24 Vegetable Side Dishes in 11 Categories
Diana Barkley
(Senior Editor)
Vegetable side dishes are an essential part of any balanced dinner, whether it be a casual meal with your family or a special dinner party. Today, we take you through 24 mouthwatering side dishes that are tasty, convenient, and are sure to be a hit.
With any meal comes the need for some kind of vegetable side dish. Not only does this balance out your meal and add a healthy component to the dish, but when made correctly can taste absolutely phenomenal.
If you are planning a dinner of any kind and are stuck for ideas when it comes to what vegetable side dishes to make, then don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
We’ll be taking a look at some incredible vegetable-based side dishes that will take your dinner to the next level.
Easy Veggie Side Dishes
Easy Veggie Side Dishes
Are you wanting to whip up a tasty vegetable side dish but don’t have the time or energy to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen? Don’t worry – we get it. That’s why we’ve put together some super easy veggie side dishes that you can make yourself in no time at all.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
A veggie side dish that is both incredibly tasty and surprisingly simple to make is roasted garlic parmesan asparagus. The fresh crunch of asparagus is a wonderful addition to any dinner, and the flavors from the garlic really elevate the vegetables.
The cheesy layer of parmesan makes this dish a decadent meal that pairs well with many other dishes. This side dish works best alongside meat and some form of potato, providing some freshness and crunch to the meal.
Not only does this veggie dish taste phenomenal, but you can whip this up in just a few minutes.
Sautéed Zucchini and Squash
Sautéed Zucchini and Squash
Another super simple veggie side dish to try out for your next dinner is sautéed zucchini and squash. This is an extremely satisfying side dish that tastes incredible and takes little effort to make, making it a great vegetable side dish to throw together during a time crunch.
Zucchini and squash are both hearty vegetables that make for a filling and delectable side dish. Simply sautéeing these veggies up with some herbs and seasonings of your choice is a quick and easy way to whip up an incredible vegetable side dish in no time.
Healthy Veggie Side Dishes
Healthy Veggie Side Dishes
If you’re on the hunt for some healthy and delicious side dishes, then look no further. Try out one of these simple, tasty, and healthy veggie side dishes the next time you’re cooking dinner. They’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tried them.
Quinoa and Roasted Veggie Salad
Quinoa and Roasted Veggie Salad
A quinoa and roasted veggie salad is not only a great side dish but is also wonderful as a meal in and of itself. The quinoa and roasted veggies are both super satisfying, hearty, and comforting – making them the perfect combo for cold weather.
You can use any and all of your favorite roasting veggies for this dish, making it a highly customizable side dish that you can change up to suit your own personal taste.
In our opinion, the best veggie picks for this meal are bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, onion, and pumpkin. All of these vegetables taste incredible when roasted and pair perfectly with quinoa.
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon
Are you looking for a super quick and easy veggie side dish that is also healthy and delicious? You can never go wrong with steamed broccoli topped with fresh lemon juice. This is a veggie dish that pairs well with everything due to the simple and mild flavors that it possesses.
This is also one of the easiest dishes out there to make. All you need to do is chop up your broccoli, steam it over some boiling water, and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top.
This is a five-minute healthy side dish that is a great go-to for your next dinner.
Italian Vegetable Side Dishes
Italian Vegetable Side Dishes
Are you on the hunt for some Italian vegetable side dishes? Whether you’ve had them before or are wanting to try something new, Italian vegetable side dishes are always a great addition to any meal.
These Italian dishes are packed full of both veggies and flavor, making for a mouth-watering meal that is also good for your body.
Learn here more about Italian food.
Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil
Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil
When it comes to Italian vegetable side dishes, it doesn’t get any better than a Caprese salad. A classic Caprese salad is made with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
This light and fresh side dish is a wonderful addition to the dinner or lunch table, especially during warmer weather. This salad has a very simple seasoning of salt and olive oil that works to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
We recommend using fresh basil for this salad in order to really elevate the flavor.
Garlic Butter Roasted Tomatoes
Garlic Butter Roasted Tomatoes
If you’re looking for an Italian veggie side dish that is a little more filling and hearty, then garlic butter roasted tomatoes are definitely the way to go.
This dish pairs well with many other foods and is super simple to make in a time crunch. The tangy garlic pairs perfectly with the acidic, slightly sweet flavor of the tomatoes.
The butter also adds a layer of creamy richness to the dish that makes this a truly balanced and comforting meal.
Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes
Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes
Some of the most delicious vegetable side dishes out there are Mexican veggie side dishes. If you want to try making some at home, why not give one of the dishes below a try? You may just find a new go-to vegetable side dish.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Elote, or grilled Mexican street corn, is an absolutely delicious and underrated vegetable side dish that is definitely worth a try. The sweet and buttery corn is grilled and topped with cotija cheese, lime juice, and a variety of other seasonings.
The flavors in this dish are seriously next level and all pair perfectly with each other. This side dish is perfect for roast dinners and grill nights, providing a burst of sweetness and flavor that goes wonderfully with a range of meats.
Avocado Salsa
Avocado Salsa
If you’re looking for a side dish that is going to add a refreshing and flavorful layer to your meal, then why not try making an avocado salsa? This dish is typically made with avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
This is the perfect vegetable side dish if you are planning on serving spicy foods, as it will balance out the spice with its cool and refreshing taste. This side dish is also dead simple to make and only requires a handful of ingredients.
Indian Vegetable Side Dishes
Indian Vegetable Side Dishes
Do you want to try out some Indian vegetable side dishes? We’ve got you covered. Here are some phenomenal veggie side dishes from India for you to try your hand at making.
Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
Aloo Gobi, a potato and cauliflower curry, is an incredibly flavorful dish that can be eaten as a side or on its own. This dish is super hearty and comforting and is a great pick if you’re on the hunt for some vegetable side dishes to make for colder weather.
While it may seem like a slightly daunting recipe to tackle at first, this dish is actually quite simple to make – and the end result is definitely worth it. This dish pairs well with rice and flatbread, but can also be eaten alongside a range of other foods.
Saag Aloo (Spinach and Potato Curry)
Saag Aloo (Spinach and Potato Curry)
This is another curry dish that is also warm, hearty, and perfect for colder weather. Not only does this dish taste incredible, but it is also healthy and surprisingly easy to make.
This aromatic and flavor-packed vegetable side dish is the perfect addition to your dinner table. If you’re wanting to try something new, this recipe is definitely worth a shot.
Green Veggie Side Dishes
Green Veggie Side Dishes
Sometimes you just need a healthy helping of green vegetables. If you want some green veggie side dishes to try that are not only healthy but taste amazing, then we’ve got some for you. Let’s go ahead and take a look at a couple of the best.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
A unique (and frankly delicious) way to get a helping of spinach into your diet is by making some spinach and feta-stuffed mushrooms. This is a satisfying side dish that is both healthy and comforting.
The rich and creamy taste of the feta brings another dimension to this dish and pairs perfectly with the earthy flavors of the spinach and mushrooms. This dish works well with a range of other foods, such as steak, chicken, and roast potatoes.
Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is a classic French recipe made with green beans and sliced almonds topped with the seasonings of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and sea salt.
This dish is both simple and packed full of flavor. This is a healthy side dish that is incredibly easy to make, tastes phenomenal and pairs well with a variety of different foods.
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your green beans, then this dish is definitely the way to go.
Asian Veggie Side Dishes
Asian Veggie Side Dishes
Looking to try out some Asian vegetable side dishes? These dishes are bursting with freshness and flavor, making them the perfect addition to your next meal. Let’s go ahead and take a look at some delicious Asian vegetable side dishes that you can try.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Ginger
For a simple recipe with strong and well-balanced flavors, why not try making stir-fried bok choy with garlic and ginger? This vegetable side dish has both freshness from the bok choy and spice from the garlic and ginger, making it perfectly balanced.
Stir frying the bok choy brings out its subtle, natural flavors and the garlic and ginger add a flavorful kick to the dish. This vegetable side dish pairs perfectly with a range of foods, primarily grilled meats and soups.
Thai Cucumber Salad
Thai Cucumber Salad
If you’re looking for a vegetable side dish that is going to be refreshing and cooling with a pop of spice, then you can’t go wrong with a Thai cucumber salad.
This dish is traditionally made with cucumber, lime juice, peanuts, cilantro, and a range of other spices and seasonings.
This dish pairs perfectly with spicy foods, as the seasonings in the salad enhance the spices in the meal, while the cucumber brings a cooling sensation that combats the heat.
Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides
Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides
Planning side dishes for Thanksgiving can be stressful and complicated, especially when it comes to vegetable side dishes.
You want a side dish that is tasty and easy to make – being healthy is always a bonus. Lucky for you, we’ve got some incredible Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes that are sure to be a hit.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Classic Green Bean Casserole
An absolute must for any Thanksgiving dinner is a classic green bean casserole. This is one of the easiest Thanksgiving side dishes to make and takes hardly any time at all – which is a huge plus amongst the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving.
A green bean casserole pairs perfectly with all of the traditional Thanksgiving foods such as turkey and mashed potatoes. You can spice up the green bean casserole with your favorite seasonings to add a burst of flavor.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Glaze
Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Glaze
An incredible vegetable side dish that fits in well with the festive Thanksgiving theme is roasted butternut squash with a maple glaze.
This hearty and satisfying side dish is both savory and sweet, with hints of honey and salt that create a well-balanced dish. If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving side dish that has a comforting and homely vibe, then roasted butternut squash is definitely the dish for you.
The maple glaze adds a kick of flavor that really takes this dish to the next level.
Veggie Sides for Burgers
Veggie Sides for Burgers
Are you planning on grilling up some burgers and looking for some great vegetable side dishes to pair with them? Look no further. We’ve got some veggie sides that will take your burger night to the next level.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw
When serving up some burgers, you can’t go wrong with a classic coleslaw. The freshness of the coleslaw offsets the smokey or even potentially spicy flavors of the burger.
A good coleslaw, either served on the side or even inside your burger, can add an element of creaminess and crunch that really elevates your burger.
The best part about coleslaw? It is incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. No matter what toppings you include in your burger or what type of meat you use, a simple coleslaw is sure to pair perfectly.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Fries
What’s better with a burger than some fries? This is a match made in heaven and is even better when you whip up a batch of sweet potato fries. These are super simple to make and you can season them up with all of your favorite herbs and spices.
This is a more filling vegetable side dish to pair with your burgers that is sure to leave you satisfied. Using sweet potato rather than regular potatoes adds a delicious sweetness to the fries that is perfectly balanced when you top these fries off with a sprinkle of salt.
Typical Veggie Ingredients to Use for Vegetable Sides
Typical Veggie Ingredients to Use for Vegetable Sides
If you’re planning to whip up some vegetable side dishes in the near future, then you’re going to want to know what to include in your shopping list. So, what common vegetables will you need?
Let’s go ahead and take a look at some common veggie ingredients that are often used in vegetable side dishes.
Bell Peppers
Bell Peppers
One extremely common vegetable that is used in many common vegetable side dishes are bell peppers. These vegetables are commonly roasted and used in roast vegetable salads or are stuffed with a variety of fillings in order to make stuffed peppers.
This is a great ingredient to be stocked up on if you plan on making vegetable side dishes. These are very versatile vegetables that add a hit of freshness with a subtle sweet taste that pairs well with many other foods and seasonings.
Red Onions
Red Onions
Another essential when it comes to vegetable side dish ingredients is red onions. These vegetables add a strong hit of spice and tang that adds depth to vegetable dishes and takes them to the next level in terms of flavor.
Red onions can be included in a huge range of dishes, such as guacamoles, salsas, and salads – just to name a few. Red onions also pair well with many different meats, making them a great vegetable to have on hand for all cooking occasions.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms
A seriously underrated and flavor-packed vegetable are mushrooms. Whether you pick up some button mushrooms, portobello, or oyster, you are sure to get a great hit of earthy flavor that will enhance the taste of any vegetable side dish that you make.
You can use mushrooms as an addition to a vegetable side dish such as a roasted veggie salad, or you can make them the star of the show by whipping up a batch of stuffed mushrooms. Whatever the case may be, it is always a good idea to have some mushrooms on hand.
Carrots
Carrots
One of the most versatile vegetables out there are carrots. When sliced up while raw into a salad, these vegetables give a crunch texture and refreshing flavor to any meal.
When cooked – whether it be roasted, boiled, or sauteed – carrots give a strong honeyed, sweet taste that can be a wonderful addition to a meal.
You can use carrots in a wide range of dishes and vegetable side dishes, making them a great ingredient to have on hand at all times. Whether you serve them cold and sliced in the summer or warm and roasted in the winter, carrots are always going to be a hit.
Tasty Veggie Appetizers
Tasty Veggie Appetizers
If you are planning any form of a dinner party or gathering where you want to serve appetizers, then you may want to include some veggie appetizers on the menu. That’s where we come in. We’ve got some incredible vegetable appetizers that your guests are sure to love.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cream Cheese
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cream Cheese
A seriously underrated veggie appetizer that is super satisfying and simple to make is stuffed bell peppers with cream cheese. The crunchy and refreshing bell peppers pair perfectly with the rich and decadent cream cheese, making for a well-balanced and luxurious appetizer.
This vegetable appetizer has got it all: it is quick and easy to make, tastes absolutely delicious, and is surprisingly healthy thanks to the nutritious bell pepper.
This vegetable appetizer is also super simple to eat and can be held in one hand while you snack on it, so your guests can walk around and socialize while enjoying a delicious treat.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A classic appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any gathering is spinach and artichoke dip. This is an extremely popular appetizer, and for good reason. The flavors in this dip are truly phenomenal and the dip itself is surprisingly hearty and satisfying.
You can pair this dip with a wide range of other foods. Scoop up the dip with sliced bell peppers, pita bread, carrot sticks, crackers – anything you desire.
This is the perfect vegetable appetizer if you are looking for something that is actually going to keep your guests satisfied without completely spoiling their appetites.
(40 votes, average: 4.90 out of 5)You need to be a registered member to rate this.
Loading...
