29 Vegan Side Dishes That Bring Bold Flavors To Every Meal

It’s hard to be bored at the table when 29 vegan side dishes show up with more personality than half the guests. Big flavors crash every bite without asking permission, and somehow, every plate feels like it’s getting away with something. These sides refuse to sit quietly in the corner like a bland plus-one. Good luck picking a favorite when even the salads are acting like they own the place.

A close up of food.
Homemade Ratatouille. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.
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Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dessert doesn’t always have to follow traditional rules. Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe turns heads with its creative presentation while staying plant-based. It offers a fun twist on sweet treats, making it stand out at gatherings. Perfect for sharing, it blends a playful look with surprising flavors.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

A close-up of a pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and seasonings in a white bowl.
Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mixing cooked vegetables with pasta, Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad creates a blend that’s both hearty and light. It’s great for pairing with any main dish, thanks to its well-rounded textures. Friends and family will enjoy coming back for seconds when it’s on the table. Easy to serve and enjoy, it checks all the boxes for a dependable side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

A close-up of a dish featuring black beans mixed with chopped onions and garnished with fresh green herbs.
Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Recreating restaurant favorites has a certain fun factor, and Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans does it well. Perfect for bowls or burritos, it matches those signature flavors that people love. It’s a quick side that adds depth to meals without much hassle. Keeping things simple without losing character, it’s a win for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Breaded Mushrooms

Breaded Mushrooms in a white bowl with a fork.
Breaded Mushrooms. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A crispy option like Breaded Mushrooms adds great variety to any menu. They’ve got just the right mix of crunch and rich flavor. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well as a starter or a side. Pair them with other options to create a balanced spread everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with creamy vegan green bean casserole topped with breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bringing warm comfort to meals, Vegan Green Bean Casserole balances traditional elements with plant-based adjustments. Perfect for family-style spreads, it’s one of those dishes everyone can agree on. You’ll appreciate how easily it pairs with a variety of mains at the center of your meal. It also doesn’t compromise on flavors while keeping options open for all.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Easy Vegan Coleslaw. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A refreshing crunch is what Easy Vegan Coleslaw offers, making it great to pair with heavier dishes. Its light, straightforward nature adds balance without dominating the meal. Whether it’s part of a spread or added on to a plate, it brings something extra for everyone involved. Sharing it is easy, and it fits right in with casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Plant-based alternatives shine with Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe, delivering familiar creamy textures without going overboard. Great for dipping or drizzling, it fits into so many meal scenarios effortlessly. Offering a lot while keeping things simple, it enhances but doesn’t overwhelm your spreads. Its versatility makes it a go-to for mixed meal settings.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

One dish for simplicity and variety, Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables brings together hearty ingredients in one spread. It’s a reliable choice for bringing color and texture to meals without much prep. You’ll find it works especially well when you want something hands-off but still flavorful. Bulk it up or keep it minimal depending on your preferences.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Red Skin Potatoes in a white bowl.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sometimes the best flavors come from simple tweaks, and Crispy Smashed Potatoes are proof of that. Perfect for sharing at the table, their mix of crisp and tender highlights what’s loved about potatoes. Easy to serve alongside multiple dishes, they fit into almost any meal. Something about their casual approach makes them appealing for both regular nights and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish with crispy tater tots, green bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, topped with fried onions.
Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bringing a familiar favorite to plant-based cooking, Vegan Tater Tot Casserole takes comfort foods to a new zone. Its playful texture and flavor combination make it a hit across all age groups. Perfect as a main or side, it’s one those dishes people will always return to. Its convenience is icing on the cake, making it enjoyable with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of sliced cucumbers garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes.
Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A bit of heat adds flair to Spicy Cucumber Salad, creating a twist on more traditional salads. Its refreshing base combines well with bold flavors, making it a great side for larger meals. You’ll love how well it contrasts with heavier dishes or stands on its own in lighter spreads. Whether it’s for dinner or lunch, it adds variety with ease.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Tortilla Chips

Close-up of crispy tortilla chips with a dollop of guacamole on top.
Vegan Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crunchy snacks come alive with Vegan Tortilla Chips, offering something quick and fun to add to meals or enjoy solo. Their versatility makes them a great addition to spreads like soups or dips. Easy to pair with casual family dinners or party tables, they keep options open for sharing. You’ll love how easily they add personality to snack times.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Crispy potato wedges served on a plate with a cup of coffee.
Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Adding a visual element to simplicity, Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes also bring texture and creativity to the table. Perfect for sharing, they make an impression with their easy presentation without overcomplicating things. Great for family meal times or hosting larger groups, they’re both approachable and tasty. Whether dressed up further or left simple, their versatility works.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Roasted Potatoes

Close-up of vegan roasted potato wedges garnished with chopped parsley. The potato skins are slightly crispy and browned, with visible seasoning.
Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A well-loved classic, Roasted Potatoes keep things simple while delivering sought-after textures and flavors. They’re the ideal pairing with nearly any main dish without stealing focus from standout items. Easy to prepare, they fit right into both casual weekday dinners and larger celebrations. Dependable and comforting, they’re always a safe bet for guests.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bringing cooked veggies together in one dish, Vegetable Casserole emphasizes heartiness and balance. Great for meal times shared with groups, it’s both enjoyable and reliable. Whether it’s alongside other mains or something standalone, it adapts to different tastes. Those looking for a blend of vegan-friendly layers will enjoy what it offers.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

An air fryer pile of asparagus with grated cheese.
Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Veggies get a new touch with Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe, adding crispness in a simple way. It’s one of those items you can grab quickly to complement heavier dishes. Easy to eat and enjoy both individually or as a group, it sets itself apart when placed alongside a variety of sides. Keeping prep work to a minimum while offering results quickly enough for busy days is its strong point.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Two bowls of tomato soup with basil and tomatoes.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm and comforting bowls come alive with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, offering tons of possibilities to pair or enjoy solo. It’s great as a lead side for breads or simple meals that benefit from some added warmth. People appreciate its familiar theme alongside easy preparation options. Even if the occasion is last-minute, this soup holds up effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Turning an ordinary veggie into something snack-worthy, Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip changes up how sides are viewed. Great for dipping or single grabs, it’s perfect for casual group events or even movie nights. You’ll enjoy how something simple turns into something people enjoy eating immediately. Fast prep keeps this at the top for quick side selections no matter the setting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Close-up of a plate of rice garnished with chopped herbs and slices of lime.
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Flavored rice like Easy Cilantro Lime Rice adds personality without stealing the spotlight from other dishes. It’s one of those additions that tie meals together or work separately as a small bowl snack. Ideal for pairing with meals that need more flavor depth or for days you want minimal work, rice is versatile. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits right in with different combinations.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Vegan Minestrone Soup

Two bowls of soup with pasta and vegetables.
Vegan Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A hearty mix finds its way into Vegan Minestrone Soup, combining plant-friendly options for colder or relaxed meals. Great solo or paired with rolls or flatbreads, it stays versatile without missing a layer. People looking for something warming as their base enjoy its simple, straightforward form. Always great for sharing or enjoying solo during slower-paced days.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When mains need something lighter or creative, Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps step up. Perfect for balancing meals without extra complexities, wraps like these can adapt in size or servings. Their flexible approach makes them ideal for varying group sizes or preferences. Quick to grab and pass around, they’re straightforward enough for repeat servings too.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps.

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

A wooden cutting board with a bowl of tofu bites and a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan substitutes shine in Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets, giving classic parts plant-based upgrades with quick energy. Easy to make and share around tables, nuggets like these carry noticeable simple flavors without feeling overly done. Suitable for all ages, these plant nuggets fit nicely beside other lively options. So whether adding variety or keeping meals light, they cover enough ground reliably.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

You get a mix of hearty textures with bold flavors in this Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad that works as more than just a side dish. Its combination of contrasting textures makes it a reliable plate for many meals. Packed with great balance, it complements most main dishes naturally. Adding it to your table brings a sense of warmth without overpowering the other flavors around it.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

A gochujang cabbage steak on a bed of white rice.
Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This bold take on cabbage transforms it into a standout dish anyone will love. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks bring intense flavor with every bite while keeping things simple. The intriguing taste matches well with other plates, giving extra depth to any spread. Its rich profile encourages people to rethink how they’ve always seen cabbage.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Yellow Lentil Dal

A bowl of yellow lentil dal with sour cream and a spoon.
Yellow Lentil Dal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A perfect balance of texture and warmth is found in Yellow Lentil Dal, adding a comforting twist to any meal. Its gentle flavors anchor the dish, making it pair well with an assortment of sides. Whether served with bread or rice, it brings variety to your plate in a simple way. Every bite feels substantial without being overwhelming, letting it complement all other dishes at the table.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Golden brown roasted potato cubes garnished with chopped parsley.
Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispiness and flavor come together wonderfully with Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes, making them a great fit for meals outside of breakfast time too. It’s versatile enough to go alongside soups, salads, or sandwiches where you’d like added crunch. Each bite has that balanced texture that’s both satisfying and refreshing at once. You won’t need anything fancy to let this dish shine in its own unique way.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Harvest Salad

A Harvest Salad with kale, sweet potato wedges, avocado chunks, chickpeas, and pickled red onions, all drizzled with a delectable dressing.
Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rich textures and balanced flavors define Harvest Salad, offering a mix that feels fresh and filling. Perfect to add variety, this dish doesn’t feel limited to one specific type of pairing. It works quietly alongside main dishes while bringing color and complexity to the table. Its thoughtful inclusion makes for a full meal that feels naturally complete without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Granola with nuts and oats is drizzled with honey, creating a symphony of flavors reminiscent of a vegan sweet potato casserole.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole, offering a blend of sweetness and richness that’s great for pairing with simple mains. The hearty nature works as a reliable side without stealing attention from other dishes. Its simplicity offers full-bodied flavors that add depth to your meal’s mix. You’ll find it fits seamlessly into a variety of menus without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Homemade Ratatouille

A close up of food.
Homemade Ratatouille. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Layers of different textures come alive in Homemade Ratatouille, offering variety and balance in each bite. Great for meal settings that need depth, this dish isn’t one-note and fits into a wide range of side pairings. It has a bold yet simple addition that enriches meals effortlessly without clashing. Its mix of textures and flavor profiles ensures consistency across different dishes served together.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

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