Festive Vegan Side Dishes & Snack Recipes

Sure, mains are always the focal point of Christmas Day, but a selection of tasty side dishes and snacks can take your feasting to the next level.

One of the best parts about these small dishes is that you don’t have to spend all day working away in the kitchen because you can prepare a few of them ahead of time. So whether you’re looking for some canapés to keep your guests satisfied or a Boxing Day side salad, I’ve got you covered.  

By: Notorious Nooch

Method: Blending, Steaming

Difficulty: Advanced

Making seitan is no easy feat, but I promise that the outcome is worth the effort. If you’ve eaten seitan before, you’ll know how meaty the texture is. And surprisingly, it’s mainly composed of flour! Recipe here.

By: Better Nature

Method: Blending

Difficulty: Beginner

Did you know that you can use tempeh to create a vegan fish alternative? This creamy, tasty tempeh tuna is easy to whip up and is packed with protein and fibre. Impress your non-vegan guests with this fancy canapé that’s also good for your gut! Recipe here.

By: GreenVie Foods

Method: Baking

Difficulty: Beginner

Salads might not be your first choice for side dishes at Christmas, but it’s great to have something light in between your vegan pigs in blankets! You can put this salad together in less than an hour. The most time-consuming part is waiting for the carrots to roast. Recipe here.

By: The Vegan Society

Method: Baking

Difficulty: Intermediate

If you’ve never made Mince Pies, now’s the time to start! These festive pies are one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit. They’re deliciously savoury and filled with tasty mushrooms, cranberries and sage. Recipe here.

By: OGGS

Method: Cooking

Difficulty: Intermediate

Tempting rosemary quiches topped with roasted red pepper slices and sage leaves! This recipe is perfect for a Christmas party or an appetiser on Christmas day. Recipe here.

By: Bonsan

Method: Other

Difficulty: Beginner

The all-important leftovers sandwich at Christmas is one of my highlights of the season. If you’re looking for ways to innovate your sandwich this year, consider using shredded jackfruit as the main protein source. You can add in all of your favourite festive ingredients, such as stuffing or roasted potatoes. Recipe here.

By: LEON

Method: Frying, Cooking, Sautéing

Difficulty: Intermediate

There’s no going back once you’ve tried plant-based arancini balls - they’re as good as the traditional version, if not better. So start thinking outside of the box at Christmas, and start experimenting with tasty foods like this! Recipe here.

By: CRACKD

Method: Cooking

Difficulty: Intermediate

There’s no doubt that this festive recipe will impress everyone on Christmas Day because you can make everything from scratch. The recipe only makes 30, so don’t expect any to be leftover once your friends and family get a taste of them! Recipe here.