36 Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes for a Delicious Christmas Menu
There are countless ideas for exciting entrées, tasty side dishes and super sweet dessert finishes.
A lavish Christmas feast isn't always associated with a plant-based vegan menu, but the crossover is definitely there for holiday guests who may be vegan or dairy-adverse — or those who simply prefer a lighter meal. Traditional meals at Christmas may call for heavy hitters like roasted ham, cheesy casseroles and creamy desserts; you'd be surprised, however, at how many vegan recipes can stand up to these expectations without any meat or dairy whatsoever.
Many of the best vegan Christmas dinner ideas are anchored on fresh winter fruits and vegetables, including bright citrus clementines and grapefruit, sweet potatoes and savory winter squash, and crisp apples and pears folded into naturally sweet desserts. Many of these hearty December staples can be subbed in for one, a couple, or all of your guests, especially if you lean into flavorful veg-forward sides that vegans will be surprised to see on your dinner table.
Rather than force your guests to rely on a plate of mixed greens and roasted potatoes, double up on a myriad of impressive small plates, from cauliflower alfredo to a cashew-based creamy green bean casserole. Make room at your table for showstopping mains like vegan shepherd's pie, pot pie, meatloaf and faux meatballs, among gluten-free desserts like chocolate ganache tarts and vegan apple cake. These seasonal dishes are so decadent that even non-vegans will be lining up for seconds — see for yourself.
Garden Greens and Pumpernickel Panzanella
Before you dig into the mains, start your dinner with a zesty salad that’s as colorful as the Christmas décor.
Get the recipe for Garden Greens with Pumpernickel Panzanella »
RELATED: Easy Christmas Salad Recipes
Pressure Cooker Winter Squash and Lentil Stew
Since the weather outside is frightful, make this hearty stew to warm up your Christmas dinner guests. Good news for you: It can be made in just 35 minutes.
Get the recipe for Pressure Cooker Winter Squash and Lentil Stew »
Chimichurri Cauliflower Steak
No one will miss the sirloin once they get a taste of this flavor-packed veggie alternative.
Vegan Apple Cake
Almond flour and oat milk do all the heavy lifting in this baked cake that all of your guests will love. And apple cider adds a zest to the fluffy frosting they won't forget!
Get the recipe for Vegan Apple Cake »
RELATED: 26 Best Vegan Desserts That Taste Like the Real Deal
Roasted Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
Smother these sprouts with soy sauce and brown sugar for a salty yet sweet bite.
Get the recipe for Roasted Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts »
Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear, and Onion
Incorporate Bartlett pears into this savory side for a boost of sweetness.
Tahini Lemon Quinoa with Asparagus Ribbons
This dish, which loosely resembles the ribbons on your gift wrap, celebrates one of winter’s most celebrated vegetables: asparagus.
Get the recipe for Tahini Lemon Quinoa with Asparagus Ribbons »
Cauliflower Alfredo
It can be served as a side or as a show-stopping entrée, but everyone will love the addition of tender noodles to your Christmas spread.
Roasted Carrots with Cumin-Thyme Granola
Give roasted carrots a festive twist by covering 'em with bold spices and homemade granola. (Psst, you can even use the granola for breakfast the morning after.)
Get the recipe for Roasted Carrots with Cumin-Thyme Granola »
Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach
Get the best of both worlds with this veggie-loaded side dish, seasoned with a sweet and spicy blend of cinnamon and pepper.
Vegan Creamy Linguine with Wild Mushrooms
Enter a perfect way to convince kids to eat their veggies. This garlicky pasta dish is packed with nutrients without compromising on rich, creamy flavor.
Get the recipe for Vegan Creamy Linguine with Wild Mushrooms »
Gluten-free Chocolate Ganache Tart
To end your holiday on a sweet note, serve this fruit and dark chocolate tart.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sometimes, the simplest approach is what you're looking for — and these dark-brown-sugar-spiced cookies are your answer.
Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup
A mixture of winter veggies and enriching spices makes this soup truly good for the soul (and a must for a chilly Christmas night).
Vegan Chocolate Truffles
It's a sweet ending to a meal that also makes for a wonderful gift for your guests to take home with them.
Get the recipe for Vegan Chocolate Truffles »
RELATED: 75 DIY Christmas Gifts to Add Creativity to Your Holiday
Vegan Barbecue Meatloaf Minis
Baked in muffin tins, these hefty nuggets get their meat-like texture from a blend of mushrooms, lentils and walnuts.
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Swapping out ground beef for lentils and tender mushrooms, this Shepherd's Pie is vegan but retains the classic top layer of browned and crisped mashed potatoes we all love.
Sweet Potato-and-Cauliflower Salad
Throw all of your favorite Christmas sides — sweet potato, cauliflower, and greens — into a one easy dish.
Spiralized Zucchini and Carrot Salad
Make even the most basic veggies a fit for the most festive occasion of the year by turning them into pretty spirals. (FYI, you can do this with any veggie of your choice.)
Rigatoni With Pistachio Pesto
Seven simple plant-based ingredients are all you need to create a vibrantly delicious side that a vegan dieter will die for.
Zee Krstic is a content strategy manager for Hearst Magazines, leading audience acquisition and affiliate revenue growth for Country Living, House Beautiful, ELLE Decor and VERANDA. He previously served as Health Editor for Good Housekeeping between 2019 and 2023, covering news, wellness trends and executing product reviews in conjunction with the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining Hearst, Zee fostered a background in women's lifestyle media with seven-plus years of digital editorial experience, including as a site-wide editor at Martha Stewart Living. Zee currently produces design and lifestyle service content as a contributor; he has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.
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