Festive Vegan Recipes
The Creamy Vegan Eggnog
When the holiday air turns crisp and chilly, I’m all about sipping on creamy vegan eggnog. It’s a plant-powered twist on the classic, perfect for folks dodging dairy or riding the vegan train. This drink is lush and flavorful—definitely a crowd-pleaser even among the hardcore eggnog traditionalists at your family soiree. (Kalejunkie).
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cardamom
- Optional: 1/4 cup bourbon or rum, if you’re feeling festive
Instructions
- Toss the almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom in a blender.
- Mix it up until it’s smooth and velvety.
- Pour it into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat.
- If you’re adding booze, mix it in after you take it off the heat.
- You can drink it warm or stick it in the fridge till it’s cold, with a dusting of nutmeg on top.
If you’re thirsty for more plant-based holiday sips, you gotta check out other yummy vegan recipes.
Festive Greek Vegan Dishes
I’m head over heels for Greek grub, especially for a vegan holiday spread. My top pick? Vegan moussaka with its dreamy layers of eggplant, potatoes, and a lentil tomato sauce, all crowned with a béchamel sauce made from cashews and nutritional yeast. Doesn’t get better than that!
Vegan Moussaka Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced
- 4 large potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, cooked
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay out the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, give ’em a sprinkle of salt, and roast for about 20 minutes.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until they’re looking good, then toss in the lentils, tomato sauce, cinnamon, and allspice. Cook until it’s thick and hearty.
- Assemble it in a baking dish: potatoes first, then stacks of eggplant, topped with the lentil-tomato goodness. Repeat the layers, finishing with eggplant.
- Blend up those cashews with almond milk and nutritional yeast until it’s silky and pour it over the moussaka.
- Bake away for 45 minutes, or till the top gets that lovely golden brown hue.
For more tasty plant-based eats, take a peek at our stash of easy vegan recipes.
Festive Greek Dish Nutritional Information
Dish | Serving Size | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vegan Moussaka | 1 slice | 250 | 10 | 12 | 28 |
Creamy Vegan Eggnog | 1 cup | 150 | 2 | 8 | 15 |
More protein-packed holiday foods can be found in our vegan recipe high protein section.
Vegan Christmas Main Dishes
Ah, Christmas dinner—that magical time when loved ones gather ‘round the table for a feast as dazzling as Aunt Hilda’s Christmas sweater collection. And hey, who said vegan main dishes can’t be the star of the show? Turns out, they’re not just nutritious but downright delicious, too! Let me share some superfood-infused beauties that’ll have every guest nodding with approval and asking for seconds.
Superfood-Inspired Main Courses
Superfoods are like the multivitamins of the culinary world. Sweet potatoes, mushrooms, legumes—you name it, they’ve got the nutrients and the taste to match. Check out my faves:
Recipe Name | Key Ingredients | Flavor Notes | Prep Time |
---|---|---|---|
Vegan Sweet Potato Chili | Sweet potatoes, black beans, toasted ancho chiles | Smoky, spicy | 30 mins |
Vegan Meatballs | Brown rice, lentils, cremini mushrooms | Savory, hearty | 45 mins |
Vegan Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers | Quinoa, bell peppers, tomatoes | Fresh, tangy | 25 mins |
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Vegan Sweet Potato Chili: Imagine a pot of smoky goodness, with black beans and ancho chiles dancing around sweet potatoes. Perfect for your holiday mood and my all-time fave (recipe link).
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Vegan Meatballs: Brown rice, lentils, and mushrooms walk into a kitchen… and they walk out as hearty meatballs you won’t forget. No joke, they’re perfect for your pasta or just to snack on while everyone else fusses over the turkey (recipe link).
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Vegan Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers: Quinoa and tomatoes fill colorful bell peppers, making these both pretty and delish. Trust me, they’re more popular than those chocolate mint cookies you’ve got hiding in the pantry.
Toss these superfood treats on the table, and watch as compliments roll in faster than Santa on Christmas Eve. For more, check out other protein-packed vegan goodies here.
Vegan Sheet Pan Dinner
Love great food but short on time? Boy, do I have news for you. Vegan sheet pan dinners are your best friend. It’s a one-pan wonder that saves time and spares you the horror of post-dinner cleanup.
Dish | Key Ingredients | Flavor Notes | Cook Time |
---|---|---|---|
Cornmeal Crusted Tofu | Tofu, cornmeal, spices | Crunchy, savory | 45 mins |
Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, plant-based milk, garlic | Creamy, smooth | 45 mins |
Roasted Butternut Squash | Butternut squash, olive oil, herbs | Sweet, tender | 45 mins |
Cranberry Sauce | Cranberries, orange juice, sugar | Tart, sweet | 45 mins |
Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil | Caramelized, tangy | 45 mins |
Here’s a peek at what you can toss on that sheet pan (recipe link):
- Cornmeal Crusted Tofu: Coat tofu with cornmeal and spices, bake it till crunchy outside, soft inside. It’ll vanish faster than you can say “pass the gravy.”
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy as grandma’s hugs and made with plant-based milk so everyone gets to indulge.
- Roasted Butternut Squash: Sweet and tender—just like that holiday jingle that’s stuck in your head.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tart and sweet, needing exactly zero jiggling from a can.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted with balsamic for that “tangy” twist, not like your dad’s attempts at comedy.
Got the inspiration? Now turn that holiday feast into a memory as bright as those twinkling lights on the tree. Need more ideas? Head over here and let the festive flavor fireworks begin. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about weaving memories that’ll last long after the last drop of gravy’s gone.
Vegan Christmas Desserts
Hey there! Whether you’re all about keeping it healthy, doing your bit for the planet, or just starting to dip your toes into the vegan world, I’ve got you covered with some sweet holiday surprises. Let me rave about a few of my favorite vegan Christmas treats that will make your festive season extra special.
Classic Holiday Treats
December means one thing for me—craving the old-fashioned flavors that bring back the warmest memories. Here’s a lineup of crowd-pleasing vegan goodies:
Dessert | Description | Source |
---|---|---|
Sugar Cookies | Soft, chewy, and decked out with colorful festive icing. They’re a holiday must-have. | Delish |
Chocolate Chip Cookies | Forget the butter and eggs—these are oozing with gooey deliciousness. | Delish |
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts | Sweet, spicy, and soft as a cloud—perfect for kicking off Christmas morning. | Delish |
Sticky Toffee Pudding | A dreamy, moist sponge drowned in rich toffee sauce. Utter indulgence! | Addicted to Dates |
Vegan Tiramisu | The classic Italian wonder, reimagined without animal products. Impressive, right? | Addicted to Dates |
Impressive Vegan Cakes and Pies
When it’s time to pull out the big guns and dazzle your guests, these vegan cakes and pies are sure to steal the show:
Dessert | Description | Source |
---|---|---|
Woodland Cake | Intricately stunning, this cake brings a magical woodland vibe to your table. | Addicted to Dates |
Black Forest Ice Cream | The classic cake gets a cool twist. Rich and refreshing in one scoop! | Addicted to Dates |
Devil’s Food Cake | A chocolate lover’s dream, this cake will satisfy every craving you’ve got. | Addicted to Dates |
No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake | Quick, easy, and bursting with the cozy spices of gingerbread. | Addicted to Dates |
Vegan Baileys Cheesecake | A splash of booze and a lot of creaminess—prepare to wow the crowd. | Addicted to Dates |
Every Christmas, I’m on the hunt for new and exciting vegan dessert recipes to share. I make sure our holiday feasts are loaded with tasty plant-based dishes. If you’re itching for more ideas, dive into my other vegan recipe posts. Got a hankering for something specific like a vegan cheesecake? I’ve got plenty for you to explore. Whether you’re into cookies, cakes, or something unique, the perfect vegan dessert is waiting to make your Christmas unforgettable.
Vegan Holiday Recipes
Bust out the festive cheer with some of my favorite vegan Christmas eats that’ll have your guests bragging about your holiday spread. We’re diving headfirst into these tasty plant-based mains, vibrant sides, and must-have salads.
Flavorful Plant-Based Mains
Main dishes should keep our bellies full and spirits high, so check out these wholesome staple recipes that always make the cut at my holiday bash:
Sticky and Spicy Baked Cauliflower
Imagine cauliflower, crisped up in the oven, then slathered in a sticky-sweet glaze with a spicy kick. Whip up a batch with gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, and mirin for a definite crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Cauliflower florets | 1 big head |
Gochujang | 2 tbsp |
Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
Maple syrup | 1/4 cup |
Mirin | 1/4 cup |
Vegan Cacio e Pepe
Nail the charm of this classic Italian pasta without the dairy. Cacio e pepe, vegan-style, mixes savory nutritional yeast with spaghetti and black pepper for a simple yet elegant dinner treat.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Spaghetti | 12 oz |
Nutritional yeast | 1/4 cup |
Black pepper | 2 tsp, freshly ground |
Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
Salt | To taste |
Coconut-Creamed Corn and Grains
Comfort in a bowl! Turmeric, chiles, and grains like freekeh, farro, or quinoa mingling with sweet corn in creamy coconut milk sound like heaven, right?
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Corn kernels | 3 cups |
Coconut milk | 1 can |
Freekeh, farro, or quinoa | 1 cup, cooked |
Turmeric | 1 tsp |
Chiles | 1-2, chopped |
Vegan Pho
This soup is the quintessential warm-up before any feast. With layers of flavor from toasted spices, charred veggies, and miso, you’ll be serving up bowls that bring folks back for more.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Vegetable broth | 8 cups |
Dried mushrooms | 1 cup |
Miso paste | 2 tbsp |
Rice noodles | 8 oz |
Star anise | 2-3 pods |
Festive Salad and Side Options
Toss in some colorful salads and sides for a complete meal that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Winter Citrus Salad
Fresh greens, juicy citrus, creamy avocado, and a zingy vinaigrette come together for a salad that’s light yet packed with flavor, perfect with the heartier main dishes.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Mixed greens | 4 cups |
Citrus segments (orange, grapefruit) | 2 cups |
Avocado | 1, sliced |
Red onion | 1/4, thinly sliced |
Vinaigrette | 1/4 cup |
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate
This knockout side marries crispy Brussels with pomegranate seeds and laces it with a balsamic glaze—it’s the pops of color and flavor that’ll steal the show.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Brussels sprouts | 1 lb, halved |
Pomegranate seeds | 1/2 cup |
Balsamic glaze | 2 tbsp |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Roast these carrots with gooey maple syrup and fresh herbs, making them the sweet and savory addition every table needs.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Carrots | 1 lb, peeled and sliced |
Maple syrup | 3 tbsp |
Fresh thyme | 1 tsp, chopped |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
These vegan Christmas wonders combine the best of plant-based goodness, jazzing up your holiday menu with flavor and health. Cravin’ more? Peek at our vegan recipe for Christmas or dive into more easy vegan recipes.