29 Vegan Sides That Make You Want To Eat More Than You Planned

Ever feel like the real stars of the meal are those accompaniments nestled up next to the main event? With 29 vegan sides to choose from, overfilling a plate becomes an easy thing to do. Each one’s packed with flavors that pop and textures that make eating them just as fun as they are tasty. Sharing a meal where the sides shine bright means finding joy in the unexpected, and maybe going back for seconds… or thirds.

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.

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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 turns humble ingredients into a creamy, crunchy topping that’s hard to stop eating. Every forkful is a mix of textures that keeps you coming back for more. This dish easily takes the spotlight and often goes faster than anticipated. Be prepared; it tends to prompt requests for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout 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.

Who wouldn’t love a side that’s both filling and aromatic? Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans melds flavors that keep you coming back for more. It’s just as fitting for a weeknight dinner as it is for a special meal. Always prepare a generous portion as it’s known to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) offer a fun and interactive way to enjoy your veggies. Fill them with a flavorful stuffing that surprises with each bite. They’re so light and refreshing, you often won’t realize how many you’ve eaten. Making a few extra is always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

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.

Introducing plant-based protein can be fun with Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets. They come out crisp on the outside and tender inside, ideal for dipping into your favorite sauces. Even those hesitant about tofu might change their mind after trying these. It’s a good idea to prepare a large batch as they tend to go quickly at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

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.

Breaking into Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole feels like uncovering a treasure. It’s comforting with every bite and packed with flavors that feel like a hug. Ideal for when you want something cozy and filling. Usually, you’ll end up grabbing a bit more than you first thought you would.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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 and perfect for dipping, Vegan Tortilla Chips are always a hit whether you’re hosting a game night or just need something for snacking. They’re so good you might forget they’re homemade. Once the bowl is out, it empties out fast. It’s never a bad idea to have a second batch ready.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are bold in flavor and impossible to resist. Each slab of cabbage is smothered in a spicy gochujang glaze that makes it exciting. Pair these steaks with a simple grain dish, and watch them steal the show. Guests usually ask for more, so prepare to cook extra.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

There’s something about Vegan Mashed Potatoes that makes them a universal favorite. Smooth, buttery (without the butter), and simply perfect as a side for any meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they’re always a hit. People tend to go back for seconds, so make plenty.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, and Easy Vegan Coleslaw is always a hit at any meal. It’s simple to whip up last minute and perfect for piling high on a sandwich or enjoying as a side. You might find yourself dishing up seconds or even thirds. Just remember, it’s unexpectedly easy to make more than you planned.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole brings sweet and tender under a crispy topping. It’s the kind of side that gets people excited even before they’ve tasted it. Once they do, it’s hard to resist going back for more. What’s fantastic is how it’s both healthy and incredibly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

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.

For those evenings when you crave something hearty but healthy, Baked Tofu fits the bill perfectly. Its outer crust and tender interior make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile enough to be featured in various dishes or enjoyed on its own. Always make extra because it tends to disappear quickly from plates.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

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.

If you’re keen on trying something new with potatoes, Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes might just be your next favorite dish. Sliced uniquely, each piece comes out of the air fryer with crispy edges while the centers remain soft. These are not your ordinary spuds; they’re a conversation starter at any dinner. Prepare more than you think you might need because they disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Experience a chunky and herb-infused Homemade Ratatouille that puts summer’s bounty on display. Each component is slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s typically a side but can sometimes become the main event. The tendency to refill your plate is high, so be generous with portions.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Gone are the days of soggy greens. With Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe, you get spears that are tender yet retain a pleasant bite. It cooks them quickly, preserving their natural color and nutritional value. People often find themselves reaching for seconds, so it might be wise to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

You won’t miss meat with Baked Mushroom Rice, where earthy flavors create a rich, comforting bowl. It combines simple ingredients that bake into something far greater than the sum of its parts. You’ll find it pairs effortlessly with almost any plant-based main. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself filling up your plate more than once.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal can be the comforting highlight of your meal. Each spoonful is gently infused with herbs and spices that fill the room with an inviting aroma. Perfect for dipping with bread or spooning over rice, often plans for just one bowl turn into two. It’s one of those dishes that inspires second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Yellow Lentil Dal

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.

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges bring more to your dining table than just vibrant color. Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely against a hint of spices used in baking. They’re hearty enough to be a meal’s focus or perfect as a supporting side. Chances are, you’ll end up eating more than you initially intended.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Harvest Salad

Crunchy, fresh, and bursting with flavors, Harvest Salad dresses up any dining table spectacularly. It’s tossed with a variety of seasonal produce that makes each bite a little different from the last. Light yet fulfilling, it’s common to go for multiple servings. It’s easy to prep more if you think one bowl won’t suffice.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Breaded Mushrooms

With Breaded Mushrooms, you can indulge guilt-free in a crunchy, juicy snack. They are perfect as a standalone treat or alongside other dishes. It’s hard not to reach for just one more with each bite. Be smart and prepare a double batch, as they’re always in demand.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe is a quirky twist on dessert that will have everyone doing a double-take. It’s rich, it’s chocolatey, and it slices like a dream. Despite the name, it’s sweet, decadent, and completely plant-based. Not surprisingly, people can’t help but come back for another slice.
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.

With Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, each bowl is a pure comfort, warm, and full of flavor. It marries the richness of roasted tomatoes with the freshness of basil. Light enough to serve as a side yet rich enough to be filling. Don’t be surprised if guests linger around the soup pot for more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Cauliflower Nuggets

Cauliflower Nuggets are an excellent way to turn cauliflower into a fun, appealing bite. Baked perfectly, they have a golden crust with a soft inside that’s full of flavor. Kids and adults alike often keep coming back for more. Make more than you need; they’re popular!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

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

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes start the day with a crunch. They’re golden, they’re aromatic, and they quickly become the star of breakfast. Sometimes, you can’t help sneaking a few right off the pan. Don’t be surprised when they’re all gone and you’re asked to make more.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Crispy Breakfast 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.

Brightening up your meal is easy with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. Its freshness injects a lively twist into your dining experience. Perfect alongside a variety of main dishes, it will have people asking for the recipe. You’ll notice diners scooping just a bit more onto their plates often.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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.

For anyone craving that signature restaurant taste, Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans are a game-changer. They’re spicy, they’re smoky, and they’re utterly irresistible. Serve them as a side, and watch them disappear faster than you’d expect. It’s common to find yourself making another batch sooner than you think.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black 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.

Roasted Potatoes emerge crispy from the oven and soft on the inside. They’re tossed with just enough seasoning to enhance, but not overpower their natural taste. Ideal with any main course, they have a way of disappearing quickly. It’s wise to make a large batch to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted 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.

Dishing up Vegan Mac and Cheese is like serving smiles on a plate. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it brings back all the nostalgic feels without any dairy. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s often the first dish to empty. Making a big batch is always a good idea because it goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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.

Spicy Cucumber Salad is the refreshing side that packs a punch. The crisp cucumbers contrast beautifully with a fiery dressing that wakes up any plate. It’s a popular go-to for adding a quick, fresh side. Just when you think you’ve made enough, you might want to double check.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad is a vibrant mix that’s both hearty and light. Each forkful comes with the perfect charred sweetness of veggies and the satisfying bite of pasta. It’s always a crowd-pleaser at any meal. More often than not, guests are asking for the recipe by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad