Vegan Sides That Become The Star Of Any Meal—29 Recipes To Try

When the side dish gets more attention than the main course, you know it’s a winner. These 29 plant-based recipes do exactly that, bringing something special to any spread. They’re easy to pair with anything but can also stand on their own. Don’t be surprised if they disappear first.

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

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Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

Packed with a variety of veggies, Vegan Minestrone Soup offers a comforting warmth ideal for any meal. The assortment of legumes and herbs in this soup can fill up anyone while keeping it light and tasty. You get all kinds of textures, from the tender beans to the biting greens. It’s like having a hearty hug in every spoonful, making it a star on the table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Ever had a rice dish that surprised you with its depth? Baked Mushroom Rice might do just that, with mushrooms adding an earthy touch. The grains absorb not just flavor but some smokiness as well. It’s a go-to dish for those who want a rice side that feels special. Stands out from typical rice dishes with its unique blend of elements.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

If you’re in the mood for fun finger food, Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) have you covered. These are not just wraps; they hold a burst of flavors inside a leafy embrace. Each bite is fresh, with hints of spiciness and tanginess making them anything but boring. You’re really getting layers of interesting flavors here.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

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.

Pasta doesn’t always have to be heavy, and Vegan Pasta Primavera proves it with its lightness. The veggies lend color and crunch, putting a fresh spin on pasta without complexity. It’s simple yet pleasing, fitting right alongside richer dishes or standing alone for a lighter meal. When you’re thinking of pasta with a twist, this makes the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

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.

When simple meets flavorful, you get Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans. It’s the kind of dish where the beans and rice complement each other perfectly. You could eat it on the side or let it be the meal itself. It’s one of those easy-to-love dishes with a finish that doesn’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Craving for something crispy and comforting? Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes offer a rustic feel that’s hard to resist. Breaking down barriers between a classic and something trendy, they’re wonderful in their simplicity. This site is the kind you pluck right off the serving dish for its sheer stackability. Serve it up, and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Who says comfort food can’t be vegan? Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese changes opinions with a creamy twist. It’s a familiar dish with an unexpected ingredient making it indulgent and welcoming. The pumpkin isn’t just a filler; it turns a traditional meal into something unique. Feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

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, you’re in for a tasty escape from the norm. Take the standard tomato soup, and you’ve got a roasted, slightly sweet, and aromatic version that stands out. The basil is not just garnish; it brings an aromatic note to the tangy base. This soup isn’t just a side—it’s an experience.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs. — Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When vegetables team up, Vegetable Casserole is what you get—uncomplicated yet full of character. Goes well when you’re aiming for a blend of textures and tastes on your plate. It’s one of those things you can’t quite get enough of. Each bite has a bit of crunch and softness.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable 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.

Who doesn’t love chips? Vegan Tortilla Chips bring joy to snack time with their crunch and flavor. They’re more than just another chip, offering a fun and irresistible texture. It’s the go-to snack side for everything from dips to spreads. Set them out and people will keep reaching for one more.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

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.

If you think tofu is bland, Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets change the narrative. These nuggets are crispy on the outside while staying juicy within, thanks to the air fryer magic. Perfect for dipping or eating as is, they make tofu look good and taste better. Ideal for veggie lovers looking for some bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Harvest Salad

Leave it to Harvest Salad to boost your meal from colorful to vibrant. If you’re counting on a salad that’s anything but ordinary, this mix should be considered. With textures that bounce off each other and flavors that blend into harmony, it’s a fresh face on your dinner table. It’s an all-in-one choice whenever greens need to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Seeking comfort without compromise? Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole could be the answer. Offering a sweet and savory punch, this casserole blends down so smoothly. It’s like a hug in a bite, cozy enough to shine alone but shares the spotlight easily too. Everyone who scoops some comes back for seconds.
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.

Versatile and welcoming, Baked Tofu finds its place in lots of meal settings. Out with boring, bland tofu, in with something crispy, full of bite, and slightly tangy. This isn’t tofu you tolerate; this is tofu you choose. It’s perfect alone or tossed in different dishes for added protein.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

If you want bold, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks step up with a spicy twist. Each bite brings you crunchy, caramelized layers. They’re a game-changer when you want veggies with attitude. Forget what you’ve heard about bland cabbage.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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.

When brussels sprouts get an upgrade, you get the Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole. It celebrates one of the grocer’s most misunderstood veggies in style. Creamy, cheesy, and fully plant-based, it’s this cozy dish you’ll wonder how you lived without. Even sprout skeptics might become converts.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

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.

Looking for pasta salad that isn’t blah? Take Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad, filled not with mayo but grilled goodness. Veggies infuse every bite with a slightly smoky flavor. Great for park picnics, lunch boxes, or potlucks. It’s the salad that makes pasta seem anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Brighten up any meal with Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe, showcasing freshness with a touch of crisp. Using air to your advantage, asparagus surprises with a twist. Cooking for a crowd or solo, this side dish makes a simple scene feel elegant. So next time, don’t just steam or boil—go for the fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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.

When you crave comfort without dairy, Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is there for you. Giving off warm vibes, it combines broccoli with gooey goodness matched by filling rice. Be it potluck, daily eats, or a cozy meal, this casserole checks the boxes. The dish invites you back until the last spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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.

Everyone thinks they know potatoes until they meet Roasted Potatoes. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, these spuds are happiness wrapped in golden skin. They play well on everyone’s plate and next to any meal. Easy to share, though you might not want to.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

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 gets a touch of heat in Spicy Cucumber Salad, making it a go-to for something unexpected. The crunch of cucumber pairs with tangy and spicy notes. It’s fresh, different, and ready in a snap. Next time, say bye to boring and bring in something wild.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Tempting a sweet tooth? Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe isn’t standard but gets a nod for being tasty. No actual meat here, just an appetizing merge of flavors. Great for when dessert needs a twist without eggs or dairy. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s all about cocoa richness and nutty bits.
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.

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice breaks from the ordinary with its fresh, vibrant flavor. The combination of cilantro and lime makes it exciting. It can be a great side dish or a base for burritos and bowls. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for adding a refreshing touch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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.

Ever seen something as fun as Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes? They bring more than just flavor with their visual appeal. Perfectly crisp layers unfold with each bite, offering something better than just a basic potato dish. Try them and add fun and texture to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Coleslaw finds a modern twist in Easy Vegan Coleslaw, mixing veggies with a plant-based dressing. It brings balance—crisp, creamy, and a little tangy. Enjoy it solo or as a partner in crime with other dishes. Next picnic, skip the dairy—go with this side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Homemade Ratatouille

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

At the crossroads of simple ingredients and complex flavors, you’ll find Homemade Ratatouille. It’s all about veggie harmony backed by subtle notes twisting together. If your meals call for something warmly rambunctious, this classic never lets you down. Each spoonful proves rich flavor doesn’t need meat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

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.

Slices of gold come to life with Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. They sweeten up any sitting, tasting homey yet not overdone. Toss those regular fries aside for something with nourishing depth. Sweet potatoes roll on the same street of crispy and comforting lines.
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.

No need to hit up the takeout with Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. You have all the flair of the restaurant version minus the drive. They’re full of flavor and play well over anything from tortillas to rice. In other words, a simple side filled with depth and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Yellow Lentil Dal

If you think legumes are boring, give Yellow Lentil Dal a chance to change your mind. It’s creamy, rich, and a powerful standalone dish. Perfect for those wanting something plant-based with a solid base. Really packs something cozy and comforting for every eater.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal