Irresistible Holiday Vegan Dishes Everyone Will Love

Irresistible Holiday Vegan Dishes Everyone Will Love

The holidays are a time of joy, gathering, and, of course, delicious food. For many, festive meals are at the heart of celebration.

Yet, holiday menus traditionally feature animal-based dishes—roasts, creamy sides, buttery desserts—that may feel limiting for those embracing a vegan lifestyle.

But here is the truth: holiday vegan dishes can be just as comforting, indulgent, and festive as any traditional feast.

This guide explores the best holiday vegan dishes, spanning appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts, so you can plan a plant-powered feast worth celebrating.

Holiday Vegan Dishes

1. Vegan Cheese Board

A vegan cheese board is the ultimate holiday appetizer—beautiful, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. It combines creamy plant-based cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers into a stunning platter. Perfect for gatherings, it encourages sharing and offers endless flavour combinations for every palate.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 0 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• Vegan cashew brie: 1 block
• Almond cheddar: 1 block
• Vegan cream cheese: 1 tub
• Seedless grapes: 1 bunch
• Apple: 1, sliced
• Pear: 1, sliced
• Green or black olives: 1 cup
• Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans): 1 cup
• Cranberry chutney or fig jam: 1 small bowl
• Assorted crackers and bread slices to serve
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) for garnish

Method

1. Place vegan cheeses on a large serving board as focal points.
2. Arrange fruits (grapes, apples, and a pear) around the cheeses.
3. Add bowls of olives and chutney or jam for variety.
4. Scatter nuts between items for texture.
5. Fill empty spaces with crackers and bread.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive look.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate until guests arrive.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fibre: 5g
• Sugar: 10g

Health Benefits

A vegan cheese board provides plant-based proteins, heart-healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich fruits. Nuts and olives boost satiety, while fibre aids digestion.

It’s a lighter, cholesterol-free alternative to dairy platters, making it a nourishing and inclusive choice for holiday celebrations.

2. Winter Kale Salad

This winter kale salad is one of many delicious holiday vegan dishes that bring vibrant flavours, nutrition, and festive appeal to your seasonal table.

Combining hearty kale with roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it delivers both colour and flavour. A creamy tahini dressing ties everything together for a festive, wholesome side.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• Kale: 1 large bunch
• Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
• Avocado or coconut oil: 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• Dried cranberries: ½ cup
• Candied pecans or toasted walnuts: ½ cup
• Pomegranate seeds: ¼ cup (optional)

Ingredients For The Dressing

• Tahini: 3 tablespoons
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
• Avocado or coconut oil: 1 tablespoon
• Warm water: 1–2 tablespoons (to thin)
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Add cinnamon, salt, pepper, and avocado or coconut oil to the cubes of sweet potato. Tenderize by roasting for 20 to 25 minutes.
2. While roasting, massage chopped kale with a drizzle of avocado or coconut oil until softened.
3. Prepare dressing by whisking tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, avocado or coconut oil, water, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine kale, roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, pecans, and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.
5. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fibre: 7g
• Sugar: 12g

Health Benefits

This winter kale salad is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and plant-based fibre. Sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene, while pecans and tahini offer healthy fats for heart health. Together, they create a nourishing, energizing dish that supports immunity during the holidays.

3. Stuffed Butternut Squash

Stuffed butternut squash makes a stunning vegan holiday centrepiece. With tender roasted squash filled with quinoa, chickpeas, cranberries, and herbs, it’s both hearty and colourful. This dish balances sweet and savoury flavours while offering a nutritious, satisfying alternative to traditional mains.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 50 minutes | Total time: 70 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Butternut squash: 2
• Avocado or coconut oil: 2 tablespoons
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked quinoa: 1 cup
• Cooked chickpeas: 1 cup
• Dried cranberries: ½ cup
• Spinach: ½ cup, chopped
• Walnuts: ¼ cup chopped & toasted
• Onion: 1 small, diced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Rosemary: 1 teaspoon
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). After brushing the squash halves with avocado or coconut oil and adding salt and pepper, arrange them on a baking sheet, cut side down. Tenderize by roasting for 40 to 45 minutes.
2. While the squash roasts, sauté the onion and garlic in avocado or coconut oil until translucent. Add spinach, quinoa, chickpeas, cranberries, walnuts, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring gently.
3. To add brightness, take off the heat and squeeze in some lemon juice.
4. Once squash is roasted, scoop a little flesh from the center to create space for filling. Mix the scooped flesh into the quinoa stuffing.
5. Fill squash halves with stuffing mixture and return to oven for 10 minutes to warm through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fibre: 10g
• Sugar: 14g

Health Benefits

Stuffed butternut squash is rich in fibre, antioxidants, and plant protein. Butternut squash provides vitamin A for immunity, while quinoa and chickpeas add complete protein. Walnuts supply healthy fats, making this dish both nourishing and energizing during festive gatherings.

4. Vegan Wellington

Vegan Wellington is a standout among holiday vegan dishes, offering a hearty, flavourful, and visually stunning centrepiece for festive gatherings.

A savoury mix of mushrooms, lentils, herbs, and vegetables is wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, creating a hearty, flavourful dish that slices beautifully for festive gatherings.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 50 minutes | Total time: 80 minutes | Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• Vegan Puff Pastry: 1 Sheet, Thawed
• Avocado Or Coconut Oil: 2 Tablespoons
• Onion: 1 Large, Finely Diced
• Garlic: 3 Cloves, Minced
• Mushrooms: 2 Cups, Finely Chopped
• Cooked Green Or Brown Lentils: 1 Cup
• Carrot: 1 Medium, Grated
• Celery: 1 Stalk, Diced
• Walnuts: ½ Cup, Chopped & Toasted
• Soy Sauce Or Tamari: 2 Tablespoons
• Tomato Paste: 1 Tablespoon
• Thyme: 1 Teaspoon
• Rosemary: 1 Teaspoon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
• Oat milk: 2 tablespoons (for brushing)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat avocado or coconut oil in a skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, mushrooms, carrot, and celery until softened and most liquid evaporates.
3. Stir in lentils, walnuts, soy sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in breadcrumbs to bind the mixture. Let cool slightly.
5. On a lightly floured board, roll out the puff pastry. Put the filling in the middle and form it into a log shape. Seal the edges after folding the pastry over.
6. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with oat milk.
7. Bake 40–45 minutes until pastry is golden and crisp.
8. Slice and serve with mushroom gravy after letting cool for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fibre: 7g
• Sugar: 5g

Health Benefits

Vegan Wellington combines mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts, offering protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids. This hearty dish supports heart health, aids digestion, and provides sustained energy, making it both a nourishing and satisfying centrepiece for holiday feasts.

5. Chocolate Yule Log

The vegan chocolate yule log is a delicious example of holiday vegan dishes, providing a festive, indulgent, and plant-based dessert for seasonal celebrations.

Featuring a rich chocolate sponge rolled with creamy dairy-free filling and covered in decadent ganache, it’s self-indulgent, beautiful, and the perfect showstopper to end a holiday feast.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8–10

Ingredients For The Sponge Cake

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup
• Cocoa powder: ½ cup
• Almond milk: 1 cup
• Sugar: ¾ cup
• Vegetable oil: ¼ cup
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 teaspoon

Ingredients For The Filling

• Vegan whipped cream: 1 cup
• Powdered sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Ingredients For The Ganache

• Vegan dark chocolate chips: 1 cup
• Coconut cream: ½ cup

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk almond milk and vinegar. Give it five minutes to curdle. Add sugar, oil, and vanilla. Mix well.
3. Add the cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and flour and mix. Blend the wet and dry components until smooth.
4. Pour batter into pan and bake 12–15 minutes until springy.
5. While warm, roll the sponge in parchment paper to form a log. Cool completely.
6. Whip vegan cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. Unroll the cake, spread filling evenly, then gently re-roll.
7. For ganache, melt chocolate with coconut cream until smooth. Spread over a rolled cake, using a fork to create a bark-like texture.
8. Chill 1 hour before serving, dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Nutrition Facts (per slice)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fibre: 4g
• Sugar: 28g

Health Benefits

This vegan yule log offers indulgence without dairy or eggs, making it cholesterol-free and easier to digest. Dark chocolate adds antioxidants, while coconut cream provides healthy fats, creating a festive dessert that balances enjoyment with plant-based nourishment.

6. Rosemary Focaccia

Rosemary focaccia is a fragrant, fluffy Italian bread perfect for holiday tables. With its golden crust, airy texture, and infusion of avocado or coconut oil and fresh rosemary, this bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or festive mains, adding warmth and rustic charm.

Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour to rise) | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes (plus 1 hour to rise) Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 2½ cups
• Warm water: 1 cup
• Active dry yeast: 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
• Avocado or coconut oil: 2 tablespoons
• Coconut sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Sea salt: 1 teaspoon
• Fresh rosemary: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Flaky sea salt for topping

Method

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Wait five to ten minutes until it foams.
2. Add flour, avocado or coconut oil, and salt. Mix until the dough forms. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth.
3. To double the dough, put it in a basin that has been oiled, cover it, and let it rise for an hour.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). After transferring the dough to a baking pan that has been oiled, push it into a rectangular shape.
5. Make indentations in the dough with your fingertips. Add sea salt, rosemary, and a drizzle of avocado or coconut oil.
6. 6.   Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Health Benefits

Rosemary focaccia is a wholesome option among holiday vegan dishes, offering energy, heart-healthy fats, and antioxidants for a nourishing and festive addition to any celebration.

Rosemary adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, making this flavourful bread both a comforting and nourishing addition to festive holiday meals.

7. Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are a delightful vegan twist on the classic holiday dessert. Perfect for gatherings, they are easier to serve than pie but just as decadent thanks to their buttery shortbread crust, gooey pecan filling, and sweet maple flavour.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Total time: 60 minutes | Servings: 12–16

Ingredients For The Crust

• All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
• Vegan butter: ½ cup, softened
• Coconut sugar: ¼ cup
• Sea salt: ⅛ teaspoon

Ingredients For The Filling

• Maple syrup: 1 cup
• Brown sugar: ½ cup
• Coconut cream: ¼ cup
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Pecans: 2 cups, roughly chopped

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. To make the crust, combine the vegan butter, sugar, salt, and flour until it crumbles. After pressing into the pan, bake for fifteen minutes.
3. For filling: Whisk maple syrup, brown sugar, coconut cream, cornstarch, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened.
4. Pour over baked crust and stir in pecans.
5. Return to the oven and bake 25 minutes until set.
6. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts (per bar)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sugar: 20g

Health Benefits

Pecan pie bars offer healthy fats and antioxidants from pecans, which support heart and brain health. Using maple syrup and coconut cream instead of corn syrup and dairy makes this dessert a lighter, plant-based indulgence that still satisfies holiday sweet cravings.

8. Lentil And Walnut Salad

The lentil and walnut salad is a nutritious example of holiday vegan dishes, providing protein, flavour, and festive appeal for seasonal celebrations.

Combining tender lentils, crunchy walnuts, fresh vegetables, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette, it’s flavourful, filling, and a nutritious addition to any festive table.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Green or brown lentils: 1 cup, rinsed
• Water Or Vegetable Broth: 3 Cups
• Walnuts: ½ Cup, Toasted And Chopped
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 Small, Diced
• Cucumber: 1 Small, Diced
• Red Onion: ¼ Cup, Finely Chopped
• Fresh Parsley: 2 Tablespoons, Chopped
• Avocado Or Coconut Oil: 2 Tablespoons
• Dijon Mustard: 1 Tablespoon
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 Tablespoon
• Maple Syrup Or Agave: 1 Teaspoon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Combine the lentils with either water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer the lentils for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked. Drain them and allow to cool a little.
2. Put the avocado or coconut oil, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, maple syrup and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine lentils, walnuts, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
4. After adding the dressing, gently toss the salad to coat it.
5. Chill 10–15 minutes before serving for flavours to meld.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fibre: 10g
• Sugar: 5g

Health Benefits

This salad provides plant-based protein, heart-healthy fats, and fibre, supporting digestion and satiety. With the addition of walnuts and lentils, which are high in iron, folate and omega-3 fatty acids, this recipe is a heart-healthy, heart-nourishing option for holiday meals.

FAQs

Are Vegan Holiday Dishes Filling Enough For Non-Vegans?

Yes! Vegan holiday recipes use hearty ingredients like beans, lentils, mushrooms, grains, and root vegetables that are both satisfying and nutritious. Even non-vegans will enjoy them because they’re packed with flavour and festive appeal.

Can I Prepare Vegan Holiday Meals Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. Many vegan dishes, like casseroles, roasted vegetables, and desserts, can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just reheat before serving to save time on the big day.

Will Kids Enjoy Vegan Holiday Meals?

Yes, kids often love sweet potato casseroles, roasted veggies, vegan mac and cheese, and holiday cookies. Keeping dishes colourful, slightly sweet, and fun helps kids enjoy vegan holiday food.

Conclusion

Holiday vegan dishes prove that festive meals can be both indulgent and compassionate. From vibrant mains like Vegan Wellington to comforting sides and decadent desserts, plant-based options offer flavour, nutrition, and inclusivity.

These dishes highlight seasonal ingredients, creative flavours, and nourishing benefits while accommodating diverse diets.

Embracing vegan holiday recipes allows hosts to celebrate sustainably and thoughtfully, ensuring every guest feels included.

Everyone can enjoy a vegan Christmas feast that is memorable, filling, and really joyful with a bit of forethought and a little imagination.

I trust you enjoyed this article about the Irresistible Holiday Vegan Dishes Everyone Will Love. Stay tuned for more blog posts soon. Take care!

JeannetteZ

 

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