Written on: December 2023 / Updated on: December 2024
Are you considering a vegan Christmas this year but unsure where to begin? Fear not! This marks my 9th year as a vegan, and I confess to spending a year or two solely indulging in burgers 😆. However, much has changed since then, and I'm here to assist you in simplifying the process!
In this blog post, I'll show you my top recipes for main dishes, sides, and desserts. Plus, I'll throw in some gift ideas. Get ready, and let's enjoy this journey together!
Salads
Festive salad: Let's begin with salads because every table needs one! I've created a festive salad for the holidays that's full of goodness and sure to be a hit with everyone. It's not just a side dish but also a tasty meal on its own, perfect for your weekly meals! 👌🏼
Mushroom, sweet potato and tahini salad: This hearty mushroom, sweet potato, and tahini salad is the perfect addition to your Christmas table. It's full of flavour and incredibly satisfying.
Fennel and mandarine salad: It's mandarin season, and I'm thrilled about it! I've whipped up a fancy fennel and mandarin salad that deserves a spot on your festive table.
Kale salad: Next on the list is this kale salad, one of the first recipes I ever wrote. It's easy to whip up, and despite being healthy, it doesn't compromise on taste.
Spinach and dried fig salad: Lastly, there's the spinach and dried fig salad. I enjoyed it last Christmas, and everyone who tried it loved it, so it had to be on the list.
Potatoes
Potatoes are like the holiday wizards in your Christmas meal. They can be crispy, creamy, or elegant—whatever you need! From golden roasts to velvety mash, let these versatile spuds bring the magic to your festive feast. So, give a cheer for the humble potato, making your Christmas meal extra special!
Garlic and thyme potatoes au gratin: You absolutely need these garlic and thyme potatoes au gratin on your Christmas table this season; they practically melt in your mouth!
Mashed potatoes and sweet caramelized onions: Enjoy the delicious blend of smooth mashed potatoes and sweet caramelized onions. This classic combo takes ordinary mashed potatoes to a whole new level, creating a side dish that's both comforting and flavourful. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the sweet and savoury goodness of caramelized onions, making every bite a delightful treat. Elevate your meal with this simple yet tasty addition to your table!
Cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes: Experience a burst of flavour with these succulent cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes, and the best part? They demand less than 10 minutes of prep time! Dive into the delightful combination of crispy edges and tender sweetness in every bite. Your taste buds will thank you!
Lemon potatoes: Imagine perfectly roasted potatoes infused with the bright and zesty flavour of lemons. Each bite offers a delightful blend of savoury and citrusy notes, making these lemon-kissed potatoes a refreshing and flavourful addition to any dining experience.
Potato tart: For an impressive holiday treat, try making a sweet and flaky potato tartpotato tart. Perfect for a big feast, it's a crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly, ensuring it's ready in no time!
Smashed potatoes: These smashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish, complementing any meal flawlessly. Their irresistible blend of crispy exterior and tender inside is bound to capture everyone's heart at the table!
Centrepieces
Smashed potato mushroom tart: This Christmas, switch up your main course with this delicious smashed potato tart with a creamy mushroom filling. The crispy potato base perfectly complements the rich and flavourful mushroom filling. It's a dish that's sure to impress your guests!
Vegan mince and mushroom roll: This vegan mince and mushroom roll is taking centre stage at my Christmas table this year, and I hope it finds a place on yours too!
Bulgur and harissa stuffed peppers: These stuffed peppers are a quick 30-minute meal that's wonderfully easy, full of flavor, and an excellent choice for a speedy mid-week dinner or a delightful addition to your festive table.
Roasted cauliflower with sumac: This roasted cauliflower is so simple, yet incredibly delicious, the sumac gives it the right amount of tanginess and it works perfectly with tahini!
Quinoa and sweet potato roll: Indulge in the deliciousness of a quinoa and sweet potato roll, made with just a handful of simple ingredients. It's a fantastic and budget-friendly addition to your Christmas table that promises to delight your taste buds!
Sides
Some people love Christmas for the main course, but I'm all about the sides! As a vegan in a non-vegan family, the side dishes are often my saving grace during holiday gatherings.
Christmas wreath: This Christmas, elevate your holiday spread with this stunning vegan puff pastry wreath. Filled with a savoury mix of mince and pumpkin, it's the perfect side dish to impress your guests.
Mediterranean Bruschetta: Start your meal with a burst of Mediterranean flavour. This zesty cannellini bean and olive tapenade bruschetta is the perfect appetizer to awaken your guests' taste buds. Serve on toasted ciabatta bread for a simple yet delicious bite.
Garlicky stuffed peppers: These garlicky stuffed peppers are a delicious and convenient dish perfect for the holiday season. The filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a stress-free addition to your Christmas feast.
Vegan sausage rolls: Crunchy, golden-brown pastry encases a flavourful vegan sausage filling in these irresistible vegan sausage rolls. Your guests won't be able to resist these savoury treats, perfect for a party appetizer or a hearty snack.
Desserts
No Christmas feast is complete without a delightful dessert spread! Imagine a table adorned with tempting treats: a rich chocolate nut roll, some traditional Cypriot and Greek delights - kurampiedes, melomakarona, melomakarona covered with chocolate and festive star-shaped lemon and ginger biscuits - which will make a perfect gift. The air is filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a festive atmosphere.
But the sweetness doesn't end there. Picture trays of charming miniature gingerbread cookies, almond chocolates, dried cranberry and pecan muffins - which will make a perfect gift too, madarin cake, fig galette and cups of steaming hot cocoa. As friends and family gather, let the dessert table be the grand finale, by adding this Pistachio and chocolate cheesecake, to the celebration. Because, after all, no holiday gathering is truly complete without the joy of indulging in a sweet symphony of flavours that make Christmas unforgettable.
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of excess. Let's reduce food waste by repurposing leftover cake into a delicious new dessert. This zero waste cake pops recipe is a great way to enjoy your holiday treats without any waste!
I hope you have a wonderful vegan holiday and thank you for being here :)
Nat x