Mic Drop: 17 Vegan Sides That’ll Make You Rethink Everything You Know About Vegetables

Exploring vegan sides can transform your views on vegetables, offering new textures and combinations that are both filling and enjoyable. With 17 unique vegan side dishes, each crafted to complement your meals, you’ll find options that are more than just healthy—they’re also exciting and versatile.

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

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

A plate of sweet potato fries with a wooden spoon.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Who knew a bit of air could turn sweet potatoes into a snack that’s hard to put down? Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are here to make you question why you ever had fries any other way. They’re a nudge to reinvent not just your snack time but your whole vegetable outlook.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Vegetable Casserole

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

Warm your soul with a dish that brings all the good stuff together. Vegetable Casserole takes every veggie you thought you knew and turns it into a cozy feast. It’s a dish that makes you rethink the sidelines and sees the veggies as the main event. If you’re looking for a riot of colors on your plate that’s as nutritious as it is inviting, this casserole is your ticket.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Crispy Shallots

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

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Crispy Shallots will upgrade whatever they touch, adding just the right crunch and flavor to make any dish unforgettable. They’re the understated vegan side that could easily steal the spotlight—you’ve been warned.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Cilantro Lime Rice

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

If regular rice feels a bit like yesterday’s news, Cilantro Lime Rice is the makeover you didn’t know you were waiting for. This side dish could single-handedly turn you into a vegan enthusiast, urging you to rethink what rice can do on your plate. It’s not just rice; it’s a mini-celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Vegan Ratatouille

Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who said art is just for galleries? Vegan Ratatouille serves it right on your plate, with veggies in the lead role. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a visual and gustatory feast that challenges every veggie stereotype. Dig into this dish, and you’ll find yourself in a delicious plot twist where vegetables are the undeniable stars.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Air Fryer Asparagus

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

Forget everything you thought you knew about asparagus. When it takes a spin in the air fryer, it comes out transformed—crispy, tender, and utterly irresistible. Air Fryer Asparagus isn’t just a side; it might just become the main reason you’re rushing to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

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 something about Yellow Lentil Dal that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, yes, but oh-so-memorable. With every bite, it insists gently but firmly that vegan dishes aren’t just about leaving things out; they’re about bringing flavors in. A bowl of this might just make you a lentil believer, ready to champion the cause of comfort food gone vegan.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

Let Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice teleport you with its aroma and cloud-like texture. It’s like the friendly neighbor of curries and stir-fries, making everything around it shine a bit brighter. This rice does much more than fill the plate; it challenges the mundane, asking you to rethink the role of grains in a meal. It’s not just a side; it’s a statement.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

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

Ever thought nuggets could make you do a double-take on vegan eating? Meet Vegan Chicken Nuggets: crunchy, golden, and utterly delicious. They’re here to crash the meaty party and prove that vegan can absolutely rock the snack world. Your snack game is about to get seriously upgraded, and it’s all thanks to some clever veggies.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Aloo Bonda

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

Vegan options can be exciting, Aloo Bonda proves just that. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a good snack but want to keep things plant-based. Its crispy exterior complements the soft interior, making it a favorite at any gathering. Whether served hot or at room temperature, it remains a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Bonda

Minestrone Soup

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

Here’s a soup that brings warmth and nutrition to the table without compromising on taste. Minestrone Soup is loaded with a variety of textures that make each spoonful interesting. Ideal for a cozy evening, it can easily become a staple for anyone looking to include more vegetables in their diet.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

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 crunchy outside with a tender inside and are a hit among those looking for a protein-rich vegan option. They cook up quickly in an air fryer, making them a convenient choice for a quick meal or a hearty snack. They’re best enjoyed with a dip or as a standalone treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Simplicity meets richness in this comforting Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. It’s an ideal dish for any season and works well both as an appetizer or a light meal. Try it with some crusty bread for a fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

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

Revamping traditional snacks, Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets are a hit for their crunchy texture and mild taste. They’re a fantastic alternative for anyone avoiding meat but still craving that classic nugget feel. Best served fresh, they go great with any of your favorite vegan dips.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Vegan Onion Dip

Vegan Onion Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Perfect for dipping or spreading, Vegan Onion Dip is creamy and packed with flavor. It’s an excellent companion to any platter of raw vegetables or crispy snacks. You’ll find it incredibly versatile, working well in both casual and formal settings. Keep it chilled for the best consistency and taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

For those who love a bit of spice, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks offers a unique take on cabbage. The gochujang adds a depth of spice that’s hard to resist. These steaks make a bold statement on the dinner table and are surprisingly filling. They’re best enjoyed grilled or broiled for that perfect char.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Breaded Mushrooms

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

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, Breaded Mushrooms are a delicious twist to your usual sides. They’re excellent for anyone wanting to add a bit of crunch to their meal. Versatile enough to be a snack or a side dish, they pair wonderfully with any dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

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