There aren’t many occasions when the oven is a hotter commodity than Thanksgiving Day! If you’re looking for Thanksgiving sides that won’t take up that precious oven space, look no further! We’ve gathered EASY sides to make without an oven. You’ll find fresh salads, creamy soups, buttery potatoes, and more! Scroll through to find a delicious, stress-free dish (or a few!) to make this year.
We’ve also included a few bonus ideas that require almost no oven. These dishes have a topping that elevates the dish, requires a short oven time, and can be prepped up to a few days ahead — candied nuts, coconut “bacon”, etc.
(Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (No Drain, 20 Minutes!)
Incredibly fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes made entirely in the Instant Pot in just 20 minutes! Just 3 ingredients required for these fuss-free mashed potatoes, perfect for the holidays and beyond!
5-ingredient vegan mashed potatoes that are fluffy, creamy, buttery, and loaded with roasted garlic and chives. Perfect as is, with gravy, or with a giant scoop of vegan butter.
Creamy Curried Butternut Squash Soup infused with coconut milk and yellow curry powder. A savory, simple soup that’s perfect for the fall and winter months.
Creamy, vegan potato salad made with tender potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty garlic-herb cashew sauce! Undetectably dairy-free and so delicious! A hearty, versatile, plant-based side dish.
Incredibly vibrant mashed sweet potatoes and carrots whipped with turmeric, ginger, fresh garlic, and dairy-free butter. The ultimate salty-sweet side!
Move over mashed potatoes — there's a new side in town! Try our 6-ingredient, 30-minute whipped cauliflower that's creamy, comforting, salty, garlicky, buttery, and SO easy to make! The perfect plant-based, gluten-free side!
Undetectably vegan creamed corn that’s rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned. An easy-to-make holiday side with just 7 ingredients and 25 minutes required.
30-minute vegan pasta salad loaded with colorful veg and tossed in a dairy-free, undetectably tofu-based dressing. Perfect for summer shindigs, cookouts, and picnics.
Easy, delicious green beans made in 1 pan with 6 simple ingredients! Big flavor, infused with garlic, and garnished with toasted almonds. Perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond!
Garlicky vegan creamed spinach is perfect for the holiday table or "everyday"! Just 20 minutes and 8 ingredients required for this mega flavorful greens dish.
Simple methods and BIG flavor come together in this wild rice salad with mushrooms, hazelnuts, cranberries, and mint. Perfect for the holiday table or as a side any time of year! Just 10 ingredients required!
Three bean salad: a GO-TO side for summer gatherings, or any time you’re craving an easy, fiber-packed dish made with pantry staples! Just 1 bowl and 10 minutes required.
An herbed green cranberry salad with roasted, spiced pecans, nut cheese, and a vinaigrette! Just 30 minutes to prepare this plant-based side or entrée!
Our go-to side salad with arugula, roasted garlic, lemon vinaigrette, crispy sautéed shallot, and our 5-minute macadamia nut cheese! Perfect for hosting and beyond!
A simple, 30-minute kale salad with sweet and tart fruits, pickled red onions, and a simple red wine vinaigrette! Crunchy, filling, fresh, and the perfect healthy light lunch or side salad.
The perfect Thanksgiving salad: fresh, bright, crunchy greens with sweet, crisp pear or apple, toasted hazelnuts or pepitas, and optional (vegan) goat cheese. An easy, beautiful, nourishing side ready in just 15 minutes!
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples and Dates
Crunchy, sweet, and savory shaved Brussels sprout salad with apples, dates, and hazelnuts! Oh-so versatile and super fresh. Just 10 ingredients and 20 minutes required!
Quick kale apple slaw with a zippy Dijon vinaigrette. A simple, plant-based side for fall and beyond! Just 1 bowl, 10 minutes, and 9 ingredients required!
Fresh & crunchy celery salad with dates, mandarins, and pistachios! The perfect way to use up leftover celery. Just 15 minutes, 1 bowl, and 8 ingredients required!
A quick-and-easy salad for when your body is craving greens and simplicity! Greens and vegetables in a 3-ingredient no-mix dressing. A simple, fresh, healthy side.
Easy winter fruit salad with orange, apple, kiwi, honey, and lime. Optional pomegranate and mint add a fresh, vibrant pop of color. Just 5 ingredients required!
A creamy, spicy vegan carrot ginger soup made in 1 pot with just 8 ingredients! SO vibrant, warming, and perfect for chilly weather. Stovetop and Instant Pot versions included.
An EASY, plant-based take on classic broccoli salad with coconut bacon, sunflower seeds, and a simple cashew dressing! Just 10 simple ingredients and 20 minutes required!
A warm side dish perfect for fall or winter. Brussels sprouts, pecans, and coconut bacon are tossed in a tangy mustard dressing! 30 minutes and 100% plant-based.
If you give any of these Thanksgiving sides a try, let us know! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag it @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Enjoy, friends!
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