I Didn’t Feel Like Planning Dinner—Thankfully, 29 Vegan Sides Recipes Fit The Bill

When dinner feels like too much effort, side dishes can easily carry the meal. A collection of 29 vegan options means no stress over what pairs well because something always works. Each one brings its own style, so it never feels repetitive. It’s the kind of backup plan that makes skipping the main dish sound like a good idea.

Close-up of a plate of rice garnished with chopped herbs and slices of lime. — Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This post has affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you.

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

Thick slices cooked until tender with a bold, rich glaze make a great addition to any plate. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks bring a spicy kick combined with the natural sweetness of the cabbage. They work well as a flavorful side to pair with simpler main dishes. Easy to share or enjoy on their own when you don’t feel like cooking much.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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.

Crunchy on the outside with a soft, chewy inside makes these a fun and filling side. Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are a great option for dipping or eating plain. Their crispy texture makes them an easy crowd-pleaser to place alongside any meal. Perfect when you’re looking for something light but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

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

Golden bites with soft centers turn an everyday ingredient into something special. Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes are so versatile they work well as part of any meal, not just for breakfast. The texture and slight crunch make each bite interesting without needing much else. Great for a meal idea you don’t have to overthink.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Grilled Zucchini

A tender finish makes this side simple but full of flavor. Grilled Zucchini is a great way to add a fresh but beautiful element to your meal. Each piece is easy to pair with other sides or mains without feeling too heavy. It’s perfect when you need something quick that still feels complete.
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.

Firm bites with a slightly crispy coating stand out without feeling overworked. Baked Tofu pairs well with dips or can be served as a simple addition alongside any main. It’s a dish that feels hearty enough to be the star of the meal if needed. Works whether you’re serving guests or just fixing up a quick plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

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.

Bright colors and a mix of textures feel fresh and filling at the same time. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad brings in smoky flavors with every bite while keeping it light. It’s perfect for pairing with a main or having as a small standalone meal. A solid choice for last-minute plans.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Vegan Tortilla Chips

Close-up of crispy tortilla chips with a dollop of guacamole on top. — Vegan Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crunchy bites that work well with dips or even as a quick snack are always a hit. Vegan Tortilla Chips are simple to make and fit perfectly when you need something easy but appealing. Each piece holds up well without breaking when dipped into sauces. Great to keep around for casual meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Yellow Lentil Dal

Creamy spoonfuls bring comforting flavors together in an easy-to-serve dish. Yellow Lentil Dal works well paired with bread, rice, or as a standalone side. It’s perfect for when you want something hearty without much hassle. A dish that fits nicely into both small and large meal setups.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Breaded Mushrooms

Crunchy coatings with soft, savory bites inside create the perfect balance of textures. Breaded Mushrooms are great for dipping or simply enjoying plain as a flavorful snack. They make an excellent appetizer or complement to any main dish. Simple yet satisfying enough to keep making.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Soft textures layered together create a comforting side that pairs well with most meals. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole has the right balance of flavors to stand out, even beside bold mains. Its richness makes it ideal for larger dinners but works just as well for casual evenings. A dish that feels complete and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

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.

Creamy flavors make this dip a standout choice for pairing with chips or veggies. Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe is perfect when you need a side that doubles as a fun appetizer. It’s rich yet light enough to keep going back for seconds. A simple way to make any meal feel a bit more complete.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Vegan Pasta Salad

A wooden bowl filled with bowtie pasta mixed with roasted zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, and herbs. — Vegan Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Perfectly tossed ingredients create a light but filling salad packed with balanced textures. Vegan Pasta Salad works great for adding a refreshing option to heavier meals. Each bite feels fresh and full without being overwhelming or time-consuming. A reliable choice for meal prep or quick side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Salad

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.

Perfectly roasted with a tender inside and slightly caramelized edges makes this option is versatile. Roasted Whole Cauliflower fits well as a centerpiece dish or broken apart as a simple side. Its deep flavors and structure are ideal when you’re looking for something hearty yet easy. A no-fuss option that fits into nearly any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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.

Creamy bites pack a comforting punch in a dish that’s both rich and easy to love. Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese brings a unique twist to classic flavors, giving it a velvety texture. It pairs well as a side or works as a standalone when you want something quick but fulfilling. A great balance of simplicity and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Nuggets

Crisp on the outside with tender bites inside, make these a fun choice for any meal. Cauliflower Nuggets work as a side or snack that you can prepare and serve in no time. They bring enough crunch to complement any dipping sauce or main dish. It’s a playful option when you want a simple side to share.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Sweet and tangy slices paired with crunchy bits are refreshing and unique. Blood Orange and Fennel Salad balances light textures with bold flavor combinations. It makes an excellent side to complement heavier mains or stands well on its own for quick meals. Ideal when you need something simple but with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

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.

Soft layers baked together with a crisp finish, warm and filling. Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole pairs perfectly as a side to almost any plate while remaining rich but not too heavy. Each bite feels hearty and flavorful without needing too much effort to prepare. Perfect for larger gatherings or cozy meals at home.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Sweet, rich rolled slices make it side one that catches attention. Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe brings a fun presentation to the table, blending smooth texture with a touch of crunch. It’s easy to serve and works well as a shareable treat after meals or as a side for smaller snacks. A unique option that fits into casual or formal setups.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Crunchy wraps packed neatly with flavor, fresh and easy to handle. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) offer a light option that pairs well alongside heavier dishes or stands alone as a quick bite. Their simplicity makes them a favorite for sharing or grabbing during busier days. Great for when you need a no-fuss, flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Vegan Minestrone Soup

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

Warm bowls loaded with mixed textures make a hearty and shareable option. Vegan Minestrone Soup offers just the right balance of light ingredients blended in a rich base. It’s easy to prep and works as a comforting side or a standalone dish for lighter meals. A versatile option for both casual dinners and planned spreads.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Tender spears with a crisp coating are worth repeating weekly. Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe combines fresh textures with a touch of crunch in every bite. Its simplicity makes it a reliable pairing for mains or a quick snack on its own. Perfect for throwing together with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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.

Sweet cubes paired with creamy bites are unique and refreshing. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad combines textures that feel light and satisfying for warm evenings or larger meal spreads. It works well as an unexpected pairing for heavier mains or on its own as a fun snack. Simple to prepare but always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

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.

Bright and colorful bites bring a touch of variety to this classic dish. Vegan Pasta Primavera blends fresh textures and light flavors in a way that works nicely alongside most mains. It’s quick to make yet full enough to stand a little on its own for smaller portions. A solid go-to when you crave something easy but with flair.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

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

Creamy scoops with a smooth finish perfect for nearly any setup. Vegan Mashed Potatoes are both simple and rich in texture, bringing that comforting feel to the table without too much work. They pair seamlessly with mains or can act as a small centerpiece for lighter meals. Great for frequent meals during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Quinoa Salad

Hearty yet light grains mixed with a variety of textures make a balanced dish. Quinoa Salad is perfect for building out meals that need something a little more filling without feeling too heavy. It works both as a standalone plate or as a complement to larger dishes. A quick and wholesome option for keeping things easy but complete.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Veggies cooked down into soft layers bring warmth and depth to the plate. Homemade Ratatouille serves as a versatile side that’s both hearty and flavorful. It pairs well on its own or as an addition to heavier mains that need a fresh touch. A shareable dish for gatherings or quick fixes when you don’t want to plan too much.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Tender grains mixed with earthy bites are a go-to option for both simplicity and flavor. Baked Mushroom Rice combines hearty textures into a dish that complements most mains seamlessly. It’s rich without being overwhelming and offers enough to stand alone in larger portions. Great for quick meals or planned plates at the table.
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.

Soft layers cooked together bring an easy-to-share comfort with every serving. Vegetable Casserole blends hearty textures and light flavors while feeling balanced on any plate. This dish works well whether you need something simple or a shareable side that feels a little more complete. Perfect for casual nights at home or serving guests without much stress.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Fluffy scoops with bold bursts of flavor are both appealing and easy to pair. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice works perfectly alongside more robust dishes or as a quick, standalone side for smaller meals. Its simple prep and bright finish keep it as a favorite week after week. A reliable option to rotate into any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice