30 Vegan Christmas Side Dishes Of Your Dreams
For those who follow a vegan diet understand the struggle of attending a holiday dinner with non-vegans. There aren’t always a ton of options that we can choose from and we are often stuck with raw veggie sticks and possibly a salad. While we’re used to having to create a full meal from the sides menu at a restaurant you may want to be prepared to do the same at your holiday dinner.
We have compiled some of the best vegan side dishes that you’ll actually want to indulge in this Christmas! Make one or three of these recipes and bring them to your next holiday dinner so you can leave with a satisfied and full belly. You’ll find some holiday classics that have been transformed to be vegan-friendly as well as some dishes you may have not tried before. Don’t be disappointed this Christmas dinner and make a delicious dish to share!
1. Simple Vegan Stuffing
Stuffing is a side dish that my family has enjoyed for as long as I can remember. I’ve experienced the boxed variety, homemade but have yet to try a vegan version!
Now that I follow a plant-based diet transforming my childhood favorites into vegan versions is a fun and challenging task! This recipe is an excellent example of how merely substituting a few ingredients can quickly make it suitable for any plant-based dieter. This vegan stuffing is made from whole grain bread, green lentils, onions, celery, veggie broth, and a flax egg. Try this recipe this year and it’ll become your new holiday favorite!
https://minimalistbaker.com/simple-vegan-stuffing/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MINIMALIST BAKER2. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Not everyone loves mashed potatoes and that is totally okay! A great alternative would be scalloped potatoes. They’re creamy and filling and oh so cheesy!
This recipe is not only vegan-friendly but also oil-free, soy-free and gluten-free too! The cheesy flavor comes from nutritional yeast. First, you’ll make the creamy cheese sauce on the stove top. Once complete you’ll combine layers of thinly sliced potatoes with the cheesy sauce and finish cooking in the oven.
https://www.karissasvegankitchen.com/vegan-scalloped-potatoes/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_smartloop&utm_content=smartloop&utm_term=6877238 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: KARISSA’S VEGAN KITCHEN3. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are my weakness! They have always been my favorite side dish to any meal! While traditional recipes contain loads of cream and butter this recipe is entirely vegan yet remains creamy and irresistible.
All you’ll need to make these mashed potatoes fluffy and creamy is vegan butter. Then combine savory roasted garlic and fresh chives for an unforgettable bite!
https://minimalistbaker.com/the-best-damn-vegan-mashed-potatoes/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MINIMALIST BAKER4. Classic Vegetable Fried Rice
Perhaps you don’t love potatoes at all. Instead of a potato side dish, you may want to consider whipping together a delicious rice dish. After all, starchy dishes are super comforting and rice would be a great alternative to potatoes.
This easy vegetable fried rice dish if thriving in flavors and exploding in exciting textures! Even your meat-eating friends and family will gobble this one up. This recipe works great with leftover rice. With that said prepare the rice ahead of time to help cut down the preparation for this dish.
https://strengthandsunshine.com/classic-vegetable-fried-rice-gluten-free-vegan-allergy-free/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: STRENGTH AND SUNSHINE5. Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Is green bean casserole your traditional favorite? Try making this recipe that taste like the classic but is entirely free of all animal by-products.
Before baking this casserole, you’ll need to whip together the creamy sauce. This is done on the stovetop and made from ingredients such as vegan butter, an oat cream, and flour. Once completed you’ll pour the creamy sauce over green beans. Lastly, sprinkle fried onions on top and bake until the fried onions are a lovely golden color.
https://thebusybaker.ca/easy-vegan-green-bean-casserole/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE BUSY BAKER6. Caramelized Onion And Tomato Risotto
Risotto is an Italian classic and if it isn’t a traditional holiday side dish in your home you may want to make it one. This risotto has savory flavors of caramelized onions and roasted tomatoes.
If you’ve opted to use fresh tomatoes over canned you’ll need to roast those in the oven first. While they roast you’ll begin to caramelize the onions on the stove top. Lastly, slowly but surely you’ll add the rest of the ingredients and you’ll end up with a lovely creamy risotto to share this Christmas!
https://www.connoisseurusveg.com/tomato-risotto/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CONNOISSEURUS VEG7. Vegan Asparagus Risotto
The great thing about risotto is it can be done in so many different flavors that there is something for everyone! If you don’t love the flavor of tomatoes then maybe you’ll love this asparagus risotto instead.
As all risottos, the base is made up of rice. In this one, the flavors come from chopped asparagus, a shallot, garlic, and just a few other ingredients. It risotto also has a hint of a cheesy that comes from nutritional yeast. This dish is not just thriving in flavor but nutrition too!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/vegan-asparagus-risotto-wolf-gourmet-multi-function-cooker-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY8. Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts
Are you tired of trying brussels sprout dishes over and over again? If you haven’t fallen in love with them yet, this recipe is about to change that!
This recipe is creamy, spicy and the perfect way to mask any flavor you may have not enjoyed about brussels sprouts! The creamy sauce comes from vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice and gets a heat kick from sriracha. This is a two-step recipe but the pay off is well worth it!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/bang-bang-roasted-brussels-sprouts/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY9. Glazed Carrots
This side dish may be simple but it is definitely worth noting. This classic side dish will be a crowd favorite and it’s so easy to put together too.
You’ll need to peel and cut large carrots. To ensure this recipe remains vegan make sure to substitute regular butter for vegan butter! Lastly, you’ll need just a few lovely seasonings such as cinnamon, nutmeg and a dash of brown sugar that make these glazed carrots deliciously sweet.
https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/slow-cooker-glazed-carrots/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DINNER AT THE ZOO10. Vegan Gravy
To go along with these sides dish you may want to consider making a delicious gravy! This is a simple recipe that requires 9 ingredients and just 30 minutes of your time.
The flavors are rich and hearty and everyone will swoon over it. Some of these ingredients include crushed garlic, veggie stock, dark soy sauce, and coconut milk. Flour will help thicken the gravy and once you taste it you’ll want to pour it all over your plate!
https://lovingitvegan.com/vegan-gravy/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LOVING IT VEGAN11. Hasselback Butternut Squash Roasted Side Dish
You may have tried Hasselback potatoes but have you ever tried this cooking method with any other vegetable? This holiday season you need to try this roasted Hasselback butternut squash.
Thinly sliced layers are filled with savory seasonings that ensure every bite is evenly cooked and thoroughly seasoned. You’ll need just a few ingredients, a roasting pan, and your oven to make this dish!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/hasselback-butternut-squash-roasted-side-dish/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY12. Vegan Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is a classic English side dish. Traditionally the batter consists of eggs, flour, and milk. While those ingredients aren’t vegan-friendly this recipe gives a traditional Yorkshire pudding a vegan makeover.
You’ll need just 5 simple ingredients. These include flour, chickpea flour, salt, vegetable oil, and soy milk. They’re easy to make and would be a lovely contribution to your Christmas dinner.
https://www.vegansociety.com/resources/recipes/special-occasions/yorkshire-pudding-popovers PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: VEGAN SOCIETY13. Vegan Stuffed Shells With Pumpkin And Cashew Ricotta
Stuffed shells may not seem like a classic holiday side dish but once you discover what is in them you’ll definitely want them to be on your table this year. The shells are filled with a delicious pumpkin and cashew ricotta and are smothered in a sage Béchamel sauce.
It’s important to note when cooking the shells you want to cook them to al dente but not any further. If the shells are too soft they will be hard to fill. While the shells cook you can prepare the filling in a food processor. Once complete you’ll want to whip up the creamy sauce on the stove top. Lastly, you’ll assemble the shells, pour over the sauce and finish in the oven.
https://www.mydarlingvegan.com/pumpkin-and-cashew-ricotta-stuffed-shells/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MY DARLING VEGAN14. Autumn Vegetable Sheet Pan Side Dish
Do you enjoy simple and easy recipes? Then this recipe has your name on it! This is a sheet pan recipe which means easy preparation and easy clean up too!
You’ll combine delicious autumn vegetables such as brussels sprouts, acorn squash, and sweet potato, with bell peppers, cauliflower, zucchini, and onion. You’ll need to chop the veggies first then scatter on the sheet pan. Lastly, drizzle the veggies with olive oil and seasonings and bake until perfection.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/autumn-vegetable-sheet-pan-side-dish/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY15. Baked Avocado Fries
Fries may not be a Christmas classic but these avocado fries are so yummy they deserve to be on the holiday table. Avocados are packed with nutrients and area great source of healthy fats!
These avocado fries are nicely coated in a flavorful bread crumb mixture that everyone will go crazy for. In this recipe, everything is made from scratch! You’ll make a vegan egg mixture that binds the crispy topping to the avocado slices. In addition, you’ll also be provided with a delicious smokey tangy avocado dip.
https://www.cearaskitchen.com/vegan-avocado-fries/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CEARA’S KITCHEN16. Vegan Sausage Rolls
These vegan sausage rolls would be a lovely side dish at your holiday dinner! The sausage-like filling is made from chopped kale, mushrooms, onion, beans, and loads of seasonings.
The mixture is later wrapped in a delicious store-bought vegan pastry. It’s flaky on the outside and savory on the inside, what is not to like?
https://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2016/6/1/vegan-sausage-rolls PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HOT FOR FOOD17. Stuffed Acorn Squash
These stuffed acorn squashes could serve as a main dish but share with the whole table and they’ll make a lovely side dish too! The filling is made from tempeh sausage, lentils, kale, and roasted pepitas. It’s savory and has many lovely textures that you’ll love!
You’ll only need 10 minutes to prepare these then the rest of the time is spent cooking in the oven. Before you know it you’ll have a unique yet lovely side dish to contribute to the big holiday feast.
https://www.karissasvegankitchen.com/stuffed-acorn-squash/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=450787548_15598886_122824 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: KARISSA’S VEGAN KITCHEN18. Vegan Cheddar Chive Scones
Are you searching for something that is more exciting than the average dinner roll? Look no further and try this vegan cheddar and chive scone recipe!
This recipe is much simpler than you may think and doesn’t require any strange or obscure ingredients. You’ll combine flour with vegan cheese, chives, and a few other ingredients and in no time will have a delicious flaky scone!
https://thevietvegan.com/vegan-cheddar-chive-scones/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE VIET VEGAN19. Grilled Butternut Squash With Chimichurri
You can enjoy butternut squash in so many different ways such as roasted, purred into the soup and here, grilled! To make this side dish all you’ll need is 1 butternut squash, olive oil, and a chimichurri sauce.
The recipe will provide you with a link to a quick and easy 5-minute chimichurri sauce that you can make at home! Then all you have to do is grill the sliced squash, drizzle with the chimichurri sauce and serve.
https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/grilled-butternut-squash-with-chimichuri/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: IT DOESN’T TASTE LIKE CHICKEN20. Mini Vegan Carrot Dogs In A Blanket
A simpler alternative to the vegan sausage rolls would be these mini vegan carrot dogs in a blanket. These look just like pigs in a blanket but you’ll be happy to know, no animals were harmed in the making of this side dish!
First, you’ll need to boil the carrots until they’re softly followed by marinated them overnight in a delicious sauce. Then on the day of your Christmas dinner, you can roll them up in store-bought crescent roll dough and bake in the oven. These will definitely get the stamp of approval from adults and kids alike!
https://www.karissasvegankitchen.com/mini-vegan-carrot-dogs-in-a-blanket/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: KARISSA’S VEGAN KITCHEN21. Maple Roasted Beets And Carrots
With just 5 ingredients you can have this stunning side dish put together! It’s made up of vibrant red beets, carrots, sweet maple syrup, olive oil, vegan butter and a dash of salt and pepper.
First, you’ll want to chop the veggies and spread onto a baking sheet. Then, coat the veggies in the olive oil and salt and pepper and roast in the oven. The last step is to drizzle maple syrup and vegan butter over the roasted veggies and place back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Soon you’ll have a lovely dish on your holiday table.
https://www.saltandlavender.com/maple-roasted-beets-and-carrots/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MAPLE ROASTED BEETS AND CARROTS22. Christmas Pinwheels
These Christmas pinwheels are perfectly festive with their red and green colors. All you’ll need to make these pinwheels is store-bought crescent roll dough, sun-dried tomatoes, and a vegan pesto.
This recipe will provide you with a link to make your own homemade vegan pesto. The color of this delightful treat will stand out but the flavors are what will make a lasting impression on all the dinner guests.
https://www.vnutritionandwellness.com/christmas-pinwheels/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: V NUTRITION AND WELLNESS23. Vegan Brussels Sprouts Mac And Cheese
If you’re going to indulge during the holidays you might as well indulge in some of the best comfort foods. That is why mac and cheese would be an excellent side dish to contribute to a holiday dinner.
This isn’t your traditional mac and cheese recipe! Although, it is just as alluring and appetizing! This mac and cheese recipe is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. In addition, you’ll be provided with a simple 3-ingredient vegan cheese sauce recipe that makes this dish even easier to make!
https://www.contentednesscooking.com/garlic-brussels-sprouts-mac-and-cheese/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CONTENTEDNESS COOKING24. Kid and Adult Friendly Mac and Cheese
If you turned your nose up at the brussels sprouts in the previous recipe then rest assured we’re also including a traditional mac and cheese recipe! This one is made with macaroni pasta and a delicious vegan cheese sauce.
The cheese sauce is made from butternut squash, coconut milk and loads of seasonings. It gets a delicious cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast! If you show up to Christmas dinner with this side dish prepare to blow everyone away!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/kids-adult-friendly-vegan-mac-cheese/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY25. Vegan Cornbread
In addition to the delicious cheese and chive scones, you may want to make this vegan cornbread recipe. It’ll only take you 10 minutes and would be the perfect treat to soak up all the vegan gravy on your plate!
To make this cornbread you’ll need corn, cornmeal, flour, soy milk, and a few other ingredients. Once all the ingredients are mixed together you’ll transfer the mixture into a cast iron skillet and bake in the oven.
https://www.mydarlingvegan.com/vegan-skillet-cornbread/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MY DARLING VEGAN27. Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower With Mushroom Gravy
Mashed potatoes are delicious but if you’re trying to watch your carb intake this holiday season you may want to try this garlic mashed cauliflower. You’ll also be provided with a vegan mushroom gravy that makes the mashed cauliflower even more delicious!
Once you have cooked the cauliflower you’ll combine it with roasted garlic and vegan sour cream. Pour those ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Cook the gravy on the stovetop and then serve together.
https://runningonrealfood.com/mashed-cauliflower-vegan-mushroom-gravy/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: RUNNING ON REAL FOOD28. Vegan Apple Broccoli Salad
Lighten up the table with a delicious salad. This apple and broccoli salad is flourishing in alluring textures and is made of wholesome ingredients.
In this salad, you’ll experience shredded broccoli, diced apples, red onions, sunflower seeds, and raisins. You’ll also be provided with a delicious vegan dressing that pairs perfectly with the salad.
https://veganinthefreezer.com/vegan-apple-broccoli-salad/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: VEGAN IN THE FREEZER29. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Along with gravy, every holiday dinner needs a delicious cranberry sauce. Skip the store-bought variety because with this recipe you can effortlessly make it at home.
You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing what precisely goes into making it and will be thrilled to discover how easy it is to make too. For this sauce, you’ll need frozen cranberries, maple syrup, juice of an orange, zest of an orange, cinnamon, and water.
https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/maple-cranberry-sauce/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: TO PEAS AND THEIR POD30. Homemade Vegan Creamed Corn
You could serve steamed corn for the holidays or you could blow everyone away with this homemade vegan creamed corn dish. The best part is it only takes 20 minutes to cook!
Frozen corn makes up the base of this dish while almond milk, maple syrup, and a few seasons make up the creamy sauce. You’ll make this recipe in a skillet on the stovetop and in no time will have a tasty dish to dig into!
https://shaneandsimple.com/homemade-vegan-creamed-corn/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SHANE AND SIMPLE
