29 Vegan Side Recipes To Make Your Plate More Exciting Than The Main Dish

Side dishes can turn any meal into something amazing. These 29 vegan side recipes bring bright colors, bold flavors, and fun textures to every plate. Each bite brings something new, like sweet, salty, spicy, or flavors that make the taste dance. With these sides, the plate becomes the star of the table, and the main dish simply plays along.

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

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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.

Packed with flavor, the crispy outside and tender inside make Baked Tofu the perfect addition to any plate. Whether you’re dipping or pairing it with a sauce, it’s a texture-filled treat. Simple yet delicious, it’s versatile enough to steal the spotlight. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

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 a little island inspiration to your plate with Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans, featuring vibrant flavors and a comforting mix of textures. A great addition to round out your meal, it pairs beautifully with any main dish. It’s bold, hearty, and just the right kind of filling. Guaranteed to make dinner a little more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Warm, wholesome, and bursting with robust flavors, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting touch to complement any meal. Smooth and creamy with a hint of freshness, it’s a bowl full of goodness. Perfect for dipping sides like bread or crackers, it’s a simple way to brighten your plate. Great for pairing without being overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Creamy and packed with just the right touch of flavor, Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe turns even plain dishes into something worth remembering. Perfect for dipping or drizzling, it’s a fun way to make meals more exciting. The texture and richness stand out in a good way. Whether you add it to chips or veggies, it’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Refreshing and bold, Blood Orange and Fennel Salad brings an unexpected twist with every bite. It’s crisp, tangy, and full of vibrant colors that make it a centerpiece-worthy addition. Balanced and light, it pairs well with heavier dishes on the plate. Every spoonful tastes fresh and energizing.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Cauliflower Nuggets

Crispy on the outside with a tender bite inside, Cauliflower Nuggets are a fun twist for an easy side dish. Great for dipping or eating straight up, they’re small bites packed with flavor. It’s a quick way to add something different to your table without overcomplicating things. Perfect for snacking or serving alongside bigger dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Breaded Mushrooms

Crunchy and earthy, Breaded Mushrooms offer a bite every time you reach for one. These little morsels work perfectly whether you’re enjoying them on their own or pairing them with sauces. Packed with texture and flavor, they fit into almost any kind of meal. Easy to eat and super shareable.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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

Golden and crispy, Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a side dish that’s impossible not to enjoy. Soft inside but crackling on the edges, they’re delicious without needing much else. They’re a great way to add something fun and flavorful to your plate. Every bite feels unfussy yet perfect.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Sweet with just a touch of crunch, Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip make an unexpected addition to any meal. Perfectly cooked, they’re perfect to pair with creamy dips or enjoy solo. A fun change from traditional fries, they offer something light and flavorful. Simple, easy, and a little different.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

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.

Soft, golden, and naturally sweet, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are a perfect way to balance your plate. Their texture and flavor make them a great alternative to traditional sides. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a hint of seasoning, they’ll bring something new to your plate. Easy to make and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Crunchy, flavorful, and just a little indulgent, Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe turns a simple vegetable into a crave-worthy side. Their light texture keeps them approachable without being overly heavy. Great as a snack or a complement, they pair amazingly well with dips or sauces. A fun addition that feels almost effortless.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon. — Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cool, refreshing, and straightforward, Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple way to add some color to each bite. Each scoop is crisp with a touch of light juiciness that’s undeniably fresh. It’s an easy option for balancing heavier dishes on the table. A quick and fuss-free way to brighten your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

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.

Fluffy and infused with bold flavors, Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is an ideal side for bringing depth to your meal. Perfect as a base or served on its own, it adds a fresh yet full-bodied bite. Complementing whatever main dish you’ve got going, it’s a no-fuss option to liven up your plate. Vibrant and incredibly simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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.

Rich and comforting, Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole takes a simple veggie and transforms it into something hearty and flavorful. Perfectly cooked with a creamy touch, it’s a crowd-pleaser for almost every occasion. Whether as a standalone or part of your spread, it’s easy to appreciate how delicious it can be. Great balance between texture and depth.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

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.

A mix of Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad brings both texture and balance to your meal. Tossed together with simple seasoning, it’s hearty yet refreshing. The flavors come together beautifully, making this dish a great addition to your spread. Pair it with any main course for added color and substance.
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.

Boldly flavored and wonderfully tender, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks add a spicy and smoky twist to your dinner table. Each bite is rich with character, making it a standout side that complements heavier dishes beautifully. It’s unique without being overwhelming and pairs seamlessly with nearly any plate. A great choice when you want something out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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.

Packed with smoky grilled vegetables and tossed with pasta, this combination is both filling and full of flavor. Everything meshes well without feeling heavy. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that goes well with anything. It’s quick to prepare and adds variety to your table effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

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.

A creamy base mixed with broccoli and rice provides a comforting bite. It’s rich enough to stand out alongside other dishes on your plate. Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole blends flavors that feel both familiar and tasty without overwhelming. Perfect for balancing other lighter sides or mains.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Harvest Salad

Filled with fresh and hearty ingredients, this salad offers both crunch and color. Harvest Salad lets you enjoy a mix of textures that complement whatever you’re serving. It’s easy to adjust to your preferences while staying full of vibrant flavors. A great option for bringing variety to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Slaw that’s light and fresh while still offering plenty of crunch—it’s a classic done the vegan way. Easy Vegan Coleslaw works as a great side for heavier plates or even something casual. The flavors balance each other for a refreshing bite. It’s a staple to keep handy for versatile meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Slow-cooked vegetables come together for a rich and balanced dish. Homemade Ratatouille has deep flavors that make it a solid pairing with lighter entrees. The layered mix of textures keeps every bite interesting without overshadowing anything else. Great for adding depth to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Pico de Gallo

Light, fresh, and made to complement just about any spread, it’s the perfect pop of brightness on your plate. Pico de Gallo combines simple ingredients that bring life to every bite. It’s easy to pair with something heavier for balance. Great for sharing or adding variety without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Soft, flavorful rice combined with baked mushrooms gives you something hearty yet easy to enjoy. Baked Mushroom Rice has the kind of comforting goodness that works with a variety of dishes. Each bite feels simple and balanced without being overpowering. Perfect for filling out the meal without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

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.

Golden, crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside, they’re versatile enough for any plate. Roasted Potatoes always feel like a reliable favorite and pair well across cuisines. Simple seasoning lets their natural flavors shine through. Add them to your meal for texture and substance.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Bite-sized lettuce wraps packed with flavor make for a light yet filling addition to your table. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crisp, and packed with vibrant components. They’re a great way to switch things up and provide balance to heavier sides. Ideal for a clean, easy-to-enjoy pairing.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

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.

A vibrant mix of roasted root vegetables creates depth without much effort. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables brings warmth and variety to the table in every bite. It’s flavorful and hearty without needing anything complicated. Makes a well-balanced side for mixing and matching.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Crisp on the outside and soft inside, they bring a fun twist to traditional sides. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are simple, snackable, and easy to pair with anything. They can bring a bit of texture to whatever you’re serving. Perfect for a quick add-on to your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

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 little kick combined with cool slices makes a refreshing balance for your plate. Spicy Cucumber Salad adds a simple twist that pairs easily with heavier dishes. It’s quick, light, and changes things up in a fun way. Great for adding freshness without overcomplicating the meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Yellow Lentil Dal

Warm, comforting, and protein-packed, its smooth texture makes it delicious yet versatile. Yellow Lentil Dal brings flavors together in a way that complements a variety of dishes. It pairs effortlessly with rice, bread, or anything lighter on the table. Great for rounding out your plate with something robust yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal