70 Vegetarian Christmas Dinners

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When it comes to Christmas dinner, I love having some vegetarian options that feel just as festive and satisfying as the classics. This collection of 70 recipes has everything you need to create a plant-based holiday spread, whether you’re going all-in on a vegetarian Christmas or just want to mix in some meat-free dishes.

Tips For Making A Vegetarian Christmas Dinners

1. Know seasonal how-to’s. You’d be surprised how easily something like caramelized onions, roasted garlic, mirepoix, or even a light garnish of pomegranate seeds can change a vegetarian dish.
2. Use seasonings to amp up the flavor. You can enhance any vegetarian meal with amazing flavor by using seasonings and spice blends. Make sure you are stocked up on vegan ranch seasoning, chili powder, Za’atar, lemon pepper seasoning, and 7-spice seasoning.
3. Give texture a glow-up with a crunch. Healthy vegetarian Christmas dinners don’t have to be boring. Sprinkle candied pecans, roasted pumpkin seeds, or toasted sesame seeds over your winter salads or soups.
4. Finish with fresh herbs. A pop of green on a plate is always an eye-catching addition. Sprinkle some chopped parsley, cilantro, or fresh basil over your dishes to add a burst of flavor and freshness.
5. Pick a Main Dish with Some Wow Factor: Since there’s no roast turkey or ham, I like to choose a main dish that feels special enough to anchor the meal. A stuffed squash, a veggie wellington, or a big, layered lasagna always does the trick.
6. Mix Hearty with Fresh: It’s easy to go all-in on rich, cheesy dishes, but I’ve found it’s nice to balance those with some fresh sides like roasted veggies or a winter salad. That way, everyone feels full but not stuffed.
7. Add Some Color: Speaking of color, I like to keep the table looking bright and festive by including a mix of greens, reds, and golds – things like roasted beets, green beans, and even a little pomegranate on salads go a long way!
8. Add a Touch of Holiday Flavor: I find that a bit of rosemary, thyme, or nutmeg in the dishes makes everything feel more festive and brings out that comforting, cozy vibe we love this time of year.
9. Throw in a Few Classics: Even if I’m going all veggie, a few comfort food favorites like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese make the meal feel like Christmas for everyone at the table.

How to Plan a Menu for Vegetarian Christmas Dinner

• Consider protein sources. Some of the best plant-based foods high in protein are beans, including chickpeas, whole grains, lentils, and tofu. Build your vegetarian Christmas menu around these foods so you deliver a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
• Include a variety of vegetables. Winter is a time to embrace all the winter squashes like butternut, acorn, delicata, and spaghetti squash. Serve them up in different cuts to add variety – you can roast butternut squash halves or cook butternut squash cubes.
• Know your hearty grains. Whole grains like brown rice, farro, quinoa, and bulgur can provide a healthy base for your dishes, whether in soup, salad, or side. They are a good source of healthy carbs and fiber.
• Don’t forget the spreads and dressings. When all else fails, serve your dishes with a side of a good dip, dressing, or spread. Whip up a cranberry relish, vegan mushroom gravy, or Lebanese baba ghanoush to add flavor and moisture instantly.

Best Vegetarian Christmas Dinners

Eating vegetarian definitely doesn’t mean missing out on flavor. These recipes are packed with so much goodness that everyone at the table will enjoy them. With everything from appetizers and soups to hearty sides and a show-stopping main course, these vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas have all the bases covered! And don’t forget to include a few sweet treats to add a deliciously sweet finale to your holiday celebration.

Tasty Vegetarian Dips for Christmas Dinner

A Christmas dinner party isn’t complete without a chip and dip spread. Lucky for you, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic creamy spinach artichoke dip or something unique like the popular baked feta dip, these vegetarian dips are perfect for snacking while the main meal gets the finishing touches. Pair them with homemade pita bread, flatbread, or pita chips. Or if you prefer something rustic, try my olive bread.

Vegetarian Christmas Appetizers

Kick off your holiday dinner party with these festive appetizers. These bite-sized treats offer a mix of flavors and textures that promise to please all your guests. Because tart cranberry and creamy brie cheese is a match made in heaven, and crunchy pistachios on top of dates are hard to resist! Depending on the size of your holiday party, be sure to include a variety of these in your simple vegetarian Christmas dinners to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Healthy Vegetarian Christmas Soups & Stews

What better way to start your Christmas dinner than with a comforting bowl of soup made with seasonal vegetables and robust flavors? Whether you’re on Team Blended or Team Chunky, a bowl of hot soup sets the perfect tone for the evening. Adding soup to your holiday menu is one of the easiest ways to elevate your easy vegetarian Christmas dinners.

Vegetarian Christmas Main Courses

When it comes to the best vegetarian Christmas dinners, we can all agree that the main course is what really makes the meal. It’s the center of the table. After all, it’s called the main course for a reason. And the good news is that a vegetarian main course doesn’t have to lack in flavor, substance, or nutrition. In fact, it can be just as hearty, delicious, and satisfying as any traditional holiday meat dish. Check out these vegetarian entrees that offer bold flavors, vibrant textures, and plenty of nutrients for everyone at the table.

Simple Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Salads

Salads might not be the first thing you think about for a Christmas dinner, but they are a refreshing and tasty addition. They bring fresh and crunchy textures that complement heartier options on the table. Whether you’re looking for wholesome grain salads or simple leafy greens, these recipes add a burst of color, nutrition, and variety to your healthy vegetarian Christmas dinners.

Vegetarian Christmas Potato Side Dishes

It’s no surprise that potatoes are a big part of a simple vegetarian Christmas dinner, and for good reason. They’re easy to prepare, and with just a few ingredients, you can let their natural, comforting taste and creamy texture shine. And with numerous ways to serve up taters, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a major potato lover, be sure to check out my roundup of potato side dishes.

Easy Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Sides

When you want to go beyond potato side dishes, seasonal veggies like squashes, cruciferous greens, and more are the way to go. They make flavorful and nutritious sides that add a delicious twist to healthy vegetarian Christmas dinners. Not to mention, the variety they add to your Christmas spread makes your whole meal visually beautiful.

Best Vegetarian Christmas Desserts

No holiday feast is complete without a sweet treat. If you’re in charge of planning the best vegetarian Christmas dinner, make sure you have a few of these festive desserts to wrap up your holiday celebration on a sweet note. Some are simple, others a little more involved, but all are irresistibly delicious and deserve a spot on your Christmas table.

How to Keep Food Warm

• Oven: If you’re not cooking anything in the oven, you can set it to 200°F and store dishes in there to keep them warm.
• Aluminum Foil: If your oven is busy, use aluminum foil. Cover your food tightly with foil and set it aside until ready to serve. The foil will reflect thermal energy to the food, which will help to keep it fresh and retain moisture, flavor, and texture.
• Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Include recipes that can be made in your crock pot or instant pot that will stay warm during the party. Even if you don’t use them to cook the food, you can transfer the food to these appliances to keep them warm.
• Insulated coolers: You can use a cooler to keep food both hot and cold. The insulation that keeps cold things chilled also works to keep hot food warm for hours. For an extra boost of heat, line the cooler with aluminum foil.

How to Store All the Leftovers

• Consider the specific recipe instructions. Most recipes will have suggestions for how to store leftovers and for how long to safely do so. For the best flavor and safe food consumption, I recommend following those recommendations.
• Divide into smaller portions. If you have lots of leftovers, divide the larger quantities into smaller, meal-sized servings before storing them. This will make it convenient to reheat only what you need, making meal prep a breeze.
• Store dry and wet foods separately. If possible, keep wet foods like roasted beets separate from leafy greens to maintain freshness and proper textures.
• Freeze for longer storage. Many vegetarian recipes freeze wonderfully because they’re typically light on dairy (which doesn’t freeze well) and don’t contain any meat. If you won’t consume the leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them in freezer-safe containers.
• Send your guests with a meal. Pack a complete meal for your guests using separated compartment containers. That way, they have a little bit of everything and have a meal ready for them for tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Holiday Appetizers, Easy Plant-Based Dinners, Festive New Years Recipes, and Vegetarian Dinners.

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