17 Meat Free Sides That Will Blow You Away
Who said meat-free sides had to be boring? With these 17 recipes, you’re all set to turn the humble side dish into the star of the show. Whether you want to impress guests or just spice up your weekly meal prep, these sides are your answer. They’re all about bringing big, bold flavors into your kitchen without any of the fuss. So go ahead, give them a try, and watch as they become your new favorite additions to any meal.
Vegan Ratatouille
Imagine summer’s best veggies coming together in a dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty. Vegan Ratatouille is that dish, letting eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes shine. It’s like a sunny garden on your plate, minus any meat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto
Here’s a dish that turns risotto on its head. Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto mixes sweet corn’s pop with the soft bite of leeks. It’s creamy, comforting, and gives a nod to classic Italian with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Who knew sweet potatoes could be this exciting? Tossed in the air fryer, these Sweet Potato Fries come out crispy and ready to dip. They’re a side that could steal the show, proving healthy doesn’t mean boring.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto is what happens when spring meets comfort food. This dish brings creamy rice, fresh asparagus, and hearty beans together for a meal that’s both light and filling. It’s a fresh take on risotto, no meat needed.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto
Cilantro Lime Rice
Brighten up your table with Cilantro Lime Rice. It’s fluffy, zesty, and has a kick of freshness from cilantro that can liven up any dish. This side’s a breeze to make and hard to resist, showing off how simple ingredients can sing together.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Yellow Lentil Dal
Experience the comforting world of Yellow Lentil Dal, a staple that brings warmth with every spoonful. This dish is all about simplicity and flavor, making lentils the star of the show. It’s hearty, healthy, and utterly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Asparagus keeps things easy and tasty. With just a quick toss in the air fryer, asparagus turns into a crispy, tender side. It’s a green treat that pairs well with anything, showing off the best of simple, straightforward cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Let Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice be the unsung hero of your meal. Its subtle floral aroma and tender texture make it a perfect companion to more complex dishes. It’s all about bringing a gentle touch of elegance to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets
Get ready for Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets, a plant-based snack that’s seriously addictive. They’re crunchy outside, soft inside, and packed with flavor. These nuggets are a fun way to switch up your veggie game.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets
Crispy Shallots
These golden, crunchy morsels add a burst of flavor and texture to any dish. Crispy Shallots are simple to make but bring a sophisticated touch, proving that sometimes it’s the small additions that make a big difference in your meal’s depth.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Gochujang Cabbage Steaks
Slathered in Gochujang sauce and roasted until tender, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are a spicy, smoky delight. This dish turns the humble cabbage into a bold and flavorful side, perfect for those looking to spice up their meal repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks
Minestrone Soup
A bowl of Minestrone Soup is like a warm hug, filled to the brim with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that showcases the best of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in harmony.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets emerge crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender inside, making them a delightful plant-based snack or side. They’re a testament to how versatile tofu can be, especially when looking for a protein-packed bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Aloo Bonda
These deep-fried snacks encase a spiced potato filling in a crispy gram flour batter, making Aloo Bonda a hit for any gathering. They’re a flavorful journey into Indian cuisine, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Bonda
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
There’s something about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that feels like home. Roasting the tomatoes deepens their flavor, blending perfectly with the freshness of basil. It’s a simple and deeply flavorful soup, perfect for any day.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Vegan Onion Dip
Our Vegan Onion Dip proves that you can achieve creamy, savory perfection without any dairy. It’s rich, full of onion flavor, and pairs wonderfully with everything from raw veggies to crunchy chips, making it an irresistible addition to your snack table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip
Spicy Salsa Taquera
For a genuine kick, the Spicy Salsa Taquera brings heat and depth to your dishes. This salsa is all about bold flavors, ready to elevate tacos, chips, or whatever it accompanies, one fiery spoonful at a time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salsa Taquera