Fall Holiday Menu Ideas for Vegans at Non-Vegan Tables |

Celebrate the holiday season with ease and flavor using these delicious vegan Fall holiday menus, perfect for gatherings where you may be the only plant-based eater. Discover how to create inclusive and satisfying dishes where everyone at the table is happily fed!

Navigating holiday dinners as a vegan can often feel like an uphill battle—especially when you’re the only one at the table. I remember my first few holiday seasons after going plant-based; let’s just say, the side dishes became my best friends! But holiday meals aren’t just about finding something to eat—they’re about sharing a delicious, festive meal with family and friends. It’s important to feel included in the celebration, no matter what’s on your plate.

In my home, Rosh Hashanah kicks off the Fall holiday season, and I typically host dinners before each service that marks the Jewish High Holidays. Apples, squash, and honey are traditional foods at this time of year, and I love incorporating those flavors into bold, hearty dishes that highlight the season. Over the years, I’ve curated holiday menus that not only satisfy vegan and non-vegan eaters alike, but also bring everyone together around the table. My approach? Delicious, plant-based meals that everyone enjoys, with an added protein option for non-vegans, so no one feels left out or obligated to eat a certain way.

To help make your Fall holiday season a little easier, I’m sharing two sample menus that combine rich, plant-based dishes with those classic, festive flavors we all love. During the holidays, I love cooking from my favorite blogs and cookbooks, sampling new recipes alongside tried-and-true favorites—and the menus I’m sharing reflect that same approach.

Don’t forget to grab my free Fall 1-week dinner plan, featuring a roundup of recipes that celebrate the flavors of Fall. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, these simple, cozy meals will be your secret weapon for incorporating seasonal ingredients and staying stress-free this season!

My Approach To Holiday Dinner Planning As The Only Vegan At The Table

When planning my holiday menus, I always start with the flavors I want to showcase. For Fall holidays, I gravitate toward earthy, warm ingredients like squash, root vegetables, apples, and herbs that bring the season to life. From there, I focus on plant-forward recipes that are not only delicious but versatile enough to please vegans and non-vegans alike. My goal is to create dishes that don’t feel like substitutes but can stand proudly on their own, making everyone at the table feel included.

For the main dish, I like to keep things simple but adaptable. I often choose recipes that work with dual proteins, such as a marinade that can be used for both tofu and chicken, allowing me to serve something for everyone with minimal extra effort. Another approach I take is preparing a hearty vegan protein dish (like a lentil loaf or roasted cauliflower steaks) and supplementing it with a store-bought rotisserie chicken for non-vegans on the side. This way, the meal feels cohesive, and everyone can enjoy their preferred protein without creating two completely separate meals.

Beyond the main protein, I ensure that all other dishes on the table are plant-based. This strategy keeps the menu simple and emphasizes how delicious plant-based eating can be without making the non-vegans feel like they’re missing out. If someone offers to bring a non-vegan dish, like a kugel with eggs and dairy, I graciously accept and include it alongside the other dishes. My goal is to create a welcoming table where everyone feels comfortable, enjoying the food and the experience, no matter their dietary preferences.

Sample Fall Holiday Menus

Navigating a holiday meal when you’re the only vegan can be challenging, but these sample Fall holiday menus will ensure you have a seat at the table that feels as festive as the rest of the dishes. Each of these menus includes a mix of plant-based goodness and familiar seasonal flavors, with options to add non-vegan proteins for a stress-free dining experience that pleases everyone. These curated menus bring together some of my favorite recipes from trusted sources, offering bold flavors and heartwarming comfort that are perfect for Fall celebrations.

Menu 1: Celebratory Rosh Hashanah Feast

Round Water Challah (Lion’s Bread): A beautifully braided, round challah to symbolize the circle of life. Soft and pillowy, it’s the perfect bread for the holiday table.
Main Dish: Sesame Tofu Schnitzel (Nosh by Micah Siva): This crispy, sesame-crusted tofu schnitzel is hearty and delicious. Double the recipe to include chicken cutlets in a separate pan for non-vegans.
Preserved Lemon Tabbouleh (JamieGeller.com): Bright and zesty, this Mediterranean-inspired side brings fresh herbs and tangy preserved lemon to balance out the meal.
Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad (HalfBakedHarvest.com): Crisp Honeycrisp apples, creamy feta, and warm autumn spices make this salad the perfect complement to any main. Serve the bacon on the side, sub tempeh bacon, or omit completely. Use dairy-free feta. (I love this one.)
Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Basil Vinaigrette (WhatsGabyCooking.com): Smoky sweet potatoes drizzled with a basil vinaigrette bring a pop of flavor to the table. I’m going to omit the feta since the salad above has feta.
Dessert: Vegan Honey Cake (TheVeganAtlas.com): This moist, spiced cake offers a vegan twist on the traditional honey cake, perfect for celebrating Rosh Hashanah.

Menu 2: Hearty Plant-Based Holiday Menu

Round Water Challah (Lion’s Bread)
Main Dish: Savory Pulled Mushroom and Tofu Brisket (Nosh by Micah Siva): A plant-based take on the classic brisket, with pulled mushrooms and tofu creating a savory, meaty texture.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad (WhatsGabyCooking.com): A crunchy, vibrant salad that combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Use vegan Parm — I love this one.
Roasted Potatoes and Carrots: Simple yet classic, roasted root vegetables round out this festive menu.
Butternut Squash Orzo Salad with Candied Bacon (HalfBakedHarvest.com): Butternut squash, orzo, and candied bacon create a flavorful, hearty salad perfect for non-vegans. Sub tempeh bacon, omit completely or serve on the side. Use vegan goat cheese or vegan ricotta.
Dessert: Salted Honey Apple Fritters (Nosh by Micah Siva): These apple fritters are a sweet and salty treat, perfect for indulging at the end of the meal.

Menu 3: Festive Fall Celebration

Round Water Challah (Lion’s Bread)
Main Dish: Tempeh and Artichoke Marbella (Nosh by Micah Siva): A rich, savory dish with marinated tempeh and artichokes. For non-vegans, prepare chicken tenders in a separate pan using the same flavorful marinade.
3-Ingredient Couscous Salad (JamieGeller.com): A simple yet satisfying side dish that’s quick to prepare and complements the main course perfectly.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Candied Bacon Salad (HalfBakedHarvest.com): Brussels sprouts paired with candied bacon create a sweet and savory side dish that will delight your guests. Omit the bacon or sub tempeh bacon. Swap manchego cheese with this vegan Parmesan.
Pomegranate, Apple & Date Salad (JamieGeller.com): This vibrant salad, featuring sweet dates and tart pomegranates, brings a fresh and fruity balance to the table.
Dessert: Apple Bundt Cake (Isa Chandra Moskowitz): A spiced, tender apple cake to close out the meal with a touch of Fall flavor.

How to Approach a Non-Vegan Table as the Only Vegan

Being the only vegan at a holiday dinner can sometimes feel isolating, but with a little preparation and the right mindset, you can navigate the table with confidence and joy. Here are my top tips for ensuring you have a delicious meal and a great time, no matter what’s being served.

1. Communicate

Open up a conversation with the host ahead of time. Let them know about your dietary preferences and offer to bring a dish that everyone can enjoy. This way, you’re not only ensuring that you’ll have something delicious to eat, but you’re also contributing to the meal in a way that’s inclusive. Most hosts appreciate the extra help and will likely be curious to try the vegan dish you’re bringing!

2. Bring Extra

If you’ve ever experienced the scenario where your plant-based dish disappears faster than expected, you know that non-vegans can be just as eager to dig into something new and delicious. Always bring more than enough for yourself—your dish might end up being the most popular item at the table! Whether it’s a hearty main like tempeh Marbella or a flavorful side salad, your contribution can offer a fresh perspective on how tasty plant-based eating can be.

3. Stay Positive

It’s easy to feel a bit out of place when your plate looks different from everyone else’s, but remember: the holidays are about sharing food and creating memories with loved ones. Keep the focus on the joy of being together, and don’t worry if your diet stands out. Staying upbeat and positive can shift the focus from what’s different to what’s shared. Use this as an opportunity to share your love for plant-based foods without judgment or pressure on others to change.

Holiday meals are meant to be celebratory and inclusive. With these simple strategies, you’ll be able to enjoy the feast without stress and show how delicious and satisfying vegan dishes can be!

Resources for Fall Holiday Menu Planning

Planning a holiday menu as the only vegan at the table can feel like a challenge, but with the right resources, it becomes an exciting opportunity to showcase the delicious possibilities of plant-based cooking. As I mentioned above, I use the Fall holidays as a time to explore new cookbooks and favorite recipe sites and blogs. Whether you’re looking for new recipe inspiration or tried-and-true holiday classics, these are some of my current go-to resources for creating festive, plant-based meals that everyone will love.

Blogs

These plant-based and mixed-diet blogs offer a wealth of ideas for flavorful, crowd-pleasing dishes, perfect for holiday celebrations:

Minimalist Baker – Simple, quick, and plant-based recipes that are easy to make and perfect for busy holiday planning.
Nosh With Micah – A blog brimming with vibrant, creative recipes from plant-based chef Micah Siva, featuring both vegan and adaptable mixed-diet dishes.
Half Baked Harvest – Known for bold flavors and approachable recipes, this blog includes creative and delicious recipes that are easily veganized and adaptable for mixed-diet menus.
What’s Gaby Cooking – Find fresh and seasonal recipes with a focus on easy, wholesome meals, including plenty of vegan-friendly dishes and options for adapting to vegan.
Pinch of Yum – A favorite for flavorful, family friendly recipes and hearty, cozy meals that satisfy all dietary needs. The meals can easily be made vegan and adapted for both vegans and non-vegans within the same meal.
The Vegan Atlas – Featuring a variety of plant-based recipes, this blog by Nava Atlas is especially great for discovering veganized versions of traditional holiday dishes.

Cookbooks

For more comprehensive menu planning, these cookbooks provide an abundance of festive, plant-based options. They’re perfect for those times when you want to sit down with a good cookbook and plan your holiday meals:

Nosh by Micah Siva – This new-this-year cookbook is one of my favorites right now and offers stunning, plant-forward dishes rooted in Jewish tradition, making it perfect for creating memorable holiday meals.
Vegan Holiday Kitchen by Nava Atlas – A must-have for any vegan celebrating the holidays, this book is filled with festive recipes that deliver on flavor and satisfy even the most skeptical eaters. I return to this book again and again.
The Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook by Isa Chandra Moskowitz – A fun and creative cookbook that takes you through every holiday of the year, offering unique and delicious vegan dishes for your Fall celebrations.
Mayim’s Vegan Table by Mayim Bialik – A family-focused cookbook that includes wholesome, simple vegan recipes ideal for holiday dinners, especially when you need to feed a crowd.

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends this season, I hope these blogs and cookbooks provide you with inspiration to create a menu that’s as festive as it is flavorful.

Download My Free Fall 1-Week Dinner Plan!

As the holiday season kicks into full swing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the whirlwind of meal planning, shopping, and cooking. That’s why I’ve created a free Fall 1-Week Dinner Plan to help you stay organized and stress-free. This plan is packed with fall-inspired recipes that celebrate the best of the season, featuring cozy flavors and comforting dishes that your whole family will love—whether they’re vegan or not.

From hearty soups to flavorful salads and filling mains, this dinner plan is designed with busy families in mind, making it easier to serve delicious meals everyone will enjoy. Plus, all the recipes are simple to prepare and focus on using seasonal ingredients, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.

Want more stress-free meal inspiration? Download my free Fall 1-week dinner plan today and start planning your fall dinners with ease!