HomeVegetarian and Vegan

Vegetarian and Vegan Options for Christmas Dishes

This holiday season, give your Christmas dinner a plant-based twist with an array of delicious vegetarian and vegan options that are sure to impress even the biggest meat lovers at the table. Whether you're hosting a fully plant-based feast or simply want to incorporate more meatless dishes into your holiday spread, there are plenty of creative and flavorful alternatives to traditional Christmas favorites. From hearty mushroom Wellington to spicy roasted cauliflower steaks, these dishes are not only packed with flavor and nutrients, but they also make for a stunning centerpiece at your festive table. Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of vegan mashed potatoes, or opt for a refreshing salad featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables. With the right combination of ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a memorable and satisfying Christmas meal that everyone will enjoy. So, get ready to be inspired and discover the possibilities of plant-based cooking this holiday season

Benefits of Vegetarian and Vegan Christmas Dishes

The holiday season is a time for indulgence and celebration, and what better way to do so than with a delicious Christmas dinner? While many traditional holiday dishes are centered around meat, there is a growing trend towards plant-based eating. Incorporating vegetarian or vegan options into your Christmas feast not only offers a range of health benefits but also allows you to cater to the dietary preferences of your guests. Here are some of the key advantages of including vegetarian and vegan dishes in your Christmas spread.

1. Health Benefits

Choosing vegetarian and vegan options for your Christmas dinner can have numerous health benefits. Plant-based dishes are generally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, making them heart-healthy choices. They are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for overall well-being. By incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, you can improve your digestion, boost your immune system, and support healthy weight management. So, not only will you be satisfying your taste buds, but you'll also be nourishing your body.

2. Environmental Sustainability

Another important reason to opt for vegetarian or vegan dishes this Christmas is the positive impact it has on the environment. The meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing plant-based alternatives, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Additionally, plant-based diets require less land, water, and resources compared to animal-based diets, making them a more efficient and eco-friendly choice.

3. Variety and Creativity

One of the most exciting aspects of vegetarian and vegan cooking is the wide range of ingredients available to you. By exploring plant-based alternatives, you can unlock a whole new world of flavors, textures, and culinary experiences. From vibrant seasonal vegetables and fruits to hearty grains and legumes, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious and inventive dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, experimenting with vegetarian and vegan recipes can be a fun and rewarding way to showcase your creativity and culinary skills.

Festive Vegetarian and Vegan Christmas Dishes

Now that we've explored the benefits of incorporating vegetarian and vegan options into your Christmas dinner, let's dive into some mouthwatering dishes that will leave your guests wanting more. These recipes are not only packed with flavor and nutrients but also make a stunning centerpiece for your festive table.

1. Mushroom Wellington

The Mushroom Wellington is a classic vegetarian alternative to the traditional beef Wellington. This dish features a savory mushroom filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry, resulting in a show-stopping centerpiece that is sure to impress. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms, combined with aromatic herbs and spices, create a rich and satisfying taste that even meat lovers will enjoy. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables and a tangy cranberry sauce for a complete Christmas feast.

2. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Spicy Harissa Marinade

For a bold and flavorful dish, look no further than Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Spicy Harissa Marinade. This recipe transforms a humble cauliflower into a star-worthy main course. Thick slices of cauliflower are marinated in a spicy and tangy harissa sauce, then roasted to perfection. The result is tender, caramelized cauliflower steaks with a burst of flavor in every bite. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber and mint yogurt sauce for a cooling contrast. This dish is not only visually stunning but also guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

3. Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Mushroom Gravy

No Christmas dinner is complete without a generous serving of mashed potatoes. This vegan version of the classic comfort food is just as creamy and flavorful as its dairy-laden counterpart. By using plant-based butter or olive oil and non-dairy milk, you can achieve a velvety texture that will melt in your mouth. Top it off with a savory mushroom gravy made from sautéed mushrooms, onions, and vegetable broth, and you have a comforting and satisfying side dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

4. Winter Salad with Pomegranate and Maple-Glazed Pecans

Add a burst of freshness and vibrant colors to your Christmas table with a Winter Salad featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables. This salad combines crisp mixed greens with juicy pomegranate seeds, sweet maple-glazed pecans, and tangy citrus segments. The contrasting flavors and textures create a refreshing and palate-cleansing dish that balances the richness of other holiday treats. Drizzle it with a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a citrusy punch. Not only is this salad visually appealing, but it also provides a welcome dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

In conclusion, incorporating vegetarian and vegan options into your Christmas dinner is a wonderful way to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of your guests while embracing a more sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle. From hearty mushroom Wellington to spicy roasted cauliflower steaks and indulgent vegan mashed potatoes, there are plenty of delicious and satisfying dishes to choose from. So, this holiday season, let your creativity shine and let your plant-based Christmas feast be the talk of the town.

Christmas Vegetarian and Vegan Meal Ideas
Old-Fashioned Coffee Cake

Old-Fashioned Coffee Cake might be a good recipe to expand your breakfast repertoire. This recipe serves 9. One portion of this dish contains roughly 4g of protein, 12g of fat, and a total of 324 calories. For 29 cents per serving, this recipe covers 6% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. 1 person were glad they tried this recipe. It is a good option if you're following a lacto ovo vegetarian diet. Head to the store and pick up sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, and a few other things to make it today. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 50 minutes. Overall, this recipe earns a rather bad spoonacular score of 28%. Similar recipes are Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie, Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese, and Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Pecan Cookies.

Sweet and Sour Veggies

Sweet and Sour Veggies could be just the gluten free, dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan recipe you've been looking for. For 93 cents per serving, this recipe covers 9% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. This side dish has 175 calories, 2g of protein, and 1g of fat per serving. This recipe serves 6. 1 person has tried and liked this recipe. Head to the store and pick up red wine vinegar, cucumbers, bell pepper, and a few other things to make it today. It is brought to you by Allrecipes. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes approximately 12 minutes. With a spoonacular score of 58%, this dish is pretty good. If you like this recipe, you might also like recipes such as Honey Mustard Chicken With Cashews and Veggies, Lentil Soup with Veggies and Pasta, and Noodles and Veggies With Peanut Sauce.

Orecchiette with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Orecchiette with Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a lacto ovo vegetarian main course. For $2.06 per serving, this recipe covers 26% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One portion of this dish contains around 13g of protein, 27g of fat, and a total of 486 calories. This recipe serves 6. If you have olive oil, pepper, parsley, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes approximately 55 minutes. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. It will be a hit at your Christmas event. 1 person has made this recipe and would make it again. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 64%. This score is good. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Garlic, Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Red Onions and Pancetta, and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts are very similar to this recipe.

Spicy Apple Tea

If you have about 2 hours and 15 minutes to spend in the kitchen, Spicy Apple Tea might be a super gluten free, dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan recipe to try. This beverage has 124 calories, 0g of protein, and 0g of fat per serving. This recipe serves 21 and costs 29 cents per serving. 1 person were glad they tried this recipe. If you have water, individual tea bags, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 0%, which is improvable. Try Almond Tea Cookies, Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches, and Green Tea Fruit Medley Smoothie for similar recipes.

Raisin Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Raisin Buttermilk Coffee Cake is a lacto ovo vegetarian recipe with 15 servings. This breakfast has 449 calories, 6g of protein, and 13g of fat per serving. For 48 cents per serving, this recipe covers 9% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. If you have nuts, brown sugar, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. 1 person has made this recipe and would make it again. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 50 minutes. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 34%, which is rather bad. Similar recipes include Buttermilk Coffee Cake, Pineapple Carrot Raisin Spice Cake, and Pumpkin Raisin Cake.

Cranberry-Apple Bread

The recipe Cranberry-Apple Bread can be made in about 50 minutes. For 19 cents per serving, this recipe covers 2% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. This recipe serves 24. One portion of this dish contains approximately 3g of protein, 6g of fat, and a total of 169 calories. 1 person found this recipe to be flavorful and satisfying. Head to the store and pick up egg whites, milk, sugar, and a few other things to make it today. It is a good option if you're following a lacto ovo vegetarian diet. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. With a spoonacular score of 0%, this dish is very bad (but still fixable). Users who liked this recipe also liked Banana, Cranberry and Apple Bread, German Lemon Cake With Cranberry Aka Cranberry Zitronenkuchen, and Apple Cranberry Rolls.

Briam (Greek Mixed Vegetables in Tomato Sauce)

Briam (Greek Mixed Vegetables in Tomato Sauce) might be just the Mediterranean recipe you are searching for. This recipe makes 12 servings with 116 calories, 4g of protein, and 3g of fat each. For $1.17 per serving, this recipe covers 14% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. It works best as a sauce, and is done in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Head to the store and pick up bell peppers, salt and ground pepper, oregano, and a few other things to make it today. 56 people have made this recipe and would make it again. It is brought to you by Allrecipes. It is a good option if you're following a gluten free, dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan diet. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 97%, which is tremendous. If you like this recipe, you might also like recipes such as One Soup, Two Ways: Chunky Vegetables and Cream Of Vegetables, Pasta With Roasted Vegetables & Greek Olives, and Mixed Mushroom Sauce Over Tagliatelle Pasta.

Colonial Holiday Cup

If you want to add more gluten free, dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan recipes to your recipe box, Colonial Holiday Cup might be a recipe you should try. One serving contains 203 calories, 1g of protein, and 0g of fat. This recipe serves 16. For 57 cents per serving, this recipe covers 4% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. A mixture of apple juice, allspice, lemon juice, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so scrumptious. It works best as a hor d'oeuvre, and is done in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. 6 people have made this recipe and would make it again. It is brought to you by Allrecipes. Overall, this recipe earns a not so spectacular spoonacular score of 36%. Try PB Cup Stuffed Brownie Bites, Peanut Butter Cup Trifle, and Three-Cup Chicken for similar recipes.

Sweet-and-Sour Dressing

Need a gluten free, dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan hor d'oeuvre? Sweet-and-Sour Dressing could be a tremendous recipe to try. This recipe makes 24 servings with 78 calories, 0g of protein, and 2g of fat each. For 14 cents per serving, this recipe covers 0% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. If you have vinegar, corn syrup, salt, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 10 minutes. 1 person has made this recipe and would make it again. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. With a spoonacular score of 0%, this dish is improvable. Similar recipes are Easter Nest Sweet Cake With Sour Cream-Royal Icing and Pistachios, La Nonna's Sweet and Sour Eggplant Dip, and Super Speedy Spicy Sweet and Sour Shrimp.

Rhubarb Cherry Pie

Rhubarb Cherry Pie might be a good recipe to expand your dessert recipe box. This recipe serves 8 and costs 94 cents per serving. One serving contains 189 calories, 1g of protein, and 1g of fat. It is a good option if you're following a dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan diet. 1 person found this recipe to be yummy and satisfying. It is perfect for Mother's Day. A mixture of tart cherries, food coloring, quick-cooking tapioca, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so tasty. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes approximately 50 minutes. Overall, this recipe earns a rather bad spoonacular score of 26%. If you like this recipe, you might also like recipes such as Delicious Rhubarb Custard Pie, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Vegan Shake, and Cherry-Berry Pie With Agave Nectar All-Butter Crust.

English Muffin Pizzas

English Muffin Pizzas is a main course that serves 6. One serving contains 369 calories, 18g of protein, and 19g of fat. For $1.74 per serving, this recipe covers 14% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. 1 person has tried and liked this recipe. A mixture of tomato sauce, muffins, toppings, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so scrumptious. It is brought to you by Allrecipes. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 5 minutes. Overall, this recipe earns a solid spoonacular score of 46%. Similar recipes are Artichoke, Kalamata, & Sun-Dried Tomato Mini-Pizzas With Garlic and Rosemary, Pita Pizzas with Sautéed Apples and Bacon, and Mini Vegetarian Puff Pastry Pizzas.

Celery Root Mashed Potatoes

Celery Root Mashed Potatoes is a gluten free and lacto ovo vegetarian recipe with 8 servings. For 92 cents per serving, this recipe covers 12% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. One portion of this dish contains about 6g of protein, 17g of fat, and a total of 316 calories. If you have pepper, celery root, salt, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. Only a few people made this recipe, and 3 would say it hit the spot. Thanksgiving will be even more special with this recipe. It works well as a side dish. It is brought to you by Foodnetwork. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes roughly 50 minutes. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 45%, which is pretty good. Similar recipes include Savoy Cabbage and Celery Root Soup with Leek Confit, Cod with Tomato-Olive-Chorizo Sauce and Mashed Potatoes, and Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

Banana Chip Pancakes

Banana Chip Pancakes might be just the breakfast you are searching for. This recipe serves 4. One serving contains 599 calories, 13g of protein, and 22g of fat. For 88 cents per serving, this recipe covers 12% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. If you have egg, biscuit/baking mix, bananas, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. Not a lot of people made this recipe, and 2 would say it hit the spot. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 30 minutes. Overall, this recipe earns a pretty good spoonacular score of 49%. Similar recipes are Cinnamon Chocolate-Chip Banana Pancakes, Baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes, and Chocolate Chip Pancakes-gluten free, nut free, vegan.

Salsa Potato Salad

Salsa Potato Salad might be just the Mexican recipe you are searching for. This gluten free and lacto ovo vegetarian recipe serves 7 and costs 44 cents per serving. This side dish has 100 calories, 4g of protein, and 1g of fat per serving. It is perfect for The Fourth Of July. 1 person found this recipe to be delicious and satisfying. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes approximately 10 minutes. Head to the store and pick up celery, salsa, parsley, and a few other things to make it today. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. Overall, this recipe earns a solid spoonacular score of 62%. If you like this recipe, take a look at these similar recipes: Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Crispy-Fried Potato Skins, Anticuchos Of White Seabass With Aji Chile Honey Marinade & Semilla Salsa, and Bing's Mango Salsa.

Quinoa Salad

If you want to add more gluten free and lacto ovo vegetarian recipes to your recipe box, Quinoa Salad might be a recipe you should try. For $2.1 per serving, this recipe covers 15% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. This recipe serves 6. This hor d'oeuvre has 197 calories, 7g of protein, and 8g of fat per serving. 183 people were glad they tried this recipe. Head to the store and pick up fines herbs, fines herbs, flat leaf parsley, and a few other things to make it today. It is brought to you by Foodnetwork. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes approximately 22 minutes. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 77%. This score is pretty good. If you like this recipe, take a look at these similar recipes: Eggless Quinoa Bananan Almond Muffins - How to make Quinoa Muffins, Colorful Red Quinoa Not So Tabbouleh Salad, and Double Blueberry Quinoa Salad.

Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas

Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas could be just the gluten free, dairy free, lacto ovo vegetarian, and vegan recipe you've been looking for. For $1.8 per serving, you get a beverage that serves 12. One portion of this dish contains roughly 0g of protein, 0g of fat, and a total of 137 calories. 1 person were impressed by this recipe. Not a lot of people really liked this Mediterranean dish. If you have tequila, pomegranate juice, pomegranate and cranberries, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes around 5 minutes. It is brought to you by Taste of Home. Taking all factors into account, this recipe earns a spoonacular score of 0%, which is very bad (but still fixable). German Lemon Cake With Cranberry Aka Cranberry Zitronenkuchen, Pomegranate-Nutella Waffles, and Green Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese Garnish are very similar to this recipe.

Rhubarb Rumble (non Weight Watchers/Diabetic version) Pie/Bars

Rhubarb Rumble (non Weight Watchers/Diabetic version) Pie/Bars is a gluten free recipe with 8 servings. One serving contains 407 calories, 9g of protein, and 15g of fat. For $1.57 per serving, this recipe covers 7% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. This recipe from Allrecipes has 1 fans. It works best as a dessert, and is done in about 30 minutes. This recipe is typical of Southern cuisine. It can be enjoyed any time, but it is especially good for Mother's Day. A mixture of vanilla pudding mix, strawberry gelatin packet, strawberry gelatin packet, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so scrumptious. Overall, this recipe earns a rather bad spoonacular score of 35%. Try Baie Rose and Orange-Scented Red Berry NON COOK FREEZER Jam, Deceptively Non-Creamy Creamy Coleslaw, and Home-Made Baked Corn Dogs + Vegan Version for similar recipes.

Peaches and Cream Milkshake

Peaches and Cream Milkshake is a beverage that serves 1. For $4.36 per serving, this recipe covers 11% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. Watching your figure? This gluten free and dairy free recipe has 610 calories, 8g of protein, and 17g of fat per serving. A mixture of peach vodka, peach, peach sorbet, and a handful of other ingredients are all it takes to make this recipe so yummy. 1 person has tried and liked this recipe. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes about 5 minutes. It is brought to you by Foodnetwork. All things considered, we decided this recipe deserves a spoonacular score of 37%. This score is rather bad. Similar recipes include Coconut Cream Pie Vegan Milkshake, Peaches And Cream Oatmeal, and Peaches and Cream Pound Cake.

Poppy Seed Coffee Cake

Poppy Seed Coffee Cake is a breakfast that serves 15. One portion of this dish contains about 4g of protein, 11g of fat, and a total of 271 calories. For 35 cents per serving, this recipe covers 6% of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. It is a good option if you're following a lacto ovo vegetarian diet. This recipe from Taste of Home has 1 fans. If you have buttermilk, brown sugar, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients on hand, you can make it. From preparation to the plate, this recipe takes approximately 55 minutes. Overall, this recipe earns a not so excellent spoonacular score of 26%. Try Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake, Poppy Seed Crazy Cake, and Warm Lemon Poppy Seed Cake With Chocolate Ganache Center for similar recipes.

Videos for Making Different Christmas Vegetarian and Vegan Style Dishes
How To Make A Holiday Vegetarian WellingtonThis showstopper veggie Wellington is the perfect dish to impress everyone at a holiday dinner. Make it and all your other healthy ...
Veggie Crown Together Jamie Oliver ChristmasYour festive dinners will never be the same again with my delicious veggie crown. It's so simple to make and it looks amazing, ...
Veggie Christmas Pithivier Pie Jamie Oliver"If you're a veggie, or you've got a veggie coming for Christmas dinner, then look no further than this epic pie! With golden pastry ...
One Tray VEGAN CHRISTMAS Dinner 🎄This is our one tray vegan Christmas dinner that's perfect if you're the only vegan person in the household! This dinner is delicious ...
How To Make Mushroom And Chestnut Wellington WaitroseSilvana Franco makes mushroom and chestnut wellington - the perfect vegetarian Christmas main. See the full recipe ...
Tips and Tricks for Christmas Vegetarian and Vegan Meals
Additional Menu Ideas Related to Christmas Vegetarian and Vegan Food