Traditional Christmas recipes may be centred around meat and poultry, but it's time to throw out the rulebook and rewrite what a festive feast can be: colourful, inventive, and plant-based.
Whether you are looking for festive vegan recipes to cater for people at your Christmas table with dietary requirements, or simply want to take a more plant-forward approach to your Christmas dishes, these recipes showcase Australia's incredible summer produce combined with our rich and layered global cuisine – from Italian starters to Japanese and Middle Eastern-influenced mains and decadent desserts.
The answer to the question of what recipes to include in a vegan Christmas menu are right here, read on.
Starters
This twist on classic guacamole swaps out avocado for green peas, making it a bright, creamy and colourful option. The vege chips bring crunch and extra colour.
Pea guacamole with sweet potato and beet chips. Credit: Everyday Gourmet with Justine Schofield
These Italian morsels are a staple at any Aussie celebration meal. For the vegan version, you’ll make a basic risotto and then fill the balls with options like vegan cheese (such as mozzarella), or Crisp and crumbed on the outside and soft on the inside, these make for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Vegan arancini. Credit: Kristoffer Paulsen / Hardie Grant Books
Corn ribs coated in smoky BBQ spice rub are a playful and tasty take on meat ribs, and are a great way to celebrate summer corn - and the quintessentially Aussie Christmas BBQ. Perfect for sharing, they’re served with a chipotle and coconut yoghurt dip. These "ribs" will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Corn ribs with BBQ spice mix. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
Flaky vegan pastry, plant-based cheese, and rolled oats for body are the clever twists to transform this classic party snack into a vegan-friendly one. Great for adults and kids alike.
Spinach and feta rolls. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
A fun alternative to chips-and-dip that packs plenty of flavour, the crunchy clusters are laced with aromatic spices like turmeric, fenugreek and garam masala, and served with a coconut and pickle dip.
Spiced couscous clusters with garlic pickle dip. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
This inventive and easily shareable snack is made in a muffin tray, with layers of dough and a plant-based mozzarella. Sweet, savoury, and deliciously crisp.
Cheese and onion jam bread stacks. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
Mains and sides
The salty, caramel-like flavour of miso is the perfect pairing for sweet butternut pumpkin and makes for a centrepiece main, or a stunning side - depending on what other Christmas dishes are on the menu.
Credit: Nihal Abed
Roasted tandoori-spiced cauliflower takes centre stage, complemented by a refreshing coriander mint chutney for a vibrant main.
Tandoori cauliflower with coriander mint chutney. Credit: Planet BBQ
Colourful vegetables are elevated with a zesty herby marinade for a vegan addition to barbeque fare.
Marinated vegetable skewers Credit: Kitti Gould
This tray bake, featuring fluffy homemade gnocchi and caramelised roasted tomatoes is a hearty and satisfying main.
Credit: Savannah van der Niet
These bean-based meatballs are served swimming in rich tomato sauce, proving that plant-based version of the classic can be just as substantial and flavourful.
Credit: Savannah van der Niet
Middle Eastern spices elevate tofu from humble to heroic. Creamy zucchini hummus and fluffy quinoa complete this vibrant and nourishing, protein-packed plate.
Credit: Sharyn Cairns
Rather than serving classic roast potatoes, try this stovetop version infused with the bold flavours of red wine and fresh herbs.
Pan-seared potatoes with red wine and herbs Credit: My Greek Table
Smoky, meaty charred eggplant comes together with creamy tahini, bright pomegranate and a refreshing tomato salsa. Each component weaves together for an intriguing and tasty flavour story.
Credit: Savannah van der Niet
Tender potatoes and broccolini are tossed in a zesty dressing, offering a fresh, vegan take on a classic Christmas salad offering.
Credit: Savannah van der Niet
This refreshing salad combines crisp cucumber, sweet dates, and crunchy pistachios for a light side full of flavour.
Cucumber, dates and pistachio Credit: Shuki Rosenboim & Louisa Allan
A classic Latin American salad that proves simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Bright with juicy tomatoes and crunchy with onions, set this salad aside to marinated for an hour before serving to allow for the sweet-sour flavour to develop.
Credit: Rachel Tolosa Paz
A popular addition to a Sicilians Christmas feast, this salad is full of complexity but perfectly balanced. Tangy blood oranges are combined with the anise notes of fennel and rounded by creamy pine nuts.
Credit: Bonacini's Italian Christmas Special
Desserts
These delicate meringue cups are made with a clever, plant-based alternative to egg whites. Filled with fresh fruit and whipped vegan cream, they deliver the same satisfaction as the non-vegan version of Australia's classic dessert.
Vegan mini pavlova cups Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
Rich, decadent chocolate mousse is finished with tangy blood orange, refreshing mint and popping candy – for a textural surprise.
Chocolate mousse with blood orange and mint. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
Layers of coffee-soaked biscuits and creamy vegan custard create a light and plant-based version of this classically indulgent Italian dessert.
Dairy-free tiramisu. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
This luxurious tart delivers all the decadence you’d expect in a dark chocolate tart with its smooth and rich filling, crisp vegan pastry shell and topping of spiced fresh fights.
Dark chocolate tart. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
