Plantbased cooking doesn’t have to be an afterthought during the holidays.
Through experience, I’ve seen how a vibrant table loaded with hearty, eye-catching plantbased dishes will totally win over even the biggest skeptics.
Whether you’re hosting a lively family feast or just looking to get more veggies onto your holiday plates, I’ve put together some holiday plantbased recipes and tips that are easy to follow and sure to fill your table (and bellies) with good vibes.
Why Holiday Plantbased Recipes Make Sense
Holiday meals often get pegged as being super meaty and dairy-laden, yet switching things up with plantbased cooking delivers a lighter, more colorful spread that invites everyone to join in.
Even the most traditional eaters will find bold flavors, varied textures, and all those naturally festive colors breaking way past the idea of “just salad.”
Embracing more plantbased dishes over the holidays can help out with digestion while keeping energy levels topped up—even after a big meal.
If you worry about guests feeling full, have no fear: there’s a wealth of filling, cozy plantbased options.
Think creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravies, and hearty mains that can stand toe-to-toe with the old-school favorites.
The plantbased movement continues to spread fast. Research shows the number of new vegans and vegetarians rises every holiday season, as more people search for healthier, greener ways to celebrate.
Plus, family members with allergies or special dietary needs will be grateful for dishes free from animal products, gluten, or nuts.
Another bonus to plantbased holiday cooking: clean-up tends to be simpler, and leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.
Big-batch, veggiefocused recipes that skip the need for pricy specialty ingredients help save time and money too.
Getting Prepped for a Plantbased Holiday Feast
Switching holiday meals to feature more plants doesn’t mean learning everything from square one. Focus on a handful of basics and a bit of prep, and you’ll be set. Keep a few kitchen staples ready, and prep your produce ahead—it pays off when the chaos starts. Some important ingredients and terms worth knowing:
- Umami: That rich, savory flavor most people associate with meat can easily come from mushrooms, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, or miso in plantbased recipes.
- Legumes: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas provide protein, fiber, and serious staying power for festive fare.
- Nutritional Yeast: This cheesyflavored, flaky seasoning adds awesome depth to creamy sauces, “cheese” dips, or even rich gravies.
- Cashews: When soaked and blended, cashews become the backbone for smooth sauces, dreamy cheesecake, pie fillings, and even “cream.”
A well-stocked pantry with canned tomatoes, grains such as wild rice or quinoa, veggie broth, and plenty of spices will make your prep much smoother.
Another prep trick: Set aside time a day before your meal for chopping veggies or pre-cooking grains. Even just washing and drying greens ahead keeps things fast and stress-free.
Holiday Plantbased Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
The holidays are a perfect time to switch things up with bright, flavorful recipes shining a spotlight on veggies and legumes. These favorites always draw compliments and often leave non-plantbased eaters reaching for seconds (with requests for the recipe!):
- Stuffed Butternut Squash: Beautifully roasted and filled with a mixture of quinoa, walnuts, cranberries, and herbs—this one always makes a stunner for the centerpiece and hits that comfort food note.
- Creamy Dairyfree Mashed Potatoes: Ditch the butter for olive oil or plantbased butter and add a splash of soy or oat milk, plus roasted garlic. They’re as creamy as the classic version.
- Lentil Loaf: Bursting with flavorful ingredients and topped with tomato glaze, this hearty main rivals any traditional roast.
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in a sweet maple-mustard dressing and roasted to crispy perfection—these never last long!
- Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad: Roasted squash, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and a bright citrus dressing make this a great side.
- Vegan Mushroom Gravy: Mushrooms and veggie broth create layers of savory goodness. It works for drizzling on mashed potatoes or lentil loaf, and packs real depth.
- Easy Apple Crisp: Apples mixed with cinnamon and a sweet oat topping, baked till bubbly and golden. Delicious warm with vegan vanilla ice cream for a festive finish.
For extra flair, try topping your sides with toasted nuts or seeds for even more flavo-boosting crunch and nextlevel cool presentation.
Tips for a Stress-Free Plantbased Holiday Menu
Even if you usually whip up plantbased dishes for yourself, cooking for a crowd is its own ride. These tricks help everything run smoother when hosting bigger groups or feeding mixed eaters:
- Pick MakeAhead Dishes: Casseroles, salads, loaves, and desserts can often be prepped or even fully made a day before. Letting flavors sit often gives these dishes a boost.
- Label Dishes With Ingredients: Little tent cards or note sheets with ingredients make it easy for folks with allergies (and everyone loves to know what’s inside).
- Batch Up the Favorites: If plantbased is new to your group, double up on the sure wins like mashed potatoes, gravies, and roasted veggies. They go quickly!
- Invite Guests to Share Sides: Let everyone get involved by bringing a salad, soup, or favorite veggie dish. It adds fun and variety—and makes prep easier for you.
- Storebought Is Totally Fine: If time’s tight, don’t stress about buying good-quality breads, stuffings, or vegan desserts to supplement your homemade recipes. Mixing storebought and homemade makes for less hassle and more fun.
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to please everyone, but really, the holiday table is about sharing food together. With just a little planning, everything falls into place nicely.
What to Watch Out for When Cooking Plantbased for the Holidays
Getting ready for a plantbased feast for the first time? Here are common challenges and simple workarounds to keep your meal on track and fun:
- Texture Matters: Roasts usually have a hearty bite, so build texture with nuts, mushrooms, or lentils in main dishes—no one wants a mushy centerpiece.
- Getting Enough Protein: Focus on recipes using beans, lentils, tofu, or quinoa. They keep everyone satisfied and help avoid the post-dinner slump you can get from just veggies and carbs.
- Smart Swaps Instead of Mimics: Trying to copy every classic with faux meats or cheese can hit or miss. Instead, show off what vegetables and grains do best. Roasted sweet potatoes with maple and pecans always win, and no one even asks for marshmallows.
- Prep Time: Plantbased recipes may need more chopping, roasting, or blending. Cut up veggies and prep grains the night before—or even freeze them a week in advance for quick assembly.
- Blending Familiar Flavors: For guests new to classic plantbased staples (like tofu, tempeh, or nutritional yeast), combine them with herbs, spices, and other old favorites—lots of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a pop of citrus always work.
Making Plantbased Gravy Extra Savory
The right gravy ties the meal together. For powerful flavor, sauté a big batch of mushrooms and onions with garlic, then use a splash of balsamic or red wine to pull the brown bits off the pan. Sprinkle in flour, stir, add veggie stock, and simmer. A bit of soy sauce and black pepper really complete the flavor.
Avoiding the “Too Many Salads” Trap
Plantbased cooking is about so much more than just salads. Don’t miss out on hearty mains and cozy sides. Items like roasted veggies, stuffed squash, and lentilbaked dishes are why the holiday table feels special—they’re satisfying, delicious, and absolutely beautiful for serving.
Going the Extra Mile: Festive Touches
Polish your table with rows of roasted rainbow carrots, fresh herbs for garnish, and bowls of sparkling cranberry sauce. Extras like chopped roasted nuts or seeds give dishes extra flavor and make everything look nextlevel cool.
Make dishes in advance and serve them family style so everyone can grab a bit of everything and stumble upon new flavors. Dessert doesn’t have to be complicated—a tray of sliced fresh fruit, a batch of spiced poached pears, or simple baked apples always ends the meal on a high note.
Frequently Asked Questions for Holiday Plantbased Cooking
Question: How do you make sure plantbased holiday meals are filling?
Answer: Build your menu around beans, lentils, whole grains, or nuts, and pair meals with hearty gravies and rich sauces loaded with flavor.
Question: What’s the best way to introduce plantbased dishes to skeptical family members?
Answer: Serve familiar flavors and sides—creamy mashed potatoes, classic stuffing, and a rich gravy will win them over. Herby roasted veggies are an easy sell too.
Question: How can I prep ahead to make things easier on the holiday?
Answer: Chop veggies, mix up salad dressings, and pre-cook grains or beans a day or two early. Most casseroles and loaves can be baked and simply reheated just before serving.
Plantbased Holiday Cooking for Every Table
Bringing plantbased recipes into your holiday gathering opens up fresh flavors, keeps everyone happy, and sets the table for truly memorable meals—without losing out on tradition or comfort. Some of the best stories and laughs come when everyone’s sharing the same delicious food. So round up those veggies, prep those casseroles, and enjoy every forkful. This season, go for food that feels just as good as it tastes.