Your Family Will Never Guess These 17 Sides Are Vegan

You know how sometimes you try something so good and can’t believe it’s made without any animal stuff? Well, there are 17 side dishes out there that’ll give you that exact feeling. Your family will be totally surprised when they find out these tasty sides are all vegan!

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.
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Air Fryer Asparagus

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

If you’re aiming to sneak some greens onto your family’s plate, Air Fryer Asparagus is a solid bet. It cooks up in minutes, and those crispy tips are just too good to resist. Everyone will be too caught up in the crunch to question if it’s vegan. And yeah, your secret’s safe with us – they’ll never guess they’re enjoying a plant-based side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

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Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something about Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice that just makes a meal feel more special. Its delicate fragrance sets it apart from ordinary rice. Halfway through the meal, your family might start questioning if there’s more to this dish. Rest assured, no one will guess this perfectly fluffy companion to their curry or stir-fry is completely vegan.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Vegan Ratatouille

Ever wanted to travel to France through your taste buds? Vegan Ratatouille is your ticket, packed with slow-cooked veggies that melt in your mouth. It’s so rich and savory, that your family will dive in without a second thought about it being vegan. Before they know it, they’ll have devoured a dish full of plant goodness without guessing.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto.
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mastering a creamy risotto without the dairy seems like a magic trick, but Asparagus and White Bean Risotto pull it off. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and those tender bits of asparagus mixed in are just the cherry on top. Have your family take a bite, and watch them be puzzled about how it’s vegan. This dish is all about cozy vibes with a side of surprise.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Crispy Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Crispy Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s talk toppings. Crispy Shallots can turn the most basic dish into something you crave. These little guys are so addictive and bring that perfect crunch — your fam might start sprinkling them on everything. And guess what? They’re completely vegan, though that’ll be our little secret.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Sweet corn risotto in a skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto hits the table, it’s all smiles. This dish turns sweet corn and soft leeks into comfort food royalty. It’s the kind of creamy, comforting spoonful everyone loves, and hey, it’s vegan too. See if anyone around the dinner table can guess — spoiler, they won’t.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Yellow Lentil Dal

A bowl of yellow lentil dal with sour cream and a spoon.
Yellow Lentil Dal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

There’s nothing like a bowl of Yellow Lentil Dal to warm you up from the inside. This dish combines spices and lentils in a way that’s just outright comforting. It’s the soul food of vegan cuisine, but let’s not spill that it’s entirely plant-based. Your family will be too busy enjoying the warmth to even guess.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Vegan chicken nuggets in a bowl with dip.
Vegan Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Who says you need chicken to make nuggets delicious? Vegan Chicken Nuggets are here to prove everyone wrong. These little bites are so good, especially with your favorite dip. Watch your family’s surprise when they find out not only were they munching on vegan treats, but they couldn’t even tell the difference.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cilantro Lime Rice is that burst of freshness every plate deserves. It’s light, it’s zesty, and just the thing to pair with just about anything. By the end of the meal, your family might wonder how something so simple tastes so good. And when they find out it’s vegan, they’ll definitely be in for a pleasant surprise.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

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.

Craving something crispy? Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets have got you covered. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and just plain delicious. Serve them up and watch your family dig in, none the wiser that what they’re enjoying is a vegan snack. Yep, it’s another sneaky way to get everyone to love those plant-based bites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Aloo Bonda

A plate of international fried potato with green leaves on it.
Aloo Bonda. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Indulge in the world of Indian snacks with Aloo Bonda. These spiced potato balls are a crunchy, delicious way to start a meal or snack on something savory. And the best part? While your family is guessing the spices, they won’t guess it’s vegan. It’s our little secret as they enjoy every last bite.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Bonda

Vegetable Casserole

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

There’s something so homey about a good Vegetable Casserole. It’s a mix of all the good stuff—veggies, spices, and herbs—all baked together to perfection. Everyone’s going to be too focused on the comforting flavors to even think about it being vegan. And that’s the goal, right? To enjoy delicious food, no labels are needed.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Spicy Salsa Taquera

Salsa taquera in a serving bowl, with a large red chili on it.
Spicy Salsa Taquera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Taco night just got an upgrade with Spicy Salsa Taquera. It’s the kick your meals have been missing, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Just watch as your family piles it onto their tacos, blissfully unaware of its vegan status. It’s the secret ingredient for a fun, flavor-packed dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salsa Taquera

Breaded Mushrooms

Breaded Mushrooms in a white bowl with a fork.
Breaded Mushrooms. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bite into Breaded Mushrooms and discover how a simple mushroom can be transformed into a crispy, juicy treat. These are the kind of appetizers that disappear fast, especially when dipped into your favorite sauce. And as your family chows down, the fact that they’re vegan won’t even cross their minds. Here’s to delicious secrets.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

Spicy, smoky, and a little sweet, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are about to rock your world. They’re not your average side dish, thanks to that kick of Korean flavor. Seeing your family’s reaction to this bold, vegan choice will be priceless. They might even ask for seconds before they realize what they’re enjoying is entirely plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Get ready for Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets to become the new family favorite. They’re crunchy, they’re munchy, and yes, they’re vegan. But let’s not focus on that last part too much; we’ll let the nuggets do the talking. As everyone dips and bites, the last thing they’ll think to guess is that they’re enjoying a healthier, plant-based snack.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Baked Mushroom Rice is the ultimate side dish you didn’t know you needed. With every forkful comes the earthy goodness of mushrooms mixed with perfectly cooked rice. It’s simple, satisfying, and sneakily vegan. Watch as your family reaches for seconds, none the wiser about the vegan magic happening on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

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