I Needed Something Quick—29 Vegan Sides Recipes Came To The Rescue

No one plans a side dish panic, but it happens. That’s where these 29 vegan sides stepped in like the reliable friend who brings snacks to every event. They’re easy to mix and match, low stress, and weirdly impressive for something that took almost no effort. Great for when dinner needs backup but your energy is stuck at five percent.

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

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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.

When you’re short on time, casseroles make dinner so much easier. Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is perfect because it’s warm, filling, and works great as a side. It has that comforting mix of textures that feels hearty and delicious. You’ll definitely want a second helping, this one is a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Sometimes you need dessert but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe is an easy, shareable option that looks fancy without much effort. It’s a simple take on a treat and is great to wow your friends or just enjoy yourself. It’s sweet, quick, and something you’ll go back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami 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.

There’s nothing like turning to a timeless classic when you need quick comfort food. Vegan Mac and Cheese steps in with all the creamy richness and texture. You’ll forget this doesn’t have dairy because it hits all the right notes. Make it for dinner or as a side when you need that nostalgic, cozy vibe.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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.

When you’re craving a quick side, beans are such a go-to. Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans take your meal up a notch with their bold and balanced taste. They pair well with anything or can even work on their own. Keep this one on rotation because it’s so versatile and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

If you want the ultimate comfort side, this one’s a no-brainer. Vegan Mashed Potatoes gives you that creamy and smooth texture everyone loves in minutes. They fit with almost any main course or work great alone on those lazy nights. There’s a reason this dish is a staple on so many tables.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

Soups are life-savers when you want something warm and full of variety. Vegan Minestrone Soup is packed with veggies and works for both lunch or dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that warms you up and leaves you feeling full. From busy days to relaxed evenings, it’s an easy and reliable choice.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Sometimes you need that classic dish at the dinner table. Vegan Green Bean Casserole never fails as a comforting side that’s both creamy and packed with veggies. It’s the perfect dish for bringing people together. With its familiar flavors, it fits into any meal seamlessly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean 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.

Noodles and veggies just work together so well when you want a quick and filling option. Vegan Pasta Primavera is all about that simple mix of ingredients in a colorful dish. It’s easy enough for a weekday meal but still feels like something special. Make a batch for dinner, and you’ve got leftovers set too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are perfect for adding a hearty and comforting touch to your table. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole transforms them into a warm, crowd-friendly side dish. It’s a balance of soft texture and big flavor that fits almost any meal. You’ll probably find yourself reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato 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.

Sometimes, you just need something crunchy to jazz things up. Vegan Tortilla Chips get the job done when it comes to snack time, working perfectly at a party or for a solo Netflix binge. They’re great with dips, spreads, or even straight out of the plate, no judgment here. The best part is that they’re light and crispy, with none of the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

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.

Need something hearty and filling? Vegan Tater Tot Casserole makes for a crowd-pleaser that’s also incredibly easy to whip up. It’s got all the layers you’d want in a solid comfort option without anything heavy. You won’t believe how much you’ll come back to it when you’re pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

A plate of watermelon salad with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and mint leaves, served with a lime wedge. — Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Hot days demand something refreshing, and this hits the spot. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad combines that perfect mix of sweetness and a tangy kick for balance. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or honestly just when you need something quick on your plate. The contrast of textures keeps every bite really interesting.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Vegetable Casserole

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

Stressed about what to feed a mixed crowd? Vegetable Casserole fits the bill because it’s hearty without being too heavy. It’s packed, filling, and there’s really no one it doesn’t please. You can make it as simple or as robust as you like, depending on your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable 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.

Looking for a quick and simple upgrade to snacking or as a side? Baked Sweet Potato Wedges check all those boxes. They’re naturally sweet with a satisfying crunch around the edges. A great choice that feels a little fancier than you’d expect for how little effort they take.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Yellow Lentil Dal

Some days you just need something warm and comforting. Yellow Lentil Dal works every time; it’s nourishing, filling, and doesn’t take forever to make. It’s a reliable staple that’s neutral enough to pair with almost anything. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe every time you want easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

When you want something hearty but still pretty straightforward, this one’s a good pick. Baked Mushroom Rice combines earthy and filling in a way that’s easy to make ahead if needed. It holds up well for potlucks or even next-day leftovers. Plus, it’s just one of those recipes that adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Craving something crunchy but a bit healthier? Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe is a total game changer. These make a great side dish or snack, and there’s so much less grease than with fried ones. You won’t believe how crispy these get without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

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.

Tofu gets a bad rap, but this version changes minds fast. Baked Tofu is great as a side, topping, or even the main deal. It’s got that perfect chewy texture while staying really versatile, depending on how you season it. It’s super simple to whip up, and it fits into pretty much any dish you’ve got planned.
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.

This one’s straight-up refreshing and good for any meal of the day. Cucumber Tomato Salad doesn’t overcomplicate things but hits the right notes. It’s a quick mix that goes great with heavier mains or even by itself. You’ll love how easy it is to pull together whenever you need something light.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

A wooden bowl of nacho cheese dip topped with sliced jalapeños, surrounded by tortilla chips on a plate. A checked cloth and a glass in the background. — Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Let’s talk about a game-day or snack-time essential. Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe proves that creamy doesn’t need dairy to taste awesome. It’s ridiculously versatile and perfect for dipping veggies, chips, or drizzling on just about anything. You’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner once you see how easy it is.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad is a lifesaver when you need something fresh and quick. This salad combines the brightness of citrus with the gentle crunch of fennel. It’s an easy go-to side when you want something light yet packed with flavor in a pinch. Pair it with any main, and you’ll be raving about the contrast and delicious surprise it brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

Talk about a game-changer for quick sides. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks bring an amazing twist to plain old cabbage with a hint of spice. This dish gives you a spicy and bold experience that pairs well with almost anything. Effortless and utterly delicious, it’s something you’ll want to make over and over.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Breaded Mushrooms

When speed is of the essence, Breaded Mushrooms are your go-to. They’re crispy bites of yum and work great on any dinner table. Easy to whip up, they’re perfect for when you’re short on time but still want that homemade feel. Whether you’re snacking or serving them alongside a main dish, you can’t go wrong.
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.

If you need a side that’s ready in a jiff, say hello to Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. It brings a fresh and tangy touch to your meals with minimal effort. When plain rice feels boring, this is the perfect way to change it up with some added brightness. You’ll love how it complements any dish with its tangy kick.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Cauliflower Nuggets

For something quick and vegan, Cauliflower Nuggets fit the bill. They’re little bites that are super easy to prepare when you’re in a rush. With a nice crunch on the outside and tender inside, they work perfectly as a side or a snack. Trust me, you’ll keep reaching for more once you start munching.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

When you’re in a time crunch, Easy Vegan Coleslaw has got your back. It’s a fuss-free way to add a crunchy factor to your meal lineup. In no time, you can throw together this vibrant side that pairs with almost anything. Use it as a topping or a side and enjoy its versatility and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Think of this as your cozy, go-to option when you’re tight on time. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a creamy, dreamy mix that doesn’t take much effort to pull together. It’s got depth with its roasted blend, perfect for pairing with some toasted bread or sandwiches. Ideal for a quick dinner or lunchtime fix, it’s as easy as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Here’s a speedy, gluten-free fix that’ll brighten up any meal. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps are loaded with flavor but super easy to assemble. They’re a perfect side dish that won’t weigh you down and work for almost any diet. You’ll love how quick they come together, leaving you more time to enjoy rather than cook.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Need something crunchy for your morning routine? Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes are just the thing. They’re fast, crispy, and a perfect start to any day when you’re short on time. These potatoes will easily accompany your main breakfast choice, serving as a delicious and simple addition.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes