14 Thanksgiving Sides That Are Fully Plant-Based Without Substitutes
Plant-based Thanksgiving favorites don’t have to go through a massive transformation before they hit your table. There are plenty of options that are 100% plant-based to begin with. If you’re looking for plant-based side dishes that don’t require you to figure out how much vegan butter or plant-based milk to use in place of dairy ingredients, we’ve got you covered.
1. Roasted Brussels sprouts
Crispy, delicious, and simple to prepare, this classic Thanksgiving side requires minimal, fully plant-based ingredients. All you need is fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts, an oil of your choice, and some salt and pepper. Toss it all together, spread in one even layer on a baking sheet, and bake until the edges are crisp and each sprout is tender enough to pierce with a fork. If you want to experiment with bolder flavors, give these lemon-pecan Brussels sprouts a try. And if you find yourself missing the bacon-y add-on, try tossing crisp vegan bacon before serving.
2. Cranberry sauce
This traditional favorite adds the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness and only takes three ingredients to make. Simply simmer fresh cranberries in water and sugar until your sauce has a jam-like texture. You can jazz it up and throw in a bit of orange zest or cinnamon before you turn on the stove, or add a little heat with this cranberry chipotle relish.
3. Roasted sweet potato
Sweet potato casserole isn’t your only option for enjoying this sweet root vegetable at Thanksgiving. Slice your sweet potatoes in half, roast in the oven, and add your favorite plant-based toppings. These maple-roasted sweet potatoes are topped with a maple-tahini dressing for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
4. Blood orange salad
A side salad balances a starchy meal with a little bit of freshness. Purple Carrot’s blood orange salad is made with roasted beets and a ginger miso dressing for a bold burst of flavor and color on your plate.
5. Green beans
If you want to skip the green bean casserole this year (dairy-free or not), you’ll find plenty of plant-based green bean recipes as alternatives. Add just a bit of oil, salt, and pepper, put them in the oven on a baking sheet, and roast as you would any other vegetable. For an oil free option, steam your green beans for about seven minutes and season to your liking before serving. If you want to go beyond salt and pepper, whip up a simple lemon vinaigrette to drizzle on with lemon juice, zest, and a bit of olive oil.
6. Cauliflower rice
Cauliflower rice is an easy side dish and a great way to add some extra fiber to your plate. If you’ve got a food processor, it’s easy enough to dice up yourself before heating, but you can also find it pre-chopped in most stores. Serve on its own, or use as the base for a gluten-free, low-carb vegan stuffing.
7. Maple glazed delicata squash
Fall is peak season for this colorful squash, making it an ideal addition to a Thanksgiving harvest table. It’s just fine roasted on its own, but it’s even better when glazed in maple syrup and seasoned with a bit of sage.
8. Carrot soup
Start Thanksgiving dinner with a bright soup course, like this delicious carrot soup. It’s made with coconut milk and topped with avocado and toasted quinoa for a nice balance of creamy and crunchy.
9. Vegan rolls
What Thanksgiving table would be complete without a basket of fluffy rolls? You might be surprised to learn you don’t actually need butter to get that perfect soft texture. These vegan rolls are made with flour, salt, active dry yeast, sugar, and oil.
10. Roasted rainbow carrots
Rainbow carrots add a touch of color and style to your Thanksgiving spread, and they’re just as easy to roast as any other carrot. Top with a za’atar, lemon, and plant-based yogurt dressing for a Thanksgiving side that invigorates your taste buds.
11. Shredded beet and carrot salad
Lettuce isn’t a requirement for a tasty side salad. This shredded beet and carrot salad has a nice crunchy texture, is full of flavor, and packed with gorgeous fall colors.
12. Mashed butternut squash
Craving something starchy and smooth, but want something a little sweeter than mashed potatoes? Try mashed butternut squash for an innovative side dish that still fits the season. All you have to do is bake your squash until tender and smash to a smooth consistency when ready. Some recipes call for adding additional flavors, such as pomegranate, for a little extra tartness.
13. Crispy holiday potatoes
Double-roasted smashed potatoes blend crispy and melt-in-your mouth textures for the ultimate satisfying side dish. These holiday potatoes are topped with a cranberry pistachio mix that will put everyone in a delightfully festive mood.
14. Roasted fennel
Break tradition and add this unique roasted fennel recipe to your Thanksgiving menu. You’ll roast fennel bulbs, add marinated cannellini beans, and garnish with roasted lemon rounds for a dish that tastes as good as it looks.
Add Purple Carrot to your Thanksgiving menu
If you’re planning a plant-based Thanksgiving, take out the guess work and let Purple Carrot take care of the prepping. All of our meals are 100% plant-based, so you never have to worry about figuring out substitutions. Our menu is full of delicious side dishes that go well with any Thanksgiving spread, and make for a great vegan dinner all year round. Shop with Purple Carrot now and enjoy holiday savings with $100 off your first month.
