Because A Meal Is Only As Good As Its Sides 29 Vegan Recipes

Nobody talks about the sidekick until it saves the day—same goes for what’s on the edge of your plate. These 29 bold vegan accompaniments are ready to take that lonely entrée and turn it into something that actually makes sense. It’s like showing up to a party with only one friend instead of the whole crew. Everything clicks better when your plate’s got a solid supporting cast.

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

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Easy Vegan Coleslaw

You know how some side dishes just scream barbecue? Well, this one is all about adding that crunchy, fresh twist to your plate. Easy Vegan Coleslaw isn’t just about shredding up some cabbage and carrots; it’s about transforming them into a dish that can stand up next to any main, vegan or not. It’s light, it’s got that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, and it’ll make you rethink how important a good side dish really is.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

Whoever thought to slice up cabbage into thick slabs and treat them like steak was onto something special. With Gochujang Cabbage Steaks, it’s all about that spicy, smoky flavor that makes this dish a total game-changer for your dinner table. They’re bold, they’re something different, and they fit in just as well at a fancy dinner as they do at a casual barbecue. Plus, they’ve got a kick that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Harvest Salad

Imagine tossing together all the best bits of the season into one big bowl. That’s what Harvest Salad is all about. It’s a celebration of colors, textures, and flavors that make you appreciate the variety that plant-based eating offers. Crunchy, sweet, tart – every bite is a reminder that salads should never be boring.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

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.

Ah, a classic done right. Roasted Potatoes are the kind of side that you can never have too much of. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, they’re a testament to how keeping it simple often leads to the best results. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these spuds fit the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

If you’ve never thought of asparagus as a crave-worthy side, this will change your mind. Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe turns these green stalks into crispy, tender delights. It’s all the goodness of roasted asparagus, but with the convenience and health bonus of air frying. Easy to prep and quick to disappear – you’ll want to make these often.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Breaded Mushrooms

Get ready to turn mushrooms into the star of the show. Breaded Mushrooms are not just a side; they’re a crunchy, savory treat that’ll make you forget about the main course. They’re perfect for dipping, sharing, or just enjoying all by yourself. This dish proves that with the right touch, even the humble mushroom can be a standout.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Who says soup can’t be a side? Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a bowl of comfort that pairs perfectly with any meal or stands boldly on its own. The roasting brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, combined with the freshness of basil, it’s a duo that’s hard to beat. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it’s the perfect way to start or accompany a meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

For those moments when you need something crispy, golden, and utterly addictive, Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings have got you covered. They’re everything you love about onion rings, made healthier in the air fryer. This dish is proof that indulgent doesn’t have to mean deep-fried. Share them if you dare, but we won’t blame you if you keep them all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

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.

Bet you never thought tofu could be this exciting. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce. They’re a game-changer for anyone who thinks tofu is bland. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they’re also a breeze to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

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.

Let’s talk about taking the humble roots of the earth and turning them into something spectacular. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables are all about the magic that happens in the oven. Each vegetable becomes sweet, tender, and full of depth. It’s a colorful, nutritious side that shows just how delicious simplicity can be.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Comfort food at its finest, Vegan Tater Tot Casserole is a childhood favorite reimagined. Layers of texture and taste mingle together to create a dish that’s as fulfilling as it is nostalgic. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a serving. This casserole proves that vegan can be hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Who knew a bunch of veggies could come together and make something as pleasing as Vegan Pasta Primavera? It’s colorful, it’s fresh, and it’s bursting with flavors. This dish is a fantastic way to showcase the best of what plants have to offer, all tossed with pasta in a light sauce. It’s the type of side that might just steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

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.

Sometimes it’s the simplest touches that turn a good dish into a great one. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is that pop of freshness your meal has been missing. It’s light, zingy, and can transform any main into something special. Whether you’re pairing it with beans, bowls, or anything else, it’s a sure way to add a quick burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Picture layer upon layer of sweet, savory goodness. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is a feast for the senses, topped off with a crunchy topping that makes each spoonful a delight. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a hit for any occasion. This dish is a warm, comforting embrace in casserole form.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato 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.

If you’re looking for something that packs a punch while staying fresh and light, Spicy Cucumber Salad is your answer. It’s cool, crisp, and comes with just the right amount of kick. This salad is all about contrast and balance, making it the perfect side to any dish that could use a little spice. Dive in and let it refresh your palette and your meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Gone are the days of bland, uninspired vegan sides. Vegan Mashed Potatoes are here to show you how rich, creamy, and comforting plant-based eating can be. They’re the perfect complement to any meal, bringing a touch of homemade goodness that upgrades everything around it. Plus, they’re so good, they might just make you forget they’re vegan.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Yellow Lentil Dal

Welcome to a world where comfort food means something both delicious and nourishing. Yellow Lentil Dal is a staple dish that comforts the soul with its warmth and depth of flavor. It’s surprisingly simple yet full of complex tastes that meld together perfectly. This dish is a hug in a bowl, ready to make any meal feel more like home.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

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

Mornings just got a whole lot better with Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes. Imagine starting your day with a side that’s perfectly crispy, just the right amount of savory, and completely vegan. These potatoes are the morning hero we all need, turning breakfast into the best meal of the day. They’re not just for breakfast, though; they fit in anytime you need a bit of crispy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

There’s something special about taking classic dishes and making them vegan without losing any of the charm. Vegan Green Bean Casserole does just that. It’s creamy, it’s crunchy, and it fully embraces the comfort food vibe. This dish brings the nostalgia without any of the dairy, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean 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.

Ready for a salad that’s hearty enough to be a side but light enough to keep things fresh? Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad is your answer. It’s a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that proves salads can be exciting. With every bite, you get a little bit of sweet, a touch of spice, and a whole lot of satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Snacking or side dish? Why not both? Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip give you that pleasing crunch and flavor that makes them a hit for any age. They’re a fun twist on traditional fries, offering up a delicious way to get your veggies in. Paired with a creamy aioli, this dish is bound to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

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.

Say goodbye to the notion that vegan means missing out. Vegan Mac and Cheese is a creamy, dreamy alternative that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about this classic comfort food. It’s rich, it’s comforting, and it brings all the cozy feelings of the original, with none of the dairy. This dish is a testament to the wonders of plant-based twists on classic favorites.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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.

When it’s all about bringing some brightness to your meal, Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad comes through. It’s a colorful mix that brings grilled goodness into a pasta dish, making it a standout side that’s both filling and refreshing. Each forkful offers a burst of flavor, showcasing the best of veggies and pasta together. This dish proves that side salads can be the highlight of any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Vegetable Casserole

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

Dig into a dish that’s all about veggie power. Vegetable Casserole is a hearty, wholesome side that brings together a variety of vegetables in one delicious bake. It’s warm, comforting, and packed full of flavors that complement any main dish marvelously. It’s the kind of casserole that makes you feel good about taking a second helping.
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 knew that something as simple as chips could transform a meal? Vegan Tortilla Chips bring that crispy, crunchy element that every dish benefits from. Handmade and golden, they’re a step above anything you can buy in a bag. Perfect for dipping, snacking, or just adding a bit of crunch to your plate, these chips are a fun and tasty addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

Let’s talk about a soup that’s more like a meal. Vegan Minestrone Soup is packed with veggies and flavors that come together in a comforting bowl of goodness. It’s the kind of side that warms you up and fills you up, making any meal complete. With every spoonful, you get a little bit of everything, making it a hearty companion to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

Cauliflower Nuggets

Move over chicken, Cauliflower Nuggets are here to steal the spotlight. They’re bite-sized, they’re crispy, and they’re utterly irresistible. This dish shows off the versatile cauliflower in a fun and flavorful way. Whether you’re dipping them, sharing them, or keeping them all for yourself, these nuggets are a vegan dream come true.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

For those times when plain rice just won’t cut it, Baked Mushroom Rice steps up. It’s a one-dish wonder that turns the humble rice into something extraordinary. Earthy, comforting, and perfectly fluffy, it’s a side that complements just about anything. This dish is proof that sometimes, it’s the simplest ingredients that make the biggest impact.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Homemade Ratatouille

Ever wanted a side dish that looks as good as it tastes? Homemade Ratatouille is a showstopper, with layers of vegetables cooked to perfection. It’s not just food; it’s art on a plate. This dish is a flavor-packed journey through textures and tastes, proving that vegan food can be vibrant and full of depth.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille