7 Hearty & Healthy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

Eating whole food plant-based can be tricky around the holidays. Taking away meat and dairy is one thing, but trying to stick to whole foods on top of that is a whole other challenge in and of itself.

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Well, stress no more. I’ve been testing recipes like crazy to make sure this holiday season is full of familiar foods that are just as flavorful and can be shared with plant munchers and omnivores alike.

Here’s a compilation of those recipes tested and ready to wow your guests for whatever occasion it may be.

Side Dishes

Stovetop Vegan Stuffing

This stuffing is so easy to make and takes hardly any time at all if using precooked, canned lentils. It has all the flavors reminiscent of stuffing with no butter or oil needed!

The BEST Stove Top Vegan Stuffing

This is a classic stuffing recipe, the perfect side dish for any holiday event, made vegan! It's also oil-free, requires just 9 ingredients, and can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Check out this recipe

Mashed Potatoes

It’s true—you don’t need butter or a butter alternative to make creamy mashed potatoes! Just use the cooking water or veggie broth to reach desired mashed potato consistency. I prefer mine on the chunky side.

Healthy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes that are dairy-free, vegan, and healthy! The perfect side to accompany any meal that the whole family will love!

Check out this recipe

Easy Vegan Gravy

This simple gravy is going to make preparing the day of so easy. It comes together quickly so you can whip it up right before the meal is served or prep it the day before and reheat it when needed.

Easy Vegan Gravy (Oil-Free)

This vegan gravy recipe is rich and creamy and super savory—just the way gravy should be! It's also oil free, making it a healthy addition to your holiday meals.

Check out this recipe

Cornbread

This cornbread is my new favorite. I can’t get over the flavor. You don’t even need butter, honey, or gravy to enjoy it. It’s THAT good.

Healthy Vegan Cornbread (Gluten Free + Oil Free)

This classic cornbread recipe made vegan is easy, delicious, and healthy! Made oil-free and refined-sugar free, yet incredibly tasty.

Check out this recipe

Main Courses

Lentil Loaf

This has quickly become a center dish for many holidays. It’s so flavorful, yet full of whole plant foods. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Vegan Lentil Loaf

The perfect replacement for meatloaf – this lentil loaf is delicious and full of flavor! It's perfect to serve for the holidays or just when you want a classic meatloaf made vegan style.

Check out this recipe

Easy Gluten Free Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe

Shepherd’s Pie

An old classic with a healthy twist. Full of veggies, and so cozy and comforting.

Hearty Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

This vegan shepherd's pie is stuffed with hearty vegetables and lentils to make this dish extra filling! It's also healthy, made with whole foods, so it won't leave you feeling sluggish afterwards. The perfect dish to serve for the holidays and when you want something extra cozy.

Check out this recipe

Dessert

Pecan Cream Pie

This pie is heavenly. Creamy, sweet, and will have you wanting more. It’s a new take on the traditional pecan pie.

Pecan Cream Pie

This Pecan Cream Pie recipe is easy, requiring only 9 ingredients and incredibly delicious, made with coconut cream and naturally sweetened with dates. It's vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free (but you'd never know!).

Check out this recipe

Slice of creamy pecan pie on a plate with a fork.

Whether you’re the host or needing a dish to bring to an event, we tried to provide something for everyone.

Let us know what you’re making for Thanksgiving this year, and if you happen to make any of the these recipes, tag @healthmylifestyle on Instagram & Facebook so we can see your recreations!

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