17 Vegan Side Dishes My Family Constantly Requests

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17 Vegan Side Dishes My Family Constantly Requests

Imagine a lineup of dishes so wonderful that they outshine the main course every time they hit the table. That’s what happens with these 17 vegan sides—each one is a clear winner. They’ve become such a fixture in our meal planning that even the most skeptical have been converted. Who geknew vegetables could be the highlight of every meal?

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

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

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

For those evenings when you crave something familiar yet plant-based, Vegan Chicken Nuggets are always a hit. These nuggets have a fulfilling crunch and a flavor that even non-vegans adore. They’re perfect for dipping, snacking, or as a hearty addition to any meal. It’s no wonder they’re a frequent request—they disappear as fast as they’re served!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

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 comfort food is on the agenda, Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto answers the call. This dish combines the sweetness of corn with the subtle sharpness of leek in a creamy risotto that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a side that often takes center stage, making any dinner feel a little more special. Family gatherings just aren’t complete without this beloved recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Egg Rolls

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

Serve up some Egg Rolls and watch them vanish before the meal even starts. Packed with flavor, these rolls are a wonderful way to start any dining experience. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and always a welcome addition to the table. Perfect for parties or as a pre-dinner appetizer, they’re requested again and again.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Crispy Avocado Fries

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

These Crispy Avocado Fries are a wonderful twist on traditional fries, offering a creamy texture inside a crunchy coating. They’re a favorite for their unique taste and fulfilling crunch. These fries are often the first dish to go at gatherings, proving that avocados really can do it all. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce for a snack that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

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 a dish that fills the kitchen with its enticing aroma every time it’s in the oven. This side is a blend of earthy mushrooms and hearty rice, creating a perfect accompaniment to nearly any main dish. It’s simple, fulfilling, and always garners compliments from guests. This casserole is a staple at family dinners for its ease and popularity.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

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.

A holiday favorite gets a vegan makeover with Vegan Green Bean Casserole. This version retains all the classic flavors but is made with plant-based ingredients. It’s creamy, comforting, and a top request for family gatherings, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this traditional dish. Each serving is so delicious that it often leads to requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean 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.

Spice up your meal with Spicy Salsa Taquera, a side that brings heat and flavor to any dish it accompanies. This salsa is a vibrant addition to the table, perfect for drizzling over tacos or as a standalone dip. It’s quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, often being the first bowl to empty at the dinner table. A must-have for lovers of spice, it never fails to add excitement to mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salsa Taquera

Crispy Shallots

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

These Crispy Shallots add a wonderful crunch and a burst of flavor to any dish they grace. These little gems are versatile and a great way to enhance both the texture and taste of salads, soups, or casseroles. They’re so popular that they often don’t make it to leftovers, and guests frequently ask when they’ll be served again. A simple, elegant addition that turns any dish gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

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.

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is a bright side that complements a wide array of dishes. This rice is a favorite for its refreshing flavors and its ability to pair beautifully with both mild and spicy dishes. It’s often the base for a variety of meals in our home and is requested for its light, fresh taste. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this rice is a must-have on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Minestrone Soup

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

Dig into a bowl of Minestrone Soup and enjoy a variety of flavors and textures that make this dish a stand-alone star. It’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with the goodness of vegetables, making it a perfect meal for chilly days. This soup is a frequent request, especially when the family craves something warm and comforting. It’s a full meal in a bowl that leaves everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Yellow Lentil Dal

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

Yellow Lentil Dal is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and fulfilling. This dal is a staple in our home for its simplicity and the heartwarming warmth it brings to the table. It pairs wonderfully with rice or bread, making it a versatile side that’s often the highlight of the meal. Guests and family members alike ask for this dish regularly, appreciating its comforting consistency and delicious taste.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

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

For a bold flavor experience, Gochujang Cabbage Steaks are the way to go. These “steaks” are marinated in a tangy, spicy sauce that transforms the humble cabbage into something extraordinary. They’re perfect for anyone looking to add a vegan option to their grilling or for a standout dish at any meal. It’s a unique recipe that always sparks conversation and requests for more.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Vegan Ratatouille

Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegan Ratatouille is a colorful celebration of vegetables, simmered and seasoned to perfection. This dish is a testament to how delicious and fulfilling plant-based eating can be. It’s often requested for its vibrant presentation and depth of flavor. A proven favorite at dinner parties, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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

Creamy and flavorful, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a classic that never goes out of style. This soup has a rich, deep flavor enhanced by the roasting of fresh tomatoes. It’s a comforting dish that’s frequently on the menu, especially when the weather turns cool. Serve this with a side of crusty bread for a simple, fulfilling meal that always feels special.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Vegan Onion Dip

Vegan Onion Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Onion Dip is the perfect party starter, known for its rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with any type of cracker or vegetable. This dip is a go-to for gatherings, always one of the first dishes to be polished off. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making it a consistent favorite. You’ll find guests lingering around the bowl until it’s all gone.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Onion Dip

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.

These Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets are a fantastic way to enjoy tofu, with a crispy outside and a soft inside. These nuggets are a popular choice for both kids and adults, making them a perfect addition to any meal. They’re quick to make in the air fryer and even quicker to disappear from the plate. Ideal for those seeking a plant-based protein option that’s both delicious and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets

Vegetable Casserole

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

Vegetable Casserole is a hearty, vibrant dish that brings a variety of vegetables together in one delicious bake. This casserole is often a centerpiece at our family dinners for its ability to please everyone at the table. It’s a fulfilling dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a frequent request for its wholesomeness and taste. Perfect for a family meal or a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

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