Beyond the Roast: How Plant-Based Cuisine is Reimagining Holiday Traditions
(Published December 22, 2025)
For generations, holiday meals have conjured images of glistening roasts and rich, decadent sides. But a quiet revolution is underway in kitchens across the country, as more and more people seek out – and embrace - plant-based options. This isn’t about restriction; it’s about reimagining tradition, and a growing number of chefs are leading the charge, transforming familiar flavors into vibrant, sustainable experiences.
“plant-based cooking has offered me so much more than I could have imagined, and it’s brought my loved ones even closer through food,” says Malcolm Regisford, wellness enthusiast and founder of TappedInWellness.com.His sentiment echoes a broader trend: plant-based isn’t just a diet, it’s a way to connect with food, family, and a more conscious lifestyle.
(Image: Photo Courtesy of Malcolm Regisford – https://media.ebony.com/sytwmfsyue/uploads/2025/12/19/Photo-1.jpeg)
These culinary innovators aren’t simply removing meat from the equation. They’re redefining what it means to celebrate the holidays, proving that sustainability and indulgence can coexist beautifully on the same plate. Each thoughtfully prepared dish is an invitation to reconsider cherished traditions, honoring the spirit of the season while minimizing environmental impact.
Regisford explains his approach: “My goal from the beginning was to honor the flavors I grew up on, as I knew that’s how I could sustain it. Especially during the holidays,I present flavor-packed,whole food plant-based dishes that can rival – and sometimes surpass – my family’s original recipes.”
This dedication to flavor is a key element of the plant-based movement’s success. Chefs like Jenné Claiborne, author of “Sweet Potato Soul Vegan Vibes,” are demonstrating that plant-based cuisine is anything but bland. She’s building a bridge between customary tastes and modern values,appealing to both dedicated vegans and curious omnivores.
(Image: Image: courtesy of Jenné Claiborne - https://media.ebony.com/sytwmfsyue/uploads/2025/12/19/Vegan-Vibes_Cover-Photo_Jenne-claiborne-smaller.png)
“So much of the characteristic flavor in any cuisine
![Plant-Based Holiday Recipes: Reinventing Traditions | [Year] Plant-Based Holiday Recipes: Reinventing Traditions | [Year]](https://media.ebony.com/sytwmfsyue/uploads/2025/12/19/Photo-1-Cropped-e1766439335936.jpg)








