Are you tired of serving the same old side dishes with every meal? Look no further! These 27 vegan recipes are not only delicious, but also incredibly versatile. From roasted vegetables and quinoa to a crazy-creamy pasta salad and cauliflower gratin, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? They can be served alongside anything from roast chicken to red lentil ‘meat’ balls. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, these vegan side dishes are sure to please.
So why settle for boring old rice or potatoes when you could have a flavorful and exciting accompaniment to your main course?
Super Simple Garlic Herb Vegan Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to crafting the perfect mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold and Russet varieties reign supreme. Their unique textures, when combined, yield a fluffy and indulgent mash that’s hard to beat. In a departure from traditional vegan recipes, this recipe eschews milk alternatives altogether, allowing the natural flavors of the potatoes and garlic oil to shine through.
To achieve this rich and creamy consistency, simply incorporate the cooking water back into the potatoes as you mash them, relying on the savory essence of the garlic oil to provide depth and complexity.
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower’s versatility in vegan cooking is undeniable, as it can transform into various forms like rice, mash, and even pizza dough. Its affordability, mild flavor, and nutrient-dense profile make it an excellent addition to any meal. However, the method of preparation may vary depending on the desired outcome. To achieve the perfect cauliflower rice, a food processor is the ideal tool.
Simply pulse the cauliflower until it resembles breadcrumbs, then carefully scrape around the sides to remove any lumps that may have formed. Finally, gently frying the cauliflower helps to eliminate its raw taste and allows for the addition of spices, all within a few minutes.
Sheet Pan Oven Roasted Vegetables
When it comes to a satisfying and healthy side dish, roasted vegetables are an excellent choice. The versatility of this option is one of its greatest strengths, as you can easily swap out different veggies depending on the season. In the summer months, I opt for peas, beans, and summer squash, which add a burst of fresh flavor to any plate. As the weather cools, I turn my attention to heartier root vegetables like pumpkins and cauliflower, which provide a comforting contrast.
To ensure your roasted veggies turn out perfectly, it’s essential to keep a few key tips in mind. Roasting on high heat is crucial for achieving that tender, caramelized texture, but be mindful of the cooking time, especially when working with heavier vegetables like potatoes. To prevent overcooking or undercooking, make sure to cut any larger veggies into manageable pieces before tossing them in the oven.
Instant Pot Rice
The perils of cooking rice are all too familiar: the burned offerings, the mushy messes, the constant experimentation gone awry. Yet, with the Instant Pot, these woes become a thing of the past. The ‘rice’ setting is a game-changer, ensuring perfectly cooked grains every time, without requiring much more than a few simple inputs. And once you’ve experienced the ease and consistency it brings, you may find yourself craving rice for every meal!
Vegan Broccoli Salad
While traditional broccoli salad recipes often rely on non-vegan ingredients like bacon, cheese, and mayonnaise, this innovative take preserves the same bold flavors while incorporating a delightful medley of textures. The combination of almonds, red onion, dried cranberries, and grapes brings forth a symphony of sensations – from crunchy to peppery, chewy to crisp – making for a truly satisfying vegan alternative.
Easy Vegan Caramelized Carrots
With their rich, sweet flavor, caramelized or glazed carrots are a match made in heaven alongside dishes like pot roast or lentil loaf. The key to achieving this delightful side dish is using vegan butter, which is now remarkably similar to its dairy counterpart. In fact, it’s so convincing that most people might not even notice the difference! To prepare these sweet treats, start by steaming the carrots until they’re tender.
Then, gently heat them on the stove with a combination of vegan butter and brown sugar. As the sugar dissolves and the carrots begin to take on a subtle golden hue, you’ll know you’ve reached perfection.
Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
While beets may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this salad’s vibrant color is undeniably eye-catching. The earthy flavor of the beets does get a bit more palatable when they’re shredded and coated in a sweet and tangy dressing, which tames their natural taste. As you combine them with carrot, quinoa, spinach, edamame, and avocado, the beet flavor becomes harmoniously balanced rather than overpowering.
Oil-Free Cowboy Caviar Dip
Cowboy caviar is a unique fusion of flavors, blending the essence of three-bean salad and salsa. Originally, it was a straightforward combination of black-eyed peas and vinaigrette, earning its name. However, over time, this recipe has evolved to incorporate an array of ingredients, including tomatoes, corn, red onion, black beans, and diced jalapeños. To truly bring out the flavors, serve this delightful dip with a squeeze of lime juice and a generous helping of vegan-friendly corn chips.
Parsnip Mash
Parsnips boast a unique flavor profile that’s both subtly sweet and nutty, making them an excellent addition to your Sunday roast, just like carrots and potatoes. The twist? They offer a lower-carb alternative to traditional spuds, with approximately half the carb content per serving. The best part? Preparation is a breeze – simply boil and mash as you would with potatoes.
For some texture, I prefer leaving them chunky, but feel free to blend to your desired level of smoothness using a food processor.
“Cheesy” Vegan Roasted Cauliflower
The term “nutritional yeast” has gained popularity among health-conscious individuals, with some affectionately referring to it as nooch or hippie dust. This versatile ingredient is a plant-based protein powerhouse, boasting an impressive array of nutrients. However, its unique value lies in the rich, nutty flavor it adds to various dishes.
When incorporated into vegan sauces or simply sprinkled over food, nutritional yeast has a remarkable ability to transform even the most bland vegan meals into cheesy delights.
Savory Roasted Asparagus
While some may find asparagus too overpowering, those who appreciate its distinct flavor will love it when paired with roasted goodness and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese – or its vegan equivalent, nooch. Interestingly, both thick and thin stalks share the same taste profile, though I personally prefer the heartier variety to avoid any unwanted stringiness.
Vegan Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
While salads are often a staple side dish, they may not provide the most satisfying meal on their own. One strategy to ensure a salad truly fills you up is by incorporating roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, which offer a more substantial and flavorful addition. Additionally, adding cashews to the dressing imparts a distinctively thick and grainy texture that complements the dish well.
For those seeking a nut-free option, omitting the cashews and increasing the amount of avocado instead yields a silky smooth result.
Vegan Gravy
While traditional gravy is often associated with roasted meats and accompanying sides, its versatility allows for creative substitutions when those ingredients aren’t available. In this case, onions and garlic serve as a flavorful foundation, enhanced by the savory elements of soy sauce and vegetable stock. For added richness, coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk can be used, although I found that the latter’s lighter taste was more to my liking.
Apple Cranberry Sauce
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of cooking preparations. Amidst the chaos, cranberry sauce stands out as a standout side dish that beautifully balances savory flavors with tangy sweetness. Its vibrant color and versatility make it an ideal addition to any festive feast. This year, I encourage you to ditch the store-bought jelly and craft this deliciousness from scratch.
The addition of apples brings a delightful crispness and allows for effortless adjustments to the spice blend, ensuring a truly personalized flavor profile.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
French fries are a culinary delight, but their high sodium content can be a concern for many. Fortunately, sweet potato fries offer a delicious alternative. However, to achieve that perfect crispiness, it’s crucial to follow some essential steps. The first step is to immerse the sweet potato fries in water for about 45 minutes. This process helps remove excess starch, allowing the center of the fry to remain tender while the coating becomes crispy.
Once soaked, thoroughly pat the fries dry to prevent them from becoming soggy. Next, prepare a mixture of cornstarch and seasonings (excluding salt) to coat the sweet potato fries. Spread the coated fries on a baking tray with ample space between each one. Bake until golden brown and crunchy, then sprinkle with salt before serving.
Easy Vegan Dinner Rolls
While many bread recipes can easily be adapted to a vegan lifestyle, dinner rolls often pose a challenge due to their typical reliance on butter, eggs, and milk. These ingredients are what give rolls their characteristic softness and tenderness. This recipe, however, offers a simple and slightly sweet alternative that yields a deliciously authentic dinner roll experience.
By substituting traditional butter with its vegan counterpart, the dough-making process remains remarkably similar to that of other bread recipes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The allure of roasted sprouts lies in their textural contrast – a satisfying crunch on the outside giving way to a tender, buttery interior. Moreover, these little morsels are incredibly receptive to flavor profiles, making it effortless to craft a delicious glaze that will have even the most discerning palates begging for more.
To achieve this culinary masterpiece, combine olive oil with balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and minced garlic.
Next, simply halve the sprouts, toss them in the glaze, and roast on high until they’re perfectly caramelized.
Vegan Cauliflower Gratin
Gratin is a decadent and indulgent dish that typically features potatoes in a shallow baking vessel topped with a golden-brown crust of breadcrumbs, cheese, and an abundance of cream and butter. The thought of transforming this rich meal into a vegan-friendly option might seem daunting at first.
To make a non-dairy gratin recipe, you’ll need to substitute heavy cream with cashew cream and incorporate additional ingredients like garlic, chilies, and chopped greens.
For those who require a nut-free alternative or prefer a thicker sauce, the vegan Alfredo sauce can be a game-changer.
Easy Roasted Mexican Corn on the Cob
Roasted corn is a delightful treat that requires minimal effort to prepare. The classic combination of butter and salt is undeniably delicious, but Mexican Street corn offers a thrilling twist. By replacing traditional toppings with a medley of spices and citrus, the flavor profile takes on an entirely new dimension. A pinch of cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic, olive oil, and lime juice imbues each kernel with a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible.
For a luxurious take on this dish, consider adding cashew sour cream, vegan mayo, and crumbled feta for an indulgent treat that will leave you craving more.
Easy Vegan Macaroni Salad
To craft a superior macaroni salad, one crucial step is selecting small pasta varieties, such as elbow pasta which can also be sourced in gluten-free options. This smaller pasta size allows for an optimal balance of flavors and textures with each bite. In addition, it’s essential to cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, ensuring every mouthful contains a delightful mix of components.
Furthermore, resist the urge to over-dress the salad, as the recommended amount provides just the right level of moisture without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Carrot and Turnip Mash
The nostalgic appeal of this dish is undeniable. Memories of my aunt’s culinary creations still linger, particularly her signature swirls of boiled and dried vegetables that added a pop of color to every meal. She’d prepare them separately before serving, but I’ve found that the flavor truly shines when they’re combined.
To achieve the perfect texture, it’s crucial to boil the veggies in salted water and then dry them thoroughly after draining – any excess moisture can make the dish unappetizingly watery. As with mashed potatoes, you have the flexibility to tailor the consistency to your liking, whether you prefer chunky or smooth.
Vegan Stuffing
The spotlight often shines brightly on stuffing during holiday meals, and for good reason – this savory side dish is bursting with texture, aromatic herbs and spices, and pairs perfectly with a rich gravy. The beauty of stuffing lies in its versatility; simply swap butter for oil to create a vegan-friendly version. Of course, selecting the right bread is crucial, as it provides the foundation for the dish’s flavor profile.
For an alternative take, look across the pond to the UK, where stuffing is more than just a side dish – it’s a culinary staple. There, it’s often served in bite-sized form, akin to meatballs, with a trifecta of breadcrumbs, sage, and onion providing a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
The versatility of butternut squash is one of its most alluring qualities. While it’s undeniable that these vegetables can be used to create a range of dishes, from sweet to savory, the addition of coconut milk takes this flavor profile to new heights. By replacing heavy cream with coconut milk, the inherent sweetness of the squash is amplified, resulting in a dish that’s both rich and nuanced.
Meanwhile, the pungency of onion, the depth of vegetable stock, and the umami taste of soy sauce work together to create a harmonious balance of flavors, inviting the palate on a journey of discovery.
Vegan Garlic Butter Mushrooms
For years, my aversion to mushrooms was unwavering. The mere thought of their slimy texture would send me scrambling to pick them out of any dish that dared to include them. It wasn’t until I matured and gained a deeper appreciation for the culinary world that I discovered a game-changing secret: cooking mushrooms can transform their texture, rendering them a pleasure to eat.
Once I fell under their earthy charm, there was no going back – especially when paired with an abundance of rich, vegan garlic butter.
Baked Hasselback Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
Don’t be a potato novice! If you haven’t yet indulged in the delight of Hasselback potatoes, stop what you’re doing and head to your kitchen. These scrumptious spuds offer a perfect balance of crunchy edges and savory fillings that will leave you craving more. As a frugal foodie, I always opt for oil over butter due to its cost-effectiveness and reduced risk of burning in the oven.
While traditional variations often feature cheese and bacon, this garlic and rosemary rendition has me rethinking my go-to combination. Pair it with a rich vegan rosemary and garlic mayo, and you’ll be hard-pressed to return to your ordinary baked potato routine.
Tomato Basil Salad
My love affair with cherry tomatoes knows no bounds – I stock up on them as soon as they’re in season! The vibrant colors are just too irresistible. When I’m not adding them to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or avocado toast, I’m whipping up a show-stopping vegan side dish that’s both sweet and tangy. Take this tomato salad, for instance – it’s ridiculously easy to prepare and packs a flavor punch. A little secret to making prep a breeze?
Use the ‘layer and slice’ method: place cherry tomatoes on a shallow plate, cover with another, and then cut through the gap to halve a bunch at once. Alternatively, grab that plastic lid from your butter tub – it serves as the perfect tomato-cutting tool!
Easy Skillet Green Beans
Green beans may lack flavor when consumed solo, but don’t worry, there’s an easy fix! In their plain state, they can be rather uninspiring, prompting me to seek out a flavorful accompaniment. Normally, I’d rely on butter, garlic, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for added zest. However, for this vegan variation, we’ll substitute the dairy with veggie stock and garlic to create a savory delight.
The key here lies in charring the beans in the pan – once they develop a nice sheen, add the pungency of garlic followed by a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple yet effective approach will elevate these humble vegetables from bland to grand.
I’m Louise Cutler, a food lover who enjoys creating simple, flavorful recipes that anyone can make and share at home.
