29 Vegan Side Dishes That Even The Toughest Critics Can’t Resist

Some people hear “vegan side dish” and assume it’s going to be a sad plate of leaves, but that’s not happening here. With 29 crowd-pleasers on the table, even the skeptics will find themselves going back for seconds. These aren’t just here to fill space—they bring real flavor, real texture, and absolutely no debates about whether or not they belong. If anything, the real problem is figuring out which one to grab first.

A casserole dish brimming with golden-brown bread crumbs, tender rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, this vegan cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is a wonderful blend of flavors. — Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

If you enjoy potatoes with a crunch, Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes are a perfect choice for your meal. Once prepared, these potatoes offer a crispy texture on the outside while keeping a soft, fluffy inside. They’re not only easy to make but pair wonderfully with any main dish. For those seeking a vegan side that delivers crunch and comfort, this recipe fits the bill nicely.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Lighter meals don’t have to skimp on flavor, and Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps are proof of that. Using leaves as wraps, they provide a crisp and refreshing base that contrasts well with rich, comforting fillings. Ideal for those who prefer a gluten-free diet, these wraps are hearty without being heavy. They’re a fresh approach to enjoying the bold flavors we commonly see in Mexican dishes.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Baked Mushroom Rice

A plate of mushroom baked rice served next to a cast iron skillet. — Baked Mushroom Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Forget the usual rice dishes; here’s something with a unique twist. This dish is a hearty staple that’s a step up from the ordinary, bringing a savory richness to your meal without meat. Baked Mushroom Rice is a hearty option for when you want a side that feels like a main. It’s a wholesome choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a deeper flavor profile in their grains.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Who says side dishes can’t be sweet? Vegan Chocolate Salami is an ingenious creation that offers a dessert-like experience while adhering to vegan standards. This visual treat mimics the look of traditional salami but surprises with its sweet, rich chocolate taste. It’s an excellent choice for ending your meals with a sweet note or serving alongside afternoon tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Sometimes, you need a dish that warms you from the inside, and this soup does just that. It combines classic flavors in a way that feels both familiar and new. A bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for when you’re seeking comfort without compromising on taste. It’s a soup that brings a homely touch to any spread, proving that simple ingredients can create a wonderfully rich experience.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Baked Tofu

Crispy tofu cubes piled on a plate with a dish of green dipping sauce in the background. — Baked Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you want a dish that’s versatile and packed with protein, look no further. This one can be dressed up or down depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge. Baked Tofu is a testament to tofu’s ability to absorb flavors and transform into something special. It’s an essential for anyone who believes vegan food should be as nourishing as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Craving something sweet, hearty, and surprisingly wholesome? This casserole is a mouthwatering option that won’t have you missing traditional ingredients one bit. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole marries natural sweetness with a filling texture. This dish shows how simple swaps can make classic comfort foods accessible to everyone, regardless of their dietary choices.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

A bowl of cooked rice mixed with kidney beans, garnished with chopped herbs on top, placed on a light-colored surface with fresh greens on a wooden board in the background. — Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bring the vibrant flavors of the islands to your table with this easy-to-make side. It’s a burst of flavor that’s sure to lift your spirits. Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans is an unassuming dish that packs a powerful punch and complements any meal with a touch of tropical flair. It conveys the spirit of Caribbean cooking, where every spoonful is rich in tradition and taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

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 true classic that never fails to please, this dish is the very definition of a crowd-pleaser. It’s straightforward, yet never boring, and always hits the spot. Roasted Potatoes stand as a testament to the fact that sometimes simple is best. They’re as at home on a weeknight as they are at a fancy gathering, proving their versatility and universal appeal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

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.

Looking for a zippy side that’s as lively as it is light? This rice dish adds a bright spot to any plate, making it an instant favorite. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice offers a refreshing change from the typical, and its vibrant flavor pairs well with a variety of mains. It’s the answer for those seeking something quick and flavorful that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Harvest Salad

Embrace a bowl full of nature’s best with this colorful and nutritious option. It’s vibrant, fresh, and brimming with a variety of textures. Harvest Salad is the perfect choice when you’re looking to add a bounty of healthful ingredients to your meal. It emphasizes the beauty of vegetables and fruits in their rawest form, assembled to create a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Close-up of several roasted sweet potato wedges on parchment paper, garnished with chopped herbs. — Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

There’s nothing like the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes to make a meal feel more complete. When baked, these wedges offer a comforting side that’s both delicious and wholesome. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges showcase the humble root vegetable in all its glory. It’s a feel-good option that brings a dash of color and nutrition to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Ever wanted to recreate the magic of your favorite restaurant beans at home? This hearty and flavorful side does just that. Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans are all about bringing that rich, smoky flavor into your own kitchen. They’re perfectly suited as a side for burritos, bowls, or just about any dish that could use a bit of a kick.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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.

Turn your potatoes into a fun and crispy experience with this creative twist. Not only are they a conversation piece, but they’re also irresistibly tasty. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes offer a playful take on a familiar favorite and cook up in no time. They’re an excellent choice for those seeking to add a novel texture and quirky look to their side dish options.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy dish with a spoon, likely consisting of mashed potatoes or a similar textured food. The mixture appears smooth and slightly chunky. — Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A classic comfort food made vegan, Vegan Mac and Cheese offers the creamy, comforting taste of traditional macaroni and cheese without any animal products. This dish is perfect for those who wish to indulge without straying from a vegan diet. It’s creamy, hearty, and can easily become a favorite at family meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

Breaded Mushrooms

These aren’t your ordinary mushrooms; they come with a crispy twist that’s hard to resist. They’re the perfect bite-sized morsels to pop into your mouth. Breaded Mushrooms pleasantly surprise with their crunchy exterior and juicy insides. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy a meaty texture without the meat.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Vegan Tortilla Chips

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

Why settle for store-bought when you can have homemade crispiness at its best? These chips are perfect for dipping or just munching on their own. Vegan Tortilla Chips bring the crunch to any gathering or solo snack time. They’re a simple pleasure that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something utterly snackable.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Yellow Lentil Dal

Experience the warmth and homeliness of this traditionally-inspired dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavors that hug you from the inside. Yellow Lentil Dal is a love letter to the simplicity of lentils and spices. It’s a staple for anyone looking for a protein-packed side that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Vegan Pasta Primavera

A colorful pasta salad with fusilli, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, peas, red onion, zucchini, and fresh basil leaves is served on a blue plate. — Vegan Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Light, colorful, and brimming with veggies, this pasta dish is far from boring. It brings a fresh perspective to your table, with each forkful full of garden’s offerings. Vegan Pasta Primavera is an invitation to enjoy pasta in its lightest, most vegetable-forward form. It’s an all-around crowd-pleaser for those who love their meals with a side of vibrancy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

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.

For a side that’s both playful and protein-rich, these nuggets are just the ticket. They’re crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are a hit with anyone who’s in search of a healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. They perfectly demonstrate how plant-based eating can be fun and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

A baked casserole with Brussels sprouts and a crispy, golden-brown topping, garnished with chopped parsley. — Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole transforms the often underestimated Brussels sprouts into a star dish. This casserole brings out the best in these sprouts, combining them with flavors that melt into a delicious, cohesive dish. It’s ideal for those looking for a hearty side that can stand up to the main course. This dish adds an elegant, comforting touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

This dish is a refreshing take on a picnic classic. It’s crisp, creamy, and can act as the perfect palate cleanser or complement to heavier dishes. Easy Vegan Coleslaw is a reminder that some dishes are timeless for a reason. It’s great for those who appreciate a side that’s both familiar and fresh-tasting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives and black pepper. — Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These mashed potatoes are as smooth and comforting as they get, minus the dairy. It’s like a warm hug on your plate, blending tradition with compassionate choices. Vegan Mashed Potatoes are a must-have for anyone who cherishes the classics but prefers to keep it plant-based. It’s a side dish that effortlessly stands alongside its traditional counterpart.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Homemade Ratatouille showcases a variety of garden vegetables in a beautifully rustic presentation. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that compliment any meal. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a hearty vegetable dish. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

When it’s time for a hearty, nourishing meal, Vegan Minestrone Soup has got you covered. This soup combines a variety of vegetables in a rich broth, making it a filling and healthy choice. It’s perfect for meal prep or to warm up a chilly evening. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’s both simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

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.

Cool cucumbers meet a hint of heat in this refreshing salad. It’s a lively addition to any meal that could use a bit of a kick. Spicy Cucumber Salad is for those who enjoy a side that’s as cooling as it is exciting. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who loves their greens with a spicy twist.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Revel in the simplicity and elegance of perfectly cooked asparagus. This side is not only quick to make but also delicious in its straightforwardness. Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe demonstrates that healthy eating can also be convenient and enjoyable. It’s ideal for complementing a variety of dishes with a touch of green goodness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

If you’re looking for a side that’s bold and brings a punch of flavor, this is it. The unique seasoning blends beautifully with the natural sweetness of cabbage. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are a celebration of spicy and savory notes in one hearty dish. They’re a great option for those looking to introduce an innovative flair to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This casserole has all the comfort you remember, remixed in a vegan-friendly way. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and utterly filling addition to any meal. Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole stands as proof that you can have your cheesy comfort food without any cheese at all. It’s a warm, inviting dish that’ll make everyone want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole