Vegetable side dishes are often my favorite part of dinner. No offense to the main course, but I find that vegetable side dishes are what make the meal fun. They add a pop of color, fresh flavor, and variety to the table. Even basic roasted broccoli is so tasty that I want to eat it straight off the baking sheet! I’m sharing 25 of my go-to vegetable side dishes below. I’ve made all these recipes time and time again. Each one is simple enough to prep for a weeknight dinner, but also flavorful enough to serve at a holiday feast. Try one the next time you want to add a serving of vegetables to a meal. You might be surprised how much you love eating your veggies!
25 Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
Air Fryer Vegetables
If you’re not already roasting veggies in the air fryer, now’s the time to start! They cook super quickly, and they have amazing crispy, caramelized edges. I love this colorful medley with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley on top.
Simple Green Salad
A simple green salad is one of the freshest, easiest vegetable side dishes—no cooking required! Try this one with my lemon vinaigrette or homemade Italian dressing.
Roasted Asparagus
This 15-minute side dish is perfect for spring, when asparagus is at its best. Tender, juicy, and flavorful, it pairs well with any meal.
Roasted Carrots
A touch of honey brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness.
Sautéed Kale
I’m always trying to eat more leafy greens. This recipe makes it easy! In just 5 minutes, a whole bunch of kale wilts down into lemony, garlicky goodness.
Roasted Delicata Squash
If you’re looking for a delicious vegetable side dish for a fall or winter meal, roasted squash is a great option. I love all kinds—roasted butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and kabocha—but delicata squash is best for weeknights. You don’t have to peel it, and its small size makes it easy to chop. Best of all, it cooks in just 20 minutes!
Best Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes aren’t only for Thanksgiving! This comforting side dish is simple enough to make on regular old weeknights too.
Sautéed Green Beans
I think sautéed green beans are one of the most underrated vegetable side dishes. They’re crisp-tender, vibrant, and ready in 10 minutes. What’s not to love?! To take mine over the top, I toss them with a zingy lemon-Dijon dressing and fresh thyme.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli’s crisp, browned edges make it completely irresistible. Even my kiddo goes back for seconds!
Shaved Fennel Salad
This refreshing salad feels elegant, but it couldn’t be simpler to make.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Complete with crackly exteriors and caramelized edges, these roasted Brussels sprouts are a fan favorite side dish. Season them simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or dress them up with lemon, thyme, and Parmesan cheese.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Tender, puffy, and beautifully browned, roasted sweet potatoes have always been one of my favorite vegetable side dishes. I’ll eat them with just about any meal, but I especially love them with a hearty kale salad or black bean soup.
Roasted Zucchini
Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add delicious savory flavor to simple roasted zucchini.
Sautéed Mushrooms
The secret to perfect sautéed mushrooms? Don’t stir them too much. As they make sustained contact with the hot pan, they become browned and lightly crisp.
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is one of the vegetable side dishes I make most often. It’s super hands-off (great for cooking with a kiddo around!), and the florets are tender, rich, and nutty. It never gets old!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and packed with rich garlic flavor. Yes, you’re going to want seconds.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This 7-ingredient slaw is an easy way to add a bright pop of flavor to your plate.
Mashed Cauliflower
Potatoes aren’t the only vegetable that can create a creamy, cloud-like mash. Cauliflower can too! This fluffy mashed cauliflower reheats perfectly, so it’s a great veggie side dish to make ahead.
Roasted Mushrooms
Seasoned with tamari, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs, these roasted mushrooms have a meaty texture and rich, savory flavor. Make this recipe with cremini mushrooms for an everyday side dish, or use a mix of varieties for a special occasion.
Cabbage Steaks
You might not think to roast cabbage, but you totally can! This recipe is my favorite way to do it. Cut into “steaks,” the cabbage becomes crisp around the edges and meltingly tender in the middle.
Roasted Beets
These roasted beets are one of my favorite vegetable side dish recipes to make ahead. They’re wonderful chilled, so I often roast them off a day in advance. When I’m ready to serve, I simply slice them, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with sea salt and herbs.
Sautéed Yellow Squash
This veggie side dish will be the star of any meal! Crispy panko breadcrumbs, lemon, and fresh herbs elevate the tender sautéed summer squash.
Cucumber Salad
This sweet, tangy salad has definite dill pickle vibes. Serve it as a side dish with black bean burgers or veggie burgers for a fresh summer meal.
Grilled Tomatoes
You’ve tried grilled zucchini and grilled corn…but what about grilled tomatoes? Tender, juicy, smoky, and sweet, they belong in your rotation of vegetable side dishes.
Oven Roasted Eggplant
Roasting is one of the easiest ways to cook eggplant…and one of the most delicious. These cubes are browned on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender in the middle. Serve them alongside any pasta, pizza, or simply cooked protein.
