35 Vegetarian Christmas Dinners

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Get ready to deck the halls and your dining table with a festive array of Vegetarian Christmas recipes. This collection of 35 delightful dishes is a treasure trove for anyone looking to infuse their holiday meals with plant-based goodness. Whether you’re hosting a full vegetarian feast this Christmas or simply aiming to add more meat-free options to your menu, these recipes are sure to inspire and satisfy. From sumptuous mains that will take center stage on your table to sides, appetizers, and desserts that are both delicious and visually stunning, these vegetarian creations are designed to impress.

Vegetarian Christmas dinners can be every bit as satisfying and delicious as the meaty dishes found on the menu. And even though holiday dinners are generally more festive than your regular weeknight meal, that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. If you’re vegetarian or want to have a few dishes up your sleeve to accommodate your vegetarian guests, stick around! This collection of the best vegetarian Christmas dinners will bring the holiday spirit to your table without the fuss. Plus, I share my top tips and tricks to make sure you come up with a well-balanced Christmas menu that will be fa-la-la-finger-licking-good!

Tips for making healthy 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 elevates the best vegetarian Christmas dinners. It’s a small act transforming ordinary dishes into festive, inviting, and mouthwatering masterpieces.
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 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 to easy vegetarian Christmas dinners. Sprinkle some chopped parsley, cilantro, or fresh basil over your dishes to add a burst of flavor and freshness.

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 doesn’t mean skimping on flavor – these recipes are bursting with deliciousness for everyone to enjoy. From tasty appetizers to vibrant soups, hearty sides, and salads, and finishing off with the main course, these simple and healthy vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas have you covered!

Vegetarian Christmas appetizers

• Baked Feta Dip – If you love the baked feta pasta, you will be head over heels with this tasty dip. Full of Mediterranean flavors from olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese, it’s fancy enough to be on your vegetarian Christmas dinner menu but simple enough that an amateur cook can throw this together in no time.
• Cream Cheese Spinach Dip – Start your Christmas festivities with this lightened-up spinach dip. Made with yogurt and baked in the oven to smooth, cheesy perfection for a mouthwatering shared appetizer. Serve with garlic knots or pita bread for a tasty addition to your easy vegetarian Christmas dinner lineup.
• Spanakopita – These Greek spinach hand pies are a perfect vegetarian appetizer, featuring a flaky phyllo pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms – Made with chickpeas, walnuts, and cheese, these savory bites are a tasty addition to your healthy vegetarian Christmas dinner. Bursting with flavors, they’re satisfying, festive, and oh-so-delicious.
• Lebanese Spinach Pies – This is a Middle Eastern version of spanakopita that’s made with homemade dough and filled with spinach, parsley, chopped onions, lemon juice, and aromatic seasonings. They’re great to make ahead of time, and you can freeze some for later, too.

Healthy vegetarian Christmas soups & stews

• Acorn Squash Soup – Roasted acorn squash, spices, and a hint of Greek yogurt come together to create this tasty winter soup. The sweetness from carrots and apples and the warmth of curry powder, turmeric, and ginger make this a perfectly balanced bowl of deliciousness that kickstarts your vegetarian Christmas dinner.
• Sweet Potato Chili – Warm and inviting, this vegan chili has basic ingredients, including chopped sweet potatoes, green peppers, and garlic, but is sophisticated in flavor. It’s the perfect bowl of hearty goodness that will be an excellent starting dish to your lineup of healthy vegetarian Christmas dinners.
• Lebanese Crushed Lentil Soup – This vegan, easy-to-make soup is total comfort food. Made with a few fresh veggies and pantry staples like red lentils and white rice, it’s a wholesome and hearty option, perfect for chilly holiday festivities.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup – This blended soup is the perfect gateway to the easy vegetarian Christmas dinners up ahead. It’s flavorful, vegan, light, yet cozy. Roasted butternut squash comes together with coconut milk, vegetable broth, cinnamon, and ginger for the perfect winter soup.
• Vegetable Stew – This stew will become one of your favorite simple vegetarian Christmas dinners. It’s hearty, packed with veggies like mushrooms, celery, and potatoes, and loaded with flavor. The tasty broth combines crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock, making it the ultimate comfort food.
• Vegan Lentil Chili – In this hearty one-pot wonder, the robust textures of green and red lentils meet the classic taste of chili. Infused with warm spices, tomato sauce, and a touch of optional sweetness from maple syrup, every spoonful promises warmth and comfort that will round off the best vegetarian Christmas dinners.

Simple vegetarian Christmas dinner salads

• Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts – This kale salad is loaded with pears, cranberries, and topped with candied walnuts and blue cheese. Drizzle homemade vinaigrette, and you have a tasty salad that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
• Brussels Sprout Salad – You’ll love this modern twist on a classic Caesar salad. Made with shaved Brussels sprouts instead of romaine lettuce and topped with salty homemade croutons and shaved parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect addition to your list of easy vegetarian Christmas dinners.
• Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad – This seasonal recipe, bursting with flavor and texture, is perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with roasted butternut squash, kale, cooked quinoa, pomegranate seeds, and feta cheese, this vibrant dish will be everyone’s favorite at Christmas dinner.
• Christmas Wreath Salad – Festive, creative, and delicious. Is there anything more Christmas-like than a salad shaped like a wreath? Leafy kale greens take center stage with cooked beets, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, giving that pop of red. This simple vegetarian Christmas dinner contribution will be a huge hit!
• Roasted Beet Salad – Winter is all about hearty root veggies like beets, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than in this winter salad. Oven-roasted beets are added to a bed of arugula and topped with candied walnuts, feta, and dressed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
• Bulgur Chickpea Salad – A salad that could pass as a vegetarian main course? That’s right. Simple to make and no cooking required, this vegan bulgur and chickpea salad is healthy, hearty, and satisfying. Serve it as a side or one of the main courses. Either way, it will be a hit at your holiday gathering.
• Green Bean Salad – If you want a lighter side of green beans, you will love this salad. It’s made with blanched green beans, toasted pecans, and parmesan cheese, and tossed in a light and lemony dressing. It’s a refreshing complement to more heartier holiday dishes.

Easy vegetarian Christmas dinner sides

• Roasted Acorn Squash – Elevate your vegetarian holiday meal with oven-roasted acorn squash, generously seasoned with molasses-rich brown sugar, warm cumin, and aromatic cinnamon. This festive blend of flavors will turn each bite into a celebration!
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes – No one can resist a good platter of garlic roasted potatoes, especially at Christmas dinner! Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, these golden bites are generously coated with a mix of garlic and Parmesan to make a mouthwatering side dish.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – If you need a quick side to add to your list of simple vegetarian Christmas dinners, this is it! You’ll only need 10 minutes of prep time, and then you can let the oven do the rest of the work. They’re mildly seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, so you can jazz them up however you wish beyond that.
• Roasted Cabbage – Roasting cabbage is a nice change to your spread of roasted veggies. The edges crisp up wonderfully, and the natural sweetness shines through, making each bite a mouthwatering experience. Healthy, easy to make, and looks deliciously festive.
• Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash – Cubed butternut squash is seasoned with cinnamon and lightly sweetened with maple syrup in this easy side dish. This simple recipe transforms humble squash into a festive and flavorful addition to your Christmas dinner.
• Healthy Green Bean Casserole – Made from scratch with homemade cream of mushroom soup, this green bean casserole is a healthier and lighter version of a true classic. Crisp green beans are smothered in a creamy, velvety mushroom soup and topped with breadcrumbs before baking in the oven to golden brown perfection.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – This one goes out to all the garlic lovers! These mashed potatoes have two heads of garlic for a creamy, dreamy, deliciously garlicky side dish that will make your taste buds happy. The velvety texture and savory garlic kick make these a comforting and flavorful addition to your Christmas dinner.
• Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic – Such a simple dish but packed full of flavor. Made with only 4 ingredients and ready in 10 minutes, this easy side is also a great last-minute addition. Earthy mushrooms and aromatic garlic adds wholesome deliciousness to your vegetarian Christmas dinner.

Vegetarian Christmas main courses

• Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta – Simple, hearty, and full of flavor, this pasta dish is a tasty and protein-packed twist on a classic. The creamy richness of cottage cheese adds a satisfying element while still keeping it homey, comforting, and delicious!
• Creamy Pumpkin Pasta – This velvety pumpkin pasta dish is quick and simple to prepare but packed with so much flavor from sauteed garlic, canned or homemade pumpkin puree, and tender and chewy pasta. It’s a perfect choice to add to your vegetarian Christmas dinner menu.
• Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – This meatless Shepherd’s pie will be everyone’s favorite this Christmas. It’s made with mushrooms, quinoa, and loaded with colorful veggies, and cooked in a rich gravy sauce. Top with leftover mashed potatoes and pop it in the oven for a mouthwatering entree.
• Zucchini Lasagna – This low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna is a perfect addition to your healthy vegetarian Christmas dinner. It has layers of zucchini slices, marinara, and cheese and is a healthier and lighter option that still satisfies your craving for a saucy dish.
• Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups – These lasagna roll-ups are a fun way to enjoy a classic. Traditional ricotta filling is rolled up in a long pasta and topped with the best homemade marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. It keeps the comforting classic flavors but in festive form, ready to grace your Christmas dinner table.
• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta – Comfort food meets elegance in this creamy squash pasta dish. The velvety butternut squash sauce generously coats each strand of spaghetti, bringing a depth of flavor to an otherwise simple pasta dish. Don’t let the ease of this dish keep it off your list of simple vegetarian Christmas dinners.
• Garlic Mushroom Pasta – This pasta dish is so easy to throw together with basic pantry ingredients plus mushrooms. It’s satisfying, quick to make, and oh-so-delicious. It would make an excellent accompaniment to other holiday dishes.
• Quinoa Stuffed Peppers – Bell pepper halves are stuffed with vegetarian stuffing, including onions, crushed tomatoes, corn, beans, and quinoa cooked in vegetable stock for extra flavor. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and pop it in the oven until melty and warm throughout.
• Easy Baked Spaghetti – This vegetarian casserole meal is total comfort food and requires little prep. It’s simple enough to whip up at the last minute and yet has that fancy and sophisticated appeal that’s perfect for your list of the best vegetarian Christmas dinners.

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

With this collection of simple vegetarian Christmas dinners, you can be confident that your holiday spread will be graced with delicious and festive dishes. From savory appetizers to vibrant entrees, this roundup of 35 vegetarian Christmas dinners will make your holiday gathering a joyful and delicious feast!

Full list of recipes

Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.

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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