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You could be hosting a vegan feast for the first time or are a seasoned pro...but, planning a lunch that’s hearty, colourful, and brimming with festive flavours is easier than you think.
Throwing a vegan Christmas lunch is a fantastic way to share the festive spirit whilst embracing plant-based goodness. You could be hosting a vegan feast for the first time or are a seasoned pro...but, planning a lunch that’s hearty, colourful, and brimming with festive flavours is easier than you think. With the right dishes, you can keep everyone at the table happy – vegans and non-vegans alike! This Healthy Hampers guide will walk you through the basics of menu planning, along with some dish ideas that will make your Christmas lunch top chef approved.
Setting the Festive Mood
First things first, creating the right atmosphere for a Christmas lunch is key. Think about adding some festive touches like twinkling fairy lights, cosy candles, and a beautifully set table. Crisp white tablecloths, red napkins, and a few sprigs of holly can go a long way in setting the mood. You could even play some classic Christmas music in the background to make it all feel extra special.
Now, on to the most important part – the food!
The Star of the Show – The Main Dish
For a vegan Christmas lunch, your main dish should be something substantial and flavourful, something that will give the same centrepiece feeling as a traditional roast. Here are a couple of popular options –
Vegan Nut Roast – A nut roast is often the go-to option for vegan mains, and with good reason. It’s hearty, packed with protein from nuts and lentils, and full of flavour thanks to herbs, mushrooms, and spices. You can add cranberries or roasted veg to make it extra festive. When sliced and served with gravy, it feels just as indulgent as any traditional roast.
Stuffed Butternut Squash – A beautifully roasted butternut squash, stuffed with a mixture of quinoa, dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, makes for a stunning centrepiece. The sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with savoury stuffing, and it looks gorgeous on the table.
Vegan Wellington – A puff pastry-wrapped vegan Wellington, filled with a mixture of mushrooms, spinach, and lentils, can feel truly luxurious. It’s rich, flaky, and sure to impress your guests. Just be sure to pick a vegan puff pastry (many shop-bought brands are accidentally vegan) and serve it up with a savoury mushroom or red wine gravy for the ultimate Christmas treat.
The Supporting Cast – Sides that Shine
Side dishes are where you can really get creative and pack in lots of variety and colour. Here are some delicious vegan options that will complement your main dish perfectly –
Roasted Vegetables – You can't go wrong with a tray of perfectly roasted seasonal veg. Think caramelised carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and red onions. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet, festive touch. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary before serving for extra flavour.
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes – Mashed potatoes are a holiday staple. To keep them vegan, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a creamy plant-based milk (such as oat or almond milk). Add roasted garlic and a sprinkle of fresh chives for an extra flavour boost.
Vegan Gravy – A good gravy ties the whole meal together. You can make a rich and savoury vegan gravy using mushrooms, vegetable stock, soy sauce (for that umami flavour), and some nutritional yeast. It’s thick, hearty, and perfect for pouring over your mashed potatoes or nut roast.
Cranberry Sauce – A tangy, slightly sweet cranberry sauce adds a pop of colour and brightness to your plate. It’s super easy to make: just simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with orange juice, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until they burst and thicken.
Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Pecans – Brussels sprouts are a must at Christmas, but you can elevate them by pan-frying them in a little olive oil until crispy, then tossing them with maple syrup and toasted pecans for a sweet, crunchy twist.
Vegan Stuffing – A classic stuffing made with bread, onions, celery, sage, and vegetable broth can easily be made vegan. You can also add chestnuts or cranberries to make it more festive. Just be sure to use vegetable broth and vegan butter to keep things plant-based.
The Grand Finale – Desserts
No Christmas lunch is complete without a sweet finish. Vegan desserts can be just as indulgent and delicious as their non-vegan counterparts. Here are some crowd-pleasers –
Vegan Christmas Pudding – This classic dessert can easily be made vegan by using plant-based substitutes for butter and eggs. It’s rich, dense, and full of warm spices, dried fruits, and a splash of brandy. Serve it with vegan custard or ice cream for a traditional treat.
Vegan Chocolate Yule Log – A rich, chocolatey yule log is a showstopper. A vegan version can be made using plant-based cream, dark chocolate, and flour. It’s moist, sweet, and looks fantastic dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow.
Coconut Whipped Cream with Fresh Berries – If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider serving up bowls of fresh berries (like raspberries, strawberries, or pomegranate seeds) topped with coconut whipped cream. It’s refreshing and adds a festive touch of red and white to the table.
Vegan Gingerbread Cookies – For a simple, fun dessert, vegan gingerbread cookies are always a hit. Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, they bring all the holiday flavours to your table. Plus, decorating them with vegan icing can be a fun activity for your guests!
Don’t Forget the Drinks!
Along with your festive feast, make sure you have some drinks on hand to complete the experience. Offer a variety of options, such as –
Mulled Wine – A warm and spiced mulled wine is perfect for a cold Christmas day. Simmer red wine with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and a bit of maple syrup for sweetness.
Vegan Eggnog – You can make a creamy vegan eggnog using cashew or almond milk, blended with maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg. Add a splash of rum or bourbon for an extra festive touch.
Festive Punch – A non-alcoholic punch made with sparkling water, cranberry juice, and a mix of fresh fruit like oranges and pomegranates can be a refreshing option for all ages.
Finishing Touches
Remember to accommodate everyone’s dietary needs, and label dishes clearly if you’re catering to different preferences (such as gluten-free or nut-free). Don’t stress if everything isn’t perfect; the most important thing is enjoying time with your loved ones and sharing a delicious, cruelty-free meal together. By preparing a colourful, flavourful vegan feast, you’re sure to spread joy and win over even the most sceptical guests!
Merry vegan Christmas, and happy cooking!