I Made 29 Vegan Sides Recipes And It Was The Easiest Win

Pulling off 29 vegan sides sounded like an ambitious stunt, but it turned out easier than convincing kids to clean their room. The effort was so small it almost felt unfair. Friends kept asking when the next round would happen, as if it were a monthly subscription. Honestly, if life handed out trophies for kitchen shortcuts, this one deserves a giant gold medal.

Close-up of several roasted sweet potato wedges on parchment paper, garnished with chopped herbs. — Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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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.

Sides that bring both crunch and creaminess make any meal feel complete. Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole serves up layers with strong texture but mild flavor. Each bite is firm without being dry or bland. Works well for dinner when more variety is needed without much planning.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

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.

Quick vegan wins come easy when you have something that fits every menu, from snack to big meal. Roasted Potatoes deliver a crispy shell with a soft middle, you can pair with almost anything. The balance between texture and taste never overwhelms other dishes. Great for crowded tables or leftoversthe next day.
Get the Recipe: Roasted 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.

Some sides work double duty as mains during busy times, making dinner less stressful. Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans gives a filling mix that’s simple to plate for any crowd. No need to fuss since it packs plenty of flavor. Keeps everything moving when hungry guests won’t wait.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Pico de Gallo

Fresh sides always lighten up heavy spreads at meals with minimal effort. Pico de Gallo offers a cool, crisp bite that counters richer main plates with ease. Scoop it up with chips or pile onto bowls for a punchy contrast. Goes well with everything without making a mess.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

A bold table centerpiece can completely shift how sides support a meal without going overboard. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks stand out thanks to their smoky flavor and firm cut. Guests notice the color first, then go back for more. Slices work for sharing at big or small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Crisp salads refresh any heavy dinner spread, all with a dash of citrus. Blood Orange and Fennel Salad brings new shapes and bright layers to the table. Good for mixing things up when classic sides feel too boring. Every plate looks and feels just a bit more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Nothing beats a side with plenty of color to brighten up dinner without much extra work. Homemade Ratatouille layers bold slices that taste rich without being too heavy. Pairs so well with other vegan mains or proteins. It’s reliable for bringing out classic comfort at every meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Slim easy sides deliver crunch plus a creamy finish that everyone appreciates. Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip get a sturdy texture that is good for dipping or eating solo. No greasy mess thanks to the air fryer. Big help for gatherings when finger food is key.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Harvest Salad

Clean flavors work wonders when everything else on the table feels rich and dense. Harvest Salad tosses crisp bites with soft, sweet elements for contrast. Salad options mean easy servings no matter who comes to dinner. Feels both special and simple every time it shows up.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Cauliflower Nuggets

Vegan sides win extra points when they mimic classic favorites without the fuss. Cauliflower Nuggets pack crunch in small bites that work great on trays or quick snack plates. They don’t fall apart thanks to a good coating. Nice go-to on movie nights or for feeding busy friends.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Sides with crunch help break up softer dinner spreads with zero extra work. Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe keeps it crisp every time without losing its snap. You get reliable results fast, even for large gatherings. No fuss or soggy veggies no matter who helps serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Vegetable Casserole

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

Layers that stretch across many plates mean fewer worries for picky eaters or mixed table groups. Vegetable Casserole goes strong thanks to ric,h cooked texture with mild taste. Slices pull up easily for serving more people. Order out or stay in. This is simple to plate and pair.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers

A plate of chickpea salad with chopped red onions, roasted red peppers, herbs, and sliced almonds, served with a spoon. — Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sides don’t need loads of extras to feel full or flavorful when paired with good classics. Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers perks up veggie mains with mellow crunch throughout. The mix holds up for cold lunches or buffets. Works for meal prep better than most simple salads.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad with Roasted Peppers

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.

Proteins in side dishes always boost big plates, especially when vegan guests want something more filling. Baked Tofu brings a chewy, easy-to-cut element to any meal. Tastes solid enough to compete with mains single or doubled up. Keeps its shape for next-day salads too.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

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.

Pasta-based sides mix up texture on dinner tables, needing quick options for picky groups. Vegan Pasta Primavera runs through color and crunch when basic noodles won’t cut it. Each forkful brings variety in one easy plate. Great for get-togethers or sped-up family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

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.

Big pans make serving a crowd easier while cleaning up in less time. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables fill trays with sturdy bite and color all in one shot. The meal pairs so well next to grains or as bulk for soup nights. No repeat flavors with this easy combo.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Small bites that mimic classic favorites turn sides into party food for every crowd. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets pop with crunch and heat without an oily mess. Easy prep leads to multiple batches for hungry guests. Good solution for casual nights at home with friends or family.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Yellow Lentil Dal

Pleasing sides with useful proteins count for more when vegan dinners need reliability. Yellow Lentil Dal offers creamy warmth to break up heavier plates. Every scoop sticks to bowls or trays with simple comfort. Matches quick weekday dinners or larger events.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

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 side that gets attention first for looks really helps win over tough critics. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes are easy to slice and serve thanks to their crisp layers. Texture never gets mushy no matter how long they stay out. Smart move for busy hosts trying to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

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.

Sides that fill up guests without feeling too rich do the job best for vegan table spreads. Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole combines soft rice with a mild crunch in every bite. Perfect when quick hands need to plate in a hurry. Holds up overnight for work lunches, too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Classic favorites show up at every meal so quick wins matter when time is short. Vegan Mashed Potatoes stay smooth and creamy but don’t overwhelm other plates. Reliable hits for holidays or weeknights alike. Easy for anyone to serve no matter their cooking skill.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Sweet sides wrap up every meal in fun form that brings surprise without extra work. Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe slices up for easy sharing during dessert without sticky fingers. Fits well at all ages, from kids to grown-ups. Great switch-up for snack tables or potlucks.
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.

Smooth, creamy sides can win over guests, especially when dairy isn’t part of the menu. Vegan Mac and Cheese uses simple swaps for a thick texture that works with any dinner or lunch. Good for picky eaters thanks to non-spicy, gentle flavors. Comfort food gets a plant-based upgrade fast.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Sides with earthy flavors help round out dinners whenever classic carbs need a little boost. Baked Mushroom Rice easily stands out with its rich texture and deep flavor that feels comforting. It’s easy to scoop for both big gatherings or simple weeknight meals at home. The dish also holds up well for leftovers long after dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Mixing smooth and chunky textures keeps vegan spreads more interesting without extra effort. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole brings in color and gentle flavor you can layer or scoop. Good for potlucks or everyday family dinners. Stays firm after reheating for easy next-day meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Quinoa Salad

Light yet hearty choices refresh dinner plates, piling on protein with no fuss. Quinoa Salad pulls together with a solid texture and mild flavor that works both hot and cold. No overcomplicated prep needed here. Easy fit for lunchboxes or casual dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa 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.

Dips only get better when they’re smooth enough to go anywhere on the table. Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe pours out nicely for chips, veggies or wraps. No trouble with spreading keeps snack hour stress-free. Everyone asks for seconds every time.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

A hot soup as a side can help balance out heavier mains without extra fuss. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup stays light and smooth for fast servings at lunch or dinner. Pairs with sandwiches or salads with ease. Big win for busy dining times and leftovers hold up too.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Slices that crunch while staying soft on the inside always pull double duty at meals. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges keep their shape for dipping or eating solo. Quick to serve and easy to stack for large tables. No problem packing leftovers for next-day snacks.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges