29 Vegan Side Recipes That Prove Every Part Of The Meal Should Be Delicious

It’s time to rethink your side dish game. These 29 vegan sides are proof that every part of the meal should make you excited to dig in. They’ll turn any dinner into a balanced, flavorful experience without stealing the spotlight from the main course. Whether you’re preparing for a casual meal or hosting a gathering, these plant-based sides are guaranteed to impress, offering a unique twist on the usual offerings.

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.

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Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Forget steaming, Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe gives you tender yet crisp spears perfect for a quick side. The air fryer locks in the natural flavor while adding that ideal crunch. Great for pairing with almost any main, this simple yet flavorful recipe will make asparagus your new favorite go-to. Plus, it’s ready in no time with minimal cleanup required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Yellow Lentil Dal

Rich and soupy, Yellow Lentil Dal brings comforting warmth with every spoonful. Ideal for pairing with rice or flatbreads, it’s both hearty and refreshing. The creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with subtle spices. This is a dish you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Have fries without the guilt with Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip. The air fryer gives the carrot sticks a beautiful texture you’re going to love. Paired with the aioli dip, it brings a unique twist to regular fries. Crunchy and perfect for sharing, even kids will ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Looking for a one-dish wonder? Baked Mushroom Rice offers a wonderful blend of textures that make it a perfect companion to any meal. The mushrooms add a unique earthiness while the rice turns out perfectly fluffy. This dish is an easy way to jazz up plain rice.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Vegan Tortilla Chips

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

Perfect for dipping or alone, Vegan Tortilla Chips are a snacker’s dream. They deliver that rewarding crunch and can be easily paired with your favorite salsa or guacamole. Unlike store-bought chips, these are both healthier and tastier. You’ll wonder why you ever bought chips in a bag.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

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.

Say goodbye to bland with Baked Tofu. Simple yet so versatile, you can add this delight to salads, bowls, or enjoy it on its own. The marinade soaks in beautifully, infusing the tofu with a burst of flavor. Baked to perfection, it has just the right amount of firmness and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

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 yet fulfilling, Vegan Pasta Primavera is bursting with fresh garden flavors. It’s a great option for a quick, nutritious meal that feels indulgent yet light. Every forkful brings a nice mix of hearty pasta and crisp veggies. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

For a rich, creamy dip, Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe is the way to go. Its smooth texture makes it ideal for topping nachos, dipping veggies, or adding a dollop to your tacos. The cashews give it an incredible creaminess that’s hard to beat. You’ll never miss dairy with this fantastic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

Perfect for an easy meal, Vegan Minestrone Soup is a hearty and filling option. Packed with various veggies and flavors, it’s like comfort in a bowl. This soup is both refreshing and worthwhile, making it great for any meal of the day. It’s a wholesome choice that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Get a burst of freshness with Blood Orange and Fennel Salad. The crispness of fennel adds a nice crunch, while the citrus gives it a sweet and tangy twist. The combination of flavors makes for a beautifully balanced dish. This salad is light yet flavorful, making it a perfect starter or side.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Familiar and cozy, Vegan Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish with a vegan spin. The green beans are perfectly tender, mixed with a creamy sauce that makes every bite worthwhile. Topped with crunchy goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Who says comfort food can’t be vegan?
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Breaded Mushrooms

Enjoy the crunch without deep frying with Breaded Mushrooms. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, perfect for snacking or as a side. Breaded and baked to perfection, these mushrooms are a great alternative to heavier appetizers. Easy to make and even easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Cauliflower Nuggets

Swap out your regular nuggets for Cauliflower Nuggets. Crispy and seasoned just right, these little bites can easily become addictive. They’re a great option for kids and adults alike, offering a healthier twist on a favorite snack. Serve them up with your favorite dip and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

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.

If you love the black beans from your favorite burrito spot, you’ll adore Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. These beans are flavorful, versatile, and pair well with rice, tacos, or on their own. The texture is just right, not too mushy, not too firm. You’ll feel like you’re enjoying your favorite restaurant meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Love onion rings but not the grease? Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe gives you that worthwhile crunch without the guilt. These rings are crispy, flavorful, and a hit at any gathering. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to be a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

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.

Looking for a dish that can stand on its own, Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. This recipe combines tender grains with creamy beans for a filling texture. It’s a great partner to any main course or can be enjoyed solo.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Want to surprise everyone with something unique? Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe is a fun and unexpected dessert. It combines rich, velvety chocolate with crunchy nuts, creating a gratifying texture that adds an element of surprise. This treat mimics the appearance of salami but is sweet and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

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.

Bright and flavorful, Easy Cilantro Lime Rice adds a refreshing twist to plain rice. Infused with citrus notes, this dish is a fantastic base for bowls, tacos, or as a side. It’s an effortless way to bring a touch of something special to your meal. Simple yet effective!
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

For a lighter yet rewarding option, Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) are a great choice. These wraps are crisp, full of flavor, and make a great lunch or light dinner. Paired with your choice of toppings, they’re both versatile and easy to love. These wraps are gluten-free and packed with goodness.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

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.

For a refreshing kick, Spicy Cucumber Salad is excellent to have on the table. The cucumbers bring a cool crunch, while the spice adds an exciting contrast. It’s simple to make and pairs well with just about any dish. Great for outdoor gatherings or a quick side dish.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Creamy yet fresh, Easy Vegan Coleslaw is a versatile side that fits any meal. With its crisp texture and subtle flavor, it’s great for BBQs, picnics, or as a topping. This coleslaw is a true crowd-pleaser. So easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Harvest Salad

Packed with seasonal goodness, Harvest Salad brings a mix of textures and flavors. It’s a vibrant addition to any table, offering both refreshing and filling bites. This salad works well as a light lunch or a side dish. Giving you a dose of nutrients in a delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

For something different, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are a must-try. The cabbage gets a bold flavor boost that makes it something special. With the right balance of spice and sweetness, it’s a refreshing take on a classic vegetable. Nicely charred on the outside, tender on the inside, these steaks will impress.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Experience something hearty and lovely with Homemade Ratatouille. Packed with various veggies cooked to perfection, this dish is both wholesome and rewarding. Ideal as a main or a side, it’s a great way to enjoy a mix of garden flavors. Healthy, vibrant and elegant at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

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.

Light, refreshing yet filling, Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad combines charred veggies and pasta in a gratifying mix. Perfect for picnics or a simple weeknight dinner. Each bite offers a taste of grilled goodness coupled with tender pasta. A go-to when you want something easy and pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Warming and comforting, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a bowlful of joy. The deep flavor of roasted tomatoes paired with fresh basil makes for a classic favorite. The combination of tasty and aromatic ingredients creates a cozy, rewarding meal. Ideal for pairing with a crusty bread or enjoying solo.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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

Comfort food at its best, Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole blends gooey goodness with nutritious broccoli and tender rice. This dish is both filling and family-friendly. Serve it up for dinner, and watch everyone grab seconds. It’s a classic casserole made even better.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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.

Easy yet flavorful, Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables bring out sweet and tasty notes from each veggie. All you need is a sheet pan, and you’ve got a lovely side that complements any main. This dish is a great way to enjoy your veggies without much fuss. Perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy, Vegan Mac and Cheese offers all the comfort of the classic dish without any dairy. The sauce is smooth and cheesy, coating every piece of pasta perfectly. With a texture that rivals the traditional, this dish brings both flavor and satisfaction. Ideal for a cozy night in or as a side for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese