So you’re flirting with the idea of making Meatless Monday a regular thing, but you’re over having a salad every. single. time. I feel ya. Well, one way to spruce up your dishes is by mastering the vegan side. The perfect side dish will not only increase your satiety level, but make it so that you don’t even miss the meat you’re used to having. Heck, you can even eat it as your main entree.
Not only are Meatless Mondays a good way to add more plant power to your life by pushing you to find creative ways to eat more veggies, but they’re also a way to ease into going plant-based full-time. It’s true a vegan diet can help you control certain conditions like high cholesterol, but skipping out on the animal products is also better for the Earth. The farming of animals and their byproducts actually requires insane amounts of water, energy, grain and crops.
No matter what your reason for adding vegan dishes to your menu, get ready to be creative. Going vegan, even if just for one day, requires you to experiment with new vegetables, spices, meat alternatives, and the like—that is, if you prefer not having the same meal every time.
But no need to stress out about that. The easiest way to turn into a vegan chef overnight is to find a good recipe, and there’s 30 on this list. Here are the best vegan side dish recipes you need to bookmark ASAP.
This easy vegan side dish will add some color to any meal. Instead of throwing creamy mayo into this one, you’ll add in a mixture of rice vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create a light and zesty sauce that’s as tasty as it is refreshing.
Per serving: 49 calories, 0.9 g fat (0.1 g saturated), 9 g carbs, 5.3 g sugar, 245 mg sodium, 2 g fiber
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What sounds better than a plate of your favorite dish from childhood? This flavor-packed sauce made with cashews adds a creamy texture to your pasta that’s sure to please any child or adult.
Per serving: 501 calories, 18.4 g fat (3.7 g saturated), 66.3 g carbs, 3.3 g sugar, 1212 mg sodium, 3.1 g fiber, 19.7 g protein
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You can never have too many mac and cheese recipes in your repertoire. This everything bagel-flavored dairy-free mac and cheese is to die for. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and everything bagel seasoning, this dish is the rich meal add-on that you’ve been missing.
Per serving: 623 calories, 24.6 g fat (4.6 g saturated), 82.4 g carbs, 5.5 g sugar, 1363 mg sodium, 5.1 g fiber, 19.2 g protein
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Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes should not have to be lost in an effort to maintain a plant-based diet. These gluten-free, nut-free potatoes are the perfect side dish for any feel-good meal and may even compete for the highlight of your Thanksgiving dinner, per great reader reviews.
Per serving: 275 calories, 13 g fat (4.6 g saturated), 36 g carbs, 5.5 g sugar, 1363 mg sodium, 5.1 g fiber, 5 g protein
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Looking to break free from store-bought hummus? This vegan recipe will be sure to hook you on homemade hummus evermore. Smooth and fluffy with a nutty. lemony taste you’ll obsess over, this hummus is set to become your next go-to snack or side dish.
Per Serving: 180 calories, 11.6 g fat, 18 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 9 g protein
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Try this Instant Pot recipe for the nights where you barely have time to think about dinner, since it’s literally a “dump and go.” The hardest part of this is prepping your ingredients (read not hard at all). Then, just throw them in the Instant Pot, and soon enough you’ll have a restaurant-ready soup right in your home kitchen.
Per serving: 444 calories, 7 g fat, 79 g carbs, 23 g fiber, 18 g protein
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The most aesthetic way to get your daily veggie dose? Eat them all at once! This rainbow dish will be sure to make your mouth water, giving you a taste of all your favorite vegetables and the added texture of easy quinoa. This is the best, easy-to-make side dish for a meal on-the-go. Whether you’re whipping up a beach snack or planning a romantic picnic, you can’t go wrong with Simple Veganista’s Southwest Quinoa Salad.
Per serving: 306 calories, 8.6 g fat (1.2 g saturated fat), 46.8 g carbs, 2.7 g sugar, 593 mg sodium, 11.2 g fiber, 13.2 g protein
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These soft and salty pretzel bites will fulfill your childhood carnival nostalgia while avoiding the nausea and sugar hangover afterwards. Though it requires a bit of prep work, this dish is the perfect treat to make any meal memorable.
Per serving: 173 calories, 1.4 g fat (0.2 g saturated fat), 34.5 g carbs,1 g sugar, 611.4 mg sodium, 1.4 g fiber, 4.8 g protein
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Potatoes can be done in so many different and delicious ways, but who doesn’t favor a perfectly crisp hash brown? The recipe for these only calls for three ingredients you probably already have at home, so no need to endlessly wander the supermarket aisle for an hour before you can get your hands on the perfect side dish.
Per serving: 100 calories, 5g fat (1 g saturated fat), 13 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 392 sodium, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein
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Although most bagels are only made from flour, water, salt, sugar, and yeast, many will add ingredients that either directly come from animals, including butter and eggs for a shiny egg wash finish, or will use a flour that contains ingredients derived from animal sources. You can avoid that by making your own (and these taste way better than the store-bought ones).
Per serving: 117 calories, 1 g fat, 23 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 4 mg, sodium, 4 g protein
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This dish is also known as air-fried carrots (but come on, doesn’t “carrot fries” just sound that much more tasty?). These add-ons are crispy on the outside, but soft and warm on the inside. They’re ready in just minutes and are made with less oil or butter than the traditional pan-fried treat.
Per serving: 55 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 6 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 328 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 1 g protein
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A lighter main course or a unique side dish to make any meal stand out. Earth Blokes’ tofu fried rice is easily customizable. Just add your favorite flavors to the dish’s simple base ingredients. Pst: The authors’ secret ingredient is peanut butter!
Per serving: 238 calories, 14 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 17 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 830 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 14 g protein
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Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving side dish or a soup/chili add-on, cornbread is always the way to go. It’s sweet, it’s fluffy, and its yellow-coloring is enough to make anyone lick their lips. Now make it vegan and you truly cannot go wrong. Jessica Hylton’s vegan cornbread is proof that classics don’t have to be lost with a change of diet.
Per serving: 221 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 35 g carbs, 9 g sugar, 398 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein
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Ranch dressing has the magic ability to upgrade any dish from ehh to ahhh-mazing.If you take the extra five minutes to make your own, you can manipulate its traditional flavors to include more of the spices you like, making it even tastier than it already is.
Per serving: 754 calories, 57 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 48 g carbs, 9g sugar, 1193 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 25 g protein
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“The tastiest, softest, and most buttery mushrooms you’ve ever tasted,” Jessica Hylton says of her garlic sautéed mushrooms. This easy 15-minute recipe will make mushrooms your new favorite treat (no, seriously).
Per serving: 122 calories, 10 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 7 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 196 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 5g fiber
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Even the pickiest eater in your fam will grab a second serving of this potato salad. It’s made with 10 ingredients that merge to make it feel like your grandma whipped up her special recipe herself. Bet your guests won’t even be able to tell it’s dairy-free!
Per serving: 85 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 2 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 317 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein
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Craving potato chips? Test your tastebuds with these crispy Brussels sprouts. Sprouts are the ideal snack since they’re high in fiber and jam-packed with protein. They also contain ALA omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for your cardiovascular health. Plus, the air fryer will give the veggie the same satisfying crunch as the salty chips you just can’t seem to get enough of. I call that a win-win-win!
Per serving: 74 calories, 4.9 g fat, 7.2 g carbs, 1.7 g sugar, 116.1 mg sodium, 2.9 fiber, 2.6 g protein
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A reliable classic, roasted veggies are simple, healthy, and tasty. All you need are a few of your fave seasonings and a sheet pan before you dive into this side dish. The variety of veggies give your meal some variation in taste and texture, too. Add whatever vegetables you have in your fridge and enjoy.
Per serving: 199 calories, 9.2 g fat, 27.2 g carbs, 7.7 g sugar, 299.4 mg sodium, 6.8 g fiber, 5.6 g protein
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Dips can offer a great boost of nutrition when you are on-the-go or craving a quick snack. Some store-bought dips, however, run the risk of being high in oil and other not-so-healthy ingredients, counteracting any positive nutritional elements.
This vegan street corn dip is the perfect solution. What you see is what you get with this recipe, so you don’t have to worry about it having any sneaky ingredients you were hoping to avoid.
Per serving: 104 calories, 6.8 g fat, 8.5 g carbs, 2.7 g sugar, 125.5 mg sodium, 2.1 g protein
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Because what sounds better than chips and queso to celebrate the end of a long week? Enter this vegan queso recipe, and yep, you can cheat and get some store-bought chips.
Per serving: 114 calories, 8g fat (1 g saturated fat), 9 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 498 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein
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This vegan oatmeal is a great addition to a light lunch or casual dinner that may be lacking a feel-good side dish. It’s easy to make and features minimal ingredients.
Per serving: 187 calories, 4 g fat, 31 g carbs, 677 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 7 g protein
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Beautiful, light, and refreshing, this salad is perfect for hot days and the little “something something” your dinner is calling for. Keep extra in your fridge so you can have it as a snack whenever you get the craving to munch on something in between meals. You’re welcome.
Per serving: 145 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 18 g carbs, 11 g sugar, 31 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein
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Vegan mayonnaise, mustard, herbs, and veggies give us another potato salad option. The multi-colored potatoes give the dish an appealing aesthetic that pairs well with any meal.
Per serving: 153 calories, 6.2 g fat, 20.1 g carbs, 2.5 g sugar, 124.3 mg sodium, 2.3 g protein
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Unique and far from bland, these potatoes will bring style and flavor to traditional meals. This dish is great for potluck-style family gatherings since it literally pairs with anything.
Per serving, 277 calories, 11 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 42 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 695 mg sodium. 5 g fiber, 5 g protein
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Perfect for dipping, drizzling, and sharing! This vegan cheese sauce is NOT cashew-based, making it nut allergy-friendly. Toss it on fries, veggies, or whatever food you feel could use some extra (faux) cheesiness.
Per serving: 169 calories, 8 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 17 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 551 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein
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The traditional version of this soup is a hearty, but a typically not-so-healthy dish. But this vegan version is a better-for-you recipe.
With small substitutions here and there, this heavy fan-favorite can become a much healthier go-to side or starter. Extra flavor tip: Use a couple teaspoons of vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Per serving: 239 calories, 6.8 g fat (1.2 g saturated fat), 38.1 g carbs, 12.5 g sugar, 822 mg sodium, 4.9 g fiber, 7.2 g protein
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For a healthy chicken wing substitute, try out these barbecue cauliflower wings which are just as tasty as they are crispy. Have them as an easy vegan side dish during a Meatless Monday or for a new and exciting salad addition.
Per serving: 51 calories, 1 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 11 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 189 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein
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If you’re looking to try out a dish that you may not be familiar with, this one’s for you. Georgian beet pkhali is a traditional dish made with beets, walnuts, garlic, and herbs. This is the perfect vegan dish to serve at parties to get everyone talking, show off your skills, and brag about your recipe rolodex.
Per serving: 123 calories, 9 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 6 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 1188 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein
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Looking for the doughy goodness of gnocchi? You’ve come to the right place. This vegan dish is deliciously sweet (thanks to the sweet potatoes), making it taste just like dessert. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal even kids will love.
Per servings: 169 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 24 g carbs,2 g sugar, 149 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 4 g protein
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For the days when you’re craving Panera but it’s too far away or closed, cheer yourself up with a vegan bread bowl. Not only does it make a delicious side to a soup, chili, or pasta, but it also means less dishes to wash up.
Per serving: 490 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 91 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 144 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 12 g protein
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