15 Irresistibly Good Plant Based Christmas Dinner Recipe Ideas
The holidays can be a tough time to be vegan. Whether you’re plant-based and looking for different options this year or if you aren’t vegan but you’re planning to host plant-based eaters this year this post will give you all the plant based Christmas dinner ideas you need this holiday season.
From plant-based mains like loaves and wellingtons to delicious desserts like baked pears and cheesecakes we’ve scoured the internet for all the best plant-based Christmas dinner recipes this year so you don’t have to. We’ve included recipes from some of our favourite plant-based food bloggers and chefs out there to provide you with a faultless plant based Christmas dinner, year after year.
These recipes are delicious, easy, filling and nutritious, meaning that you can still have a festive and traditional plant based Christmas dinner without any kind of feeling of sacrifice.
OUR PLANT BASED CHRISTMAS DINNER RECIPE IDEAS
MAINS
MUSHROOM WELLINGTON
It can be challenging to find Christmas dinner main alternatives that are delicious, filling and come with a wow factor that feels like you’re not making any kind of sacrifice. This mushroom wellington by Bianca Zapatka ticks all the boxes. It definitely has the wow factor in terms of presentation and it’s delicious, flavoursome and filling. Give it a try this year.
Serves 6 as a main
Total time: 30 minutes
NUT ROAST
For the ultimate nut roast recipe, this one from Connoisseurus Veg is a delicious roast turkey alternative. Packed with mushrooms, walnuts, pecans and sunflower seeds, it’s a delicious mix of hearty nuts and tasty herbs which are filling and flavour packed. Make it the day before Christmas as a fool-proof vegan crowd pleaser.
Serves 6 as a main
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
LENTIL WALNUT APPLE LOAF
This is one of my personal go-to mains recipes for most Christmases. This lentil, walnut and apple loaf by Oh She Glows, it a faultless recipe that comes out better every time I make it. It’s easy to make and most of the ingredients you’ll already find in your cupboards. It’s packed with nutritious veggies and fibre-full lentils for a healthy plant based Christmas dinner alternative.
Serves 6 as a main, making one large loaf
Total time: 2 hours
SIDES
CRISPY ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Brussels sprouts are a Christmas dinner classic but these are a far cry from the mushy, boiled sprouts we all loathe. There are so many ways to cook Brussels sprouts but my favourite is to roast them so they are crispy and packed with flavour. This is my go-to recipe by Oh She Glows who also includes seven different way to flavour your sprouts this Christmas season.
Serves 4
Total time: 50 minutes
OIL-FREE ROASTED VEGETABLES
For anyone looking for a healthy, oil-free roasted vegetable recipe, this is my go-to by the Minimalist Baker. She uses a fantastic mix of starchy and non-starchy vegetables to create an array of colourful vegetables packed full of flavour but without the oil. If you’re looking to lighten the caloric load of your plant based Christmas dinner be sure to check out this recipe.
Serves 4 as a side dish
Total Time: 40 minutes
VEGAN MASHED POTATOES
If you’re a fan of roasted garlic, like me, you’ll love these sweet, garlic-infused, creamy mashed potatoes by Loving It Vegan which make the perfect side for any Christmas meal. They are a classic, easy family pleaser.
Serves 6 as a side
Total time: 50 minutes
SMASHED BALSAMIC POTATOES
A twist on your classic roasted potatoes, these smashed potatoes by Green Kitchen Stories are loaded with crispiness and balsamic sweetness. Simple and easy to make this is a great side dish option at any plant based Christmas dinner.
Serves 4 as a side
Total time: 45 minutes
ROASTED SWEET POTATO WEDGES
This mouthwatering recipe by Deliciously Ella is one of my favourite sweet potato recipes, Christmas or not. She roasts them in cinnamon and paprika which provide a unique, fuller flavour making these sweet potatoes irresistible. Serve them as they are or top with tahini, hummus, guacamole, or even just chili and spring onion.
Serves 4
Total Time: 1 Hour
HONEY MAPLE ROASTED CARROTS
If you’re a fan of sweet and tart flavours then why not add this delicious carrot side dish by The Cafe Sucre Farine to your vegan Christmas menu? Carrots are roasted in honey and maple syrup with a pinch of spice from coriander seeds. Add some chili flakes to finish for that perfect balance of sweet, tart and spicy.
Serves 6 as a side
Total time 40 minutes
BRAISED RED CABBAGE
Nothing says ’tis the season’ quite like a good braised cabbage dish and this melting slow-braised cabbage recipe by Feasting at Home Full of garlic, shallots and braised slowly in red wine and thyme, this classic dish is warming and brings back all those wintery, Christmasy flavours.
Serves 8 as a side
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
POMEGRANATE & PECAN SALAD
For anyone looking for a lighter side dish perfect for the Christmas table this pomegranate, pecan and pear salad by Cookie And Kate is heavenly. For a plant-based option of this recipe just sub the goats or feta cheese for crumbly vegan cheese. This salad is festive, seasonal and mouth-wateringly delicious.
Serves 6 as a side
Total time 30 minutes
DESSERT
PUMPKIN PIE
Pumpkin pie is a holiday classic and a firm favourite at most tables during both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The classic recipe is very easily adapted to be plant-based and the delicious pie goes so well served with vegan vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream. This gluten-free recipe by Minimalist Baker is my go-to for pumpkin pie. It’s delicious every time.
Serves 10
Total time 2 hours
CINNAMON BAKED PEARS
If you prefer your desserts less sweet and more fruity, this light and healthy dessert is festive, warming and delicious. This recipe by Jessica in the Kitchen is the perfect way to finish your Christmas dinner- by biting into a warm, cinnamony pear covered in creamy coconut cream.
Serves 4
Total time 30 minutes
VEGAN MINCE PIES
At least in Britain, mince pies are a big deal, and for me personally, Christmas isn’t Christmas without any. For a truly traditional yet plant based British recipe, you’ll want to try this recipe by A Virtual Vegan who also has recipes for homemade mince meat (no beef involved) and brandy butter. If you’ve never tried them and fancy trying something different this year, I highly recommend giving them a whirl.
Makes 16 mince pies
Total time: 40 minutes
CHAI CHEESECAKE WITH EARL GREY SAUCE
If you’re a fan of a big cup of chai tea after dinner then you might want to turn your attention to this cracker of a cheesecake. This chai cheesecake with earl grey date sauce by Milk and Honey is a delicious blend of warming chai spices and the fragrance of earl grey tea infused in a sauce that goes with this cheesecake beautifully. I personally make this cheesecake about 4 times a year, Christmas or not and it’s simple divine.
Serves 12
Total time 1 hour 30 minutes
Did you try any of these delicious plant based Christmas dinner recipes? How did they turn out? Let us know in the comments below.
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