Gluten-Free Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

From soups to salads and sides, these gluten-free and vegan thanksgiving recipes will make all your guests feel included.

What would the holidays be without all the food and parties?  But things can get tricky when it comes to guests with special diets or food allergies. Being on a restricted diet can naturally cause some concern during the holidays, it’s easy for hosts to feel stressed about what to serve and for guests to feel like they are being a burden or are missing out on the festivities.

A holiday meal that accommodates your gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, vegan, and paleo guests however, is possible. I've gathered some of my favorite soups, sides and salads that almost everyone will be able to enjoy so that no one feels left out. From hearty salads like a shredded Brussels sprouts and kale salad with a maple Dijon vinaigrette to comforting sides like my sweet potato and butternut squash gratin and silky soups filled with seasonal vegetables, these dishes will have everyone coming back for seconds regardless of their diet. And if you're a guest rather than a host, bring one along so you’ll be sure to have something to eat.

SOUPS

1. Spicy Carrot Sweet Potato Soup (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

This creamy spiced sweet potato and carrot soup gets a dose of fall flavors and a bit of heat from cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of cayenne.

2. Winter Squash Soup (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

This savory squash soup makes for a cozy and warming addition to any meal.

3. Ginger, Turmeric Carrot Soup (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

Warm spices like ginger, turmeric and cinnamon infuse this silky soup.

4. Cream of Mushroom Soup (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

This cozy cream of mushroom soup is hearty and satisfying while offering lots of rich flavor. 

5. Golden Winter Root Vegetable Soup (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

This golden hued soup is filled with hearty winter root vegetables.

SALADS

1. Delicata Squash Salad (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

Loaded with roasted delicata squash, persimmons, pumpkin seeds, and a pomegranate vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for both holiday entertaining and everyday meals.

2. Shredded Brussels Sprout and Kale Salad (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

This simple slaw is a fresh addition to any holiday menu and an easy dish to bring along if you’re a guest.

3. Cabbage Apple Salad (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

Looking for a light and crunchy salad to pair with your holiday meal? Try this easy and delicious cabbage apple salad dressed with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette.

4. Butternut Squash and Kale Salad (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

Packed with flavor thanks to thyme roasted butternut squash, a homemade pear vinaigrette and maple glazed pecans; this butternut squash salad is easy to prepare ahead of time.

5. Holiday Fruit Salad (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

There’s nothing better than a fresh fruit salad to break up the assault of overly rich foods we so joyful indulge in around the holidays.

SIDES

1. Sweet Potato Casserole with Butternut Squash(Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

With a silky mash and a crumbly topping, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes a nice alternative to the usual sweet potato casseroles for the holiday table.

2. Maple Roasted Delicata Squash (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

Apples and delicata squash are tossed together with maple and sage then roasted until tender, caramelized, and coated with a sweet glaze in this easy side.

3. Cauliflower and Celery Root Vegetable Mash (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful side that pairs well with almost any main, then give this cauliflower and celery root vegetable mash a try.  The flavor is classic enough that mashed potato lovers won’t be disappointed.

4. Sage Roasted Butternut Squash (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

Sage roasted butternut squash is an easy but elegant side that’s great for special holiday dinners.

5. Cauliflower Rice Pilaf (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan)

Whip up a quick and easy cauliflower rice pilaf made from riced cauliflower and carrots in just minutes. Cranberries and pecans add holiday flavor!

Happy Holidays!