I Made 29 Vegan Sides Recipes And They Were The Hit Of The Night

There were plenty of options on the table, but somehow the 29 vegan sides vanished before the rest of the food even had a chance. They didn’t need a sales pitch, didn’t try to outshine anything, they just got eaten fast and without question. People asked for the recipes with they look like they didn’t expect to enjoy them this much. That’s when you know a dish did its job and then some.

Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Crispy carrot fries offer a quick twist on snackable veggies. Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip paired perfectly with a creamy dip. They’re light but addictive, great for casual snacking or as part of any spread. Everyone loved grabbing these straight off the plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled Zucchini brings the smokiness that tastes amazing in every slice. It’s tender yet firm enough to hold its shape for a pleasing bite. Simple but loaded with flavor, it complements almost anything on the table. Whether served alone or as a side, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Yellow Lentil Dal

Packed with warmth and richness, this hearty dish stood out. Yellow Lentil Dal brought comfort and inspired many seconds. It was filling but didn’t overshadow other sides. Its vibrant simplicity made it a favorite for pairing with different plates.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

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.

These crispy bites were a hit with everyone. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets had just the right crunch, making them one of the must-try sides. People kept going back for more—easy to grab, impossible to resist. The texture was spot-on, keeping it casual yet satisfying at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

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.

Combined flavors made this more than just a regular salad. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad brought a mix of hearty and fresh elements to the lineup. People loved how it balanced smoky vegetables with pasta, keeping it light yet substantial. A solid addition to the table enjoyed by all.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta 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.

These wedges were roasted just right, offering great texture. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges didn’t last long on the table—it was that popular! Whether eaten alone or dipped, they delivered in both flavor and feel. Their natural sweetness added plenty of variety to the night.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

A warm, comforting bowl that added variety to the spread. Vegan Minestrone Soup worked great for those looking for something wholesome. Packed with veggies and a rich base, it was ideal alongside lighter sides. Many appreciated having this option in an otherwise snack-like spread.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

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.

Simple yet versatile, Baked Tofu has a crisp layer that balances its soft and tender insides. It’s one of those dishes that enhances anything with its texture and straightforward flavor. Great for pairing with other sides or serving as-is, it works wherever you need it. Everyone commented on its “addictive bite.”
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

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.

Light and crunchy, Cucumber Tomato Salad balances freshness with a slight tang in every forkful. This dish is simple but brings life to any meal thanks to its mix of textures. Big on flavor without being heavy, it’s perfect for warm days or light dinners. A bowl of this disappeared before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato 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.

Roasted root veggies brought deep flavors and amazing textures. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables were a great hands-off option that everyone appreciated. The combination of vegetables highlighted the dish and gave variety. It worked well both alone and with other sides.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Breaded Mushrooms

Perfectly breaded bites disappeared almost immediately. Breaded Mushrooms had both crunch and earthy depth that made them a favorite. People loved their finger food feel without sacrificing flavor. Popular across the board, they brought great balance to heavier sides.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

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.

Light and slightly tangy, providing the needed break from heavier dishes. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice complemented almost everything else on the table. It added texture and a subtle something different for those who wanted it. Quick to make and easy to enjoy as part of this mix.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Smooth texture made it comforting and flexible as a side. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup gave everyone something familiar and warm. Pairs perfectly with bread or alone and adds variety to typical spreads. Easygoing in taste, filling enough to be noticed among lighter sides.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Harvest Salad

This hearty salad brought depth to everything on the table. Harvest Salad combined different textures to keep it interesting and multi-dimensional. It was colorful but relied on no unnecessary flair. Always a great option to provide multiple layers in one simple bowl.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Crunchy, golden-brown bites were everyone’s go-to snack. Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe kept the attention of those who love fried food. Ideal to grab casually between other tastings, without losing focus on eating well. These rings became the side that almost everyone talked about afterward.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Creamy and crunchy, it balanced all the heavier dishes perfectly. Easy Vegan Coleslaw worked well with nearly every plate, and everyone took some. It provided relief in contrast to richer, fried, or baked side dishes on the spread. In sandwiches or as-is, it held its ground and delivered its part.
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.

Bold flavors made this dish stand out from more neutral options. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks surprised most attendees with their creativity. They added a unique flair to the table, changing expectations slightly. A strong option for people wanting something off the beaten path.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

These wraps offered variety and were a fun, interactive option for diners. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps gave people a chance to build or customize their own side. They were light yet added something fresh and personal to the lineup. A good crowd-pleaser due to how hands-on but simple they were.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Pico de Gallo

Fresh flavors and a bright presentation added an interesting touch. Pico de Gallo was a natural addition that complemented nearly everything in the spread. It worked as both a topping and a standalone dip. Fast and casual, good for mingling among varied plates during the night.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Quinoa Salad

Nutty textures and refreshing combinations made this dish popular. Quinoa Salad brought a modern touch to traditional spreads. It paired well with all other dishes and worked great as a standalone side. Those looking for a lighter yet fulfilling option enjoyed several servings.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Homemade Ratatouille

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

A classic that showcased the power of simple, hearty flavors. Homemade Ratatouille became the understated star with its layered vegetables and distinct taste. It stood out for those looking for something wholesome amid punchier dishes. No one complained when it ran out quickly—it left an impression.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

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 but still naturally soft inside brought the crowd love. Roasted Potatoes were perfect for the spread with other dishes small, friendly texture countdown highlights guests repeatedly add each serving likely to match comfort zones plus great dip options commonly alongside.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Unique flavors distinguished an exactly refreshing effects combo. Blood Orange Fennel Salad bursts from typical experiences offering tang added herbs proving yes amp! Quick final round extra snaps explained no matter light touches quite dynamic even definitely entire fantastic too perfect hydration packed portions.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Creamy and bold, Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe added something special to chips and veggies alike. Its velvety texture made it hard to stop dipping into it every time it was passed around. It’s the kind of thing you want on hand for any gathering, honestly. Everyone wanted the recipe by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Tender centers paired with crispy edges made Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes a huge hit. Something about smashing them before baking gave an added crunch that people kept coming back for. Fun to eat and easy to serve, this dish made its way onto several repeat plates. Perfect for gatherings big or small.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

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.

Fresh and crunchy, Spicy Cucumber Salad brings a slight heat that makes every bite stand out. It’s refreshing without losing that extra kick people noticed right away. A lighter option that still feels exciting on the plate, everyone kept adding more. Great when paired with heavier dishes.
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.

Soft, hearty, and fully packed, Baked Mushroom Rice was a great addition for anyone craving something comforting. Layers of flavor worked well within the dish without overshadowing anything else on the table. It brought warmth to the meal that people kept coming back to. A bulkier option in a good way.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Vegetable Casserole

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

Warm and filling, Vegetable Casserole packed everything into one dish for easy serving. It’s hearty without going overboard but still had everyone grabbing seconds. Its soft layers show how simple flavors can work together easily too. A family favorite makes it crowd-friendly automatically.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Cauliflower Nuggets

Crunchy outside with a smooth, soft middle made Cauliflower Nuggets are impossible to ignore. They’re playful snacks that work well alone or with a dip, keeping plates fun. Guests who weren’t big on cauliflower were still surprised after they tried it. If you need quick and shareable sides, this fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets