29 Vegan Sides That Are Anything But Ordinary

Sides do not have to be plain or boring to taste good. A little crunch, spice, or sweetness can turn a small dish into the star of the meal. Fresh veggies, grains, and bold dressings bring new life to every bite. Try 29 vegan sides that are anything but ordinary. Each one is full of flavor, simple to make, and great for any table.

Baked Tofu

Tender pieces of tofu cook up perfectly, leaving you with a dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor. It’s straightforward and has this nice balance of textures. The magic happens when each bite is infused with gentle spices and just the right touch of heat. Baked Tofu works great as a versatile addition to your meal or as the star on its own.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Creamy and smooth, this dish makes plant-based snacking something to look forward to. Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe brings that cheesy comfort without the dairy. It pairs well with veggies, chips, or even drizzled over main dishes to add some flair. The flavor profile is just right with hints of richness that don’t overpower. A staple to keep handy anytime you need that creamy touch.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Who knew you could create dessert magic from simple, plant-based pantry staples? Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe is quirky and fun with its unique presentation. Packed with textures that dance between soft and crunchy, it’s a treat that stands out without trying too hard. Make it as a sweet snack or a dessert centerpiece without a ton of effort. Every slice has something special waiting inside.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Tossed together, the smoky taste of caramelized vegetables pairs perfectly with pasta here. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad becomes this easy, hearty dish that feels comforting yet light. The flavors mesh so well you’d think it took hours to prepare. It’s perfect for when you want something warm and filling but still fresh. Try it next time you want a plate of simple goodness.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Cauliflower Nuggets

Bite-sized, crispy, and filled with a mix of flavors that feels fun but still wholesome. Cauliflower Nuggets are proof that plant-based snacks can be anything but plain. These poppable bits are super versatile and pair well with sauces, dips, or eaten just as they are. It’s an easy favorite for casual snacking or sides. Perfect for switching things up in your kitchen routine.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Soft on the inside and golden on the outside, this dish is ridiculously easy to love. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges bring gentle sweetness combined with just enough crispiness. They’re customizable if you like a touch of spice, tang, or even more crunch. A simple way to turn a basic veggie into something memorable. Great to pair with dips or enjoy solo.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Crispy on the outside with that soft bite inside, these little nuggets are hard to resist. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets offer an easy way to enjoy tofu with a crunchy twist. Perfectly cooked without feeling heavy, they work well with all kinds of dipping sauces. They fit as snack bites or something more filling without needing much fuss. Definitely a fun addition to your lineup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Crunch meets flavor with this fantastic take on a classic favorite. Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe skips the grease but keeps all the crispiness you’d expect. They’re ideal for moments when you want something simple that delivers big on texture. Pair them with your favorite dip or enjoy them right out of the oven. All-around fun and delicious with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Warm spices come together effortlessly in this wholesome dish, turning simple ingredients into a flavorful plate. Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans are hearty, filling, and bring a unique twist that works for any occasion. Every bite has an earthy richness paired with an underlying hint of twist. It’s straightforward to prepare and leaves no room for leftovers. Add it to your go-to list for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Bright citrus notes meet a mild crunch in this fresh and lively dish. Blood Orange and Fennel Salad feels refreshing, combining complementing textures in every forkful. It’s one of those dishes that works well as a light side or a quick lunch. Easy to put together yet feels sophisticated enough to impress. Definitely a step up from typical salads you’ve seen.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Subtly sweet carrots turn crispy perfection in this easy-to-make snack. Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip gives the usual fries a run for their money, combining healthiness with crunch. The subtle caramelization adds a layer of complex flavor without effort. Pair them with a creamy dip or enjoy them plain—it works either way. Fun, easy, and perfect for experimenting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A blend of tender roasted veggies and hearty chickpeas makes for an unbeatable combo. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad balances earthy and sweet flavors with a hint of something unexpected. It’s a side dish that sticks with you but feels light at the same time. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a main, it’s worth adding to your lineup. Simple, filling, and completely plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Bold flavors meet tender roasted cabbage in this unexpected dish. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are definitely not your typical veggie side, offering a hit of spice and smoky richness. Perfectly cooked with crispy edges that add a nice texture. This dish works as a flavorful addition or a standalone plate. A creative twist to step outside the regular veggies.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Yellow Lentil Dal

Creamy lentils spiced just right make for an easy yet incredibly filling side. Yellow Lentil Dal is one of those dishes you might want to enjoy any day of the week. It feels earthy and nutritious without being overly complicated. Great without needing much effort or special tools in the kitchen. Serve it with flatbread, rice, or simply a spoon—it works every time.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Harvest Salad

A mix of roasted veggies, greens, and grains brings balance to every bite. Harvest Salad combines textures and flavors that work both warm and cold. Effortlessly hearty yet light, it has the flexibility to be tailored however you want. It’s a great way to use up seasonal produce but still feels lively and refreshing. Every bite feels like a mix of simple, homey touches with a little variety.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Baked Mushroom Rice

Layers of aromatic mushrooms blend seamlessly into fluffy rice for a dish that’s anything but plain. Baked Mushroom Rice balances hearty flavors with simple textures. Whether paired with your favorite main or eaten as is, it’s something you’ll keep coming back to. It’s the kind of side that feels like a treat without trying too hard. Perfect for something that’s both comforting and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

A casserole like no other, built around tender sprouts with hints of creaminess. Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole gives a fresh twist on traditional baked sides without being heavy. There’s something special about the way all the components work together here. You’ll feel like it belongs on your table regardless of the occasion. It’s a dish you’ll remember for all the right reasons.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Packed with bold flavors wrapped up in crisp lettuce, Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) make clean eating feel fun. With textures that keep things interesting, you might forget it’s gluten-free. It’s all in the crunch and flavor that upgrades this to the next level. Easy to make and even easier to eat, it can stand out anywhere. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try something like this earlier.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Creamy without compromise, Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole lets broccoli shine next to perfectly cooked rice. It’s a casserole you’ll want to make if you like rich and balanced sides. Every bite feels cozy and welcoming without feeling overly indulgent. The kind of dish that works well with casual meals or more special dinners. It’s all about simple flavors that come together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

You’ll find a bright burst of flavor in Easy Cilantro Lime Rice, which turns simple grains into something memorable. Light yet full of character, it’s hard to believe it takes so little effort. Whether you enjoy it on its own or mix it into another dish, it never feels boring. Perfect for refreshing any recipe lineup without overcomplicating things. Great for those days when simple is best.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Homemade Ratatouille

A medley of roasted vegetables comes to life in Homemade Ratatouille, giving you layers of flavor with every bite. It’s simple yet packed with personality, letting each ingredient shine effortlessly. Versatile enough to stand as a main or complement anything else on your table. You’ll appreciate how the dish feels hearty yet thoughtful. Ideal for anyone looking for something wholesome and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Vegan Tortilla Chips

Crisp and addictive, Vegan Tortilla Chips make snacktime or mealtime a whole lot better. Every piece feels like it’s crafted to make dipping and munching enjoyable. Serve it beside something or eat it solo; it works either way. It’s nothing fancy, just straightforward comfort that comes crunchy. Perfectly suited for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Roasted Potatoes

Golden and crispy edges make Roasted Potatoes a hit every single time. So simple, yet they’ve got a flavor that feels just right without much effort. Pairs well with almost anything, and the texture is hard to beat. No tricks here, just good food that always delivers. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to add to just about every meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Breaded Mushrooms

Crunch on the outside meets soft on the inside with Breaded Mushrooms. The simplicity of something perfectly breaded turns this snack or side into something you’ll crave. Whether served alone or paired with a dip, there’s no wrong way to enjoy them. Perfectly bite-sized but full of flavor. It’s hard not to love how they effortlessly add to the table.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Smooth and vibrant, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup brings warmth and depth in every bowlful. The combination of roasted tomatoes and fresh flavors turns it into something extraordinary. Pairs amazingly with bread or stands beautifully on its own. Great for those times when something simple can also feel special. You’ll be glad to have something so comforting ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Earthy flavors meet a roasted touch in Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. You’ll appreciate how hearty and delicious this combination can be without being complicated. It’s about bringing out each vegetable’s best qualities with a simple roasting. Whether you enjoy it solo or as part of a larger spread, it just works. Perfect for someone who wants something versatile and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Crisp textures and light flavors make Easy Vegan Coleslaw stand out as a side. It’s refreshing without trying too hard, and the simplicity makes it easy to love. Whether you pair it up with a meal or eat a quick bowl, it always fits in. Great for anytime you want something fresh and crunchy to balance out your plate. You’ll find yourself returning to it for its understated greatness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Cool crunch meets a fiery kick in Spicy Cucumber Salad, creating a combination that’s hard to forget. It’s simple but full of just the right kind of edge to keep you interested. Perfect for someone who likes flavors that strike a balance between refreshing and bold. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s something that works whenever you need a quick side. A dish like this is hard to pass up once tried.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Golden, crispy edges turn Crispy Smashed Potatoes into a side worth remembering. With a texture that’s all crunch outside and soft inside, it’s almost impossible not to like. Serve them up with a dip or eat them plain—they’re endlessly versatile. It’s everything you want in a potato dish without complicating the process. You’ll enjoy every bite for its perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes