21 Easy Vegetarian Sides You’ve Never Thought to Make

If you're tired of the same old veggie sides and want to try something new, you’re in the right place. These easy vegetarian sides offer fresh takes on traditional favorites and introduce unique flavors that will make your meals more exciting. They're perfect for when you want something quick and different without a lot of hassle, making it easier to add variety to your everyday cooking.

A plate of green beans tossed with herbs and pine nuts. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy Brussels sprouts are a quick side dish that's perfect when you want something different. Cooked in the air fryer, they’re ready in no time and easy to make. They’re a great choice for trying out a new veggie side that’s more exciting than a salad. Perfect for weeknights or when you need a simple addition to any meal. You’ll love how these turn a basic vegetable into something special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Green Bean Casserole

This classic casserole brings a hearty, comforting twist to green beans, making it perfect for any meal. It's an easy side that's ideal when you want something warm and familiar but a little out of the ordinary. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is great for weeknights or even a casual dinner with friends. It’s perfect for times when you need a veggie side that feels a bit more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole turns canned yams into a warm, comforting side that’s super easy to throw together. Perfect for when you’re looking for a vegetarian side that’s both sweet and savory, making it a unique addition to your spread. It's great for special occasions or just when you need something extra on the dinner table. This dish is proof that simple ingredients can come together in a big way.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

A close-up of seasoned potato wedges served with a side of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer potato wedges are a quick and easy side when you’re craving something more interesting than plain potatoes. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and make a perfect side dish for any meal. This is a great option when you want a veggie side that feels like a treat but takes almost no effort. Whether paired with dinner or served as a snack, these wedges are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Vegan Mexican Rice

Bowl of Mexican rice mixed with tomato sauce and garnished with a sprig of cilantro, with a fork inserted into the rice. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Mexican rice is a simple yet flavorful side that’s great for adding a pop of color to your plate. Ready in no time, it’s perfect for when you need an easy vegetarian dish that’s not your typical salad or steamed veggie. The bold flavors make it stand out, and it's versatile enough to pair with nearly any main. Great for meal prep or last-minute lunches, this rice is sure to be a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potatoes topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer sweet potatoes are a quick and easy side that adds a warm, comforting touch to any meal. Perfect for when you need a break from traditional potato dishes, these are soft, slightly sweet, and ready in minutes. A great choice when you’re looking for an easy vegetarian side that feels hearty and wholesome. Pair them with your favorite mains for a complete, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A roasted sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, and green onions, garnished with lime wedges on a white plate. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are a creative vegetarian side that’s filling enough to stand on its own. They bring a fun twist to your usual side dishes, making them a great option when you want something that’s both easy and exciting. Perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep, they’re ready in under 30 minutes and are packed with flavor. A go-to choice when you’re ready for something new.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Home Fries

A plate of seasoned roasted potatoes and green bell peppers garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer home fries are a simple, crispy side that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch but works with any meal. A great way to switch things up, they’re easy to make and take almost no time in the air fryer. Perfect when you’re looking for something quick and different, these home fries make a perfect addition to any plate. They’re a great go-to when you’re tired of basic potato sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Aloo Gobi Masala

A pot of vegetable curry with cauliflower and potatoes, garnished with herbs, served with naan bread. — Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo Gobi Masala is a flavorful side dish that combines potatoes and cauliflower in a rich, spiced sauce. This vegetarian dish is perfect when you’re looking to add a little variety to your meal without a lot of extra work. It's hearty, warming, and pairs well with just about any main course. Great for those times when you want something that’s both easy and a little out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Zucchini Bruschetta

Slices of zucchini topped with diced tomatoes, basil, grated cheese, and herbs are arranged on a white surface. These recipes from around the world are anything but boring. — Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Zucchini bruschetta brings a fresh twist to a classic side, making it perfect for when you want something light and easy. This dish turns simple zucchini into a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with almost any main. It’s a great choice when you’re looking to add a fresh and veggie-packed option to your meal. Ready in minutes, this is a side you’ll find yourself making over and over.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

A plate of roasted tomatoes garnished with herbs and spices, served on a white plate. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These roasted Roma tomatoes are a simple side that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Cooked in the air fryer, they’re quick, easy, and a perfect way to use up extra tomatoes. Great for when you want a vegetarian side that’s a little more exciting than a salad but still light and fresh. These roasted tomatoes bring a touch of summer to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a vibrant, veggie-packed side that’s perfect when you want something hearty without meat. This classic dish brings together simple vegetables in a way that feels comforting yet fresh. Great for any meal, it’s perfect when you’re looking to switch up your usual sides with something a little more colorful and wholesome. An easy, flavorful addition to your weekly lineup.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted cabbage steaks are a unique and easy side dish that brings a new twist to your veggie routine. Perfect for when you’re looking to add a little something different to your meal with minimal prep time. These steaks are crisp on the edges and tender in the middle, making them a great go-to for lunch or dinner. A simple way to enjoy vegetables in a whole new form.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

A baking dish containing four twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and diced ham, garnished with herbs. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These twice-baked potatoes are a hearty and comforting side that’s packed with flavor. They’re perfect for when you’re looking for an easy vegetarian dish that’s more filling than a standard side. Great for special occasions or a simple dinner at home, these potatoes add a little extra to any meal. Ready with minimal effort, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with garlic butter is a quick side dish that’s perfect for adding a touch of flavor to your meal. This simple dish is great when you’re tired of plain vegetables and want something a bit more interesting. Ready in minutes, it’s a great choice for weeknights or any time you need a quick, easy side. A flavorful addition to any plate that’s far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of creamy scalloped potatoes topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley in a baking dish. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These scalloped potatoes are a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re simple to make and a great option when you’re looking for something warm and familiar. Ideal for weeknights or a casual gathering, these potatoes bring a little extra to your meal without a lot of fuss. An easy way to switch up your sides with a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cheesy smashed potatoes are a crispy, savory side that’s perfect for any meal. Cooked in the air fryer, they’re quick and easy, making them great for when you want something different without a lot of effort. They’re perfect for adding a bit of comfort to your plate, whether it’s lunch or dinner. A simple yet flavorful choice when you’re ready to switch up your sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer maple-glazed carrots are a sweet and easy side that adds a touch of warmth to any meal. Perfect when you’re looking for a way to make vegetables more interesting with minimal prep time. They bring a bit of color and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with just about anything. A simple and flavorful way to switch up your veggie routine.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

A serving of sweet potato fries with a side of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These frozen sweet potato fries are a quick and easy side that’s perfect when you need something fast. Cooked in the air fryer, they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them a fun addition to any meal. Great for when you want a veggie side that’s just a bit more exciting than the usual. Ready in minutes, these fries are perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans with cherry tomato halves and crumbled feta, served with a fork on a white tablecloth. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This green bean tomato salad is a fresh and easy side that’s great for when you’re tired of your regular veggies. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for pairing with almost any main dish. A great choice when you’re looking for a side that feels fresh without much effort. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this salad adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a spoon holding creamy mac and cheese garnished with green onions. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock pot mac and cheese is a comforting, cheesy side that’s perfect when you want something easy and hearty. This slow-cooked version keeps things simple while delivering that familiar, creamy flavor everyone loves. Great for weeknights or casual get-togethers, this dish makes it easy to add a touch of comfort to your meal. A perfect go-to side that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese