Vegan Diwali Recipes: Festive Plant-Based Sweets, Snacks, and Main Courses for a Joyful Celebration

Diwali always brings a burst of color, light, and the irresistible aroma of festive treats. For me, it’s a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate with plates piled high with delicious food. But finding vegan options that capture the magic of traditional recipes can feel tricky.

I’ve discovered that going vegan doesn’t mean missing out on flavor or festivity. In fact, some of my favorite Diwali memories now involve experimenting with plant-based ingredients and sharing new dishes with family and friends. If you’re curious about how to make your Diwali both compassionate and mouthwatering, you’re in the right place.

The Rise of Veganism During Diwali

More people now explore vegan options for Diwali, with interest rising in plant-based cooking. I see families and home cooks adapt classic recipes—like vegan gulab jamun with plant-based milk or dairy-free barfi using coconut cream. These choices let everyone celebrate without animal products, which appeals to those with allergies as well as ethical or health reasons.

Restaurants and sweet shops offer vegan Diwali treats, and I notice many cities list vegan cooking classes before the festival. Food delivery apps in India and abroad feature top vegan sweets and snacks around October and November, especially in 2023 and 2024.

When I teach cooking classes, I meet people looking for ways to enjoy festive feasts without dairy or ghee. Creative swaps—such as using almond milk in kheer, cashew paste in curries, or coconut oil instead of ghee—shape modern menus. Home cooks enjoy the challenge of balancing flavor and tradition while making vegan Diwali dishes.

Families share their favorite vegan fusion recipes, such as tofu tikka or dairy-free laddoo, at Diwali potlucks. Popularity for vegan options keeps growing, and conversations about ethical eating, sustainability, and health now form a regular part of Diwali celebrations among many friends and communities.

Essential Ingredients for Vegan Diwali Cooking

Flours

Chickpea flour, rice flour, and whole wheat flour form the base of many vegan Diwali snacks. I use chickpea flour for savory pakoras and rice flour for festive sweets like laddus.

Plant-Based Milks

Almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk work well in desserts and curries. Almond milk tastes rich in kheer, while coconut milk adds creaminess to vegan korma and barfi.

Natural Sweeteners

Cane sugar, jaggery, and maple syrup help me achieve authentic sweetness without dairy. Jaggery deepens flavor in sweets like chikki and halwa.

Dairy Alternatives

Coconut oil, vegan ghee, and cashew cream provide the texture and richness people expect in Diwali dishes. I blend soaked cashews with water for a thick cream in gravies and mithai.

Legumes and Pulses

Lentils, chickpeas, and mung beans offer protein and heartiness in my main courses. Dal makhani with coconut milk and spiced chana masala always satisfy at my Diwali table.

Whole Spices

Cardamom, clove, cinnamon, fennel seed, and cumin define the aromatic profiles of both sweet and savory recipes. I toast whole spices for ladoos and fragrant curries.

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Almonds, pistachios, cashews, raisins, and dates top most vegan mithai. I add chopped dates to energy bites and garnish sweets with slivered pistachios.

Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Cilantro, mint, ginger, garlic, and fresh green chilies brighten vegan curries and snacks. I finish dishes with chopped cilantro or mint for extra color and flavor.

With these essentials in my pantry, I create flavorful and rich vegan Diwali recipes that impress both long-time vegans and newcomers to plant-based Indian cooking.

Appetizers and Snacks

Creating vegan appetizers for Diwali brings everyone together around vibrant, flavorful bites. I love sharing these crowd-pleasing starters that keep each guest coming back for more.

Crispy Vegan Samosas

Stuffing samosas with spiced potato, peas, and carrots gives me nostalgic Diwali vibes, especially when I bake or air-fry them with just a light brush of coconut oil. I use a blend of cumin, coriander, and garam masala for bold flavor and tuck the filling into homemade or store-bought vegan pastry. Serving with tangy cilantro-mint chutney or sweet tamarind sauce lets guests taste classic street-food magic without dairy or processed oils. These samosas stay crisp for hours and pack well for potlucks.

Masala Roasted Chickpeas

Seasoning chickpeas with smoked paprika, black salt, turmeric, and a dash of chili powder creates a crunchy, addictive snack that’s healthier than any fried treat. I roast cooked or canned chickpeas at 400°F for about 30 minutes after tossing them in olive or avocado oil. This simple recipe delivers plenty of plant protein and fiber while staying light and guilt-free. I often serve masala roasted chickpeas alongside Diwali sweets or as a crunchy addition to festive chaats.

Main Course Delights

Main courses anchor every Diwali feast. Vegan Diwali recipes pack beautiful colors, bold spices, and rich textures in every bite. I always encourage my students to explore vibrant, crowd-pleasing mains that leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Vegan Paneer Butter Masala

Vegan paneer butter masala delights with its creamy, mildly spiced tomato-cashew gravy and melt-in-your-mouth vegan paneer cubes. I prepare my paneer using extra-firm tofu marinated in lemon juice and nutritional yeast for that authentic tang. For the sauce, blended cashews replace heavy cream and coconut oil mimics ghee. Whole spices like cumin, cloves, and green cardamom add warmth. I finish the dish with a touch of garam masala and fresh cilantro. Served alongside jeera rice or vegan naan, it’s a festival favorite that satisfies with every spoonful.

Jackfruit Biryani

Jackfruit biryani brings a unique texture and smoky flavor to my Diwali table. I use young green jackfruit from cans or fresh markets, shredded and sautéed with onion, garlic, ginger, and biryani masala. Saffron-infused basmati rice layers with the savory jackfruit mixture, peas, and roasted cashews. Baking everything together intensifies the spices and ensures each grain absorbs the full aroma. Garnishing with fried onions and chopped mint gives this biryani a restaurant-style finish, making it both hearty and unforgettable.

Irresistible Vegan Sweets

Sweet treats always light up my Diwali table, and I’ve found vegan versions capture all the nostalgia and joy. These plant-based desserts, crafted in my kitchen and perfected during years at my vegan restaurant, impress anyone craving authentic Indian flavors—without dairy.

Dairy-Free Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli stands out as a beloved Diwali favorite, and my dairy-free version highlights cashews, maple syrup, and cardamom. I blend soaked cashews into a silky paste, then cook it gently with maple syrup until the mixture forms a soft dough. I flavor it with ground cardamom, roll the dough thin, and slice it into diamond shapes. A silver leaf garnish gives an authentic festive touch. This vegan Kaju Katli shares the same melt-in-the-mouth texture as the original—guests always ask for seconds at my classes.

Vegan Gulab Jamun

Vegan Gulab Jamun brings rich sweetness to every Diwali spread. For the dough, I mix almond flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and coconut milk yogurt for a smooth texture. After shaping the dough into small balls, I bake or air-fry them for a lighter result, skipping the traditional deep-fry. I soak the warm balls in a rosewater and saffron-infused sugar syrup made with organic cane sugar. Each bite delivers all the classic floral and cardamom notes, and I love sharing these golden, syrup-soaked treats with friends who think plant-based sweets can’t match tradition.

Tips for Hosting a Vegan Diwali Feast

Planning Vegan Menu

I always craft a menu featuring familiar Indian flavors with plant-based ingredients, using recipes like cashew cream korma, chickpea flour pakora, or tofu-based tikka masala. Guests find traditional elements in vegan options when popular spices, herbs, and cooking techniques carry the festive spirit into every dish.

Sourcing Quality Ingredients

I source organic legumes, whole spices, and fresh vegetables from local markets, ensuring taste and nutrition both shine in every recipe. Guests enjoy memorable flavors when my sweets use unrefined cane sugar or maple syrup instead of conventional white sugar.

Communicating with Guests

I mention upfront that the feast is vegan, letting guests know what to expect and answering questions about ingredients—like plant-based yogurt in raita or coconut milk in desserts. Everyone feels included and understands my commitment to delicious, dairy-free and eggless recipes.

Offering Allergy-Friendly Options

I prepare a few gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free dishes, for example: rice flour dhokla, lentil dal, or coconut ladoos. Guests appreciate variety when allergens don’t limit their celebration.

Balancing Nutrition

I include a mix of protein-rich mains (such as split lentil dal, chickpea curries), colorful vegetables (like roasted cauliflower, sautéed beans), and healthy fats (avocado chutney, nut-based gravies). Everyone enjoys sustained energy for the festivities when nutrition stays balanced across each course.

Presenting Dishes Creatively

I use garnish such as toasted nuts, pomegranate seeds, microgreens, and edible flowers, elevating visual appeal and flavor of the vegan Diwali recipes. Guests feel the occasion is extra-special when presentation matches the festival’s vibrant ambiance.

Embracing DIY Food Stations

I create build-your-own chaat stations or dosa bars, letting guests assemble their favorites with vegan toppings—think potato masala, chickpea chole, mint-coriander chutney, and dairy-free yogurt. Everyone feels engaged and connected to the meal when participating in the process.

Sharing Recipe Cards

I place printed recipe cards next to signature vegan dishes such as coconut milk kheer or baked samosas. Guests get inspired to cook plant-based meals at home when recipes are accessible and easy to take away.

Conclusion

Celebrating Diwali as a vegan has opened my eyes to just how creative and inclusive this festival can be. I love how each year brings new flavors and inventive twists on old favorites.

Sharing these plant-based recipes with friends and family makes the holiday feel even brighter. If you’re thinking about trying vegan dishes this Diwali, I hope you find as much joy in the process as I do.

Wishing you a compassionate and delicious celebration filled with laughter and light!