Vegan Sides That Turn “Just A Bite” Into “I’ll Have Another”

A good side is supposed to complement the main dish, but these 29 Recipes have a habit of stealing the spotlight. They’re the ones people sneak an extra spoonful of before the meal even starts, unable to resist their tempting flavors. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or casual get-togethers, they turn casual snacking into full-on second helpings. Get ready to serve up sides that might just outshine the main course!

Crispy potato wedges served on a plate with a cup of coffee. — Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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

Cauliflower Nuggets

You won’t miss chicken nuggets once you try Cauliflower Nuggets. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, they’re a surprise hit at any table. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these plant-based bites are packed with flavor. They’re bound to be a go-to for both kids and adults, proving that comfort can definitely be vegan. These nuggets call for seconds — or maybe thirds!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Harvest Salad

It’s a bowl full of freshness with a crunch in every forkful. Harvest Salad is laden with a mix of textures and colors, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Enjoy a break from the usual greens with a salad that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of side that might just steal the spotlight at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

Bite into a fusion of spicy and smoky that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about cabbage. Amidst the lineup, bold Gochujang Cabbage Steaks stand out. They offer a fulfilling chew with a kick and are unmistakably memorable. The dish is a testament to how a simple veggie can be transformed into a star.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Here’s a combination that’s as vibrant in taste as in color. The addition of fennel brings a licorice-like twist to a crowd of familiar flavors. In the mix, Blood Orange and Fennel Salad is refreshing and slightly sweet with a unique bite. It’s the sort of side that brings a bright note to any dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

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.

If you’re after something hearty yet wholesome, here you go. Combining tender sweet potatoes with a firm bite of chickpeas, this salad is a filling crowd-pleaser. In the landscape of vegan options, Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad commands attention. It’s loaded with nutrients, flavor, and satisfaction without any compromise.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea 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.

When you want comfort that doesn’t feel heavy, reach for this casserole. It turns a once overlooked vegetable into the main attraction. In the realm of baked goodness, Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole makes an impact. It’s the kind of side that has guests asking for the recipe after just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

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.

Imagine a dish that’s as easy as it is colorful, giving pasta salad a whole new twist. Grilled vegetables bring charred edges and a smoky taste that’s tough to resist. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad works as a standout dish at any outdoor gathering or a simple family dinner. It’s the blend of textures and flavors that keeps you coming back.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

For anyone looking for a lighter take on a classic, here’s a twist. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, these carrot fries are addictive. Part of their charm is Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip combo that gives a creamy counterpoint to the fries. Before you know it, you’ve reached the end of the plate and start craving more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

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.

Say hello to a dish that turns ‘cheesy’ and ‘vegan’ into a perfect pair. It’s a creamy blend that’ll have you scooping seconds before you’re done with the firsts. Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole bring together greens and grains in a way that’ll make you forget all about the ‘real’ cheese. It’s a comfort dish with a vegan hat on.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Homemade Ratatouille

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

Here’s a dish that’ll transport you to the countryside with each bite. A medley of vegetables comes together in harmony, creating a simple yet profound flavor. Homemade Ratatouille is a testament to how a handful of ingredients can sing in unison. It’s an experience that’s both rustic and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

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

Sometimes, simplicity wins, and this dish is proof. It gives a classic vegetable a new crispness that’s hard to pass up. At the heart of it, Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe shows how minimal effort can yield a snack or side that’s unexpectedly more-ish. It’s about giving an old favorite a new lease of life.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Yellow Lentil Dal

Yellow Lentil Dal is a warm, comforting dish packed with earthy spices and rich flavors. Simmered to perfection, it offers a creamy texture with just the right amount of heat. Perfect with rice or flatbread, this dish is a hearty and nutritious staple in any kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a soup that tastes like home. With herbs and roasted tomatoes, you’ve got a classic with a twist. Grab a spoon for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup and get ready for a whirlwind of comfort. It’s perfect solo or as a pairing with your favorite sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Breaded Mushrooms

Get ready for a pop of earthy flavor encased in a crispy shell. These aren’t your average finger food; they’ve got a secret weapon in their crunch. Tucked among the starters, Breaded Mushrooms command a double-take. It’s the kind of dish that makes you hover around the appetizer table a bit longer than you planned.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

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.

If you’re into salads with a kick, this one won’t disappoint. It’s crisp, it’s refreshing, and yes, spicy enough to perk up your palate. Spicy Cucumber Salad isn’t your garden-variety side; it grabs attention with a bold flavor profile. This dish proves that salads can be the main event.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Sometimes you crave that sweet touch in your savory line-up. Enter a dish that blurs those lines with grace. Nestled within the comfort food family, Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole offers a hint of sweetness that’s hard to resist. It’s a testament to how creative vegan cooking can be enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

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.

Here’s a side with rhythm, bringing island vibes straight to your plate. Its heartiness serves as a stand-alone or the perfect complement. Even within the vast world of rice dishes, Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans makes a mark. Each spoonful is a ticket to flavor town, minus the airfare.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Who says eating your greens has to be boring? Wrap your hands around something light, yet bursting with flavor. Amidst the world of wraps and rolls, Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps are a refreshing change. They’re proof that a few simple components can come together to make something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps.

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.

Looking for that nostalgic dish with a modern, ethical twist? This casserole has you covered. Loaded with a rich, savory filling and topped with crispy tater tots, it’s the ultimate comfort food makeover. Vegan Tater Tot Casserole reignites childhood memories with a layer of golden tots. Who knew that nostalgia could be vegan and taste so good?
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

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.

You have a side that’s zingy and fresh, ready to liven up any plate. It’s a simple addition that somehow feels like more than just rice. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice shines as the perfect sidekick to a variety of mains. Its bright flavor is proof that sometimes, the simpler things in life are the most rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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

Find the joy in textures with potatoes that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They’re a perfect side, but who’s to say you won’t want them as a main? Crispy Smashed Potatoes are the kind of dish you might accidentally make too much of, but then again, is there such a thing? Don’t be surprised when they vanish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Vegan Tortilla Chips

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

When you fancy a bit of crunch, these are the go-to. Homemade always has a charm, especially when it comes with an audible crunch. Vegan Tortilla Chips have a way of outshining even the most elaborate dips. They’re the proof that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the best kind of treat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

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.

Here’s a side that’s all about texture and how it can make a simple ingredient shine. Tofu gets a makeover, coming out of the oven with all its flavors sealed in. Baked Tofu stands out as a protein-packed player in the vegan lineup. It’s the proof in the pudding that tofu definitely doesn’t have to be bland.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Say goodbye to mayo-laden sides; this slaw is fresh and zippy. It’s a picnic classic reimagined, offering crunch with a side of tang. Easy Vegan Coleslaw is the ideal companion to a plant-based BBQ. It’s the mix of freshness and flavor that’ll have everyone spooning more onto their plates.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

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.

When fries seem too casual but you still crave something similar, these wedges come to the rescue. They’re a hearty option that’s far from the ordinary spud. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges offer a sweet alternative that’s hard to stop munching on. They’re pretty much the ideal movie night snack or the side that disappears first at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

For those times when you want something indulgent without the guilt, look no further. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these onion rings hit the spot. Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe offers up a snack that’s hard to beat. It’s one of those things you’ll wish you’d made more of once they’re gone.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

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.

Sometimes the classic way is the best, giving you a comforting side everyone loves. Golden and inviting, these potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. From a Sunday roast companion to a dinner side, Roasted Potatoes are always welcome. They’re the kind of satisfying that has you reaching for just one more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

If you’re missing that creamy dip experience, this will bring it back, to dairy-free. Smooth and flavorful, it’s a game-changer for nachos, veggies, or whatever you fancy. Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe takes snack time to new levels. Once you try it, every movie night or gathering will require a batch.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Ever want potatoes that are more than just a side? These accordion-style spuds are a fun and photogenic addition to any meal. With Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes, you get the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers. An unexpected show-stealer, they’re the side that everyone talks about after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes