Recipe Here

All your harvest favorites are in this Fall Orzo Salad. Featuring roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy chickpeas, and a tangy lemon dijon dressing, this salad is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, ideal for any autumn feast.

Full Recipe Here

This beautiful grain free salad is all about combining the flavors we love at this time of the year. My Sweet Potato Lentil Avocado Salad combines roasted sweet potatoes, hearty lentils, creamy avocado, and a zesty vinaigrette. This dish is vegan, and gluten-free and perfect for meal prep or as a festive side dish.

Full Recipe Here

This Fall Apple Salad is a cozy, autumn-inspired dish featuring crisp apples, massaged kale, quinoa, and homemade spiced nuts, all tossed in a tangy apple cinnamon vinaigrette made with St. Dalfour Fruit Spread. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a wholesome and delicious choice for fall gatherings or a hearty lunch.

Full Recipe Here

This simple and delicious fall harvest salad bursts with seasonal flavors and a hearty texture. The juicy pomegranate, roasted sweet potatoes and peppery parsley make it the perfect salad to enjoy all season long, especially as a side dish for Thanksgiving. It is also allergen-friendly as it is vegan and gluten free!

Full Recipe Here

If Layered Salads aren’t your thing, prepare for your mind to be forever changed because I bring you the Cranberry Quinoa Layered Salad! A vibrant burst of fall flavors, made irresistibly luscious with St. Dalfour’s naturally-sweetened jam in my popular layered salad style. A fall season and Thanksgiving must-have, this salad not only adds a splash of color to your spread but also a fiber-rich touch amidst heavy festive dishes! And the best part, it dresses itself!

Full Recipe Here

A transitional recipe perfect for fall and proof that salads aren’t just for summer! This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash Salad with Brown Rice and Pomegranate Arils is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the earthy flavors of roasted vegetables with the tart sweetness of pomegranate arils. Tender Brussels sprouts and butternut squash are roasted to perfection, then mixed with nutty brown rice and massaged kale and topped with pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, and juicy pomegranate arils. This salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a wholesome and delicious addition to any meal. These veggies are roasted without any oil and cooked to golden crispy perfection.

Full Recipe Here

If you think you know what your go-to Fall salad is – think again! This Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach Salad with Candied Maple Walnuts and a Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette is actually to die for! The dressing is oil-free, the candied walnuts are totally refined sugar-free and this salad is packed with sweet, caramelized roasted butternut squash! It’s the ultimate autumn salad and perfect as a holiday side.

Full Recipe Here

No holiday spread is complete without a beautiful and festive salad! This Roasted Delicata Squash Avocado Salad is an elegant and flavorful addition to any table. Featuring creamy Avocados From Peru, tender roasted delicata squash, juicy blackberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, it’s tied together with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or a light main dish, this salad is easy to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors that will have all your guests enjoying the salad!

Full Recipe Here
This Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is a lighter, plant-based alternative to the traditional Caesar. Shaved Brussels sprouts provide a hearty, crunchy base, while the homemade vegan Caesar dressing, made with creamy cashews, delivers the same tangy, umami-packed flavor without dairy, anchovies or eggs. Topped with roasted chickpeas, sliced almonds, and green onions, it’s an easy and impressive dish that works as a side or a main course.
Full Recipe Here

Vegan Holiday Mains

The main course is the centerpiece of any holiday feast – this is also totally true for us vegans! Dishes like sweet potato casserole and mac and cheese will easily be eaten up by everyone at the table. These vegan holiday main dishes are not only delicious but also filling, making them the perfect plant-based centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

This vegan sweet potato casserole is a fabulous addition to any Thanksgiving spread. It is easy to make with just 8 vegan, gluten-free ingredients and will delight your entire table of guests, despite their dietary preferences.

Full Recipe Here

Roasted butternut squash, sweet corn, and creamy vegan dressing are just a few of the reasons why you’re going to love my perfect Fall Pasta Salad! It’s ready in under 30 minutes and makes a large enough salad for 8 or meal prepping!

Full Recipe Here

Elevate your Mac Monday with this delightful Vegan Mac & Cheese, made creamy and healthy with cauliflower, cashews, nutritional yeast, and miso paste. Quick, easy, and packed with plant-based goodness that will please the whole family!

Full Recipe Here

The essence of fall is in this recipe! Enjoy my Autumn Squash Grain Bowl, an inviting gluten-free recipe that pairs nourishing grains with roasted squash for a wholesome and satisfying main course. The heartiness of this colorful, nutrient-dense dish makes every bite pure happiness!

Full Recipe Here

If you’re craving something cozy and comforting, you’ve got to make this Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Skillet! This one-pan no-fuss meal is packed with tender sweet potatoes, lentils, and a creamy sauce that’s entirely dairy-free. Make this easy dish for meal prep, serve it over rice for a hearty weeknight dinner and enjoy leftovers for days! Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free, plant-based recipe is a must-try for sweet potato lovers!

Full Recipe Here

Make this ultimate fall pasta dish in just 25 minutes! My Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is about to become your new favorite; it features silky pumpkin puree, combined with garlic, sage, and rich cashew cream. The Panacheeza dairy-free parmesan adds a delicious cheesy flavor, and it’s finished off with a crunchy walnut topping for a satisfying crunch. 

Full Recipe Here

The Best Vegan Desserts

Save the best for last is what they say right? I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth personally but my hubby – oh yes he does! All of these vegan desserts are approved by my whole family because they are delicious and healthy! Who said you can’t have high protein strawberry mousse for dessert at Christmas time? Vegan desserts can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. Using maple syrup and coconut cream gives these desserts the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess without the need for dairy! 

A velvety Avocado Chocolate Mousse Tart with a grain-free crust. Made with only 9 ingredients, it’s gluten-free, vegan, and showcases the creaminess of avocados. Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Full Recipe Here

Experience the magic of fall with this vegan apple crisp! Bursting with bourbon-infused flavors, this dessert promises a gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free treat. Dive into a heartwarming blend of tender apples and crumbly toppings.

Full Recipe Here

If you’re looking for a healthy, quick and indulgent but guilt free dessert, look no further because this High Protein Vegan Strawberry Mousse is made with three ingredients and comes together in under ten minutes! Made with high protein silken tofu, St. Dalfour Strawberry Goji Jam, and vanilla extract, this mousse is creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein.

Full Recipe Here

These Fruit Tart Sugar Cookies start with a sugar cookie base that melts in your mouth. Topped with creamy dairy free yogurt icing and a vibrant array of fresh fruit, each bite offers a burst of color and flavor. Perfect for parties, picnics, brunch, or a sweet indulgence, these gluten-free and vegan delights are sure to bring joy with every bite!

Full Recipe Here

Layer your way to the most addicting fruit salad you will ever have! This layered salad is the perfect addition to any summer gathering and will catch the eyes of everyone! With a delightful mix of strawberries, clementines, pineapple, and more this fruit salad is topped with a zesty maple lime dressing that perfectly complements the fresh fruits. Layered in a glass canister for dramatic presentation, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of fresh, juicy flavors!

Full Recipe Here

There’s not much in life more satisfying than a soft warm cookie! My new Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles are not only vegan and grain-free, but they also pretty much come with the guarantee of being the coziest, warmest and most joyful pumpkin spice Snickerdoodle you ever did try!

Full Recipe Here

These Sweet Potato Muffins are like a cozy hug in every bite! They’re vegan, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, and oil-free, but packed with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon spice. What makes them even more delightful? The surprise cream cheese filling that oozes out with every bite! And if that’s not enough, they’re crowned with a mouthwatering cinnamon crumb topping. It’s muffin magic for your taste buds!

Full Recipe Here

‘Tis the season for baking, and these Gluten Free Mini Vegan Cheesecake Bites are the perfect treat for your next holiday get together. The recipe includes a few shortcuts to make these bites simple, fun and easy! One secret shortcut? The gluten-free vegan dough is actually store-bought!

Full Recipe Here

Straight out of my book, The Clean Vegan Cookbook comes this delicious recipe for Dark Chocolate Coconut Macaroons. The 60 recipes in my cookbook are all totally exclusive, and won’t be released until January 10th, 2023, but I’m letting you in on these early. You’re definitely going to want to make them for the holidays. I have made these for friends, family and colleagues and they are loved far and wide.

Full Recipe Here

Make this Pomegranate Raspberry Galette and turn heads at your next holiday gathering. This rustic, stunner of a dessert is ready in under an hour! Golden, flaky crust made from gluten-free flours cradles a vibrant filling of St. Dalfour Raspberry Pomegranate Fruit Spread and fresh raspberries. Naturally sweetened with real fruit and totally dairy-free, this galette is perfect for any occasion. Serve warm or chilled and topped with dairy-free ice cream for an unforgettable treat!

Full Recipe Here

Indulge in these delicious gluten-free Pumpkin Pie Bars, perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you’re craving a taste of pumpkin pie without the fuss. Made with wholesome, clean ingredients; these bars are just as beautiful as they are satisfying. Enjoy every spiced bite of this seasonal treat!

Full Recipe Here

These Gluten-Free Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover! Soft, chewy, rolled in a mix of cinnamon and coconut sugar, and topped with a sweet, apple pie filling, they bring all the nostalgic flavors of apple pie but are made totally gluten-free, plant based, and refined sugar free. Easier than making a whole pie, and totally oil-free, get ready to enjoy these babies in just 20 minutes.

Full Recipe Here

Dessert for breakfast or breakfast for dessert? Who knows! What I do know is that if you’re having this for a holiday breakfast you will be more than ready to tear the paper off those gifts and if you’re enjoying it for dessert – it will be the most healthy dessert you could imagine! This High Protein Pumpkin Pie Pudding recipe is quick and easy and combines the richness of pumpkin puree, the smoothness of silken tofu, and the sweetness of maple syrup. With just five ingredients in less than ten minutes, you’ve got yourself the treat that dreams are made of!

Full Recipe Here

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegans During the Holidays!

What are some good vegan dishes to serve at a holiday potluck?

Vegan dishes like roasted brussels sprouts, stuffed acorn squash, and creamy vegan mashed potatoes are perfect for a potluck. Utilize your oven! Dishes like these are super easy to make, pack up and bring to a potluck without worrying about losing beautiful presentation while transporting. Another great option? Layered Salads of course! These babies are ideal for potlucks and so many of you agree!

What vegan dishes do you make to impress non-vegans on Thanksgiving?

For Thanksgiving, impress non-vegans with any of the recipes from this round up! I guarantee feeding a non vegan any of these meals will have them shocked at the flavor, textures and overall deliciousness!

What would a vegan Christmas look like?

A vegan Christmas can look however you want it to! Many people opt for vegan turkey alternatives, some go for non-traditional recipes, and others will do a very traditional meal but everything will be dairy free and plant based. If this is your first holiday season as a vegan – do not despair! There are so many ways to enjoy the holidays and still be centered around food without compromising on your goals of eating plant based. 

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa. 

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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Jackie Akerberg

Holiday Vegan Cheese Ball

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Get ready to *sleigh* your holiday appetizer game with this Vegan Holiday Cheese Ball – it's the plant-based party star and its TOTALLY vegan! Crafted with love and a dash of festive flair, this cheesy delight takes vegan ricotta, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, pistachios, maple syrup, and parsley to the next level. It's so irresistibly creamy and delicious that even your ornery meat-loving uncle is guaranteed to trade in his scowl for a bite (and come back for seconds). Spread it on crackers, and it is sure to be a hit, perfect for thanksgiving or any holiday occasion!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16 balls
Course: Appetizer

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz vegan ricotta, or cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
  • ½ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
  • ½ cup dried unsweetened cranberries, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Method
 

  1. Add the ricotta, maple syrup, salt, garlic powder and half of the pecans to a mixing bowl. Use a fork or hand mixer to combine. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining pecans, pistachios, cranberries, parsley, and lemon zest. Stir to mix. Scoop out 1.5 tbsp balls of the ricotta mixture, using a cookie scoop, and place them in the dry mixture one at a time. Use your hands to roll and press the coating into each ball. Place on a serving tray. Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture.
  3. Once all your cheese balls are prepped, drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired and sprinkle with the remaining coating. Serve chilled with crackers.

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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