I Didn’t Want To Overthink It—these 29 Vegan Sides Recipes Made It Easy

No need to overthink dinner with these 29 easy vegan side recipes. Each one came together fast with simple steps and everyday ingredients. No fancy tools, no long lists, just quick prep and good taste. These sides matched well with any main meal and worked for any time. Even picky eaters found something to enjoy on the table. Every recipe felt simple but still full of flavor. Making sides never felt this easy before.

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

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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.

Enjoy a simple and tasty way to get your protein fix with these crispy bites. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are just what you need when you want a no-fuss side. Quick to prepare, these nuggets pair well with any dipping sauce. They’re perfect for those days when you don’t feel like putting in much effort.
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.

Spice up your meal routine with a unique twist on a well-loved vegetable. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks bring a bold flavor that’s different from your usual side. Ideal for low-carb needs, these steaks are both simple to prepare and exciting to eat. They make an interesting addition to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Pico de Gallo

Freshness is the name of the game with this vibrant side. Pico de Gallo brings a burst of flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for topping dishes or enjoying alone, it’s a versatile companion. It’s an easy way to add a twist to your plate without any hassle. You’ll find yourself reaching for them regularly.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

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.

If you’re after something filling without much work, this is it. Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans mix a great combo of textures and flavors. Minimal preparation is required, yet it feels like a complete dish. It works wonders alongside your main course, adding depth to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

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.

Here’s a fuss-free way to enjoy something that’ll fill you up. Baked Tofu offers a simple yet delicious protein option that’s quick to prepare. It’s flexible enough to blend with various flavors, making it a handy choice on busier days. A reliable side that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Looking for an easy side that feels a little special? Enter Baked Mushroom Rice, combining earthy flavors and fluffy rice. It’s straightforward to make but looks and tastes like it’s straight from a restaurant. When you need a break from ordinary sides, this one steps up.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

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.

Add some color and health to your meal with a vibrant mix of flavors. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing side that doesn’t demand much effort. Perfect on its own or as a companion to other dishes, it’s a versatile choice. It’s easy, nutritious, and oh-so-delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

When craving something crispy yet fulfilling, opt for these. Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes bring the best of both worlds with little preparation. Simple yet pleasing, they are a fun addition to any meal. A go-to for when you just want an easy side with a bit of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

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.

Need something hearty to add to your dinner, Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables offer a warm and filling option that’s straightforward to make. Simply toss them onto a sheet pan and let the oven do the rest. It’s a no-brainer side for when you want something substantial.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon. — Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Add a splash of freshness with this easy to make side. Cucumber Tomato Salad brings crunch and juiciness together for a refreshing bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its bright mix of veggies and a light dressing. No need to overthink your side option with this in your corner.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Air Fryer Asparagus

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

Enjoy a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy green side in no time. Air Fryer Asparagus provides that perfect tender-crunchy bite with minimal effort. A flexible companion to various main dishes, it’s handy for when you’re short on time. A simple way to add greens to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

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.

Seeking something hearty yet easy to put together, Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad is both filling and flavorful, with a medley of textures. It requires little prep work yet offers a perfect experience. It’s great as a stand-alone dish or a complement to your main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

For a quick, plant-based side, this one’s got you covered. Easy Vegan Coleslaw makes adding crunch to your meal a breeze. Its refreshing taste comes with minimal ingredients and effort. It serves well with just about everything, making it a versatile choice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Mix up your usual side routine with a crunch from these. Using Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip turns simple carrots into a tasty treat with almost no effort. Easy enough for any day, they bring a fun change to your plate. They’re where health meets flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Harvest Salad

Introduce a mix of textures and natural sweetness to your meal. Harvest Salad combines various seasonal ingredients for a side that feels somewhat special. It’s straightforward but provides a refreshing break from usual sides. Pair it with your main to bring harmony to your plate.
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.

Golden edges and a comforting texture make Roasted Potatoes a go-to option when simplicity is key. They come out perfect every time with little effort, making them ideal for days when you just want an easy side. Pair them with anything, and they’re ready to impress. Perfect for those moments when you don’t want to fuss but still need something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Crunchy and refreshing, Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps bring all the flavor without overcomplicating your day. These wraps are quick to put together and great for keeping things light. Their versatility means they’re perfect for switching things up however you like. The texture and flavors make them an easy choice when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps.

Quinoa Salad

Nutty and fresh, Quinoa Salad is a simple side that checks all the boxes for ease and quick assembly. Tossed together in minutes, it’s perfect when you’re looking for something light yet delicious. Bring it together with your favorite add-ins, and you’ve got a dish that works with whatever else you’re making. A reliable option for stress-free meals.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

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.

Crisp on the outside and creamy inside, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are great when you need something comforting without a hassle. These wedges are easy to whip up while adding a nice balance to any meal. Great for dipping or just enjoying as they are, they’re a dependable choice for quick sides.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

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 and crunchy with an unexpected kick, Spicy Cucumber Salad is a fresh way to keep things simple. It’s easy to prepare and adds a bold twist that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Perfect for days when minimal effort is your goal, but you still want variety. Works great when you’re aiming for something fresh and light.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

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.

Fresh flavors meet simplicity with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice, a versatile option for putting together quick meals. It’s a bright and easy complement to a variety of mains, and it’ll come together with minimal thought. Perfect for adding that something extra without overthinking things. Great to whip up whenever you need a solid side fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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.

Creamy and wholesome, Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole is the kind of side dish that feels comforting yet simple to prepare. It’s an easy way to turn everyday vegetables into something hearty and delicious. This dish works well for rounding out meals when you’re looking for something that’s warm and filling. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly it comes together.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Crunchy and golden, Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings bring that perfect crisp without much effort. They’re easy to make and ideal for snacks like sides without the guilt that comes with frying. Whether paired with dips or eaten straight, they’re a winner when time feels tight. You’ll love how low effort yet flavorful these are.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings 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.

Smooth and delicious, Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole keeps things basic without sacrificing flavor. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make and feels like a complete side with almost no fuss. Great for filling up your plate and balancing out other dishes. You’ll be glad to have such a dependable option in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Breaded Mushrooms

Golden and crispy, Breaded Mushrooms are the kind of side that’s hard to go wrong with. Their texture makes them a fun addition when you need something to go with mains or dips. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, they’re perfect for when you don’t want to overthink your meals. These mushrooms really come through every time.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

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 simple, Vegan Tortilla Chips are a solid choice when you need a quick fix for munchable sides. Their versatility lets you pair them with dips or enjoy them as they are. They’re easy to put together, making them a staple for quick casual meals. A reliable option when keeping things simple matters the most.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Yellow Lentil Dal

Warm and rich, Yellow Lentil Dal is the perfect companion for those days you just want something easy yet fulfilling. Its smooth texture pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a flexible choice. Quick to cook and packed with basics, it’s a solid choice for no stress sides. Brings everything together effortlessly in any meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Vegetable Casserole

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

Multi-layered and easy to put together, Vegetable Casserole is a go to for simple meals that still deliver on flavor. It’s customizable and works well when you need something quick to round out your plate. The rich textures make it ideal for everyday meals without any overthinking. You’ll keep reaching for this one when you need variety.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Homemade Ratatouille

Hearty and simple, Homemade Ratatouille brings together a mix of flavors in one easy to make dish. Quick to throw together, it’s the kind of meal that feels perfect while still light. Perfect when you’re looking for something uncomplicated yet filling. Works great paired with almost anything in your lineup.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille