Putting together a plant-based holiday meal is easier than you think. Use these vegan Christmas recipes to create a feast that everyone will love.
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Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts
From the Recipe Creator:
This air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It's healthy and easy, and it doesn't take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 164 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
2/36
Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie
From the Recipe Creator:
The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
3/36
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Now everyone can enjoy this classic Thanksgiving side. Just a few small tweaks make this a vegan green bean casserole, but no one will taste the difference! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 327 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 944mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
4/36
Vegan Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast creates a savory sauce for this vegan mac and cheese. The cashews don't blend up completely smooth, but will have a fine texture even after processing, which helps the sauce cling to the noodles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 497 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
5/36
Seitan Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
It might look like a lot of steps, but this seitan chicken recipe is not hard to put together. Cooking the patties in foil makes for easy cleanup. If you are looking to save even more time, you can skip the dredging step and just fry the patties in oil. It may take a little bit longer to achieve a nice crust on the outside, but the result will still be crispy and golden brown. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 616 calories, 26g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1194mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
6/36
Miso Gravy
From the Recipe Creator:
Miso gravy is the upgrade your mashed potatoes never knew they needed. Once you try this recipe, you'll never go back to the regular kind! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 28 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/36
Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I love mushrooms and am learning how to make heartier dishes out of my old favorites. This delicious vegan cream of mushroom soup is low in fat and high in nutrition, and it meets my dietary restrictions. Tofu, used in place of cream, provides a silky texture, but keeps the soup vegan and dairy free. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 85 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
8/36
Quinoa and Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Even picky eaters will love this protein-packed dish. If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen. —Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 174 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
9/36
Tuscan Portobello Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a heart-healthy, one-skillet meal that is quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company or a vegan Christmas dinner. Vegetarian teachers and students alike appreciate this stew at school potlucks. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 309 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.
10/36
Vegan Eggplant Parmesan
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan eggplant Parmesan is a lightened-up version of the classic comfort food dish. It's made with layers of roasted eggplant slices and plant-based cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 242 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
11/36
Roasted Fennel and Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
This addictive fennel recipe is a fresh take on one of my mother's standard wintertime dishes. I usually add more carrots—as many as the pans will hold. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 139 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
12/36
Vegan French Onion Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan French onion soup uses a few unconventional ingredients to create umami. If you cook vegan foods regularly, keep a jar of dried mushrooms in your pantry and add to soups, stocks and casseroles to add a savory, earthy note to your dishes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 827mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
13/36
Rosemary Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasted potatoes are amazing. Add some rosemary and caramelized onions and they are over-the-top delicious! —Mary Jones, Athens, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 215 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 4g protein.
14/36
Carrot Ribbon Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This is our take on the viral carrot ribbon salad—with a citrus twist! My son Bo and I came up with this version. It's great as a side, or make it a main dish by adding grilled chicken or fish. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 165 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
15/36
Lemon Rice Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad makes a refreshing side dish for a special occasion meal. I take it to holiday potluck suppers and other family gatherings. People enjoy the combination of flavors, and I like that it can be made ahead. —Margery Richmond, Lacombe, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 247 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
16/36
Crispy Baked Tofu
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll never need another crispy baked tofu recipe! My version is nice and crisp on the outside while remaining super soft on the inside. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 154 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
17/36
Lemon Mushroom Orzo
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I serve this side dish chilled, and other times we enjoy it hot. It has a pleasant tinge of lemon and a nice crunch from the pecans. —Shelly Nelson, Akeley, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
18/36
Vegan Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan version of a favorite Italian entree tastes like the original, just without the meat. It also freezes well. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 374 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/36
Cauliflower with Roasted Almond & Pepper Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty vegetable side dish can set a chilling scene on Halloween if you style it to look like a brain—try adding spiders and spiderwebs to your table setting. You can also serve it on Thanksgiving and pair it with the turkey and dressing. The festive orange sauce takes some time, but it tastes incredible.—Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 194 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
20/36
Glazed Sweet Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh sweet potatoes Mom grew disappeared fast at our family table when she served them with this easy, flavorful glaze. She still makes them this way, and now her glazed sweet potato recipe has become a favorite with the grandchildren as well! —Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 352 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.
21/36
Maple-Gingerroot Vegetables
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this recipe because it brings out the lovely flavors of the vegetables. Even my children enjoy it—they love the drizzle of maple syrup! It's a tasty way to introduce kids to turnips, rutabaga and parsnips, too. —Kelli Ritz, Innisfail, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 92 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
22/36
Vegan Pumpkin Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was given to me by my stepmom shortly after she and my dad got married 40 years ago. It's perfect for potlucks since it makes two loaves and is dairy- and egg-free. Everyone who tries it loves it! —Susan Johnson, Payne, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 190 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
23/36
Dutch Oven Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Crackling homemade bread makes an average day extraordinary. Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Catherine Ward, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
24/36
Cider Baked Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a freelance writer who sometimes needs a break from a long session of working on a story. That's when I escape to the kitchen to whip up something that's good to eat, yet easy to prepare. This is one of my favorites! —Christine Gibson, Fontana, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 137 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
25/36
Fig-Carrot Stuffed Kabocha Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
While searching for a new winter squash variety, I stumbled upon kabocha squash—it really wowed me. The flavor and texture are both rich and beautiful, and this recipe, which I improvised, really suits the squash well. —Caitlin Stephens-North, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed wedge: 299 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 13g fiber), 5g protein.
26/36
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
While this spicy cranberry sauce is simmering, the wonderful fragrance of the spices brings back happy memories of when my mother made it for the holidays. My husband and three sons are glad I’m carrying on her tradition! —Allison Thompson, Lansing Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 191 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein.
27/36
Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We use zucchini or summer squash in the summer. You can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 mushroom with 1 cup vegetables: 279 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
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Cashew Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Spread this vegan cashew cheese on crackers, layer it on a toasted bagel or serve it with fresh vegetables. It also makes a delicious, out-of-the-ordinary sandwich spread! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 56 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
29/36
Minty Peas and Onions
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother always relied on peas and onions when she was in a hurry and needed a quick side dish. Besides being easy to prepare, this recipe was loved by everyone in our family. It was handed down to my mother by my grandmother. —Santa D'Addario, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 134 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
30/36
Sweet Potato Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
I have three hungry boys in my house, so dinners need to be quick and filling, and it helps to get in some veggies too. This one is a favorite because it's hearty and fun to tweak with different ingredients. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 435 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 10g protein.
31/36
Vegetarian Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Vegetarian skillet chili screams comfort food to me. This recipe makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and it's loved by both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends. —Casey Hill, London, United Kingdom
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 140 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
32/36
Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 3 tablespoons topping: 97 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
33/36
Orange-Pistachio Quinoa Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Add this fresh and healthy quinoa recipe to your holiday spread. Its citrusy, nutty taste is simply delicious. —Jean Greenfield, San Anselmo, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 257 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
34/36
Festive Cranberry Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This fruit salad is a tradition on my vegan Christmas dinner table. It goes together quickly, which is a plus on such a busy day. —Rousheen Arel Wolf, Delta Junction, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 105 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
35/36
Spinach Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
36/36
African Peanut Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 349 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 11g fiber), 10g protein.
Vegan Christmas Recipes FAQ
What are the best vegan Christmas dinner ideas?
The best vegan Christmas dinner ideas are seasonal and festive, like hearty winter salads, cranberry sauce and Brussels sprouts recipes, without being overly complicated or full of hard-to-find ingredients. After all, Christmas is a time to gather and enjoy the company of loved ones, so if nobody cares for a turkey-like tofu roast, skip it and make other tofu recipes your guests will prefer. Stay traditional with pasta bakes or make a big pot of chili or stew.
How do I create a well-rounded, plant-based Christmas menu?
Though there isn’t a large roast of meat at a vegan Christmas meal, the menu should still feel hearty and varied. Plan for a few easy appetizers, one to two main courses, such as a vegan pasta bake or casserole, some vegetable sides and dessert. Think about balancing starchy dishes, like potato or pasta recipes, with crisp salads, green vegetables and bright, sharp sauces, so everyone feels satisfied but not weighed down.
What vegan desserts can I make for Christmas?
From vegan cookies to refreshing, frozen lemon ice, there are plenty of delicious, plant-based desserts perfect for capping off a vegan Christmas feast. Our vegan pumpkin pie has a flaky homemade pie crust, thanks to cold coconut oil, or you could go for a double-crust vegan apple pie spiced with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. If you don’t want to make anything, pick up a few pints from these vegan ice cream brands and set up an ice cream bar.
