It’s that time of year — the season to gather with family and friends, enjoy each other’s company and feast on delicious food! If you’re hosting a holiday get together or attending one in which you’re bringing a dish and the menu needs to be vegan, we’ve got some simple, flavorful recipes perfect for entertaining.
Consider these plant-based snacks, entrees, sides and desserts for your healthy holiday spread:
All-Day Snacks
Take advantage of the number one Thanksgiving ingredient in this granola bar/cookie combo! From the beta-carotene to the fiber content, you’ll be sure to benefit from these delicious bites that take no time to make and are great to snack on anytime during the day.
A mixture of sunflower, pumpkin, flax and chia seeds, this bar is full of health supportive nutrients and will definitely keep you energized. The only added sweetness here is from dried fruit. Leave these out during your holiday gathering for guests to nosh on before or after the meal.
Kale and White Bean Bruschetta
This is a great option to serve before the main course, but you may find yourself snacking on it later on too! The health benefits are clear: beans offer a great source of fiber and superfood kale is packed with vitamin C. Plus, the spices and garlic punch up the flavor for a satisfying bite.
Main Courses
This dish uses gluten-free quinoa penne! But it’s the red peppers that really make this entrée special: the beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene (heart-healthy and linked to a reduced cancer risk) they offer are a win-win… win!
Simple and full of flavorful ingredients, your guests will love this hearty main course. From the vitamin C in the peppers to the protein-packed beans, this is a no-brainer when it comes to a healthy holiday meal.
This twist on a classic layered favorite will pleasantly surprise your holiday crowd with its walnut “meat” sauce (protein!) and cashew “cheese.” The crunchy zucchini adds a fresh crunch.
Quinoa Stuffed Za’atar Eggplants with Lemon-Tahini Sauce
An impressive main dish, these stuffed eggplants are filling and a great source of iron. Your guests won’t miss the creamy sauces when they taste this tahini alternative, full of good fats and a delicious zing of lemon!
There are so many elements to this dish that make it so delicious, from the soy sauce to the maple syrup and more. Serve this healthy, protein-packed recipe and we bet even the meat-lovers at your table will gobble it up.
Side Dishes
Just when you thought this creamy side dish was out of the question, this recipe makes it happen with vegetable stock, olive oil and fragrant herbs! Bonus: This is a great option if you suffer from digestive issues — just make sure you peel the potatoes.
This refreshing salad is a great way to begin a meal, but it can also be a light side dish as well. The two main ingredients provide healthy fats and vitamins, and the addition of fresh basil, lemon juice and onions and garlic really give this mixture a flavorful punch!
This simple starter couldn’t be easier to put together. The quinoa offers high fiber and protein while the beets and tomatoes offer nutritious vitamins. Plus, the avocado and olive oil add healthy fats and delicious flavor!
Spicy Lentil Salad with a Trifecta of Broccoli, Kale and Brussels Sprouts
A nutrient powerhouse, this side dish is packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And it doesn’t disappoint taste either — especially with a dressing that offers up a kick!
Desserts
A classic holiday dessert that offers fiber, antioxidants and vitamins! Plus, the spelt (an ancient wheat) and coconut oil make this recipe easy to digest. Add this seasonal favorite to your menu for a great end to your meal.
Sweet Potato Chocolate Brownies
Talk about a guilt-free treat! These gooey brownies not only feature one of Thanksgiving’s most popular ingredients (sweet potatoes!), they also offer fiber and protein. Pass them around after dinner — your guests will be thankful for this chocolatey finale.
5 Ingredient Healthy Ferrero Rocher Truffles
Could this recipe really be true? Yes! These raw truffles are only 80 calories each and are actually packed with nutrients! Your holiday guests will be impressed that you made such a familiar indulgent treat in a healthy way.
Blueberry Strawberry Crisp with Coconut Pumpkin Seed Topping
There’s nothing better than a warm fruit crisp to finish off your holiday meal. The coconut and pumpkin add flavor and healthy fats. You could opt for different fruits, depending on preference and availability — raspberries, apples, anything!
You’ll never believe how delicious this cake is! Oil, spelt flour and applesauce are the substitutes that make this dessert vegan-friendly and easily digestible. Top it with our Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting and it’ll surely be a hit!
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Note: PLEASE consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medications. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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