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60 + Diwali Dinner Menu Ideas (Vegan)

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Advanced Diwali wishes to all my readers! Every year brings new joy, new memories, and...new recipes!

I have a great collection of diwali recipes thoroughly enjoyed by readers that I think are great vegan options for this holiday season!

Diwali is a time for celebration, and what better way to enjoy the festivities than with a delicious vegan meal?

There are so many unique vegan dishes to choose from! Plan a delicious vegan feast with these menu ideas.

vegan Diwali recipes including, snacks, sweets and main dishes. this recipe

So pull out your apron and get cooking - Diwali is just around the corner, and you'll need to have your Diwali menu ready in no time!

Whether you are looking for appetizers, main courses, or desserts, I have tried to cover all of them.

If you're looking for Diwali menu ideas that are both festive and vegan-friendly, look no further.

You'll find everything from appetizers like veg puff and pakoras to main courses like curries and stir-fries, as well as delicious Diwali desserts like halwa, kheer, and more.

So what are you waiting for? Try out these amazing vegan Diwali recipes today!

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What is Diwali or Deepavali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals in India. It is a time for celebration and feasting with friends and family, marked by colorful decorations, fireworks, traditional Diwali foods, and beautiful lights.

Here are some of my favorite Diwali recipes that are sure to please all your guests and make this Diwali a truly memorable one.

Sweets and Snacks

Diwali sweets and snacks are a must-have for any Diwali celebration. Whether you're looking for something simple and sweet, like ladoo or halwa, or something more savory and indulgent, like cutlets or pakoras, you'll find plenty of delicious Diwali recipes to choose from here.

Easy Vegan Gulab Jamun

Make a delicious plant-based version of one of India's most popular desserts with this easy to follow vegan gulab jamun recipe. Get your sweet cravings sorted in no time!
Check out this recipe
4.93 from 14 votes
Calories :540
Two bowls are filled with Vegan Gulab Jamuns.

Easy Gajar Halwa In Instant Pot

This gajar halwa is a sweet and creamy vegan halwa with simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe
5 from 10 votes
Calories :301
A bowl of carrot halwa is with a spoon inserted.

Vegan Mysore Pak

This Mysore Pak is made without ghee but has all the flavor and the correct texture, like the traditional version.
Check out this recipe
5 from 7 votes
Calories :206
A plate is stacked with vegan Mysore Pak sweets.

Karjikai Recipe

It's quite common for Indians to prepare this karjikai recipe for festivals like Diwali or Ganesha Chaturthi.
Check out this recipe
5 from 16 votes
Calories :49
A tray is with karjikai dessert

Rava Ladoo

Rava laddu or Sooji ladoo is one of the common and favorite dessert in India. It is prepared with just the right mix of Rava (a.k.a semolina), coconut flakes, nuts, sugar, and a non-dairy binder ingredient.
Check out this recipe
5 from 10 votes
Calories :186
a white plate is full of rava laddu

Moong Dal Ladoo

Moong laddu is a dessert specially made during Navaratri, Ashtami, and Diwali as a prasad. In India, many desserts are made using ghee, which is not vegan. But my recipe of moong dal ladoo is vegan and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
5 from 12 votes
Calories :304
Moong laddus are placed in a sliver plate

Peanut Jaggery Ladoo Recipe

Sweet Peanut balls is an easy and healthy snack that you can munch on anytime. If you are going to dig into a snack between meals, you might as well make it a healthy choice.  
Check out this recipe
4.82 from 16 votes
Calories :106
A plate of peanut jaggery ladoo is on the table.

Instant Pot Badam Burfi With Almond Flour

Instant Pot Almond Katli is an easy, creamy and decadent dessert that you can prepare in less than 15 minutes! 
Check out this recipe
4.74 from 23 votes
Calories :173.3
Almond burfi on a plate

Badam ladoo Recipe

It is super easy to prepare this delicious, vegan, and gluten-free badam ladoo with almond flour. I prepared this badam ladoo in two different versions. One sweetened with sugar and one with jaggery.
Check out this recipe
5 from 2 votes
Calories :254
bowl of sweets

Sabudana Kheer

Sabudana Kheer is one of India's popular recipe and is usually prepared as a dessert during festivals. Here is my vegan version of that recipe and made in Instant Pot.
Check out this recipe
5 from 8 votes
Calories :393
A cup of Kheer and Pudding

Chana Dal Payasam (Instant Pot)

This Chana dal payasam is made in an instant pot pressure cooker with jaggery and coconut milk.
Check out this recipe
5 from 1 vote
Calories :331
A bowl of chana dal payasam is on the table with a spoon inserted.

Atta Halwa Recipe 

This wheat flour halwa is made with wheat flour, oil, or vegan ghee, and a sweetener. The sweetener is traditionally sugar, but I have used jaggery instead.
Check out this recipe
5 from 3 votes
Calories :277
A plate of food on a table, with Wheat flour

7 Cup Sweet

A simple and easy 7 cup sweet that has simple ingredients like besan, coconut, sugar, plant-based milk, and oil.
Check out this recipe
5 from 6 votes
Calories :57
A half-eaten burfi on a plate, with Gram flour

Rava Kesari Bath Recipe (Vegan)

I will show you how to make a lump-free, smooth, delicious Kesari bath here. Within 30 minutes, you can make this simple crowd-pleaser dessert.
Check out this recipe
5 from 17 votes
Calories :520
A plate of vegan rava kesari is topped with nuts.

Semiya Payasam Instant Pot

Vermicelli kheer is a delicious dessert typically prepared with milk, sugar and vermicelli strands. Easy and delicious Indian dessert.
Check out this recipe
5 from 14 votes
Calories :438
A bowl of vermicelli kheer is on the table.

Mango Kesari (Sheera)

Mango sheera or mango Kesari is made with semolina, saffron, vegan ghee, sugar, and of course, the main ingredient - Mango pulp.
Check out this recipe
4.88 from 16 votes
Calories :265
A steel cup of mango sheera is on the steel tray with spoons.

Easy Coconut Burfi Recipe (Vegan)

Learn how to make vegan coconut burfi, a classic Indian sweet that is perfect for any occasion. The easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy the delicious taste of nariyal barfi, or thengai burfi.
Check out this recipe
5 from 1 vote
Calories :201
A bowl of Nariyal barfi is on the surface.

Beetroot Cutlets

If there is ever an easy way to feed Beets to kids, this is it! Make it spicy or make them plain, but this crispy snack will get them intrigued and hooked. 
Check out this recipe
5 from 2 votes
Calories :148
A plate of beetroot cutlets are on the table.

Broccoli Cutlets

Try these easy and delicious cutlets for your evening snack time.
Check out this recipe
5 from 1 vote
Calories :34
A plate of cutlets with broccoli on the table

Masala Vada Recipe

Masala Vada is a very simple snack recipe, yet tastes heavenly when done right. It can be a standalone snack or a part of a multi-course meal but sure to be a showstopper.
Check out this recipe
5 from 8 votes
Calories :166
A white tray is filled with masala vadas and bowl of sauce

How To Make Chakli

Chakli is rice flour mixed in a savory combination of black gram and cumin seeds, fried to golden brown perfection makes an irresistible snack.
Check out this recipe
5 from 8 votes
Calories :247
closeup of urad dal Murukku

Onion Pakora Air Fryer

Onion Pakodas are a good snack for a cold wintery day and best tasting when they are served hot.
Check out this recipe
5 from 12 votes
Calories :276
A plate is with air fried onion pakoras.

Sabudana Upma

Sabudana Khichdi, a.k.a Sabudana Upma, is made with tapioca pearls, roasted peanuts, and boiled potatoes with supporting condiments.
Check out this recipe
5 from 1 vote
Calories :491
A plate of sabudana upma is on the table.

Vegetable Poha Recipe

Vegetable Poha is a quick breakfast or snack food made of beaten rice or flattened rice from the Indian cuisines. 
Check out this recipe
5 from 17 votes
Calories :113
A plate of vegetable poha is on the wooden board and a spoon is inserted.

Sabudana Vada (Air Fryer, Appe Pan, And Deep Fry)

Sabudana Vada is a popular Indian snack made with tapioca pearls (sago), boiled potatoes, and peanuts. With flavorful ingredients, this air fried dish can be great as a tea time snack or as finger food in your next family event.
Check out this recipe
5 from 10 votes
Calories :43
A plate of air fryer sabudana vada is on the table.

Veg Puff Recipe

Vegetable Puff is a snack with crisp & flaky outer layer and mixed vegetables stuffing in the core. It is a quick and tasty way of the satisfying urge of something savory. 
Check out this recipe
5 from 4 votes
Calories :182
veg puff's are on the round baking tray with sauce.

Instant Pot Pav Bhaji

This homemade Instant Pot Pav Bhaji recipe is a classic Indian popular street food that is flavorful and filling.
Check out this recipe
5 from 13 votes
Calories :115
Close up of plate with Instant pot pav bhaji masala.

Urad Dal Bonda

Urad dal Bonda is a snack and made with split black gram and few spices.
Check out this recipe
5 from 2 votes
Calories :255
A plate with urad dal bonda on the table

Air Fryer Cabbage Pakora

This air fryer pakora is prepared with shredded cabbage and gram flour and comes out as the best, crispy pakora you've ever tasted!
Check out this recipe
5 from 17 votes
Calories :198
Air fryerCabbage pakoras are plated with parchment paper in it.

Masala Peanuts

This Masala Peanuts recipe is along the lines of masala groundnut from popular brands like "Haldiram" that you can prepare at home to please adults and kids alike.
Check out this recipe
5 from 9 votes
Calories :304
A bowl of masala peanuts are on the table.

Samosa Pinwheels (Air fryer And Baked)

Samosa pinwheels are the perfect snack avatar that comes in handy during parties and game nights.
Check out this recipe
5 from 2 votes
Calories :128
A plate is filled with air fried samosa pinwheels.

Lasuni Gobi (Air Fried Garlic Cauliflower)

Lasuni gobi translates as garlic cauliflower. As the name goes, the dish is prepared with loads of garlic, adding flavor to the cauliflower.
Check out this recipe
5 from 7 votes
Calories :283
A plate is with air fried lasuni gobi.

Gobi Manchurian In Air Fryer

This popular Gobi Manchurian dish is a snack of air-fried cauliflower florets tossed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy red chili sauce.
Check out this recipe
5 from 16 votes
Calories :173
A bowl is filled with air fried Gobi Manchurian snack.

Air Fryer Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)

Air fryer makhana is easy to make and serve on your festival menu. Air frying lets you enjoy the snack in 5-6 minutes.
Check out this recipe
5 from 15 votes
Calories :30
Air fried roasted lotus seed is in the bowl.

Best Gluten Free Samosa Recipe

Make the most delicious gluten-free vegan samosa recipe at home! Whether you're a professional chef or just looking for something fun, you'll love this recipe.
Check out this recipe
5 from 1 vote
Calories :356
A plate has vegan gluten free samosas.

Main dishes

Main dishes are another important part of Diwali celebrations, and luckily for vegans, many Diwali recipes focus on delicious plant-based dishes.

Whether you're looking for something simple like chana masala or cabbage kofta or more elaborate options like dal tadka or rajma masala, there is sure to be a Diwali dish that will satisfy your cravings make this Diwali one to remember.

How To Make Dosa Batter (Dosa Recipe)

Dosa batter is prepared with 3 main ingredients. This popular breakfast is not only healthy but also delicious when you serve with chutney or sambar.
Check out this recipe
4.95 from 19 votes
Calories :51
A steel vessel is filled with fermented dosa batter over the counter top.

Neer Dosa | The Best 3 Ways Of Neer Dosa

Unlike other South Indian dosa recipes, this neer dosa does not require any lentils and needs only three main ingredients: rice, water, and salt. This is the version I have shared in this recipe and in my video.
Check out this recipe
4.91 from 10 votes
Calories :92
A plate of neer dosa is on the table

Idli Batter Recipe (Soft Idli Recipe)

Soft and fluffy idlis dunked in onion sambar or a side of chutney can be too good to pass. Known not only for how nutritious and delicious it is but also for how easy it is to prepare when you pay attention to certain details.
Check out this recipe
5 from 4 votes
Calories :220
fermented idli batter is on the table.

Instant Pot Vegetable Korma

This Instant Pot vegetable korma is made with fresh aromatic Indian spices, cashew nuts, veggies, and coconut milk. Perfect weeknight meal!
Check out this recipe
5 from 14 votes
Calories :249
A bowl of vegetable kurma is on the plate.

Vegan Tofu Paneer Butter Masala (Restaurant-Style)

Tofu butter masala is nothing but a vegan version of paneer butter masala. My vegan version features Tofu simmered in a flavorful tomato and spice base. 
Check out this recipe
5 from 7 votes
Calories :166
A bowl is filled with vegan tofu butter masala curry.

Dairy-free Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani

Dairy-free Instant Pot vegetable biryani made with fragrant basmati rice, spices, and mixed veggies. This easy vegan biryani is a one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or holidays.
Check out this recipe
5 from 14 votes
Calories :304
A bowl of food on a plate, with Biryani and Rice

Methi Dosa

Methi Dosa is a soft Dosa made with Fenugreek seeds and Rice. Methi seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients and they also keep the body cool. So this perfect for summer days.
Check out this recipe
5 from 1 vote
Calories :218
A plate is with methi dosa and chutney on the table

Adai Recipe (Mixed Lentil Dosa)

Adai dosa is a great way to start your day, and it's sure to satisfy your hunger. I made this mixed lentil dosa using matta rice, and turned out so good.
Check out this recipe
5 from 5 votes
Calories :443
A plate of mixed lentil dosa and a bowl of chutney is on the table.

Palak Puri Recipe

Puris are a deep-fat fried bread made from unleavened whole-wheat flour. It has its origin from the Indian subcontinent and typically prepared as a breakfast option.
Check out this recipe
4.92 from 12 votes
Calories :315
A tray is filled with Palak Puri and two kids are reaching out to take those puris

Instant Pot Vegetable Rice

Instant Pot Vegetable rice or Vegetable Pulao is an easy one-pot rice dish mixed with a variety of vegetables and flavored with aromatic spices. I am sharing an easy way to cook this delicacy in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
4.23 from 9 votes
Calories :292
A bowl of food on a table, with Rice

Instant Pot Mushroom Rice

Instant Pot Mushroom Rice is as easy to prepare as it sounds. With all the right spices in hand, I was done with the cooking part in less than 30 minutes. Not many entrees can qualify for that.
Check out this recipe
5 from 11 votes
Calories :332
A white bowl is with mushroom rice and topped with cilantro and cashews

Bengali Masoor Dal

Bengali masoor dal is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be made in under an hour.
Check out this recipe
5 from 14 votes
Calories :101
A bowl of Bengali masoor dal is on the table and topped with cilantro.

Dal Tadka Instant Pot

Dal fry or dal tadka is typically made using Toor dal (Yellow lentils), but you can always substitute that with other options like Masoor Dal or Moong dal.
Check out this recipe
5 from 11 votes
Calories :95
A bowl of dal tadka is on the white table.

Chana Dal Recipe (Instant Pot)

Chana dal is nothing but split Bengal grams cooked in aromatic spices. Its a perfect meal for a busy weekday.
Check out this recipe
5 from 6 votes
Calories :128
A bowl of chana dal and rice is on the table with a spoon by the side.

Vegan Matar Paneer With Tofu

This Tofu Matar Masala or Tofu and Green Peas curry is a vegan version of the classic and very famous Indian dish - "Matar Paneer"
Check out this recipe
5 from 20 votes
Calories :180
A bowl of tofu matar is on the plate with rice and spoon.

Vegan Saag Paneer

Vegan saag paneer is easy to make and can be on the table in under an hour. This tofu saag paneer is hearty, filling, and healthy.
Check out this recipe
5 from 10 votes
Calories :220
a bowl of vegan saag paneer with tofu is on the plate with chapati.

Palak Rice - Instant Pot & Stovetop

Spinach rice is a simple, vegan, and one-pot meal. Perfect for kid's lunch boxes.
Check out this recipe
4.92 from 25 votes
Calories :235
A bowl of rice along with lemon

Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao) in Instant Pot

Peas Rice(Matar Pulao) is a very simple and flavorful dish. A few flavorful spices in a cilantro, coconut and green chili base make a powerful combination that is bursting with flavor.
Check out this recipe
5 from 4 votes
Calories :395
Instant Pot peas pulao made with basmati rice and green peas, served with vegan raita.

Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Curry)

This Bhindi masala is vegan and is easy to make, full of flavor, and can be made with either fresh or frozen okra.
Check out this recipe
5 from 15 votes
Calories :172
A plate is with bhindi masala and rice on the table with cloth and spoon.

Vegan Chana Masala Instant Pot

This deliciously spicy, tangy, vegan, healthy and protein-rich chickpea curry is a perfect match as a pairing for Poori or Chapati.
Check out this recipe
5 from 19 votes
Calories :310
Vegan chana masala is in the bowl topped with cilantro.

Palak Tofu Recipe (Instant Pot and Stovetop)

The procedure is fairly simple and does not require any overnight prep work. Check my step by step video for more details. Be sure to blanch the spinach before you blend them.
Check out this recipe
5 from 10 votes
Calories :219
A bowl is with palak tofu gravy on the table.

Punjabi Kadhi With Air Fryer Pakora

This Vegan kadhi pakora is a healthier version of the traditional dish with no compromise on flavors or taste.
Check out this recipe
5 from 10 votes
Calories :126
Close up of bowl filled with kadhi pakora curry.

Phool Makhana Curry

A simmering, spicy and sumptuous curry prepared with these fox nuts is something you cannot afford to miss in Indian cuisine.
Check out this recipe
5 from 9 votes
Calories :156
a bowl of lotus seed curry is on the table.

Easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice

This light and savory Instant Pot Coconut Rice is a South Indian rice variant prepared with simple ingredients like fresh or canned coconut milk, herbs, and spices. 
Check out this recipe
5 from 9 votes
Calories :210
Bowl of coconut milk rice is on the table

Pudina Pulao (Instant Pot Mint Rice)

The aroma of fresh herbs and rice gives immense satisfaction once cooked. Enjoy this pressure-cooked pudina rice with a supporting 'cool' raita that balances the flavor.
Check out this recipe
4.95 from 17 votes
Calories :310
A bowl filled with mint rice on the flat surface

Mushroom Masala Recipe

Mushroom Masala is a simple and delicious recipe that is usually paired with rotis or Indian bread but tastes equally delicious when you pair it with rice.
Check out this recipe
4.78 from 9 votes
Calories :157
a bowl of mushroom masala is on the table

Broccoli Curry Recipe

If you're looking for an easy dinner recipe that everyone will love, then this Indian-style broccoli curry is the dish for you!
Check out this recipe
5 from 11 votes
Calories :145
A small pot with broccoli curry and roti's.

Phulka Roti

This is a vegan and soy-free roti recipe. You can pack this into a lunch box or take this to potluck parties.
Check out this recipe
5 from 8 votes
Calories :276
Phulka roti is stacked on the white plate and on the serving tray

Authentic South Indian Chana Masala Recipe

A blend of aromatic spices and herbs gives this chana masala curry its bold and authentic South Indian taste.
Check out this recipe
5 from 14 votes
Calories :257
A bowl of South Indian chana masala is on the table.

Chana Pulao (Instant Pot Chickpea Rice)

Enjoy a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal with this easy chana pulao recipe. You only need an Instant Pot to make the perfect chickpea rice dish.
Check out this recipe
5 from 2 votes
Calories :382
Indian Chickpea rice is on the plate.

Best Vegan Dum Biryani Recipe

Vegetable Dum Biryani is one dish that brings the essence of Indian Cuisine to your table. Here, I share the vegan version which substitutes dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Check out this recipe
5 from 22 votes
Calories :426
A bowl of Vegan dum biryani is on the plate.

What not to do on diwali?

This festival of lights is one of India's most important and widely celebrated festivals. It marks the triumph of good over evil and is filled with beautiful traditions, customs, and rituals.

However, as an outsider, it's important to be aware and respectful of certain things during this festive season.

  • Don't burst crackers; light a diya instead and spread some light.
  • Don't gift leather products; choose something more meaningful.
  • Don't bring alcohol to a Diwali celebration; respect the customs.
  • Keep your footwear outside the house.
  • Rangoli is a traditional art form created with colorful powders, rice grains, or flower petals. It's considered disrespectful to step on it as it's believed to be a sacred symbol of welcoming guests into the home. So, avoid stepping on rangolis and admire their beauty from a distance.

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