Vegan Sides So Satisfying, You Won’t Stop at One Serving—29 Recipes

Family meals get a lot louder when someone takes the last spoonful of a vegan side they claimed not to like. That’s the kind of drama these 29 recipes bring to the table—unexpected, but oddly worth it. They’re the kind of dishes you make for the group, then silently hope no one shows up. If you’re making one, better double it—somebody’s definitely hoarding the rest.

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

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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.

Imagine sprucing up a classic side with a twist of citrus and herbs. Tucked within your meal, this vibrant side brings a refreshing lightness to your plate. When you bite into Easy Cilantro Lime Rice, you get a mouthful of flavor that’s just a squeeze of lime away from perfection. It’s the sort of side that you might find yourself going back for seconds, maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

Who knew a bowl could hold so much goodness? Packed with a variety of textures, a spoonful of Vegan Minestrone Soup allows you to indulge a wholesome richness with every bite. You won’t be settling for just one serving when a soup like this offers hearty satisfaction in a plant-based package. It’s a comforting side to any meal, or even a star on its own.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

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.

Get ready for a crunch that’ll redefine your snack game. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets aren’t just a side; they’re a conversation starter, bringing that fulfilling bite without the guilt. Whether nestled beside your favorite veggies or dipped into a bold sauce, don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly. Vegan and indulgent, these nuggets are a game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

For a burst of savory and sweet with a kick, look no further. With Gochujang Cabbage Steaks, you’re not just enjoying a side dish; you’re indulging in bold flavors that demand attention. Each serving is a statement piece on your plate, and don’t be shocked if you’re tempted to reach for more. Effortlessly vegan, this dish will have you rethink cabbage altogether.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

There’s something about the earthy aroma of mushrooms that makes a dish feel grounded. Baked Mushroom Rice marries simplicity with depth, creating a comforting presence on your dining table. It’s the kind of side you find yourself craving on those cooler days—and even the warmer ones, too. Expect this rice to be a frequent request, as it complements nearly any meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Challenge your expectations of sweet with something truly unique. Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe slices into a playful, yet indulgent side that guests won’t stop talking about. Perfect as a dessert or an adventurous side, its appearance is as intriguing as its taste. Who says sides have to be predictable? Not when chocolate ‘salami’ is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

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.

Picture your favorite garden produce combined with the heartiness of pasta. In Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad, you have a side that stands out with its fresh, grilled flair. It’s casual enough for a backyard hangout, yet can hold its own at the most elegant dinner table. Expect this dish to be a hit every time, with its colorful charm and full-bodied flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

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.

Let’s talk about beans – a staple that can easily become the star. With Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans, you get the familiar warmth of chipotle spices in a vegan-friendly form. Serve it up beside rice or scoop it into a burrito, and watch as everyone asks for more. This side doesn’t just fill you up, it warms you up.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Breaded Mushrooms

Forget what you thought you knew about mushrooms. When you bite into the crunchy exterior of Breaded Mushrooms, you’re met with a wonderful contrast of textures. They’re not just a side; they’re the perfect finger food that you might even mistake for the main event. Don’t be surprised when this dish becomes a staple at your gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Classics can be reborn, and here’s proof. Vegan Green Bean Casserole takes all the comforting flavors of tradition and makes them plant-based. Imagine a table with this creamy, crunchy-topped side—don’t count on leftovers. It’s the vegan touch to a nostalgic recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Sometimes, all a meal needs is a crisp, refreshing counterbalance. Easy Vegan Coleslaw offers just that: a fresh, tangy crunch with every forkful. It’s bound to become a go-to during meal planning, providing a light side that palate cleanses like a charm. This slaw stands as proof that simple can be utterly irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Could a dip double as a side? Absolutely, especially when it’s Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe, which brings creamy, dreamy goodness to your chips or veggies. It’s the sort of thing you might find yourself sneaking spoonfuls of, even when the main course is ready. Watch as this becomes a must-have at every dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

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.

Roasting has a way of unlocking the sweet, earthy flavors of what lies beneath the soil. Enter Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables, your new go-to for a cozy, yet nutritious addition to your meal. Each piece is caramelized just right, bringing out a rustic charm that’s hard to resist. It seems one pan of these may never be enough.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Cauliflower Nuggets

Now here’s a way to surprise and delight – turning cauliflower into something craved. Cauliflower Nuggets offer a burst of flavor in a bite-sized package, proving that plants can indeed be the main event. They’re not just good for you; they’re a crave-worthy side that may just outshine the main course. Seconds? You’ll bet on it.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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

Who doesn’t love the comforting crunch of perfectly cooked potatoes? With Crispy Smashed Potatoes, that fulfilling crunch is just the beginning. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a dinner feast, these potatoes fit right in, proving that comfort food can be simple yet spectacular. Pass the plate a second time; no one’s judging.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish with crispy tater tots, green bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, topped with fried onions. — Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Transforming a childhood favorite into a vegan delight has never been easier. Vegan Tater Tot Casserole combines nostalgia with new-age sensibility. Everyone will gather around the table for a taste of this revamped classic. Forget about saving this for special occasions—it’s bound to become part of your regular dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Imagine a dish that adds a pop of coolness with a hint of heat. Spicy Cucumber Salad does just that, offering a refreshingly crunchy experience with a kick that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for balancing richer dishes or as a standalone snack, this salad is anything but ordinary. It’s your answer to adding a bit of excitement to your mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Tortilla Chips

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

Homemade always has a charm that store-bought can’t match. Vegan Tortilla Chips give you that irresistible, fresh-from-the-oven feel with a crunch that spells perfection. Pair with your favorite dips or salsas, or munch on them by the handful. When they’re this good, it’s tough to stick to one serving.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

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.

Let’s take the humble potato to new heights of texture and presentation. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes aren’t just visually stunning; they offer a wonderful mix of crispy edges and soft insides. These aren’t your ordinary spuds, and you’ll find them disappearing faster than you can make them. It’s a side that’s both fun to make and to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Everyone loves a heaping scoop of creamy goodness. Vegan Mashed Potatoes bring just that, without any dairy in sight. Expect this side to become a regular request, with its velvety texture making for a perfect pairing with anything from greens to grains. You might have thought mashed potatoes couldn’t get better, but here’s proof they can.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Vegetable Casserole

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

Bring together a bounty of the garden in one delicious bake. Vegetable Casserole embodies comfort, brimming with flavors that meld together in the oven. As a side, it stands strong, offering substance and variety with each spoonful. Warm and hearty, it’s the kind of dish you scoop seconds of without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Who said quick can’t be impressive? Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe turns a simple stalk into a star, with a result that’s both speedy and splendid. It’s as good alongside a weekday dinner as it is at a festive gathering. Get ready for this side to make regular appearances at your table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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.

Comfort food just went up a notch with a dairy-free twist. Vegan Mac and Cheese is creamy, heartwarming, and entirely plant-based. Don’t be surprised when this side becomes the highlight of the meal, with its familiar, comforting taste and fulfilling texture. Yes, even your non-vegan friends will be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Bid farewell to the usual suspects of sides and welcome a pop of color and taste. Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip presents a crunchy alternative, paired with a dip that complements without overpowering. It’s a snack that’s sure to cause a stir, both for its uniqueness and irresistible flavor. They’re so good, don’t be surprised if they call dibs on these before the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

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.

It’s a toss-up of two powerhouses in a bowl that serves up both warmth and nutrition. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad combines heartiness with health, making for a side that’s as fulfilling as it is nourishing. The oven does wonders here, transforming humble ingredients into a roasted revelation. You’ll relish the fact that something so good can be so good for you.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Imagine sweet potatoes in their most tempting form. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole takes this versatile root vegetable and turns it into a side that’s hard to put down. fulfillingly sweet and topped just right, it’s bound to become a centerpiece at your gatherings. It’s a dish that proves plant-based can be just as indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

In every spoonful of this soup, there’s a story of simplicity done right. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup warms you from the inside, brimming with flavors that make you feel right at home. It’s a side, yes, but it holds its own with layers of flavor that develop with each simmer. Bowl by bowl, it’s a vegan’s comfort dream come true.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Yellow Lentil Dal

Let’s traverse the globe with a dish steeped in tradition. Yellow Lentil Dal is more than just a side; it’s a flavorful homage to rich, aromatic spices and wholesome lentils. Each bite is a reminder of how food can be both simple and complex in the best ways. Ideal for anyone looking to bring international flair to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner – who cares when a side is this versatile? Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes hit that spot no matter the time of day, offering up golden cubes of joy with just the right amount of crunch. Slide these next to your favorite meal, and don’t be surprised when they become the main attraction. Keep an eye on your plate; these potatoes have a way of vanishing fast.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes