15 Vegan Sides That Prove Plant-Based Food Can Be Epic

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15 Vegan Sides That Prove Plant-Based Food Can Be Epic

Whoever said that vegan food had to be boring clearly hasn’t tried these 15 sides. We’re talking about dishes so delicious, they might just cause a mini-revolution at your dinner table. Expect laughter and maybe even a mock protest or two from the family foodies, declaring they’ve been deceived by the deliciousness of it all. It’s a playful challenge to the status quo, showing that sometimes, the best flavors are grown, not born.

Close-up of a creamy dish with a spoon, likely consisting of mashed potatoes or a similar textured food. The mixture appears smooth and slightly chunky.
Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Egg Rolls

Vegan egg rolls in a wooden tray.
Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

With Egg Rolls, you get to experience the joy of a perfectly crispy wrapper filled with a savory, aromatic mix that’s all vegan. These rolls are a testament to the fact that you don’t need meat to enjoy a deeply fulfilling crunch and flavor. Ideal for parties or as a savory snack, they’re designed to be dipped, shared, and enjoyed, making every gathering a little more special. This is the kind of appetizer that can convert skeptics to a plant-based cause with just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

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.

Dig into the creamy, comforting world of Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto, where every forkful is a celebration of smooth textures and subtle flavors. This dish showcases how simple ingredients can create a symphony of taste, proving that vegan food can be both hearty and refined. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a meal that soothes the soul without any fuss. A true testament to the elegance of simplicity in plant-based cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

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

Who said vegan can’t be fun? Vegan Chicken Nuggets throw that idea out the window with a crispy, golden exterior that mimics the classic favorite. These nuggets are all about bringing joy and nostalgia to the table, without any of the meat. Serve them up at your next party and watch them disappear faster than you can say “More, please!” They’re the proof that vegan snacks can be just as fun and moreish as their traditional counterparts.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

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

In the world of comfort food, Asparagus and White Bean Risotto stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavor profile. This dish proves that risotto doesn’t need dairy to be decadent. It’s a hearty, fulfilling option that works well as both a main dish or a side, versatile enough to dress up a casual dinner or add sophistication to a formal gathering. It’s a dish that invites second helpings and happy sighs from the table.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Vegetable Casserole

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

Warm up with a dish that feels like a hug: Vegetable Casserole. This hearty casserole is a medley of flavors that come together to create a comforting, nourishing meal perfect for cold nights or large gatherings. It’s a no-fuss, all-joy kind of dish that satisfies hunger and soothes the soul. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies for the picky eaters who think they don’t like them!
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

Perfect for those looking to refine their meal with a touch of elegance. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice serves as more than just a side—it’s the aromatic backdrop that upgrades every meal. This rice fills the room with its enticing aroma, promising a subtle yet distinct flavor that complements any dish it accompanies. It’s all about enhancing the dining experience without overwhelming the main stars.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Crispy Shallots

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

Add a crunch to your meals with Crispy Shallots, the perfect garnish that turns any dish from simple to spectacular. These little gems are all about texture and a mild, sweet flavor that complements without overpowering. Sprinkle them over soups, salads, or stews for that final touch that says “chef’s kiss” to your cooking. They’re a small addition that makes a big impact, proving that sometimes, it’s the little things that count.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Vegan Ratatouille

Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Step into a painterly dish with Vegan Ratatouille, where every slice of vegetable is a brushstroke of flavor. This dish is a vibrant tableau of colors and tastes, celebrating the best of garden produce in a melody of textures. It’s not just food; it’s an art form on a plate, proving that eating your vegetables can be as beautiful as it is delicious. Ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet, healthful dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Spicy Salsa Taquera

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

Fire up your meal with Spicy Salsa Taquera, a side that promises to add a kick to any dish it accompanies. This salsa is not just about heat; it’s about enhancing the flavors of whatever you pair it with, turning the ordinary into extraordinary. Whether it’s drizzled over tacos or used as a dipping sauce, it brings a vibrant, fiery touch that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect side for those who love a little spice in their life.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salsa Taquera

Yellow Lentil Dal

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

Discover the comforting depths of Yellow Lentil Dal, a staple dish that marries nutrition with mouth-watering flavors. This dal is a testament to the power of simple cooking, offering a soothing, creamy texture that makes it a favorite comfort food. It’s perfect for those seeking a hearty, fulfilling meal that feels like a warm embrace. Serve it up on a chilly evening and watch it bring smiles and warmth to your table.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Crispy Avocado Fries

Close-up of crispy, breaded Air Fryer Avocado Fries on a white plate.
Crispy Avocado Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Who needs potatoes when Crispy Avocado Fries are on the menu? These fries offer a unique twist on a classic snack, bringing a creamy texture inside a crunchy exterior that defies all expectations of what fries should be. Perfect for those who love to walk on the wild side of adventures, they’re a conversation starter and a palate pleaser at any social gathering. Dip them, share them, love them—these are not your average fries.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with creamy vegan green bean casserole topped with breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Who knew that a Vegan Green Bean Casserole could evoke the warm, fuzzy feelings of a family gathering without any of the traditional ingredients? This dish is a holiday staple reimagined, providing all the creamy, crispy goodness you remember, minus any guilt. It’s a centerpiece at festive meals, proving that plant-based alternatives can hold their own among the classics.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean 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.

Quick to prepare, even quicker to disappear off plates, and always leaves diners feeling light yet fulfilled. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice brings a burst of freshness to any meal, its fresh flavors brightening up plates from burrito bowls to standalone snacks. This dish is all about enhancing the meal without overpowering it, making it the perfect complement to both bold and subtle flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Vegan Birria Tacos

A plate of tacos with a sauce on it.
Vegan Birria Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dig into the rich flavors of Vegan Birria Tacos, where each bite is a fusion of deep, complex flavors that mimic the traditional slow-cooked stew. This dish is a nod to heritage, crafted to be enjoyed by all, regardless of dietary preferences. It’s not just about substituting ingredients; it’s about celebrating a rich culture in a new, inclusive way. You’re sure to spark conversations about the vibrant history behind each flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Birria Tacos

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy dish with a spoon, likely consisting of mashed potatoes or a similar textured food. The mixture appears smooth and slightly chunky.
Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Think of a dish where every spoonful is as creamy and comforting as the traditional favorite, but completely plant-based. Vegan Mac and Cheese achieves this with a rich, smooth texture that might just make you forget the original dairy version. It’s perfect for those cozy nights in or when you’re looking to impress guests with how indulgent vegan food can be.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mac and Cheese

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