I Didn’t Want To Overthink It—29 Vegan Sides Recipes Worked For Me

Nobody wants to spend hours debating what goes next to the main dish, and honestly, it wasn’t necessary with these 29 plant-based sides that just worked. They’ve got enough variety to keep things interesting without making anyone panic over options. It’s the kind of lineup that quietly does its job and still gets compliments. No one will miss the meat or the overthinking.

Close-up of sliced cucumbers garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes. — Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Turning lettuce into the base of Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) makes meals light and fun while packing big flavor in every bite. This recipe creates a way to enjoy a handheld without weighing you down. Each bite bursts with bold character, perfect for sharing or eating solo. They’re ideal for anyone wanting an easy, clean option that still has personality.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

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.

Incorporating flavors that pair perfectly together, Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole balances texture and comfort at the same time. It’s a hearty option that brings warmth anytime. There’s an ideal smoothness with additional crunch to keep things fun. Layers of taste make this worth trying as a go-to plant-based side.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Pico de Gallo

Fresh flavors assembled into Pico de Gallo allow it to shine as more than just a topping. This simple mix makes it versatile, pairing so effortlessly with countless dishes. It’s one of the easiest ways to bring brightness to meals. You’ll love how quickly it enhances plates or works perfectly on its own.
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.

Starting with bold profiles, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup delivers richness in every bite without feeling overpowering. It’s both warming and light, making it great for anytime hunger strikes. Simple yet packed with layers of flavor, this meal keeps you fulfilling. Tried once, it may find its way into your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Adding a fun twist to dessert ideas, Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe delivers sweetness with a unique presentation. Perfect for gatherings that need something different, it’s sure to turn heads. Sweetness aside, the texture brings something exciting. Once served, it brings conversations too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Quinoa Salad

Keeping things simple yet enjoyable, Quinoa Salad offers variety with every forkful. There’s plenty of texture that makes this anything but boring. Perfect as a side dish or even something standalone for a lighter touch. It’s flexible, and you’ll keep finding ways to pair it with other meals.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa 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.

Crispiness meets softness in every bite of Roasted Potatoes, striking the perfect balance. Great for everyday meals and shared dinners, they always deliver consistency. Turning the humble spud into something enjoyable leaves everyone satisfied. You’ll wonder how such simple ingredients feel so enriching.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

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.

Love casseroles? Then Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole brings something new with its bold take on ingredients paired carefully together. The baked goodness ensures flavors stay consistent while allowing varied textures in every bite. Made to be hearty without being heavy, it’s a side that stands strong all by itself. Great for adding as a dish centerpiece too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

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.

Sweet potato fans will enjoy how easy but memorable Baked Sweet Potato Wedges turn out every time. They offer that right mix of sweetness and crispness that works in many different plate setups. These wedges are versatile and pair easily across all meal setups while standing solid alone too. Great without too much overthinking for perfect eating moments.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Harvest Salad

Putting a variety on every fork, Harvest Salad feels full yet light. It combines ingredients in ways that make simple items exciting and flavorful. Ideal for busy days where quick meals are necessary, it delivers enough substance. From colorful combinations to standard use, this holds its own.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

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.

Turning basics into something memorable, Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables streamlines meals while adding dimension to flavors. They’re roasted just enough to bring sweetness out without losing texture. Each portion comes alive and matches easily with many dishes. Simple sides that prove effort isn’t always required to make something shine.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Bringing light crunch to dishes everywhere, Easy Vegan Coleslaw complements meals with its simple yet effective flavors. It’s nice on dishes that need contrast or even by itself when something refreshing is needed. Great as a regular fix while introducing plant-based balance. This side doesn’t overcomplicate its purpose, delivering exactly what’s needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

Packed with seasonal inspiration, Vegan Minestrone Soup feels hearty yet perfectly shareable. Its varied elements bring enjoyable textures into something more unified. Easy pairings let it shine either alone or with an additional dish beside. This essential soup ends up feeling timeless every time you serve it.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Layers of freshness and texture make Homemade Ratatouille something memorable on its own or alongside other dishes. It piles up a mix of elements, bringing interest to meals without added noise. Great whether serving all at once or sharing in smaller parts. Its approachability makes it worthwhile anytime.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

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.

Combining roasted elements with greens easily, Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad takes meal pairing seriously. It works well both alone and with complementary ingredients. Light but filling results happen naturally once plated. Versatility stays key anytime hunger sets in through using this.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea 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.

Familiar profiles of Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans bring depth to plates while keeping simplicity front and center. Pairing endlessly with plenty remains its strong suit. Nothing extra ends included here beyond direct flavors hitting where needed once tried first-hand, etc. Sides like these remain wanted on a regular basis during servings everywhere consistently.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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.

Combining textures in one dish can be refreshing, especially when Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad comes into play. The smokiness from the grill and the chew of pasta make this pairing memorable. Tossed with vibrant elements, it feels like comfort food made simple. The balance makes it easy to share and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Smooth and creamy options are great for dipping or drizzling, with Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe deserving attention. Its rich, nutty base creates a bold taste that fits so many dishes. Whether paired or as a solo topping, it serves as a crowd-pleaser. It keeps things simple but flavorful enough to grab attention.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

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.

A quick, hydrating mix like Cucumber Tomato Salad brings freshness to the table. Crisp bites and juiciness make this option versatile for meals or snacking. Light but filling, it complements heavier dishes well. It’s simple, straightforward, and always dependable when you need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Comfort dishes like Vegan Green Bean Casserole never go out of style. Creamy layers and tender textures make it worth serving again and again. With its wholesome elements, it holds its spot during group dinners. Packed with taste, it’s one of those sides everyone keeps looking forward to.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Bright combos make meals pop, and Blood Orange and Fennel Salad steps in perfectly here. Its unique mix makes you notice every bite without being overwhelmed. Great alongside heavier meals, it offers a change of pace. The balance between tangy and crisp brings something unexpected in a good way.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

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.

Creaminess calls for attention, and Vegan Mac and Cheese hits the mark for both texture and flavor. It’s indulgent while staying true to its plant-based take, making it a go-to dish for gatherings. Warm and filling, it’s popular as an option for all ages. It’s satisfying in variety without feeling plain.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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.

If you’re looking for something simple to pair with bold flavors, Easy Cilantro Lime Rice delivers. Light and fluffy, it works well next to spiced dishes or as part of a bigger spread. A gentle twist adds a fresh kick, keeping it interesting and versatile. Great for bowls, wraps, or standing alone on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

Bold flavors meet hearty cabbage with Gochujang Cabbage Steaks creating something different. Each piece is packed with intense flavor while being easy to enjoy. It’s the dish that stands out during meals without overly complex steps. Perfect when you want something memorable and beyond basic sides.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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.

Colorful meals can be fun, and Vegan Pasta Primavera delivers exactly that in a bowl. Packed with vibrant mixed ingredients, it becomes more than just a basic option. Easy to serve and share, it fits in as an everyday dish or with gatherings. The mix of textures keeps every bite interesting and filling.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

Grilled Zucchini

Using basic methods, Grilled Zucchini creates a smoky and tender bite that pairs easily with meals. Simple yet effective, it’s a choice that doesn’t need much effort but still feels complete. It’s ideal for those who want a lighter vegetable side. Balanced and versatile, it works well no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

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.

Crispy edges and tender centers define Baked Tofu, making it stand out among plant-based options. Its flavor builds with every bite while staying adaptable. Great as a snack or part of larger meals, it offers versatility. Whether dipping or pairing, it’s easy to make and share with friends.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Smooth and rich, Vegan Mashed Potatoes bring comfort food into the plant-based realm seamlessly. The creamy finish holds up well against a variety of toppings or proteins. Ideal for large gatherings, this side keeps things simple yet essential at any table. Perfect for making ahead and reheating with ease for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Spicy Cucumber Salad

The kick from Spicy Cucumber Salad adds energy to an otherwise straightforward side. Crisp and bold, it’s a refreshing option that leaves an impression. Easy to prep with a unique twist on cucumber dishes, this fits well into different menu styles. Its heat contrasts nicely with lighter meals or richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad