21 Vegetarian Sides That Make Any Meal Complete

When I’m putting together a meal, having the right side dishes can really make a difference. Vegetarian sides are not only versatile but also packed with flavor helping to round out any main course. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for new ideas, these sides will bring balance and variety to your plate without a lot of fuss.

Air Fryer Home Fries

These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside home fries are a great side for rounding out any meal. The air fryer cuts down cooking time, making them a quick and easy choice for busy days. Their simple ingredients make them a reliable option to serve alongside a variety of main dishes. Perfect for adding substance to breakfast or dinner, these home fries complete any plate with ease. A must-have for anyone seeking a hearty vegetarian side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts cook up crispy and flavorful, offering a delicious way to add greens to your meal. Their fast cooking time and minimal prep make them an easy side to prepare, especially when time is short. Whether you're serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they bring freshness and crunch to the table. A reliable option for anyone wanting to add a healthy, veggie-packed side to their meals. These sprouts truly round out any vegetarian spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a vegetable-packed dish that’s perfect for any meal, offering a rich medley of flavors. With eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes, this hearty option brings both color and nutrition to the table. It’s a fantastic way to feature multiple vegetables in one side dish, complementing anything from pasta to grilled proteins. Its versatility makes it a great choice for vegetarian sides that complete a meal. This classic dish has stood the test of time for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Green Bean Tomato Salad

This green bean and tomato salad is a fresh, light side that brings balance to heavier main dishes. It’s a quick and easy combination, offering vibrant flavors and a mix of textures that brighten any meal. This salad is a great choice for a vegetarian side that can be served year-round. The crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes make it a refreshing option that completes any plate. Whether for a summer BBQ or a winter dinner, it fits in perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Smashed potatoes get a delicious upgrade with cheese, creating a comforting side that’s ready in no time. The air fryer speeds up the process, giving you crispy edges and melted cheese without much effort. It’s an ideal choice when you want a hearty vegetarian side that fills out your meal. With their satisfying texture and cheesy topping, these potatoes complement a wide variety of mains. A quick go-to for any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

This slow-cooked mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food to add to any meal. The crock pot takes care of the work, making it a simple yet indulgent side for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with grilled veggies or roasted mains, this mac and cheese rounds out your plate with rich flavor. It’s a reliable choice for when you need a vegetarian side that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala combines potatoes and cauliflower in a flavorful, spiced dish that’s ideal for rounding out a vegetarian meal. The bold spices bring warmth to the table, making it a perfect side for any main course. It’s hearty, satisfying, and works well with a variety of other dishes, ensuring that your plate feels complete. This traditional Indian recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a side that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a comforting side dish that brings layers of tender potatoes and creamy goodness to your meal. With a simple ingredient list, this dish is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Perfect for rounding out any dinner, these scalloped potatoes provide a satisfying, rich option for your plate. They’re a timeless side that’s always welcome, especially when you want something hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Vegan Mexican Rice

Vegan Mexican rice is a simple, flavorful side that brings warmth and color to any meal. With its savory seasoning, it pairs well with a variety of main courses, adding depth to your plate. This rice is a fantastic choice when you need a quick vegetarian option that completes your meal. The bold flavors of this dish make it an essential addition to any spread, rounding out your menu with ease. It’s perfect for filling out your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These stuffed sweet potatoes bring together the sweet and savory in one simple dish. The taco-inspired filling adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the hearty base of sweet potatoes. Whether as a side or a main, this dish offers a complete meal experience with minimal effort. It’s an excellent option for adding variety to your vegetarian sides while still ensuring your meal feels balanced. A great way to bring something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air fryer sweet potatoes cook up tender and slightly crisp, making them a versatile side for any meal. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements a variety of main dishes, rounding out your plate perfectly. Their quick cooking time makes them an easy option for weeknights, while still delivering on taste. These sweet potatoes offer a nutritious, flavorful addition to any vegetarian meal, ensuring your spread feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

This sweet potato casserole is a comforting, nostalgic side that fits in well with holiday meals and beyond. Using canned yams keeps things simple, making it a convenient option when you need a flavorful side without much prep. The sweet and savory combination is a great match for any main course, completing your meal with ease. It’s a versatile choice that works for both special occasions and everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with garlic butter are a quick and flavorful side that brings a fresh element to any meal. The garlic butter adds richness without overpowering the natural taste of the green beans, making them a great option for balancing your plate. This dish is perfect when you need a simple vegetarian side that pairs well with a wide variety of mains. Green beans are always a reliable addition to any meal, and this version delivers both flavor and ease.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air fryer potato wedges are a crispy, hearty side that works well with almost any meal. The air fryer helps achieve the perfect texture without too much effort, making them an ideal choice for busy nights. With their simple ingredients, they pair well with everything from burgers to roasted vegetables. These wedges are a great vegetarian option that adds substance and flavor to your plate, ensuring your meal is complete.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes are a classic side dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Loaded with cheese and toppings, they’re a hearty option that works well with a variety of main dishes. This recipe is a great way to add substance to your vegetarian sides, making sure your meal feels balanced. They’re perfect for when you need something comforting and substantial to round out your plate.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Maple-glazed carrots bring out the natural sweetness of this vegetable, offering a colorful and flavorful side to any meal. The air fryer makes cooking quick and easy, so you can have this side ready in no time. This dish is a great choice for adding a touch of sweetness to your vegetarian sides, helping to balance out savory main courses. A simple yet effective way to round out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a timeless side dish that fits perfectly into both holiday meals and everyday dinners. The creamy sauce and crunchy topping provide a contrast in textures, making it a satisfying addition to any plate. This casserole is a fantastic choice for ensuring your meal has a balanced, complete feel. A reliable option for any occasion when you need a hearty vegetarian side.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker Rice

Slow cooker rice is a hands-off way to prepare a simple yet essential side for any meal. The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to focus on other dishes while the rice cooks to perfection. This dish is a great option when you want a no-fuss, versatile vegetarian side to complete your meal. Its ease of preparation and reliable results make it a go-to choice for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasting Roma tomatoes in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful and versatile side dish. These tomatoes are quick to cook and can be paired with a wide variety of mains, making them an easy addition to your dinner table. This dish adds a burst of flavor and color, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta is a light and refreshing side that brings a fresh twist to a classic appetizer. With its simple preparation and vibrant flavors, this dish is a great way to add more vegetables to your meal. It’s perfect for those looking to round out their plate with a vegetarian option that feels balanced and complete.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks offer a hearty, flavorful side that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying. The rich, roasted taste pairs well with a variety of mains, making it a great choice for adding substance to your vegetarian meal. This dish ensures your plate feels complete, offering a flavorful twist on a simple vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks