Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas can be tricky for vegetarians. When the main course is turkey or ham, plant-based eaters are often left with sidesโusually plain rolls, soggy salads, or mashed potatoes from a box.
But it doesnโt have to be that way. Christmas dinner for vegetarians and other vegetarian holiday meals can be festive, filling, and full of flavor. With the right recipes, your dish can be the one everyoneโs reaching forโmeat eaters included.
This post shares three easy vegetarian holiday recipes, plus 25+ delicious variations and meal ideas. Whether youโre planning a full plant-based feast or just need a standout side, these dishes will bring color, comfort, and creativity to your holiday table.
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe (and 8 Ways to Dress Them Up)
Roasted sweet potatoes are a game-changer for vegetarian holiday side dishes. Unlike overly sweet casseroles topped with marshmallows, these roasted beauties let the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes shine. Roasting caramelizes the edges and deepens the flavorโno need for extra sugar (unless you want it).
Original Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 3โ4 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1โ2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3โ4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- ยผโยฝ tsp sea salt
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF.
- Toss cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil, spices, and salt.
- Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Stir, then roast another 15โ20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Serve hotโor cold! These are great for meal prep or a vegetarian Thanksgiving brunch.
Variations: 8 Twists on Roasted Sweet Potatoes for the Holidays โ Butternut Squash?
Want to change it up? Try these flavor-packed ideasโperfect for vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes or any plant-based holiday menu:
- Maple-Glazed with Pecans: Add 1โ2 Tbsp maple syrup and toss with chopped pecans during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Garlic & Rosemary: Skip the cinnamon and paprika. Add minced garlic, rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Moroccan-Style: Use cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne. Finish with fresh parsley.
- Coconut & Cardamom: Swap olive oil for coconut oil, and season with cinnamon and ground cardamom.
- Chipotle-Lime: Toss with chipotle chili powder, paprika, and a squeeze of lime juice after roasting.
- Thai Peanut Drizzle: Roast plain, then drizzle with a quick peanut sauce (peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup).
- Holiday Bowl: Layer sweet potatoes over quinoa, black beans, and spinach. Top with avocado for a warm, satisfying vegetarian holiday meal.
- Butternut Squash: Swap the potatoes for butternut squash for a vegetable medley.ย
Roasted sweet potatoes are endlessly versatile. Whether sweet, savory, or spicy, theyโre a flavorful, crowd-pleasing addition to any holiday spread.
Festive Vegetable Spinach Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette (Plus 9 Hearty Holiday Veggie Salad Ideas)
A well-balanced salad can bring brightness and freshness to a table full of rich, indulgent dishes. This festive spinach salad is crisp, colorful, and full of textureโperfect for rounding out any plant-based holiday meal. Itโs easy to prep ahead and holds up well on a buffet or family-style spread.
Original Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- ยฝ cup toasted walnuts
- โ cup dried cranberries
- ยผ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of sea salt + black pepper
- Instructions:
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar or bowl.
- In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, walnuts, cranberries, onion, and apple.
- Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss to coat.
This salad is light but satisfyingโa go-to for vegetarian holiday salads or healthy vegetarian Christmas dishes.
Variations & Add-Ins: Side Dish or Main Christmas, Make it Your Own
Build on the base or adjust for whatโs in season or in your pantry:
- Creamy kick: Add crumbled goat cheese or feta.
- Protein boost: Swap in chickpeas or roasted squash for edamame.
- Leafy swaps: Try arugula or a spring mix instead of spinach.
- Grain bowl style: Toss in cooked quinoa or farro.
- Pop of color: Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.
- Sweet twist: Use sliced apples or pears for seasonal flavor.
- Earthy depth: Add roasted beets.
- Crunch factor: Use spiced candied pecans instead of walnuts.
- Dressing swap: Try a cranberry-orange vinaigrette for a festive zing.
Whether you keep it simple or load it up, this salad is a bright, beautiful addition to your vegetarian holiday table.
Caramelized Honey Brussels Sprouts (And 8 Twists on This Classic Holiday Dish)
Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but when roasted and drizzled with caramelized honey, they turn into a sweet, savory treat. With the right glaze, they become crispy, tender, and irresistibly addictive, making them the perfect vegetarian holiday side dish.
Original Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp honey
- ยผ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a sheet pan and roast for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes for even browning.
- While sprouts roast, heat honey in a small pan over medium heat until it begins to foam. Reduce the heat and cook until it caramelizes (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in orange juice and zest, then remove from heat.
- Once Brussels sprouts are golden and crispy, drizzle with the caramelized honey sauce, toss to coat, and serve warm.
This dish makes a perfect addition to vegetarian Christmas recipes and roasted vegetables for the holidays.
Variations & Add-Ins: Holiday Recipes for Your Sprouts
Elevate this classic dish with one of these variations:
- Balsamic glaze with cranberries: Add a tangy twist with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with dried cranberries.
- Maple-Dijon sprouts: Combine maple syrup with Dijon mustard for a bold, tangy-sweet flavor.
- Brussels and chestnuts with sage butter: Toss roasted sprouts with roasted chestnuts and a drizzle of sage-infused butter.
- Shaved Brussels sprouts salad: Shave Brussels sprouts thinly and toss with a zesty citrus dressing for a light, fresh salad.
- Add roasted apples or pears: Add sweetness with roasted fruit for an extra touch of fall flavor.
- Vegan-friendly twist: Toss with vegan parmesan and garlic for a plant-based alternative.
- Pomegranate and pecans: Add a pop of color and crunch with pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans.
- Warm grain bowl: Serve the sprouts over a bed of wild rice for a heartier meal.
These Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetarian holiday side dish, sure to please a crowd at your next festive gathering.
Bonus Ideas for Easy Vegetarian Holiday Meals: Mushrooms, Veggie Roast, and Other Dinner Staples
Looking for more festive options to round out your vegetarian holiday menu? These easy vegetarian holiday recipes make for stunning main dishes or hearty sides that will steal the show at your holiday table.
Vegetarian Holiday Main Dishes:
- Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries: Sweet roasted acorn squash filled with a savory wild rice and cranberry stuffing for a deliciously festive dish.
- Butternut Squash Lasagna with Bรฉchamel Sauce: Layers of tender butternut squash, creamy bรฉchamel sauce, and melted cheese make this lasagna a comforting holiday favorite.
- Mushroom Wellington: A flaky puff pastry wrapped around a savory mushroom filling creates a showstopping vegetarian main dish thatโs perfect for Christmas dinner.
- Cauliflower Roast with Tahini Drizzle: A whole cauliflower roasted to perfection and topped with a rich tahini dressingโsimple yet stunning.
- Veggie Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Crust: A savory vegetable medley enveloped in a buttery puff pastry crust. Itโs hearty and satisfying, perfect for any holiday feast.
- Holiday-Themed Grain Bowls: A mix of grains like quinoa, farro, or wild rice topped with roasted vegetables, nuts, and a festive vinaigrette. A customizable, easy-to-make meal.
- Spaghetti Squash with Festive Marinara and Herbs: Roasted spaghetti squash topped with a vibrant marinara sauce, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan or vegan cheese.
These vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas offer a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring thereโs something for everyone to enjoy.
Tips for Serving Vegetarian Holiday Dishes Everyone Will Enjoy
Hosting vegetarians at Christmas doesnโt mean compromising on flavor or creativity. With a few thoughtful touches, you can ensure your vegetarian holiday meals are just as festive and satisfying as traditional meat dishes.
Make Vegetarian Options Feel Special
Elevate your vegetarian dishes by presenting them as the main event. Rather than relegating them to the side, make sure theyโre showcased with the same care and attention as the turkey or ham.
Present Vegetarian Dishes as Main Dishes, Not Afterthoughts
Treat your vegetarian options like centerpiecesโserve them in beautiful dishes, pile them high, and make them the focal point of your spread. This not only makes them more appealing but also ensures vegetarians feel truly included in the celebration.
Prep Ahead to Reduce Holiday Stress
The holidays can get hectic, so prepping your vegetarian dishes in advance is a game-changer. Many vegetarian recipes, like roasted vegetables and grain bowls, can be prepped the day before and simply reheated when youโre ready to serve.
Let Meat-Eaters Enjoy These Dishes Too
Vegetarian holiday dishes can be a hit with everyone, not just vegetarians. Offering flavorful, hearty options ensures all your guests can enjoy a varied and delicious meal. Donโt be afraid to let meat-eaters try and love these plant-based mealsโthey might just be converted!
Christmas Dinner for Vegetarians Doesnโt Have to be Boring
Whether youโre hosting a vegetarian holiday dinner or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your holiday spread, these vegetarian holiday meals are sure to impress. From savory sweet potatoes to festive salads and caramelized Brussels sprouts, each dish brings vibrant flavors and textures to your table. With endless variations and easy make-ahead options, you can customize your meals to suit every guestโs tastes. So, next time youโre planning your holiday menu, donโt hesitate to make these delicious vegetarian dishes the star of the showโtheyโre sure to delight everyone at the table.
FAQs
1. What are some delicious recipes for a vegetarian dinner at Christmas?
If youโre looking for delicious recipes for a vegetarian dinner, consider roasted vegetables, hearty salads, and savory dishes like stuffed squash or vegetable Wellington. These dishes are perfect for adding flavor and variety to your Christmas dinner spread.
2. Can I serve vegetarian dishes at a traditional Christmas dinner?
Absolutely! You can easily incorporate vegetarian dinner options into your traditional Christmas meal. For example, a plant-based dinner like roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes can be the star of the show, while still being ideal for holiday meals.
3. How can I make my holiday dinner vegan-friendly?
Many festive vegan dishes are both tasty and satisfying. You can replace dairy or eggs in classic recipes with plant-based alternatives. Try swapping out cream for coconut milk or using a vegan pastry for your favorite classic Christmas dishes.
4. What are the best vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas?
The best vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas include dishes like a veggie pot pie, stuffed acorn squash, and hearty grain bowls. These options are healthy Christmas recipes that will keep everyone in the holiday spirit.
5. Can I serve Christmas cookies at a vegetarian holiday gathering?
Yes, you can! Many Christmas cookies are naturally vegetarian. For vegan-friendly cookies, simply swap out butter for vegan alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate chips. These treats are perfect for adding sweetness to your holiday gathering.
6. How do I make my Christmas brunch more inclusive for vegetarians?
For a Christmas brunch, offer a mix of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Consider healthy Christmas recipes like avocado toast, fruit salads, or grain bowls to keep things light and festive. Adding options like a veggie quiche or tofu scramble makes it easy to keep it vegetarian.
7. How can I make vegetarian Christmas dishes feel special?
To make your vegetarian Christmas dishes stand out, present them as the main event, not just a side dish. Focus on using delicious recipes that highlight seasonal flavors, like roasted root vegetables, or festive salads with cranberries and nuts. These dishes are perfect for showing that vegetarian dinner options are anything but ordinary.
8. Are there any healthy Christmas recipes that still feel indulgent?
Yes! You can enjoy both health and indulgence with dishes like plant-based dinner bowls, roasted vegetables, and cauliflower steaks. These options are light yet full of flavor, making them the perfect choices for anyone looking to stay healthy during the holiday season.
9. What are some favorite vegetarian dishes to serve every holiday season?
Some favorite vegetarian dishes for every holiday include roasted sweet potatoes, savory salads, and vegetable-based casseroles. These dishes are versatile, nutritious, and ideal for holiday gatherings.
10. How can I make my holiday extra special with vegetarian options?
You can make your holiday extra special by offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. These dishes can range from hearty casseroles to colorful salads, making them the perfect way to celebrate in the holiday spirit while catering to different dietary preferences.
11. Can I make it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor?
Definitely! By using flavorful herbs, spices, and seasonal vegetables, you can make it vegetarian and still create satisfying dishes. Try experimenting with spices like cinnamon, cumin, and rosemary, which can add depth and richness to your meal.
12. What are some ideal holiday side dishes for vegetarians?
For ideal holiday sides, consider dishes like caramelized honey Brussels sprouts, roasted root vegetables, and stuffed squash. These dishes bring both color and flavor to your Christmas dinner spread, making them great choices for a festive vegetarian meal.
13. How can I cater to both vegetarians and meat-eaters at a holiday gathering?
To please both vegetarians and meat-eaters at your holiday gathering, serve a mix of dishes that appeal to all tastes. Include a vegetarian main course, such as a plant-based dinner, alongside traditional meat options. This ensures thereโs something for everyone, allowing you to keep it vegetarian without alienating anyone.
14. What is the best course at Christmas for a vegetarian meal?
For a course at Christmas, consider serving a hearty main dish like a vegetable Wellington, stuffed squash, or a rich grain-based bowl. These dishes are perfect for holiday meals and will satisfy vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. They can easily take center stage on your table as the main course.
15. What type of food works well for vegetarian holiday meals?
The best food for vegetarian holiday meals includes dishes that showcase seasonal vegetables, hearty grains, and bold flavors. Roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and festive salads make for perfect for holiday meals that are both satisfying and delicious, ensuring everyone has something to enjoy.
You might also be interested inโฆ
While your veggies are roasting, whip up a batch of our no-bake, totally vegan, and completely deliciousย Nice Krispie Treatsย to take as dessert. We promise theyโll be a great hit!
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