Embark on a global culinary adventure with our curated collection of “Whole Food Plant-Based Holiday Recipes Around the World.” As we usher in the festive season, let these diverse and wholesome plant-based dishes transport you to different corners of the globe. From the comforting embrace of Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas to the umami-filled Barley Risotto with Shiitake and Sweet White Miso, each recipe is another opportunity for you to celebrate international flavors.
Whether you’re looking for traditional classics or innovative twists, this roundup covers all the bases, exploring two dozen festive dishes that bring people together. Indulge in creative treats like Stuffed Poblano Pepper Christmas Trees, experience the richness of dishes like Portobello Pot Roast, savor unique delights such as Polenta Pie with Rice and Beans, Salsa, and Guacamole, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the delicious Sweet Plantain Pastelón.
Elevate your holiday gatherings with these globally inspired, plant-based recipes. Each dish captures the essence of international culinary traditions and ensures a memorable and satisfying experience for all.
Veggie Tamales
Tamales are one of the most emblematic dishes of Mexican gastronomy. There are more than 500 varieties of tamales, and they can be sweet or savory. Tamales are usually wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and then steamed.
Hearty Holiday Loaf
Hearty and packed with robust ingredients, this aromatic loaf carries enough flavor to deserve a spot at the center of any spread. Leftovers make great sandwiches!
Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas
Rice with pigeon peas is the most popular dish in Puerto Rico, particularly at Christmas. There are many variations on this traditional recipe, but most are made with lots of fat and pork. This healthy version uses brown rice and contains no oil or processed products.
Portobello Pot Roast
This hearty, delicious pot roast replaces beef with portobello mushrooms without sacrificing flavor. As rich as any traditional pot roast but twice as fast to cook, this one-pot meal will satisfy everyone at the holiday table.
Mangú (Dominican Mashed Plantains)
Mangú is a traditional Dominican dish served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With boiled and mashed green plantains topped with red onions sautéed with a splash of vinegar, it’s fast, easy, and very hearty!
Stuffed Poblano Pepper Christmas Trees
Poblano peppers are part of many Mexican dishes. Usually, recipes suggest roasting them to bring out their flavor. They are spicy, but not as spicy as other peppers like habanero and serrano peppers.
Roasted Carrots, Potatoes and Onions
Roasting root vegetables is a classic way of preparing them, usually involving oil. However, you can also use water or veggie broth instead of oil.
Red Posole with Mushrooms
This recipe is a vegetable version of the classic red pozole, enriched with mushrooms and authentic flavors. Every spoonful highlights the rich Mexican culinary experience.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Bake this delicious, creamy, low-fat vegan cauliflower au gratin for the perfect comfort dish the whole family will love.
Polenta Pie with Rice and Beans, Salsa, and Guacamole
A hearty porridge originating in Italy, polenta has a grainy texture often compared to grits. In this dish, it goes well with the smoothness of the avocado! It's hearty, tasty, and a great dish for large groups.
Caramelized Smoky Brussels Sprouts
This festive side dish combines the warmth of smoked paprika and the sweetness of red onions, perfectly complementing the hearty Brussels sprouts. As an oil-free delight, it's a nutritious and flavorful addition to your holiday table, bringing a touch of sophistication to your festive feasts.
Southern Cabbage and Potatoes
The blend of spices in this dish produces bold, smoky flavors and mouth-watering aromas. The robustness of the potatoes and cabbage pairs excellently with the sweetness of the red bell pepper and carrot!
Oil-Free Kung Pao Tofu
This Oil-Free Kung Pao Tofu is packed with excellent umami flavor. Along with sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, umami is one of the five basic tastes. Often described as savory, it’s a common element of Asian cuisine.
Macaroni and No Cheese
This cheese alternative is made from butternut squash and cashews, which gives it a slightly sweet flavor and makes it a kid-friendly recipe. Although the recipe calls for peas, you could add broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or any veggies of your choice.
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
This plant-based green bean casserole is a healthier, dairy-free version that is just as creamy as the original. You can serve this ultimate comfort food for Thanksgiving or other winter holidays.
Sweet & Spiced Noodle Kugel
Noodle kugel is a traditional Jewish sweet or savory casserole made with noodles. This sweet kugel has the perfect blend of fruits and spices and can be served warm or cold.
Southern German Potato Salad
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Southern Germany with this plant-based twist on a classic potato salad recipe. This dish combines tender potatoes, tangy vinegar, and savory plant-based ingredients, creating a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion.
Quinoa Chickpea Biryani
Biryani is a traditional Indian dish that is very popular throughout South Asia and around the world. It is typically prepared with rice, but in this delicious WFPB version of the dish, we use quinoa.
Vegan Party Fondue
Pull out your skewers because it’s time for fondue! Who knew being healthy could be this good? There’s almost nothing you won’t want to dip in this creamy, cheesy sauce. Fondue is romantic, social, and just plain fun—I hope this recipe inspires you to throw a party.
Sweet Plantain Pastelón (Puerto Rican Plantain Casserole)
Plantain pastelón is a staple in Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. You can think of it like a Caribbean lasagna or shepherd’s pie, except made with ripe plantains instead of pasta or potatoes. It is traditionally filled with a meat-based picadillo. This plant-based version is packed with fiber and spices. It is a popular dish to feed a crowd!
Chana Masala
This is one of the iconic dishes of Indian cuisine, and for good reason! The fragrant blend of spices—cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder—gives it a bold, complex flavor I could enjoy all day.
Peruvian Causa with Oyster Mushrooms
This recipe is inspired by the ingredients of the traditional Peruvian causa, which is often made with lemon, mayonnaise, and egg. The exquisitely seasoned oyster mushrooms that serve as the stuffing give this plant-based alternative a unique touch.
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