29 plant-forward Thanksgiving sides and mains worth savoring

Thanksgiving just got a fresh twist with plant-forward sides and mains that are too good to skip. Each one feels like a surprise waiting on the table. A lineup this unreal might even steal the spotlight!

Vegan Meatloaf

A slice of chocolate cake with cream topping on an orange plate against a turquoise background. A spoon is placed beside the slice. — Vegan Meatloaf. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Holiday tables feel complete with a hearty centerpiece that everyone can dig into. The Vegan Meatloaf brings that same cozy tradition, minus the meat. It fits right in with plant-forward Thanksgiving sides and keeps the meal feeling classic.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

A close-up of a fruit salad with pears, red grapes, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and a creamy dressing, served in a bowl with a spoon. — Thanksgiving Fruit Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Freshness cuts through the richness of the holiday table in the best way. A bowl of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad brings color, light sweetness, and a quick break from heavier sides. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone go back for “just a little more” between bites of the main course.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Vegan White Cashew Gravy

A metal bowl with spiral handles contains a creamy beige chutney, with a wooden spoon resting in it, placed on a turquoise surface. — Vegan White Cashew Gravy. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Every plate needs a smooth finish that ties everything together. The Vegan White Cashew Gravy does the job with creamy texture and rich flavor that goes over almost anything. It keeps the plant-forward Thanksgiving spread easygoing and complete.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Cashew Gravy

Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

A bowl of colorful bean and corn salad with diced vegetables is surrounded by corn chips, half an avocado, cilantro, and a wooden bowl on a green surface. — Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Snack tables need something colorful that disappears fast. The Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip adds crunch and fun with every scoop. It’s a smart pick for a plant-forward Thanksgiving that keeps people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Gluten-Free Vegan Green Bean Casserole

A close-up of green bean casserole topped with a crumbly, browned crust and a wooden spoon partially submerged in the creamy mixture. — Gluten-Free Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Comfort food hits differently when everyone can enjoy it. The Gluten-Free Vegan Green Bean Casserole keeps that familiar vibe but skips dairy and gluten. It blends right into a plant-forward Thanksgiving lineup without missing the classic touch.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Moroccan Chickpea Tagine

Global flavors make the meal stand out from the usual. The Moroccan Chickpea Tagine brings gentle spice and texture that fit right into the fall season. It’s an easy pick for a plant-forward Thanksgiving done with style.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Chickpea Tagine

Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

A group of golden-brown bread rolls, some split open with melting butter, arranged on a light cloth surface with a knife and a small bowl of butter. — Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Holiday meals feel incomplete without something to pair with sauces and sides. The Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls keep things soft, golden, and friendly for everyone at the table. They work perfectly in a plant-forward Thanksgiving spread that stays inclusive.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

Coconut Red Lentil Curry

A cozy bowl hits differently during the holidays. The Coconut Red Lentil Curry brings richness and comfort that goes great with rice or bread. It adds a deeper note to any plant-forward Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Red Lentil Curry

Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with chopped nuts on a white plate, with a metal spoon visible in the background. — Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Plates look brighter when something bold joins the mix. The Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts bring a pop of flavor that keeps things interesting without stealing the show. It’s the kind of side that makes a plant-forward Thanksgiving feel exciting.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Simple swaps can make a meal feel lighter without losing heart. The Frozen Cauliflower Rice fits easily next to mains that need a base. It’s a no-fuss addition that keeps the Thanksgiving spread balanced.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens

A plate of sautéed greens with seeds and spices, with a fork resting on the edge. — Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Every good feast has a few surprises, and this one keeps things fresh. The Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens turn simple greens into a quick hit on the table. It’s an easy win for a plant-forward Thanksgiving lineup that keeps it real.
Get the Recipe: Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens

Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table. — Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Big flavors keep the meal from feeling predictable. The Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy) brings rich aroma and depth to the table. It turns a plant-forward Thanksgiving into something a little more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Sliced sweet potatoes roasted on a baking sheet, showing a golden-brown texture with visible seasoning. — Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Holiday spreads always need something warm and simple. The Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices bring comfort and color without too much effort. It’s the type of side that fits smoothly into a plant-forward Thanksgiving plan.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Light bites keep the meal balanced and fun. The Tofu Lettuce Wraps give a crisp, build-your-own vibe that keeps things interesting. They make plant-forward Thanksgiving feel a bit more modern.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Spiced Cranberry Chutney

A white bowl filled with cranberry sauce, garnished with a small amount of orange zest, sits on a wooden surface with a spoon on the side. — Spiced Cranberry Chutney. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Every feast needs a little tang to balance the rich dishes. The Spiced Cranberry Chutney adds just enough kick to keep things interesting. It’s a small but key part of a plant-forward Thanksgiving spread that feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Cranberry Chutney

Refried Black Beans

Big spreads need something that anchors the meal. The Refried Black Beans bring steady texture and comfort to every plate. It’s a quiet favorite that blends perfectly with a plant-forward Thanksgiving setup.
Get the Recipe: Refried Black Beans

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Big meals get easier when one dish handles itself. The Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe frees up space and time while keeping flavor on point. It’s a dependable piece of any plant-forward Thanksgiving setup.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Taco Potatoes

Holiday meals work best when there’s something unexpected in the mix. The Taco Potatoes keep things fun and casual while staying plant-forward. They bring familiar comfort that fits right into Thanksgiving energy.
Get the Recipe: Taco Potatoes

Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

Thanksgiving dinners feel more special with a centerpiece that stands out naturally. The Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe brings color and texture to the table without overdoing it. It’s a simple way to keep the feast fully plant-forward and full of balance.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Holiday spreads stay fresher with something crisp on the side. The Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing adds a little crunch and sweetness that resets the palate. It rounds out a plant-forward Thanksgiving with a clean finish.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Gluten Free Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs with Spaghetti Marinara

Comfort classics don’t have to skip the holiday spotlight. The Gluten Free Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs with Spaghetti Marinara make plant-forward dining feel familiar and hearty. It’s the kind of main that keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Vegan Air Fryer Meatballs with Spaghetti Marinara

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

A plate with mashed potatoes and meat on it. — Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Quick stovetop sides keep the energy up on busy days. The Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers adds color and bite without slowing things down. It ties right into the flow of a plant-forward Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage

Every spread needs a bite that cuts through the richness. The Easy Pickled Cabbage keeps things crisp and adds a burst of flavor between bites. It fits perfectly into a plant-forward Thanksgiving with simple, bright balance.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage

Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Big holiday flavors don’t always need attention every minute. The Slow Cooker Collard Greens handle themselves and turn out full of comfort. They fit right into a laid-back, plant-forward Thanksgiving lineup.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Holiday meals shine when something light breaks up the heaviness. The Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad brings cool contrast to the table. It balances a plant-forward Thanksgiving with an easy, fresh touch.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Pineapple Fried Rice

Holiday menus work better with a mix of familiar and fresh. The Pineapple Fried Rice adds just enough brightness to break up the heavier plates. It brings easy variety to any plant-forward Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Plates feel fuller when the sides stand strong. The Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks bring a solid bite that works as both main and side. They add a bold look to any plant-forward Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Crowd-pleasers make hosting feel effortless. The Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili keeps everyone fed with hearty flavor and no stress. It’s the perfect warm dish for a relaxed plant-forward Thanksgiving night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Gluten Free Vegan Samosas in Rice Paper

Holiday tables get more fun with small bites that keep people reaching for more. The Gluten Free Vegan Samosas in Rice Paper bring crunch and comfort without the heaviness. They slide right into a plant-forward Thanksgiving menu that’s easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Vegan Samosas in Rice Paper