The Perfect Vegan Christmas Dinner 2024 (Menu+Recipes)
This holiday season, impress your friends and family with delicious vegan Christmas dinner recipes that will have them wondering why they ever ate meat at all!
From main dishes to side dishes to appetizers and dessert, the very best vegan christmas recipes are yours for the taking.
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A vegan roast doesn’t have to skimp on flavor. In fact, since I started eating nut roasts and other vegan recipes on Christmas day, I’ve often thought that they can be more flavorful and interesting than turkey or chicken!
Rich flavors, wonderful texture, plenty of herbs, a thick sauce, served with perfectly roasted veggies…that sounds like a holiday table to die for.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s go back to basics and look at what can constitute a vegan Christmas dinner menu.
The Basics Of a Vegan Christmas Dinner: Mega Mains
To start with, the most important thing: what’s replacing the meat? Meat is usually the centerpiece of a Christmas dinner table, so it’s important to find an amazing replacement.
A nut roast is the classic. For those who are new to this, nut roast is kind of like a meatless meatloaf, made with nuts, legumes, herbs and breadcrumbs, often served with a tomatoey sauce.
If that doesn’t sound like your thing, a wellington is another good alternative. Veggie wellingtons are made of a mixed veggie stuffing (with mushrooms or squash, for example) wrapped in pastry and sometimes plaited into a beautiful pattern. Alternatively, you could go all out and make some seitan fake meat, in the shape of a ham or turkey!
Super Sides
When it comes to side dishes, many of the holiday classics are already vegan or easily veganizable. Think crispy brussel sprouts, fluffy roast potatoes, tender parsnips, all soaked in vegan gravy. I’ve even found a recipe for vegan yorkshire puddings!
For dessert, you’ve got simple, healthy ideas like cinnamon baked pears, or more indulgent options like chocolate fudge squares.
That’s a whole lot of delicious food, right!? And I haven’t even got around to all the dips and appetizers!
I would take this list as a kind of menu – pick a couple from each section and, wham, your holiday dinner is sorted. Or, to make it easier, scroll to the bottom and check out the sample menus I have put together for you!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Let’s get into the recipes!
What’s cooking for Christmas this year then?
Mains
1. Nut Roast
Protein: 14g
Calories: 424kcal
Ready in: 55 minutes
Recipe by: SixHungryFeet
Bonus: flavourful, wonderful texture
A vegan alternative to the traditional roast. Delicious nut roast to make your holiday dinners even more special.
2. Vegan Ham
Protein: 22.7g
Calories: 254kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 40 mins
Recipe by: ZardyPlants
Bonus: meaty, impressive centrepiece
Smoky, sweet, and satisfying yet healthy, this Vegan Ham is the perfect holiday centerpiece or family dinner. It’s moist, packed with flavor, has a great meaty texture and is also great for meal prep or leftovers (hello, sandwiches!). The best way to get that meaty ‘experience’ without eating any meat!
3. Lentil Mushroom Loaf
Protein: 9.9g
Calories: 186kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes (just 15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: ZardyPlants
Bonus: delicious, nutritious and so healthy
This firm, savory, satisfying Lentil Mushroom Loaf is the perfect main dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a dinner party, or any occasion. With its classic sweet and smoky flavor, it is sure to please the whole family. Or you can keep it all for yourself. 😉
4. Mushroom Wellington
Protein: 9g
Calories: 365kcal
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: VeganOnBoard
Bonus: flavourful, beautiful
This vegan mushroom wellington makes an impressive and delicious centerpiece to any festive meal (it would make a great addition to our Vegan Thanksgiving Menu too!). It’s got a flavorsome mushroom and nut filling, whole roasted portobellos, cranberry sauce and is covered by beautifully braided puff pastry.
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5. Vegan Meatloaf
Protein: 9.5g
Calories: 276kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 45 mins (30 mins prep)
Recipe by: ResplendentKitchen
Bonus: easy, tasty, moist
Try this delicious and satisfying vegan version of meatloaf! Made with lentils, walnuts, and other healthy ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. You will love how easy it is to make this vegan meatloaf recipe – simply mix together the ingredients and bake in the oven.
6. Festive Butternut Roast
Protein: 12.5g
Calories: 401kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes (just 15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: TheVegSpace
Bonus: colourful, festive and delicious
This Christmassy butternut roast is jam-packed with festive flavours – pistachios, cranberries, red wine, puy lentils, rosemary and thyme. It can be made ahead and reheated on the big day, so no last minute rush!
7. Mushroom Bowl with Star Potatoes
Protein: 21g
Calories: 514kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: KitchenSanctuary
Bonus: tasty, healthy and very beautiful recipe!
My Lentil and Mushroom Bowl with Star Potatoes makes a great festive recipe! Plus a quick gravy recipe for the rest of the Christmas veg. All vegan too!
8. Easy Vegan Wellington
Protein: 5g
Calories: 170kcal
Ready in: 1 hour (just 20 minutes prep)
Recipe by: WowItsVeggie
Bonus: easy, tasty, healthy and beautiful main!
This vegan wellington looks impressive, but it is beyond easy and delicious to make! Savory veggies wrapped in puff pastry and cooked to perfection, what could be better? This vegan mushroom wellington will be the star of your next dinner!
9. Maple Dijon Baked Tempeh
Protein: 20g
Calories: 293kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes (just 15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: WatchLearnEat
Bonus: delicious, nutritious and so good!
If you are looking for the perfect gluten-free and vegan main course for the holidays, this Maple Dijon Baked Tempeh is it! Covered in a rich, sweet and savory sauce flavored with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, tamari and apple juice with a touch of garlic and tarragon, this vegan tempeh recipe will give you all the holiday feels.
10. Butternut & Potato Puff Pastry Plait
Protein: 10.3g
Calories: 413kcal
Ready in: 1 hour (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: TinnedTomatoes
Bonus: delicious, nutritious and so good!
A golden puff pastry plait filled with sundried tomato pate, topped roasted vegetables and vegan Parmesan. The perfect dish for Sunday dinners or other special occasions like Christmas dinner. Serve with roast potatoes, a selection of vegetables and onion gravy.
Sides
11. Sweet Potato with a Piquant Dressing
Bonus: sweet, nutty, delicious
Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes cubes with a beautifully sweet and nutty pistachio dressing drizzled over. Plus, this recipe is vegan and full of nutrients!
12. Brussels Sprouts with balsamic
Bonus: tangy, crispy
No longer will your Brussel Sprouts with balsamic cream or vinegar lay unloved at the table. These are the BEST sprouts ever and MUST be tried by all!
13. Colourful Christmas Slaw
Bonus: easy, tasty, healthy and beautiful
Colourful Christmas Slaw. The perfect mix of veggies and fruits in one bowl. Ready in 20 mins. Easy to make and brightens up any Christmas table.
14. Parsnips in Syrup and Mustard
Bonus: so easy, tasty, healthy and versatile dish
Parsnips in Syrup and Mustard. Vegan and veggie, perfect for all. Simple to make with great results every time. 30 mins cooking.
15. Healthy Mashed Sweet Potato
Bonus: healthy, easy and full of flavour
Sweet potatoes are incredibly healthy – they just need to be done right. And we know exactly how. Vegan-friendly, quick and with an amazing infusion of flavour.
16. Vegan Potato Salad
Bonus: delicious, nutritious and healthy salad
Damn Delicious Vegan Potato Salad – take your BBQ to the next level without oil or mayo in this delicious animal friendly classic.
17. Honey Glazed Carrots in Tarragon
Bonus: so easy, tasty, healthy and versatile dish
Delicious soft honey glazed carrots complemented with tarragon and mint for that real Christmassy flavour. Very easy to prepare and ready in 20 minutes.
18. Proper Roast Potatoes
Bonus: crispy, fluffy
Proper Roast Potatoes. The best there are, were, and ever will be. Easy method with great results. Crispy yet fluffy potato with a hint of rosemary.
19. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Protein: 8g
Calories: 356kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes (just 15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: EatSomethingVegan
Bonus: versatile, convenient and full of cheesy goodness
These Vegan Scalloped Potatoes have so much flavor, and are topped with a perfect, golden brown crust. You’ll love how deliciously creamy this potato recipe is!
20. Pomegranate Wild Rice Christmas Salad
Protein: 5g
Calories: 194kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 20 minutes (5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: StaceyHomeMaker
Bonus: healthy, beautiful, festive and so delicious dish
This festive Christmas salad is the perfect side dish to serve with your holiday meal! Loaded with arugula, nutty wild rice, roasted pecans, juicy pomegranate arils, greens onions, tart dried cherries, and tangy garlic dijon dressing; this hearty salad is a major crowd pleaser!
21. Braised Red Cabbage
Protein: 2g
Calories: 178kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes
Recipe by: JackSlobodian
Bonus: easy, tasty and full of health benefits
This braised red cabbage is rich and spiced, perfect for this time of year. Especially with Christmas just around the corner!
22. Vegan Stuffing
Protein: 15g
Calories: 476kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes (just 15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: HappyFoodsTube
Bonus: easy, delicious and full of flavour
This is a tasty vegan stuffing recipe made with 10 ingredients. It’s easily customizable and substitutions and possible extras are included in this post. Simple recipe, with easy instructions.
23. Vegan Yorkshire Puddings
Protein: 2g
Calories: 48kcal
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: simple ingredients, tasty and versatile dish
Our vegan Yorkshire puddings have gone through years of iterations before we achieved a golden, crispy crown and the elusive ‘well’ ready to fill with gravy!
Starters and Appetizers
24. Red Onion Soup
Bonus: warming, sweet and salty
Delicious Red Onion Soup. So fine it makes you cry. Simple ingredients and lightning fast. Ready in 20 minutes.
25. Pear Salad with Orange Dressing
Bonus: fast, super delicious and incredibly beautiful salad! 🙂
A beautifully crunchy salad with a mix of rocket leaves, dried fruits, pear and walnuts set this salad above the competition. And it’s vegan too!
26. Pigs in Blankets
Protein: 3g
Calories: 52kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: meaty, just like the originals
Vegan pigs in blankets with sage and wholegrain mustard are the best take on pigs in blankets! With cute as can be vegan cocktail sausages, wrapped in mouthwatering plant-based bacon and encased in a delightfully festive glaze, friends and family will be left wanting more!
27. Vegan Cheese Ball
Protein: 1g
Calories: 108kcal
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: VeganBlueberry
Bonus: mega quick, delicious and cheesy spread
Creamy and spreadable while still able to hold its shape, this vegan cheese ball is sure to be a hit at your next party or event! Don’t tell anyone that it it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and they’ll never guess!
28. Curried Cauliflower Soup
Protein: 3g
Calories: 237kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: NourishPlate
Bonus: quick, delicious and so healthy
Flavorful curried cauliflower soup is one of the best soups ever because it is made of good-for-your-health vegetables and is ready in 30 minutes or less! Plus, it is vegan and gluten-free.
Dips
29. White Bean Spread (vegan pâté)
Bonus: fast, healthy and delicious high-protein appetizer
Quick White Bean Spread (vegan pâté). A super fast recipe that works as an appetizer, snack or party dip. Surprise your guests with this awesome spread!
30. Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Protein: 0g
Calories: 26kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: RunningToTheKitchen
Bonus: sweet, fresh, crunchy and so versatile
This butternut squash hummus makes a great holiday appetizer. With cranberries, pomegranates and rosemary, it’s a festive and fun dish to share!
31. Scottish Mushroom and Chestnut Pâté
Protein: 2.4g
Calories: 106kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: TinnedTomatoes
Bonus: easy, quick and so tasty
An easy mushroom and chestnut pâté made in minutes and blended until smooth. Serve with oatcakes at Christmas, use as a sandwich filler or top veggie burgers with this delicious veggie pâté.
32. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Protein: 3g
Calories: 214kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: VeganBlueberry
Bonus: easy to make, ultra creamy and savory dip
This Creamy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is really almost too good to be true! Using just a few simple ingredients it meets the need for a tasty yet wholesome dip!!
Desserts
33. Cinnamon Baked Pears with Walnuts
Bonus: quick, mega tasty and healthy dessert
Cinnamon Baked Pears. They are super simple to make, take only five minutes of preparation, 25 minutes of baking, and always turn out great.
34. German Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
Bonus: easy to make, warming, full of flavour and so satisfying drink 😉
Traditional German mulled wine (Glühwein) with a modern twist. Very easy to make and always tasty. Get drunk in style.
35. 20-Min Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms
Protein: 2g
Calories: 102kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: WowItsVeggie
Bonus: quick, light, soft and so delicious cookies
These vegan peanut butter blossoms will be the star of the show at any cookie tray! No matter what holiday or occasion, this vegan version of the classic favorite is always a hit. The peanut butter blossoms are pillowy and soft with a delightful hint of chocolate in the center.
The best part? They only take 20 minutes to make and can be frozen for up to 3 months!
36. No-Bake Vegan Nanaimo Bars
Protein: 7.7g
Calories: 405kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: RunningOnRealFood
Bonus: quick, easy, tasty and so healthy
These homemade no-bake vegan Nanaimo bars are surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. These amazing sweet treats are rich, decadent and taste just like the classic Christmas dessert!
37. Christmas Pudding Protein Balls
Protein: 3g
Calories: 99kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: IntentionalHospitality
Bonus: easy, nutritious and so tasty!
Christmas pudding protein balls are filled with traditional warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, cocoa, and a touch of orange then sweetened with dates and raisins (check out these other protein ball recipes too if you like the sound of that!). A perfect sweet Christmas snack to share or a treat for yourself after a busy day of shopping.
38. Salted Chocolate Honeycomb
Protein: 0g
Calories: 109kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: VeggieDesserts
Bonus: mega easy, delicious and great as a gift 🙂
Salted chocolate honeycomb recipe is surprisingly easy to make and you only need four ingredients! It’s vegan and gluten free and makes a great edible gift.
39. Best Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Protein: 3g
Calories: 242kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes (5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: HappyKitchen
Bonus: quick and easy
This sweet and gooey chocolate fudge recipe is made without condensed milk or sugar and is 100% guilt-free, vegan, easy to make and packed with nutrients!
40. No-Bake Gingerbread Date Balls
Protein: 0g
Calories: 43kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: TwoHealthyKitchens
Bonus: quick, delicious and beautiful
Gingerbread Date Balls are easy little no-bake treats that take just minutes to make … and will disappear even faster! Filled with yummy, holiday gingerbread flavor, they’re indulgent enough to nibble for dessert or add to festive cookie trays, yet nutritious enough for snacking, too! No guilt in these little indulgences! Bonus: since these date balls are so quick and can be made ahead and frozen, they’re perfect last-minute, homemade DIY gifts, too!
41. Vegan Cinnamon Apple Bread
Protein: 3g
Calories: 221kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes (15 minutes prep)
Recipe by: CassClayCooking
Bonus: Delicious and easy to make
This easy vegan cinnamon apple bread is a delicious and guilt-free dessert bread that can be made easily and is loved by all!
42. Pear Cranberry Apple Crisp
Protein: 3g
Calories: 305kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: TheKitchenGirl
Bonus: Beautiful and so delicious
Pear Cranberry Apple Crisp is naturally sweetened apple crisp recipe with pears, apples, and cranberries under a delicious, crispy oat topping. It’s so good, no one will ever detect that it’s vegan AND gluten free.
43. Baked Apples with a Nut Stuffing
Bonus: mega easy, tasty, beautiful
Easy Baked Apples with a Cinnamon Nut Stuffing. Warm, filling, wintry tastes of cinnamon and apple collide in this simple but delicious kick ass dessert.
44. Banana Oatmeal Fitness Cookies
Bonus: super simple, healthy
With only two ingredients in just 25 minutes, you could be staring at a fresh batch of mouthwatering healthy vegan banana oatmeal cookies! Try them now:
Ingredients
- 2 ripe banana
- 1 cup rolled oats (oatmeal or porridge oats work really well)
Optional:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 small handful raisins
- 1 small handful walnuts (crumbled)
- 1 small handful sesame seeds (toasted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Get a bowl and and mash the bananas until they’re mushy.2 ripe banana
- Add the cup of oats and any of the optional ingredients.1 cup rolled oats, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 small handful raisins, 1 small handful walnuts, 1 small handful sesame seeds
- Stir until everything is nicely mixed.
- Put baking paper on the tray so the cookies don’t stick. If you don’t have that make sure to grease the baking tray with butter (or olive oil if you’re vegan).
- To make the cookie shape just grab a spoon and scoop a decent amount from the mixture onto the baking tray like I did in the photo above. It’s super quick and easy.
- Off it goes into the oven for about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Done!
Nutrition
Vegan Christmas Dinner Menus
I’ve curated 3 my favorite recipes from this collection to create 3 different menus which come together to make incredible Christmas feasts. Which one will you serve up this year?
Menu 1: Classic
Dips:
Chestnut Pate
A nutty, rich pate, perfect for spreading on oatcakes or crackers.
Appetizers:
Vegan Pigs in Blankets
Juicy and delicious, like their meaty counterparts, you won’t want to miss these mustardy vegan pigs in blankets!
Main Dish:
Vegan Ham
Who knew you could make a whole delicious “ham” out of seitan!? A stunning centrepiece for your Christmas table.
Side dishes:
Proper Roast Potatoes
Fluffy, crispy and flavourful in equal measure, this roast potato recipe never fails!
Braised Red Cabbage
Sweet and crunchy cabbage adds a pop of color and flavor to your meal!Best Vegan Yorkshire Puddings
Parsnips with Syrup and Mustard
Yorkshire Puddings
Chewy and delicious yorkshire puddings, with the perfect well to catch gravy!
Roasted Parsnips with Syrup and Mustard
Tender parsnips with a spicy sweet sauce.
Dessert:
Traditional German Mulled Wine
The classic Christmas drink! Warming, citrussy and rich, perfect for a cold winter night.
Pear Apple and Cranberry Crisp
Delicious stewed fruit with a crispy crunchy topping. How about some vegan custard to top it off?
Menu 2: Healthy
Dips:
White Bean Paté
A simple, delicious vegan spread, perfect with chopped veggies or crackers
Appetizers:
Pear and Walnut Salad with Orange Mustard Dressing
Whet your appetite with this light, fruity salad. Citrus, nuts and sweet pears!
Main Dish:
Butternut Squash Roast
What a treat! A whole roast squash stuffed with nuts, lentils, cranberries and more.
Side dishes:
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy sweet potatoes with a kick of spice.
Pomegranate Wild Rice Christmas Salad
This salad is a real showstopper. Tart fruits with nutty wild rice and plenty of fresh veggies.
Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic
Christmas’ most infamous vegetable given a makeover! We promise you’ll love these tart and crispy sprouts.
Dessert:
Cinnamon Baked Pears
A gloriously simple dessert: pears baked with cinnamon and stuffed with walnuts and maple syrup.
Christmas Pudding Protein Balls
The perfect mixture of dried fruit, nuts and spices to capture the flavour of a Christmas pudding.
Menu 3: Gluten-free
Dips:
Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Hummus topped with a festive mix of butternut squash, cranberries and pomegranate seeds.
Appetizers:
Vegan Cheese Ball
Creamy vegan cheese that holds its shapes. Nutty and herby.
Main dish:
Quinoa Lentil Mushroom Loaf
Side dishes:
Proper Roast Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts
Braised Red Cabbage
Dessert:
Traditional German Mulled Wine
Salted Chocolate Honeycomb
Vegan Christmas Dinner FAQS
I’m sure you have questions about veganizing your Christmas dinner! Hopefully I’ve answered them here:
What do vegans eat for Christmas dinner?
Typically, a nut roast would take center stage in a vegan Christmas dinner. There can also be roast vegetables, roast potatoes, vegan gravy, vegan stuffing and cranberry sauce.
What can I have instead of turkey for Christmas dinner?
A nut roast or a vegetable wellington are good alternatives to turkey. You can also buy pre-prepared meat alternatives like stuffed or sliced “turkey” among others.
What do vegans eat on holidays?
Vegan alternatives to classic dishes. For example, instead of a turkey, you might eat a nut roast or vegan meat. Some classic dishes are vegan friendly, such as roast potatoes and roast vegetables as long as they are made with olive oil and not butter. You can easily buy or make vegan stuffing and gravy.
We hope you enjoyed this vegan Christmas menu. Let us know what vegan Christmas dinner ideas you like best in the comments below!
Dave Bell
I’m not a foodie, although I do love eating. I believe food should serve us and our goals, not hinder. Taking control and responsibility for what I eat is important to me. Lots of veggie protein is my way forward.
James LeBaigue MSc
James has a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Human Nutrition.
He loves combining his scientific knowledge along with food in the real world, and these recipes are the result.
He’s on top of all the latest evidence and guidelines to make sure our nutrition advice on the website is as accurate as it can be.
By day he works as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in a busy NHS GP Practice.
Each recipe is tested and then eaten (much to James’ delight), many times before it is deemed worthy to be published. Bon appetit!
Comments
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10 comments
What a great collection of recipes for this Christmas, thanks a lot!
You’re welcome Laura! 🙂
Wooww.. M amazed.. wat a superb collection for vegans..
Thanks Ipsa!
What a terrific collection of recipes – so wonderful to find ideas that fit my sister-in-law’s diet and lifestyle, so she doesn’t feel excluded! Thank you!
Thanks too, Shelley!
Wow, Dave…what a collection! This is THE lineup of vegan Christmas dinner recipes…you covered every base 🙂 Thank you for including my dessert ❤️
You’re very welcome, Traci! Im very happy with all these amazing dishes as well 🙂
This is just a perfect collection! I will try A LOT of these! Thank you!
You’re welcome Tania! 🙂