17 Best Vegan Side Dishes

Homemade vegan creamed corn recipe — The Spruce / Nita West

Feeling uninspired when dinnertime rolls around? It's tough to fill that table after a long day, over and over again. We're here to help. If you're looking for some dinnertime inspiration, then feast your eyes on these vegan side dishes. From simply-prepared but delicious vegetables to dairy and egg-free biscuits and cornbread, you're sure to find some new flavors to mix into your dinner rotation.

What Is Veganism?

01 of 17

Cheesy Vegan Garlic Bread

Emily Hawkes / The Spruce

Everyone in the family will love cheesy vegan garlic bread. Just be sure that the French bread you use for the recipe is vegan before beginning. For a feast, serve alongside Italian food like pasta or vegan eggplant parm.
02 of 17

Healthy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Opticopia / Getty Images

Soy milk and vegan margarine stand in for the usual dairy in this vegan scalloped potatoes recipe. Use a mandolin, if you have one, to make cutting paper-thin potato slices quick and easy. Top the dish with vegan cheese and you've got a perfect gratin.
03 of 17

Basic Vegan Cole Slaw

The Spruce

Coleslaw is simple to throw together and keeps well in the fridge for up to a couple of days. Make ahead and enjoy with a lunch or dinner of lentil sloppy Joes or veggie burgers.
04 of 17

Sautéed Broccoli

The Spruce

For a bright, crunchy side dish, sauté some fresh broccoli with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. Fresh broccoli pairs well with a whole host of other dishes. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, or sesame oil for a nutty twist.

Continue to 5 of 17 below.
05 of 17

Vegan Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Cooked in brown sugar, vegan margarine, and a touch of cinnamon, glazed carrots will add a delightfully sweet note to your dinner table. They are festive enough for a Thanksgiving spread but casual enough for every-day meals.
06 of 17

Vegan Frijoles Negros (Black Beans)

The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

Home-cooked frijoles negros (black beans) made from dried beans are far superior to the canned version. And they're easy to make as long as you have the time for soaking. Serve as part of a Latin American-themed dinner alongside rice, plátanos hornedos (with vegan cheese ), and other favorites.
07 of 17

Dairy-Free Vegan Bisquick Biscuits

The Spruce

Surprisingly, Bisquick baking mix is dairy free, making it a super-easy way to make vegan biscuits. Non-dairy milk and a little lemon juice are all you need to add to the mix for fluffy, tender biscuits.
08 of 17

Grilled Asparagus

Diana Rattray

Grilled asparagus is a lovely springtime side dish when the stalks are in season. After a quick turn on the grill they need little accompaniment. If you don't have a grill handy, you can roast or even microwave asparagus.

Continue to 9 of 17 below.
09 of 17

Vegan Creamed Corn

The Spruce / Nita West

Creamed corn typically contains plenty of butter, milk, and/or cream, making it not so vegan friendly. This version still has the flavor and texture you want, but without the dairy. Make vegan creamed corn in the summertime for the freshest, sweetest dish.
10 of 17

Vegan Stuffing

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

For a holiday-worthy side dish, make vegan stuffing. Vegetable broth replaces the usual chicken broth and flaxseed replaces the egg for a comforting Thanksgiving mainstay. Use your choice of vegan bread.
11 of 17

Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Fries

The Spruce / Eric Kleinberg

Baked sweet potato fries are lighter and easier than the deep-fried version but they're still deliciously crisp. Serve hot with ketchup, vegan honey mustard, or vegan aioli.
12 of 17

Easy Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Vinegar

The Spruce

Brussels sprouts go from boring to addictive when they are simply halved, roasted, and tossed with balsamic vinegar. They are especially good paired with roasted or mashed potatoes.

Continue to 13 of 17 below.
13 of 17

Vegan Stir-Fried Eggplant

The Spruce

Eggplant becomes tender and flavorful when stir-fried with a tasty sauce. Keep this recipe vegan by swapping the fish sauce out with soy sauce and using vegetarian oyster sauce. Serve stir-fried eggplant with rice and more veggies.
14 of 17

Roasted Potatoes With Basil, Thyme, and Garlic

The Spruce

The secret to these perfectly-cooked roasted potatoes is a quick trip in the microwave before they hit the oven. Onion and herbs add extra flavor for an anytime side dish. Try serving with vegan meatloaf for a hearty meal.
15 of 17

Vegan Skillet Cornbread With Jalapeños

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Fluffy, tender skillet cornbread is a quick and easy bread side dish that is sure to disappear fast. Jalapeños add a little flavor and heat. Serve alongside chili for a meal that will warm you up.
16 of 17

Vegan Black-Eyed Peas

The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

Whether you're looking for good luck on New Year's or just need a vegan, protein-rich side dish, black-eyed peas fit the bill. Cooked with onion, tomato, garlic, and brown sugar, the flavor is reminiscent of baked beans.

Continue to 17 of 17 below.
17 of 17

Roasted Okra and Tomatoes

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Combine a late summer bounty of fresh okra and tomatoes for a simple side dish. Roasted until crisp and tender, the veggies only take minutes to prep and cook. Serve alongside grits or a pot of beans.

Vegan Banana Cake