52 Vegetarian Side Dish Ideas For Christmas/Holiday Gatherings!
When it comes to holiday gatherings, the side dishes can be just as exciting as the main course—especially if you’re serving up a variety of delicious, colorful vegetarian options. From cozy casseroles and roasted vegetables to fresh salads and festive grain dishes, there are endless ways to fill your table with plant-based sides that everyone will love. Whether you’re catering to a vegetarian crowd or simply looking to add some meat-free variety to your holiday feast, these side dishes bring incredible flavor, texture, and holiday cheer.
In this article, I have compiled 52 truly tasty vegetarian side dish ideas that are perfect for Christmas or any holiday gathering. After 4 holiday seasons (entering my 5th) as a vegetarian I’ve learned to really embrace making my traditional favorites meat free but also incorporating in new ideas!
Each dish is easy to make, packed with seasonal ingredients, and designed to impress even the most traditional holiday diners. So grab your apron and get ready to elevate your holiday meal with these creative, crowd-pleasing sides that bring a little something special to the table!
*** This article may contain affiliate links that I receive a small commission off of. I always appreciate any support to keep this site running! Thank you!******
52 Vegetarian Side Dish Ideas For Christmas/Holiday Gatherings!
Meat free side ideas for holiday dinner:
- Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
- Roast Brussels sprouts with garlic, olive oil, and salt until crispy, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet finish. These will be a crowd favorite amongst both those who eat meat and those that don’t!
- Parmesan Truffle Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes infused with Parmesan cheese and a hint of truffle oil for a luxurious side dish. Stepping up a traditional side of mashed potatoes with truffle and cheese is an amazing way to elevate your holiday dinner while keeping the classic vibe going.
- Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
- Roast carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, and thyme, allowing the glaze to caramelize for a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Zest
- Lightly sauté blanched green beans with garlic and slivered almonds, finishing with fresh lemon zest for added brightness and to help really pull out the flavors.
- Herbed Stuffed Mushrooms
- Fill mushroom caps with a breadcrumb, garlic, and herb mixture, then bake until golden brown for a savory, bite-sized treat.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
- Top creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery pecan crumble and bake until golden for a mix of creamy and crunchy textures. Personally sweet potatoes in mashed form is my favorite way to serve them during the holidays.
- Creamed Spinach Gratin
- Bake spinach in a creamy sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a rich, savory side.
- Rosemary Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, then roast until crispy and fragrant. I highly recommend making an olive oil based dipping sauce for them as well.
- Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
- Wild rice is mixed with cranberries and pecans, cooked with broth and herbs for a sweet and nutty holiday side.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
- Cauliflower baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a golden breadcrumb topping for a comforting, cheesy side.
- Honey Roasted Parsnips and Carrots
- Roast parsnips and carrots with honey and rosemary to bring out their natural sweetness and make a delightful, tender dish.
- Vegetarian Stuffing with Mushrooms and Sage
- A savory stuffing with mushrooms, celery, and sage, baked to golden perfection with veggie broth.
- Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes
- Boil and smash small potatoes, then bake with garlic butter until crispy on the outside and soft inside. Potato options are always something to lean into when you are hosting one or more vegetarians/vegans! But remember to clarify if the person you are hosting is vegetarian VS vegan!
- Balsamic Roasted Beets and Carrots
- Roast beets and carrots with balsamic vinegar and thyme for a colorful, earthy side.
- Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
- A puff pastry tart topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese, baked until golden and flaky. A balsamic glaze on top would just really complete this side dish!
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta and Pomegranate Seeds
- Roast butternut squash cubes, then top with crumbled feta and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Bake a creamy dip with spinach, artichokes, and cheese until bubbly, serving with bread or veggies. Or my personal favorite- homemade pretzel chips!
- Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
- A classic casserole made with broccoli, cheddar, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This was
- Maple Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash
- Toss Brussels sprouts and squash with a maple-Dijon dressing before roasting for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Fennel and Orange Salad with Walnuts
- Combine thinly sliced fennel, oranges, arugula, and walnuts in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
- A cozy dish with lentils and vegetables in gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until the top becomes that beautiful (and oh so tasty!) brown shade.
- Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
- Roast asparagus spears with olive oil, then finish with Parmesan and lemon juice for added zest.
- Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic and Chives
- A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, flavored with garlic and fresh chives.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries
- Roast acorn squash halves, then fill with a mixture of wild rice, cranberries, and herbs for a sweet-savory dish.
- Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans
- Toss arugula with sliced pears, gorgonzola, and candied pecans in a simple vinaigrette for a festive salad.
- Honey Dijon Brussels Sprouts Slaw
- Shredded Brussels sprouts in a honey-Dijon dressing, topped with almonds and cranberries for crunch. Want to elevate this side dish even further? Sprinkle some crumbled up goat cheese on it as well!
- Potato and Gruyère Gratin
- Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a Gruyère cheese sauce until bubbly and golden.
- Beet, Orange, and Arugula Salad
- Mix roasted beets, fresh orange slices, and arugula, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
- Garlic Roasted Mushrooms with Thyme
- Roast whole mushrooms with garlic and thyme until tender and caramelized.
- Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Butter
- Slice cauliflower into thick “steaks” and roast with herb butter until golden and flavorful.
- Apple and Sage Stuffing
- A hearty vegetarian stuffing with apples, sage, and celery, baked until crisp on top.
- Zucchini and Corn Fritters
- Mix grated zucchini and corn with herbs and flour, then pan-fry for a crunchy, veggie-packed fritter.
- Parsnip and Potato Mash
- A creamy mash combining the sweetness of parsnips with the classic taste of potatoes.
- Pumpkin Risotto with Sage
- Creamy pumpkin risotto with sage and Parmesan, perfect for a festive, hearty side. My personal favorite is to add some sunflower seeds to the top of this soup before serving.
- Baked Polenta with Parmesan and Rosemary
- Creamy polenta baked with Parmesan and rosemary, creating a flavorful, comforting side.
- Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples
- Shredded red cabbage and apples cooked with vinegar and warm spices, perfect for a holiday spread.
- Sweet Potato Wedges with Chipotle Lime Dip
- Roasted sweet potato wedges served with a zesty chipotle lime dipping sauce. A BBQ based sauce also goes so well with roasted sweet potatoes.
- Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Bell peppers stuffed with a savory mushroom and spinach filling, topped with cheese and baked.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic for extra depth of flavor.
- Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Spinach
- Orzo pasta cooked with cream, Parmesan, and spinach for a comforting, flavorful side.
- Charred Broccoli with Lemon and Chili Flakes
- Broccoli florets roasted until charred and topped with lemon juice and chili flakes for a tangy kick.
- Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Hash
- Sauté Brussels sprouts and diced sweet potatoes with garlic and onions for a hearty side.
- Honey Balsamic Roasted Figs and Carrots
- Sweet roasted figs and carrots with a honey-balsamic glaze, adding a unique, festive flavor.
- Pomegranate and Kale Salad with Feta
- Massaged kale with pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and a light dressing for a nutrient-packed dish.
- Caramelized Butternut Squash with Sage
- Roast butternut squash with caramelized onions and fresh sage for a sweet and earthy flavor.
- Herbed Cauliflower Rice
- A light and fluffy cauliflower rice seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon for a lighter side option.
- Spaghetti Squash with Pesto
- Roast spaghetti squash and toss with pesto for a fresh and delicious side dish.
- Green Bean Almondine
- Blanched green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and slivered almonds for a classic holiday side.
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Spinach and Ricotta
- Large portobello mushrooms stuffed with a spinach and ricotta mixture, then baked until golden.
- Maple Cinnamon Roasted Acorn Squash
- Roast acorn squash slices with maple syrup and cinnamon for a sweet, fragrant side.
- Parmesan and Herb Baked Tomatoes
- Halved tomatoes topped with Parmesan and herbs, then baked until bubbling for a savory side.
- Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad with Spinach
- A festive salad with baby spinach, cranberries, apple slices, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette.
Korra The Explorer
If you enjoyed this article on 52 Vegetarian Side Dish Ideas For Christmas/Holiday Gatherings then you probably (hopefully!) will enjoy and find these articles helpful as well:
- Vegetarian Christmas Entree: Lentil Loaf with Vegetable Gravy Recipe!
- The Ultimate Christmas Baking Bucket List
- 19 Tips For Traveling During The Holidays
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dish
- Tips For Being Vegetarian At An All Inclusive Resort
Here’s an expanded list of 52 delicious and festive vegetarian side dishes for Christmas. Each dish brings warmth, flavor, and holiday cheer to your table, with easy-to-follow summaries for making them!
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roast Brussels sprouts with garlic, olive oil, and salt until crispy, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet finish.
Parmesan Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with Parmesan cheese and a hint of truffle oil for a luxurious side dish.
Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Roast carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, and thyme, allowing the glaze to caramelize for a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Zest
Lightly sauté blanched green beans with garlic and slivered almonds, finishing with fresh lemon zest for added brightness.
Herbed Stuffed Mushrooms
Fill mushroom caps with a breadcrumb, garlic, and herb mixture, then bake until golden brown for a savory, bite-sized treat.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
Top creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery pecan crumble and bake until golden for a mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
Creamed Spinach Gratin
Bake spinach in a creamy sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a rich, savory side.
Rosemary Roasted Baby Potatoes
Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, then roast until crispy and fragrant.
Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice is mixed with cranberries and pecans, cooked with broth and herbs for a sweet and nutty holiday side.
Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Cauliflower baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a golden breadcrumb topping for a comforting, cheesy side.
Honey Roasted Parsnips and Carrots
Roast parsnips and carrots with honey and rosemary to bring out their natural sweetness and make a delightful, tender dish.
Vegetarian Stuffing with Mushrooms and Sage
A savory stuffing with mushrooms, celery, and sage, baked to golden perfection with veggie broth.
Garlic Butter Smashed Potatoes
Boil and smash small potatoes, then bake with garlic butter until crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Balsamic Roasted Beets and Carrots
Roast beets and carrots with balsamic vinegar and thyme for a colorful, earthy side.
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
A puff pastry tart topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese, baked until golden and flaky.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta and Pomegranate Seeds
Roast butternut squash cubes, then top with crumbled feta and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Bake a creamy dip with spinach, artichokes, and cheese until bubbly, serving with bread or veggies.
Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
A classic casserole made with broccoli, cheddar, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Maple Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash
Toss Brussels sprouts and squash with a maple-Dijon dressing before roasting for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Fennel and Orange Salad with Walnuts
Combine thinly sliced fennel, oranges, arugula, and walnuts in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
A cozy dish with lentils and vegetables in gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked.
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
Roast asparagus spears with olive oil, then finish with Parmesan and lemon juice for added zest.
Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic and Chives
A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, flavored with garlic and fresh chives.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries
Roast acorn squash halves, then fill with a mixture of wild rice, cranberries, and herbs for a sweet-savory dish.
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans
Toss arugula with sliced pears, gorgonzola, and candied pecans in a simple vinaigrette for a festive salad.
Honey Dijon Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Shredded Brussels sprouts in a honey-Dijon dressing, topped with almonds and cranberries for crunch.
Potato and Gruyère Gratin
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a Gruyère cheese sauce until bubbly and golden.
Beet, Orange, and Arugula Salad
Mix roasted beets, fresh orange slices, and arugula, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
Garlic Roasted Mushrooms with Thyme
Roast whole mushrooms with garlic and thyme until tender and caramelized.
Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Butter
Slice cauliflower into thick “steaks” and roast with herb butter until golden and flavorful.
Apple and Sage Stuffing
A hearty vegetarian stuffing with apples, sage, and celery, baked until crisp on top.
Zucchini and Corn Fritters
Mix grated zucchini and corn with herbs and flour, then pan-fry for a crunchy, veggie-packed fritter.
Parsnip and Potato Mash
A creamy mash combining the sweetness of parsnips with the classic taste of potatoes.
Pumpkin Risotto with Sage
Creamy pumpkin risotto with sage and Parmesan, perfect for a festive, hearty side.
Baked Polenta with Parmesan and Rosemary
Creamy polenta baked with Parmesan and rosemary, creating a flavorful, comforting side.
Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples
Shredded red cabbage and apples cooked with vinegar and warm spices, perfect for a holiday spread.
Sweet Potato Wedges with Chipotle Lime Dip
Roasted sweet potato wedges served with a zesty chipotle lime dipping sauce.
Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with a savory mushroom and spinach filling, topped with cheese and baked.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Spinach
Orzo pasta cooked with cream, Parmesan, and spinach for a comforting, flavorful side.
Charred Broccoli with Lemon and Chili Flakes
Broccoli florets roasted until charred and topped with lemon juice and chili flakes for a tangy kick.
Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Hash
Sauté Brussels sprouts and diced sweet potatoes with garlic and onions for a hearty side.
Honey Balsamic Roasted Figs and Carrots
Sweet roasted figs and carrots with a honey-balsamic glaze, adding a unique, festive flavor.
Pomegranate and Kale Salad with Feta
Massaged kale with pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and a light dressing for a nutrient-packed dish.
Caramelized Butternut Squash with Sage
Roast butternut squash with caramelized onions and fresh sage for a sweet and earthy flavor.
Herbed Cauliflower Rice
A light and fluffy cauliflower rice seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon for a lighter side option.
Spaghetti Squash with Pesto
Roast spaghetti squash and toss with pesto for a fresh and delicious side dish.
Green Bean Almondine
Blanched green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and slivered almonds for a classic holiday side.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Spinach and Ricotta
Large portobello mushrooms stuffed with a spinach and ricotta mixture, then baked until golden.
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Acorn Squash
Roast acorn squash slices with maple syrup and cinnamon for a sweet, fragrant side.
Parmesan and Herb Baked Tomatoes
Halved tomatoes topped with Parmesan and herbs, then baked until bubbling for a savory side.
Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad with Spinach
A festive salad with baby spinach, cranberries, apple slices, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette.
