Spice up dinner time with these vegetarian side dishes! These recipes are filled with immense flavor and pack just as much excitement as entrees! This week, fill your meal lineup with side dishes to remember.
Hear me out: side dishes are underestimated. Do you agree? More often than not, the main course gets all of the attention, leaving side dishes to sit ignored in all of their supplemental glory.
But, why? There are a world of options, so why not make your favorites each and every night?
I’m here to change the general side dish rep, because they should be just as exciting, savory, and delicious as the main course. To provide you with some unique ideas, I’ve gathered up 17 vegetarian side dishes that you can try as early as… right now. These recipes get five stars in my book and definitely fight the main course for attention.
From tabbouleh salad and spring rolls to roasted asparagus and classic air fryer buffalo wings, I’ve got you covered on the side dish front. Many of these can be used as appetizers too!
Easy Tabbouleh Salad
First up on our list of 17 Vegetarian Side Dishes, we have an easy tabbouleh salad. This Eastern Mediterranean salad is made with cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and bulgur. To top it off and keep things vegan (yes, vegan!) friendly, we use a lemon juice and olive oil dressing.
Ratatouille (Tian Provençal)
This is the side dish to end all side dishes. It's totally gourmet, as vegetables are piled high in an intricate round pattern. This ratatouille is a modern take on the classic French recipe that only requires 15 minutes of prep time and is filled with mouth watering flavor!
Bulgur Pilaf
If looking for a recipe that's as easy to make as possible, go for bulgur pilaf. It's ready in only three steps and takes less than 25 minutes. Plus, the flavor from the veggies and spices really make this Middle Eastern dish stand out.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Craving hot wings but need an alternative to meat? Try these air fryer buffalo cauliflower "wings!" They're savory, vegan, and the perfect appetizer or side dish. Plus, they pair beautifully with your favorite creamy dip, like blue cheese or ranch!
Quinoa Kale Salad
Refreshing salads are one of my favorite ways to supplement entrees, and this Mediterranean-inspired quinoa kale salad sure does the job. It's filled with flavor and drizzled with a citrusy honey mustard dressing!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
If you've never been able to get behind Brussels sprouts, try air frying them. This method not only cooks them quickly, it also makes them perfectly golden brown and crispy. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper, and fry! You can also top them off with garlic, balsamic reduction, or parmesan.
Asparagus Noodles with Pesto
You've heard of zucchini noodles, but what about asparagus noodles? This fun take on the classic recipe creates bright green fettuccini and is a delicious low carb option. Lather in pesto and top with feta, pine nuts, sea salt, and black pepper for the most delicious (and healthy!) side ever.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Few can say no to a rich and creamy bowl of mac and cheese! With this much flavor, you'll never believe that this version is made using cauliflower! It's an ultra-easy keto recipe that can be made in just 15 minutes.
Spanish Rice and Beans
Spanish rice and beans is my go-to side, and for good reason. With white rice, chopped onion, lots of garlic, beans, and even salsa, there is so much flavor in each bite. The dish is quick to whip up and a great source of complete proteins!
Vegetable Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Wrap your salad into (almost) bite sized spring tolls with this delicious Vietnamese recipe! You can fill your rolls with whatever you'd like. I like to use carrots, cucumber, avocado, etc. This recipe is a fresh and delicious Asian-inspired dinner that is perfect for pairing with coconut dipping sauce!
Air Fryer Cauliflower
For a simple, tasty, low-prep side, try air fryer cauliflower. It uses a combination of cauliflower, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a unique and comforting flavor. It takes just 20 minutes to make and comes with countless options for toppings (and dipping sauces!).
Israeli Couscous Salad with Beet and Feta
Why eat a regular greens-filled salad when you can have Israeli couscous salad with beet and feta instead? This gorgeous magenta salad is just as pretty as it is delicious. Filling on its own, it can be used as a supplement side or as a main dish!
Vegetarian Caesar Salad
Stick to an easy crowd pleaser by creating your own homemade vegetarian caesar salad. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for serving as a side. Don't forget to add your favorite croutons for the perfect amount of crunch!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic, Garlic, and Grapes
Take your Brussels sprouts up a notch with this delicious roasted Brussels sprouts recipe with balsamic, garlic, and grapes. They're tossed together with feta cheese, making each bite an explosion of flavor!
Chickpea Corn Salad with Yogurt Dressing
In need of a quick summer side dish recipe that’s filling and delicious? (I mean, how can you say no to that?) Whip up this chickpea corn salad that’s bursting with veggies and herbs, and tied together with a spiced Greek yogurt dressing.
Greek Salad Sushi
Sushi is delicious, but it's pretty intricate to make (especially for a side)! Instead, try these Greek salad sushi rolls. They're Mediterranean-inspired and take everything good about Greek salad and wrap it up into delicious cucumber sushi rolls!
Roasted Asparagus with Romesco Sauce
Transform your asparagus from blah to absolutely crave-worth with smoky romesco sauce! This recipe is a simple, flavor-packed dish that is sure to brighten up your dinner table. With just one pan and 15 minutes, you'll have a show stopping side dish ready to go.
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