I Needed Comfort Food—Thankfully, 29 Vegan Sides Recipes Delivered

Bad days have a way of making regular meals feel like homework. That’s when having 29 vegan sides on hand is a small win worth keeping. They’re the dependable backup singers to any main course, always showing up and never missing a beat. Perfect for moments when all you want is something that says, “Yes, you can just sit down and eat now.”

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

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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.

Light and refreshing with an unexpected twist. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad combines flavors that balance sweetness with richness in every bite. It works well as a side dish to accompany heavier mains. This brings something unique to the table while still feeling simple.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Pico de Gallo

Always handy for quick sides that don’t require much effort. Pico de Gallo offers a fresh burst of flavor that pairs well with anything. Ideal for serving in bowls or as a topping for other dishes. This simple option keeps everyone happy without complicating things.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate. — Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfect as a centerpiece-style side dish everyone notices. Roasted Whole Cauliflower brings great texture and pairs wonderfully with sauces or just as-is. Easy to carve and share for family-style serving. It’s a reliable go-to for when you need something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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.

Light with just the right kick to make it stand out. Spicy Cucumber Salad adds a refreshing mix of crunch and heat to the table. Great for breaking up heavier meals with something crisp and flavorful. It’s an affordable option that feels fresh every time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Classic comfort option without the added extras. Vegan Mashed Potatoes are creamy and dependable as a side dish for almost any main meal. Easy to prepare for a crowd while sticking to simple ingredients. Their dependable flavor fits in with almost anything you pair them with.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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.

Simple yet filling option that’s good for sharing. Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans works well for adding substance to the menu. It’s an affordable dish packed with flavors that complement everything around it. Ideal for potlucks or small gatherings when keeping things easy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

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.

Classic side turned plant-based without losing its charm. Vegan Mac and Cheese makes plates rich and comforting without being overdone. Perfect for kids and adults alike, looking for something familiar. It’s a smart choice that never fails at group meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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.

A creative option that’s fun to eat and easy to share. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes have great texture without requiring heavy preparation. Perfect as a convenient side that stands out visually on the table. This dish is always a success for gatherings or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Harvest Salad

A mix of hearty and fresh that works well for group meals. Harvest Salad blends texture and light flavors that complement larger dishes. Perfect for serving up in bowls without much hassle. It’s versatile enough to adapt to both casual and more formal settings.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Ideal for quick vegetable servings that don’t feel boring. Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe keeps things crispy while maintaining simplicity. Great for adding an easy green option alongside heavier plates. This dish fits perfectly into balanced menus or light spreads.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Yellow Lentil Dal

Perfect for adding a warm side option with depth. Yellow Lentil Dal offers textures that go well over rice or beside bread. It’s hearty enough to stand out but simple enough to complement other dishes. A smart choice for affordable yet filling servings.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Crunchy and fresh without heavy sauces weighing it down. Easy Vegan Coleslaw serves as a great topping or side dish to lighten up meals. Perfect for pairing with grilled dishes or sitting next to heavier spreads. This adaptable dish works across different menus with ease.
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.

Simple snack-like addition that pairs well with dips. Vegan Tortilla Chips bring crunch and versatility to any side setup. Great for serving in bowls or alongside spreads like guacamole or salsa. Easy to prep without worrying about too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Light portions that work for handheld sides. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) are an easy way to bring something fresh to the table. They’re approachable without being heavy and fit well around other dishes. Perfect for mixing up the menu with something simple to grab and eat.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

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.

Easy group-serving side with warmth and texture. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables make sharing simple without extra pans or utensils. Perfect for pairing with mains that need a hearty yet accessible option. Every table appreciates how this dish balances flavor and ease of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

A pleasing option with a mix of softness inside and crisp edges. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges make dipping or sharing easy across all age groups. Perfect as a side to larger plates or even as a snack-like addition. Always dependable for when you need something filling but not complex.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Red White and Blue Vegan Salad

A salad with spinach leaves, watermelon cubes, blueberries, raspberries, and crumbled feta cheese in a white bowl. — Red White and Blue Vegan Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vibrant addition that mixes sweet and savory elements well. Red White and Blue Vegan Salad grabs attention on the table without being overpowering. Perfect for serving in larger bowls while adding a pop of color to the menu. A smart way to keep things light but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Vegan Salad

Cauliflower Nuggets

Bite-sized side that works for dipping or sharing. Cauliflower Nuggets have great texture and fit into almost any type of meal spread. Easy to plate up in small portions for casual gatherings. Great option for a side dish that doesn’t feel overly complicated.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

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.

Crowd-friendly casserole that combines hearty and light elements. Vegan Tater Tot Casserole is great for adding a bit of comfort without stretching your budget. Easy to serve in portions for family-style dinners or larger group meals. Always popular when blending classic ideas with plant-based twists.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Perfect side for those looking to include greens on the menu. Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole offers a creamy yet textured dish that complements heavier plates well. Fitting for group servings that want both flavor and balance. Easy option when thinking about feeding multiple people without stressing.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

A bold side that carries its flavor without needing extras. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are simple to serve while bringing something different to the table. Perfect for servings where you want a bit of heat and texture. Works nicely to complement other main dishes or light meals.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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

Classic potato side upgraded slightly for texture. Crispy Smashed Potatoes are easy to grab and share for friendly gatherings. They pair well with dipping options or stand alone on a plate. Always dependable for casual servings when comfort food is needed.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Grilled Zucchini

Perfect way to serve quick veggies without overthinking. Grilled Zucchini makes pairing simple with both lighter and heavier dishes. Easy to season and plate alongside your menu choices. Always appreciated for its balance of simplicity and flavor on any table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Balanced blend of hearty and lightly sweet that works universally. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole fits great as a side dish next to bigger plates. Easy to portion out for larger groups without losing appeal. This consistent option always works well whether casual or formal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Warm casserole-style side perfect for bigger servings. Baked Mushroom Rice provides comfort and depth without complicating preparation. Ideal for pairing across various menu types where you need something filling. Always appreciated for its simplicity and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy pasta garnished with herbs, with a slice of bread on the side; a skillet and a small bowl of roasted vegetables are in the background. — Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mixing rich creaminess with hints of something different. Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese adds depth to the menu while keeping simple preparation in mind. Perfect for serving kids or adults wanting a thoughtful twist. Always dependable when blending comfort and creativity effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Quinoa Salad

Light and texture-filled alternative without taking up much space on the plate. Quinoa Salad works well as a mild addition, balancing heavier spreads. Perfect for serving at gatherings where variety matters. Great for sharing portions that feel clean and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

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.

Hearty option that combines well-rounded textures in every portion. Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole works well as an adaptable addition next to mains. Great for family-style servings to please broader tastes. Smart choice when warm options need a comforting balance.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Homemade Ratatouille

Perfect vegetable side that complements larger meats or plant-based focus. Homemade Ratatouille makes serving easy across group portions without losing texture. Great for casual or formal meals when fresh ideas are appreciated. Very manageable option without being overly heavy.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille