Plant-Powered Party Pleasers: Unforgettable Vegan Side Dishes for Fall
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We believe that embracing the rich flavors of the season should be inclusive and diverse, allowing everyone to savor the bounty of fall, no matter their dietary preferences or needs. This Fall, reach beyond the sweet potato fries, tomato salad, and plain roasted veggies that typically pass for vegan side dishes at holiday parties. From vegan mac and cheese to creamy mashed potatoes, there’s something for everyone in our list of tasty vegan side dishes. Many traditional fall ingredients, such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and various types of mushrooms, lend themselves perfectly to vegan dishes. Whether you are planning a vegan Thanksgiving feast or just looking for some vegan side dishes to add a touch of fall to your meals, our recipes have you covered.
17 Unforgettable Vegan Side Dishes for Fall
Vegan Green Bean Casserole by Ela Vegan
One of our favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes is Ela Vean’s green bean casserole. Green bean casserole has always been considered a classic comfort food and a beloved side dish during holiday gatherings.
The delectable Vegan Green Bean Casserole featured on Ela Vegan’s website is a creation by the talented chef Ela. This flavorful dish is not only delicious but also relatively quick to prepare—taking about 45 minutes from start to finish.
To recreate this savory vegan side dish, you’ll need a list of common ingredients—including fresh green beans, mushrooms, onions, garlic, almond milk, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and crispy fried onions for that classic casserole crunch.
This unique recipe uses simple, whole ingredients to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce. It is a healthy vegan take on a classic comfort food.
Stuffing-Topped Vegan Mac & Cheese from VegNews Test Kitchen
The mouthwatering Stuffing-Topped Vegan Mac & Cheese from VegNews Test Kitchen is another nostalgic dish.
While the exact preparation time may vary, this creative fusion dish typically takes 30-45 minutes to make depending on your cooking skills.
To whip up this unique recipe, you’ll need a blend of ingredients that include macaroni pasta, vegan cheese sauce, breadcrumbs, vegan butter, nutritional yeast, sage, and thyme. What makes it truly special is the addition of a stuffing layer—which adds a delightful twist to traditional mac and cheese.
Sicilian Marinated Aubergines
Aubergines—called eggplant in the US—are used in a wide variety of traditional dishes. Sicilians have such a deep appreciation for eggplants that this vegetable is considered a symbol of the island’s culinary heritage. This delightful Sicilian Marinated Aubergines recipe is from the kitchen of the creative Sicilian journalist and cook—Ada Parisi.
A favorite on our list of healthy vegan side dishes, these marinated aubergines are relatively quick to prepare—taking approximately 30-40 minutes. To make these flavorful marinated aubergines, you’ll need eggplants, garlic, fresh mint leaves, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
What sets this recipe apart is the infusion of Sicilian flavors—including mint, which adds a refreshing and aromatic twist to the dish.
Chimichurri & Celeriac Salad by Georgie Eats
Chimichurri sauce—a vibrant and flavorful condiment—has an interesting history tied to South American cuisine—particularly Argentina and Uruguay. It is said to have been created by the gauchos—nomadic cowboys of the South American pampas.
The enticing Chimichurri and celeriac Salad pictured above is a creation by the talented chef Georgie from Georgie Eats. This recipe is relatively quick to make—typically taking around 30-40 minutes.
To craft this delightful dish, you’ll need ingredients like celeriac (celery root), fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. The combination of earthy celeriac and zesty chimichurri is what makes this recipe stand out.
Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This mouthwatering Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is a creation of the talented chef behind Lazy Cat Kitchen. Miso—a traditional Japanese ingredient—is a key component of this recipe. Miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and can vary in flavor from mild to intensely savory. When brushed over roasted Brussels sprouts, it not only imparts a rich umami taste but also introduces an element of Japanese cuisine to a classic Western vegetable.
This recipe is relatively quick to make—typically taking around 30-40 minutes. To prepare these flavorful Brussels sprouts—you’ll need the aforementioned fresh vegetables, cranberries, miso paste, maple syrup, and soy sauce.
What makes this recipe unique is the combination of umami-rich miso paste and the tart sweetness of cranberries—creating an unexpected yet harmonious flavor profile. This dish is a fun alternative to classic cranberry sauce.
Crispy Herb Potato Stacks
Simple yet incredibly delicious, these crispy herb potato stacks could be the perfect vegan side dish. The enticing Crispy Herb Potato Stacks recipe pictured above is brought to you by the chef from This Savory Vegan. The exact preparation time for this recipe can vary, but it typically takes around 60-75 minutes.
To create these delightful potato stacks, you’ll need potatoes, olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and salt. What sets this recipe apart is the presentation—potato slices are stacked vertically to create a visually appealing and crispy side dish.
These potato stacks are often assembled like a game of culinary Jenga. By carefully layering and stacking thin slices of potatoes, you create a tower-like structure that’s not only delicious but also a delight for the eyes. It’s almost like turning your dinner into a miniature potato skyscraper!
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites by Plant Based Vegan
Buffalo cauliflower bites have gained popularity in the world of plant-based and vegan cooking as a creative and healthier alternative to classic chicken wings. Cauliflower’s natural texture and ability to absorb flavors make it an excellent candidate for a wing-like experience.
The mouthwatering Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe is the creation of Plant Based Vegan. The preparation time for this recipe can vary, but it generally takes around 30-40 minutes.
To make these delectable cauliflower bites, you’ll need ingredients like cauliflower florets, flour, plant-based milk, and a Buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and vegan butter. What sets this recipe apart is how it transforms cauliflower into a spicy and crispy appetizer, mimicking the flavors of traditional Buffalo chicken wings.
Seeking another cauliflower side dish for fall? Consider this creamy vegan cauliflower gratin dish from Minimalist Baker. It’s one of few gluten-free vegan recipes!
Mediterranean Stuffed Butternut Squash
In this recipe, the butternut squash acts as both a delicious filling and an edible bowl. The hollowed-out squash halves serve as a creative container for the flavorful Mediterranean stuffing.
This delightful Mediterranean Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe is brought to you by Vegans Town. Preparation time typically takes around 60-75 minutes. This dish not only tastes fantastic but also looks impressive when served. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need butternut squash, quinoa, chickpeas, vegetables, Mediterranean spices, and tahini. What sets this healthy side dish apart is how it combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the savory Mediterranean-inspired filling.
Asparagus with Butter Beans
Next on our list of vegan side dishes is asparagus with butter beans—a severely underrated ingredient. This dish brings together the crisp and slightly tender texture of fresh asparagus with the creaminess of butter beans. It is a delightful contrast of textures—with a satisfying crunch and creamy mouthfeel.
This delightful Asparagus with Butter Beans recipe is credited to the creative chef Tom Walton. It is relatively quick to make, typically taking around 20-30 minutes. To prepare this simple yet flavorful dish, you’ll fresh asparagus, butter beans, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. You could swap the asparagus for roasted green beans, but we feel that the woodiness of asparagus pairs better with butter beans.
What sets this recipe apart is its focus on showcasing the natural flavors of the asparagus and butter beans with minimal fuss.
Potato Corn Chowder
Potato Corn Chowder is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and filling—making it a perfect choice for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. This delicious Potato Corn Chowder recipe is credited to Vegan Yack Attack. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to prepare.
To prepare this hearty chowder, you’ll need potatoes, corn, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and seasonings. What sets this recipe apart is its comforting combination of creamy potatoes and sweet corn—creating a rich and satisfying soup.
Thai Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Creamy Ginger Dressing
This salad is like a flavor explosion in every bite. It combines the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the nuttiness of quinoa, the freshness of mixed greens and herbs, and the zesty punch of a creamy ginger dressing.
This delicious Thai Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Creamy Ginger Dressing recipe was created by the talented chef at Dishing Out Health. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to prepare.
This flavorful salad is made with butternut squash, quinoa, mixed greens, herbs, and a creamy ginger dressing. Together, these ingredients create an eye-catching dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Freekeh Salad With Plums, Rocket & Wasabi
Keep your palate entertained with this symphony of flavors. The sweetness of plums, the peppery bitterness of rocket (arugula), the nutty flavor of freekeh, and the zesty kick of wasabi paste combine to create a unique and delicious flavor in each bite.
The mouth-watering Freekeh Salad With Plums, Rocket, and Wasabi recipe was created by the talented chefs at Gourmet Glow. This recipe takes 30-40 minutes to prepare.
To make this distinctive salad, you will need freekeh (an ancient grain), plums, rocket (arugula), wasabi paste, and a variety of herbs and spices. The combination of flavors and textures is what distinguishes this dish—with the sweetness of plums complementing the peppery bite of arugula and all ingredients enhanced by the unexpected zing of wasabi.
Cranberry Beet Salsa
Cranberry and beet might not be the first ingredients that come to mind when you think of salsa, but their combination offers a unique twist on a classic condiment. It’s a delightful departure from traditional tomato-based salsas.
This delicious Cranberry Beet Salsa recipe comes from the creative genius at Jack Fruit Kitchen! The exact prep time can vary, but it’s usually around 20-30 minutes.
This unique salsa recipe combines cranberries, roasted beets, orange zest, red onion, and cilantro to create a sweet, tart, and earthy flavor profile. The vibrant pink and red hues of this salsa are truly eye-catching. The combination of bright red cranberries and deep red beets creates a visually stunning salsa that can add a pop of color to any dish.
Lentil Stuffing by @minimalistbaker
Lentils are a great source of fiber and protein, and they also add a hearty texture to the stuffing. The vegetables in the stuffing add flavor and nutrients, and the herbs and seasonings give it a delicious flavor. This stuffing is a great way to add some extra protein and fiber to your holiday meal, and it’s also a great way to use up leftover bread.
This delicious Lentil Stuffing recipe is credited to the talented chef behind the popular food blog Minimalist Baker. The exact preparation time for this recipe can vary, but it typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
To prepare this hearty stuffing, you’ll need green lentils, bread, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. What sets this recipe apart is its focus on using lentils as a protein-rich alternative to traditional stuffing ingredients like meat or sausage.
Roasted Fall Vegetable Soup
Hearty vegetable soups capture the essence of the season in a single bowl. The deep oranges, earthy browns, and golden yellows of a veggie soup mirror the changing leaves and the warm hues of fall—making it not just a meal but a visual delight.
This Roasted Fall Vegetable Soup recipe was created by The Buddhist Chef. The preparation time for this recipe can vary, but it typically takes around 60-75 minutes.
To make this flavorful soup, you will need ingredients roasted fall vegetables—such as butternut squash and carrots—, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Blend it together to meld the flavors or if you tend not to enjoy chunky soups. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar and vegan cream over the top to elevate this dish.
The roasted vegetables are what set this recipe apart, as they add a deep, caramelized flavor to the soup. As the soup simmers on the stove or roasts in the oven, it fills your kitchen with the cozy aromas of autumn spices and roasted vegetables—creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Creamy Pea Pasta by @happyskinkitchen
Pea Pasta is a family-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy. This delicious Creamy Pea Pasta recipe is from the talented chef behind @happyskinkitchen. It takes about 20-30 minutes to make, and it’s packed with flavor.
The creamy sauce in this pasta recipe—made from cashews and nutritional yeast—has a mild, cheesy flavor that kids tend to love. It’s not uncommon for parents to serve this dish to their little ones who might be a bit fussy about eating vegetables.
To make Creamy Pea Pasta, gather 2 shallots, 2 garlic cloves, 150g frozen peas, fresh basil (around 20g), 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve the sauce over 2 portions of pasta—like fusilli—and add extra peas for flavor and charm.
Plant-Based Camembert Stuffed Potato Skins
These potato skins are a delicious and satisfying snack or light meal. They are also a great way to use up leftover potatoes. This delectable Plant-Based Camembert Stuffed Potato Skins recipe is credited to Chef Rachel from Vegan Diary. It is a relatively simple recipe that can be prepared in around 60-75 minutes.
The key ingredients are potatoes, plant-based camembert cheese, garlic, herbs, olive oil, and seasonings. The plant-based camembert cheese is what sets this recipe apart, as it adds a creamy and savory element that is perfect for vegans and those looking for dairy-free alternatives.
Which Fall Dishes Will You Serve During Harvest Season?
This season brings a cornucopia of flavors and delights—making it the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family around a table filled with delicious food. Don’t forget to include everyone—including your vegan friends—in your holiday feasts. Our list of fall dish recipes offers a diverse range of options to suit every palate.
We’d love to hear from you! Tell us which recipes you plan to follow from our list and feel free to share your favorite fall recipes below. Let’s celebrate the season with food, friends, and shared experiences.
By Armela E.
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