Vegan Sides So Good, They’re Worth The Spotlight—29 Recipes You Need To Try

Side dishes can often steal the show with their bold flavors and tasty textures. They add color and variety to any meal, making every bite more exciting. Vegan sides so good, they’re worth the spotlight with 29 recipes you need to try prove that plant-based dishes can stand out. From light and fresh to rich and tasty, each one brings something special.

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

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

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.

Transform plain potatoes into crispy accordion-shaped bites that are a true treat. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes offer an exciting twist, thanks to their unique look and crunch. They’re easy to prepare and make a fun addition to any meal. Perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dishes, they’re sure to be a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Rich in earthy flavors, Baked Mushroom Rice combines tender grains with mushrooms for a hearty side. It’s a dish that feels comforting and pairs well with almost any main course. With its baked perfection, it’s easy to prepare and brings an element to your dinner table. Add in some veggies or herbs if you like to give it your personal touch.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Give asparagus a crispy twist with Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe with just a quick blast of heat. This green veggie becomes a crunchy treat that’s simple yet amazingly good. It’s ideal as a side dish or snack, bringing a burst of freshness to your plate. Season it however you like for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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.

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are a tasty way to enjoy naturally sweet flavors with a crispy outside. They’re easy to make and go well with many meals, offering a nutritious option. Serve them with different dips or sauces for a fun eating experience. These wedges offer a soft interior that pairs perfectly with their crunchy exterior.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Crunchy and tasty, Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip transform carrots into something special. They offer a delicious way to enjoy veggies in a fun, new form. The aioli dip complements them perfectly, adding a creamy note. Easy to prepare, they make a great snack or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Fresh and vibrant, Blood Orange and Fennel Salad combines citrusy bites with a hint of anise flavor from fennel. It’s refreshing and offers a great balance of flavors with a crunchy texture. Perfect for a light side, it can brighten up your meal in seconds. This salad is as visually appealing as it is tasty, bringing some welcome color to the table.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

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.

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets offer a fun way to enjoy tofu that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. They’re a versatile addition to any meal and can be flavored with your favorite spices. Easy to make, they’re perfect for dipping and snacking. These nuggets fit well into a plant-based lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

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.

With Baked Tofu, you can enjoy a delicious, protein-rich side that’s easy to customize. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it a versatile dish. You can serve it with sauces or seasonings to match your taste preferences. It fits well with various meal types, making it a handy addition to any menu.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Cauliflower Nuggets

For a bite-sized treat, Cauliflower Nuggets make a perfect option that packs a punch of flavor. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they can be seasoned to your liking. These nuggets are easy to bake and pair well with many dipping sauces. Perfect as a side or snack, they add a fun element to plant-based eating.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Creamy and rich, Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe provides a cheesy experience without any dairy. Made with cashews, it delivers a smooth texture that’s great for dipping or drizzling. You can spice it up or keep it mild, depending on your preference. This queso adds flavor to nachos, tacos, or any dish needing a cheesy touch.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

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.

Packed with flavor, Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans brings a combo of rice and beans with a Caribbean twist. It’s a vegan side that’s both filling and nutritious. Perfect for adding a bit of excitement to any meal, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The mix of textures and the taste make it a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Breaded Mushrooms

There’s something special about Breaded Mushrooms and their crunchy, delicious nature. They pair well with just about anything and offer a great texture. Easy to prepare, they’re the ideal side to complete any meal. Serve them, and they’ll be gone in no time.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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

It’s hard to beat the unique appeal of Crispy Smashed Potatoes. With a perfectly crisp exterior and soft interior, these potatoes are a hit at any gathering. They complement many dishes and can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings. Perfect for when you want something different than regular potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Adding Easy Vegan Coleslaw to your meal ensures a fresh crunch every time. It’s simple to make and versatile enough to pair with almost any dish. This light and refreshing option stands out without much effort. Ideal with sandwiches or on the side of a hearty meal, it always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Who can resist Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe with its crunchy, tasty goodness? This vegan take on a classic snack is easy to make in the air fryer. They are a great side or snack that anyone will enjoy. Pair them with your favorite dips for a little extra fun.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Shake things up with Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe, a unique sweet side that’s sure to grab attention. Though it sounds unusual, this chocolate treat is perfect to slice and share. Easy to make, it’s always a conversation starter. Whenever it’s on the table, it’s bound to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

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.

Combining the best of both worlds, Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad mixes grilled veggies with pasta for an unbeatable side. It’s simple, healthy, and goes well with various main dishes. The natural flavors of the veggies shine in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a balanced mix of nutrition and taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

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.

Adding a touch of freshness, Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is a great vegan side dish. It brings together the lively flavors of cilantro and lime, making it a perfect companion for multiple dishes. Whether with tacos or as a stand-alone, it never disappoints. Quick and simple to prepare, it’s a fantastic way to round out any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

If you enjoy a bit of heat, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks will be your new go-to side. Offering bold flavors, these sliced and roasted cabbage steaks add a kick to your meal. They’re simple to make but bring a lot to the table. Serve them up, and they’re sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Harvest Salad

Bringing variety and freshness, Harvest Salad is a must-try vegan side. It blends seasonal fruits, veggies, and greens for a colorful and nutritious dish. Easy to whip up, it adds a refreshing element to any meal. Whether for lunch or dinner, it always provides a nice balance.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

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.

Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Roasted Potatoes are a simple yet delicious side dish that can complement any main course. The combination of herbs and seasoning makes them irresistible. They’re easy to prepare and cook in no time. A great addition to any meal, bringing a touch of comfort and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor, Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy a light and delicious meal. They are easy to put together, with a mix of fresh veggies and tasty seasonings. These wraps are perfect for when you want something quick yet delicious. You won’t miss the tortillas with these beauties.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate. — Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Combining hearty roasted sweet potatoes with protein-packed chickpeas, Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad offers a mix of textures and flavors. This nutritious dish is both filling and healthy, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Tossed with a tangy dressing, it’s bursting with vibrant flavors. It’s a versatile choice that pairs well with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

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.

Refreshing and with a bit of heat, Spicy Cucumber Salad will awaken your taste. The crisp cucumbers balanced with spices create a unique and tasty side dish. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for when you want something light yet flavorful. A great companion to your favorite main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Rich, comforting, and full of flavor, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a favorite among many. The roasted tomatoes add depth, while the basil brings a fragrant freshness. It’s perfect for warming up on a cool day. Pair it with some crusty bread for an even more perfect experience.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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.

Creamy and packed with flavor, Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole is a side dish for any occasion. The brussels sprouts are perfectly tender, complemented by a rich and creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare, making it a convenient addition to any meal. This casserole can easily become a favorite at your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Yellow Lentil Dal

Warm and comforting, Yellow Lentil Dal is packed with protein and flavor, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. The spices create a rich and aromatic dish that’s hard to resist. It’s simple to cook and pairs well with rice or bread. This dish is nutritious and perfect for any time you need a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

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.

Creamy, cheesy, and full of veggies, Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of broccoli and rice with a vegan cheese sauce makes it a comforting and hearty side dish. It’s easy to make and bakes to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Homemade Ratatouille

Filled with colorful and fresh veggies, Homemade Ratatouille is a beautiful and tasty side dish. The mix of flavors from the different vegetables is delicious. It’s a healthy and vibrant addition to your meal. This dish is easy to prepare and cook, making it a great option for any day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille