17 Best Vegan Side Dishes

By
Laurel Randolph
Photo of Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
A fervid lover of the culinary arts and all things Instant Pot, Laurel has been writing about food for 10 years. One of her cookbooks was the #2 cookbook of 2017.
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Published on 04/30/21
Homemade vegan creamed corn recipe

The Spruce / Nita West

Feeling uninspired when dinnertime rolls around? It's tough to fill that table after a long day, over and over again. We're here to help. If you're looking for some dinnertime inspiration, then feast your eyes on these vegan side dishes. From simply-prepared but delicious vegetables to dairy and egg-free biscuits and cornbread, you're sure to find some new flavors to mix into your dinner rotation.

  • 01 of 17

    Cheesy Vegan Garlic Bread

    Cheesy vegan garlic bread

    Emily Hawkes / The Spruce

    Everyone in the family will love cheesy vegan garlic bread. Just be sure that the French bread you use for the recipe is vegan before beginning. For a feast, serve alongside Italian food like pasta or vegan eggplant parm.

  • 02 of 17

    Healthy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

    Spicy scalloped potatoes
    Opticopia / Getty Images

    Soy milk and vegan margarine stand in for the usual dairy in this vegan scalloped potatoes recipe. Use a mandolin, if you have one, to make cutting paper-thin potato slices quick and easy. Top the dish with vegan cheese and you've got a perfect gratin.

  • 03 of 17

    Basic Vegan Cole Slaw

    Coleslaw Salad With Purple Cabbage

     The Spruce

    Coleslaw is simple to throw together and keeps well in the fridge for up to a couple of days. Make ahead and enjoy with a lunch or dinner of lentil sloppy Joes or veggie burgers.

  • 04 of 17

    Sautéed Broccoli

    Sauteed Broccoli

    The Spruce

    For a bright, crunchy side dish, sauté some fresh broccoli with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. Fresh broccoli pairs well with a whole host of other dishes. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, or sesame oil for a nutty twist.

    Continue to 5 of 17 below.
  • 05 of 17

    Vegan Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

    Easy vegan caramelized carrots recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    Cooked in brown sugar, vegan margarine, and a touch of cinnamon, glazed carrots will add a delightfully sweet note to your dinner table. They are festive enough for a Thanksgiving spread but casual enough for every-day meals.

  • 06 of 17

    Vegan Frijoles Negros (Black Beans)

    Frijoles negros black beans recipe

    ​The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

    Home-cooked frijoles negros (black beans) made from dried beans are far superior to the canned version. And they're easy to make as long as you have the time for soaking. Serve as part of a Latin American-themed dinner alongside rice, plátanos hornedos (with vegan cheese ), and other favorites.

  • 07 of 17

    Dairy-Free Vegan Bisquick Biscuits

    Vegan Bisquick Biscuits

    The Spruce

    Surprisingly, Bisquick baking mix is dairy free, making it a super-easy way to make vegan biscuits. Non-dairy milk and a little lemon juice are all you need to add to the mix for fluffy, tender biscuits.

  • 08 of 17

    Grilled Asparagus

    perfectly roasted asparagus

     Diana Rattray

    Grilled asparagus is a lovely springtime side dish when the stalks are in season. After a quick turn on the grill they need little accompaniment. If you don't have a grill handy, you can roast or even microwave asparagus.

    Continue to 9 of 17 below.
  • 09 of 17

    Vegan Creamed Corn

    Homemade vegan creamed corn recipe

    The Spruce / Nita West

    Creamed corn typically contains plenty of butter, milk, and/or cream, making it not so vegan friendly. This version still has the flavor and texture you want, but without the dairy. Make vegan creamed corn in the summertime for the freshest, sweetest dish.

  • 10 of 17

    Vegan Stuffing

    Vegan Stuffing

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    For a holiday-worthy side dish, make vegan stuffing. Vegetable broth replaces the usual chicken broth and flaxseed replaces the egg for a comforting Thanksgiving mainstay. Use your choice of vegan bread.

  • 11 of 17

    Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Fries

    Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Fries

    The Spruce / Eric Kleinberg

    Baked sweet potato fries are lighter and easier than the deep-fried version but they're still deliciously crisp. Serve hot with ketchup, vegan honey mustard, or vegan aioli.

  • 12 of 17

    Easy Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Vinegar

    Brussel sprouts with balsamic vinegar

    The Spruce

    Brussels sprouts go from boring to addictive when they are simply halved, roasted, and tossed with balsamic vinegar. They are especially good paired with roasted or mashed potatoes.

    Continue to 13 of 17 below.
  • 13 of 17

    Vegan Stir-Fried Eggplant

    Stir-fried eggplants

    The Spruce

    Eggplant becomes tender and flavorful when stir-fried with a tasty sauce. Keep this recipe vegan by swapping the fish sauce out with soy sauce and using vegetarian oyster sauce. Serve stir-fried eggplant with rice and more veggies.

  • 14 of 17

    Roasted Potatoes With Basil, Thyme, and Garlic

    Roasted Potatoes recipe

     The Spruce

    The secret to these perfectly-cooked roasted potatoes is a quick trip in the microwave before they hit the oven. Onion and herbs add extra flavor for an anytime side dish. Try serving with vegan meatloaf for a hearty meal.

  • 15 of 17

    Vegan Skillet Cornbread With Jalapeños

    Skillet cornbread with jalapenos

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    Fluffy, tender skillet cornbread is a quick and easy bread side dish that is sure to disappear fast. Jalapeños add a little flavor and heat. Serve alongside chili for a meal that will warm you up.

  • 16 of 17

    Vegan Black-Eyed Peas

    Vegetarian black eyed peas recipe

    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt 

    Whether you're looking for good luck on New Year's or just need a vegan, protein-rich side dish, black-eyed peas fit the bill. Cooked with onion, tomato, garlic, and brown sugar, the flavor is reminiscent of baked beans.

    Continue to 17 of 17 below.
  • 17 of 17

    Roasted Okra and Tomatoes

    roasted okra and tomatoes

     The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Combine a late summer bounty of fresh okra and tomatoes for a simple side dish. Roasted until crisp and tender, the veggies only take minutes to prep and cook. Serve alongside grits or a pot of beans.