Make Every Meal Unforgettable With 29 Vegan Side Recipes

Dinner doesn’t have to be the same old thing when you’ve got 29 fresh ways to shake up the side dish game. These plant-based additions hold their own on the plate without stealing the spotlight. They’re the kind of extras that suddenly become the main reason everyone’s still hanging around the table. It’s hard to be bored when every meal comes with a new surprise that’s not just another bowl of salad.

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

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Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Coleslaw isn’t just for picnics anymore. Easy Vegan Coleslaw takes the classic crunchy dish and gives it a plant-based twist. It’s got that same familiar crunch and dressing, but you don’t have to worry about the usual ingredients that might not fit your diet. You can enjoy it on its own, or it’ll be a great partner to mains.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Vegan Tortilla Chips

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

When snack time hits, Vegan Tortilla Chips are there to answer the call. They’re crispy without the grease, and perfect for dipping, crunching, or even as a creative topping. You won’t find any surprise animal products hidden in these, making them a safe and tasty option. Enjoy them as a crunchy side to soups or salads too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

If you’re in the mood for something fresh, Blood Orange and Fennel Salad is a must-try. With its refreshing combination, it offers a citrusy boost that pairs unexpectedly well with the subtle licorice hint of fennel. It’s flavorful without being overpowering and works great to awaken your appetite. It’s a bright choice for any meal occasion.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

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 get enough credit for versatility, but Vegan Pasta Primavera shows what it can do. With plenty of veggies mixed in, it keeps things light while still offering that pasta comfort we all love. You won’t be reaching for cheese or creams with this dish since it’s all about the veg. Serve it for lunch, dinner, or even bring it to a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

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.

Sometimes comfort food is what you need, and Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole fits that bill perfectly. It’s creamy, has that nice cheesy flavor without the dairy, and broccoli gives it a pleasing crunch. You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy this, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Perfect for a hearty dinner or weekend lunch!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice 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.

Bring a little heat to your greens with Spicy Cucumber Salad. It’s cool yet packs a punch without overdoing it, making it a nice change from just plain greens. Cucumbers provide a clean crunch, and the kick gives it an edge you’ll appreciate. It’s simple but doesn’t shy away from being bold.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Rice just got a whole lot more interesting with Baked Mushroom Rice. It’s a blend of savory mushrooms with fluffy rice, giving a depth that’s both earthy and fulfilling. You won’t miss meat in this full-flavored dish, and baking it means the aroma is just as inviting as the taste. Enjoy it alongside tofu, seitan, or all on its own.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Harvest Salad

Lunch doesn’t have to be boring, especially when Harvest Salad is on the menu. This salad is vibrant not just in color but also in flavor, offering a mix of different textures and tastes that are both familiar and fresh. It’s a hearty salad that’s great for filling up without slowing down. Pair it with your favorite plant-based protein for a complete meal!
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Vegetable Casserole

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

You’ll find comfort in every bite of Vegetable Casserole, where veggies and flavor are the stars. It’s a warm dish that’s creamy and fulfilling, appealing to all ages and preferences. No need to add extras or play with flavors since it’s complete as is. It’s good any time you crave home-style comfort.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable 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.

Say goodbye to plain pasta, because Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad brings something more. With the smoky flavor of grilled veggies, this salad transforms into a comforting option that’s both nutritious and filling. Letting the veggies shine gives it a natural appeal, making it suitable for lunch or dinner. Share at gatherings, or keep it all for yourself!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Feel like trying something that brings French warmth to the table? Homemade Ratatouille is your go-to. It’s a mix of veggies layered and cooked to perfection, bringing out each element’s natural charm. There’s not just one flavor taking over, but rather it’s like a gentle conversation of ingredients in a dish. Serve it with bread or as a topping for your favorite grains.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

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.

Cozy and comforting, Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans hits all the right notes. It has a natural spice and heartiness that turn basic rice and beans into something special. Enjoying this dish means diving into simple flavors done well without any fuss. It’s an easy side or base that works with almost any vegan main course.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Pico de Gallo

It’s all about freshness with Pico de Gallo. It’s got a crunch and a peppery brightness that goes well as a side, topping, or dip with your chips. Making it part of your meal can introduce a bright new element to tacos, burritos, or a vegan burger. Perfect anytime you want to add life to a meal without overloading on seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

If you want something heartwarming, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is what you’ll crave. Tomatoes get a cozy, depth-filled flavor from roasting, and the basil pulls it all together. No dairy here, no problem – it’s creamy and flavorful without it. Perfect alone, but great with a slice of toasted, crusty bread!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Light and crispy, Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe offers a new way to enjoy this green veggie. You get all the nutritional benefits without losing any flavor with this cooking method. It’s a snack, a side, or even mixed into other dishes when you want veggies in a fun, new form. Asparagus doesn’t have to be limp and flavorless anymore!
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.

Classics never die, especially with Vegan Mac and Cheese. It’s rich, comforting, and everything you want from this iconic dish without the dairy. You’ll get that creamy, “cheesy” flavor without any traditional cheese making it perfect for old and new mac lovers alike. A perfect staple any day of the week!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Looking to try something sweet for dinner? Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is a great pick. It’s a mix of soft, velvety goodness with a hint of sweetness that fills you up with a smile. Whether during holidays or weekend dinners, you’ll enjoy what it brings to the table. Add a gentle touch of warmth with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

Soup fans, feast your eyes on Vegan Minestrone Soup, where each bowl says so much. It’s packed with veggies, beans, and pasta making it hearty beyond a simple soup. Introduce this into your vegan rotation all year-round. You’ll find a bit of everything good in every comforting spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

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.

Change up your side dishes with Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. These are crispy outside, tender inside, and sweet yet savory. Offering more nutrients and flavor than the ordinary fries, it’s a chance to liven up any meal. Great for dipping or as a fun side to your next BBQ or burger night!
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Rice doesn’t just have to be plain with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. It introduces a bright twist to your usual rice with flavors that stand out in any vegan meal. It complements Mexican-inspired dishes, but it’s open to exploring more pairings. Try this when you need to bring some extra enthusiasm to your side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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.

Finding something earthy? Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables takes you there with flavor and texture. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and hearty textures in root veggies, creating a versatile side dish. Easy to prepare and pair with almost anything, this dish is truly flexible for your menu planning. No more looking at roots with skepticism!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

If you’re not yet a fan, Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole might change your mind. It’s got a creamy allure that shows the softer side of Brussels sprouts without any overpowering smells or taste. Serve this up for a smooth wow-factor at gatherings or low-key dinners. Who knew sprouts could be such a winner?
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Cauliflower Nuggets

Who needs meat nuggets when you have Cauliflower Nuggets showing how it’s done. These are crispy, munch-friendly bites that will not have you missing meat. They’re a nice little snack or side for when you need something to crunch on. Cauliflower never needed to be just a filler in the veggie mix again.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

For those wanting a quirky dessert twist, Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe delivers. Made to look like a salami, it’s all dessert inside, offering a fun visual and tasty experience. Perfect for conversations as much as it is for rewarding that sweet craving. No meat, just chocolate goodness sliced and shared.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

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.

Starch lovers rejoice, because Vegan Tater Tot Casserole celebrates the spud with vegan flair. It brings crunchy, savory tater tots together in a baked dish that marries comfort and fun. Great for family dinners, and it brings smiles with every bite. You’ll wonder why this wasn’t on your weekly menu before!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Vegan Pasta Salad

A wooden bowl filled with bowtie pasta mixed with roasted zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, and herbs. — Vegan Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Maybe you’re in need of a chilled dish that still fills you up, and Vegan Pasta Salad delivers. It’s light yet carries enough substance to keep you satisfied. Nap-friendly yet all the taste is there with no compromise. They make great parties, picnics, or whenever cold pasta is beckoning you.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

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.

For a twist on something familiar, Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes keep things interesting. With their crispy exterior and tender inside, you might catch yourself going for extra helpings. It’s a fun way to bring the typical potato to a new level without much effort. Air fryer magic makes these a welcome addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Onion rings need no introduction, and Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe gives you all you want minus the grease. It retains that crunchy texture and delicious onion burst in every ring. Healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing the iconic ring vibe, and these are ready to steal the snacking show. You might not look back!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Change up your usual spuds with Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Delivering crisp hits on the outside while remaining soft within, they offer a unique way to appreciate potatoes. Easy to prepare but impressive on the plate, these spuds are ready to join any main dish you have. It’s all about taking the ordinary and making it mouthwatering!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes