30 vegetable side dishes you must try

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Discover a tantalizing array of 30 vegetable side dishes that will captivate your taste buds and leave you forgetting all about the main course.

Close shot of cooked leeks in white bowl
Buttered Sauteed Leeks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Stewed Potatoes

Bowl of stewed potatoes.
Stewed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Experience the nostalgic comfort of Stewed Potatoes—a throwback to hearty, homemade meals that evoke warmth and contentment.

Get the Recipe: Stewed Potatoes

Cherry Tomato Confit

Close shot of cherry tomatoes resting in oil.
Cherry Tomato Confit. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Discover the magic of Cherry Tomato Confit—a recipe that transforms ordinary tomatoes into tender, sweet, and irresistibly delicious gems.

Get the Recipe: Tomato Confit

Sauteed Buttered Leeks

Close shot of cooked leeks in white bowl
Buttered Sauteed Leeks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Savor the comforting and nutritious delight of buttered sautéed leeks. This simple and tender recipe presents the ideal choice for a quick, delicious side dish that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Pure veggie comfort food!

Get the Recipe: Buttered Sauteed Leeks

Sauteed Mushrooms

A tan ceramic bowl filled with sauteed mushrooms garnished with a fresh thyme sprig.
Sautéed Mushrooms. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

For those pressed for time, sautéed mushrooms make a quick and tasty side dish.

Get the Recipe: Sauteed Mushrooms

Pickled Cabbage

A small dish and jar filled with pickled cabbage.
Pickled cabbage. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Discover the art of quick and easy pickled cabbage! Elevate your dishes with its delightful crunch and tang, making it the perfect condiment to keep in your refrigerator.

Get the Recipe: Pickled Cabbage

Roasted Potato Salad

A close shot of roasted potatoes and veggies topped with fresh herbs and spices.
Roasted Potato Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Indulge in the deliciousness of a vibrant roasted potato salad, featuring a medley of fresh herbs, a homemade dressing, and a delightful pistachio crunch.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Potato Salad

Garlic Bok Choy

Cooked bok choy in a white bowl.
Garlic Bok Choy. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

When time is scarce, this effortless garlic bok choy recipe becomes the ideal choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight side dish.

Get the Recipe: Bok Choy

Korean Cucumber Salad

Korean-Style Cucumber Salad
Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Embark on a delicious culinary adventure with this quick and easy Korean cucumber salad, showcasing a delightful blend of spicy and tangy flavors.

Get the recipe: Korean Cucumber Sala

Grilled Asparagus with Garlic

Grilled Asparagus with Garlic on a plate.
Grilled Asparagus with Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender-crisp asparagus with a kiss of smoke is so good, it’s almost better than the main entree! So easy to make and ready in a jiffy, this easy side dish is always good eating!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Garlic

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.
Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad of tomatoes and mozzarella, yet it packs a punch of flavor. It is the perfect make-ahead salad for Easter!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

mashed cauliflower potatoes with butter
Mashed cauliflower potatoes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Enjoy the creamy and flavorful goodness of mashed potatoes with a healthy twist. This recipe replaces traditional potatoes with cauliflower, creating a light and fluffy side dish that is low in carbs but still packed with flavor. It’s the perfect guilt-free alternative for those looking to add more vegetables to their meals.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Sauteed Radish with Bacon

Red radishes with bacon in a pan.
Sauteed Radish with Bacon. Photo Credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Move over potatoes, these radishes have got you beat in flavor! Sauteed Radishes with Bacon is a quick and easy side dish that’s got all the flavor of taters but without all the carbs!
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Radish with Bacon

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apple & Cranberries

A spoonful of sweet potato slices with apples and cranberries in a white dish.
Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Baked Sweet Potato Slices are baked with sweet apples and tart cranberries for a simple, tasty, and healthy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apple & Cranberries

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritter getting dipped into sauce.
Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Zucchini Fritters make for a delightful side dish or appetizer for your Sunday dinner. They’re wonderfully crispy, easy to whip up, and a fantastic way to use up that summer zucchini.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Veggies

Sauteed cruciferous vegetables in a white bowl.
Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Crunch. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This recipe takes sautéed thinly sliced cruciferous vegetables like kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, and combines them with garlic, olive oil, and vinegar for a bright, savory side.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Veggies

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs on a black platter.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with flavor and a kiss of smoke, these elote corn ribs are as impressive looking as they are delicious! With a kick of spice and ready in a jiffy, there’s every reason to try these tonight!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill on a pink plate.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill is packed with sweet, savory, earthy, tangy, and salty flavors. Crunchy cucumbers, tenderly cooked beets, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette combine to create a delicious beet salad you’ll crave.
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, smooth, and loaded with spinach, this easy creamed spinach has a secret weapon: mascarpone. This common ingredient transforms the ho-hum spinach into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Salt Potatoes

Plate of loaded salt potatoes topped with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cheese and sour cream.
Loaded Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Baby potatoes are made extra creamy by boiling them with lots and lots of salt. Salt potatoes are a Syracuse NY tradition!
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Sautéed Sweet Potatoes

Sautéed sweet potatoes are shown on a black plate with the tines of a fork and a cream-colored linen.
Sautéed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sautéed sweet potatoes are an easy, versatile addition to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This sweet and savory side is simply seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and cayenne for just a hint of heat.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Sweet Potatoes

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Be transported to Greece with this Prasini Salad, a simple, delicious Mediterranean dish of crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, and bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s a perfect side salad with any meal!
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Braised Cabbage

Braised cabbage in bowl with spoon
Braised cabbage. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Elevate humble cabbage to new heights with this braised cabbage recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, the cabbage becomes tender and infused with savory flavors. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this dish is a comforting and delicious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Butternut Squash in the air fryer? Absolutely! This method gives the squash a beautifully caramelized surface and a sweet, tender interior. It’s a fast, fuss-free side dish that allows the natural, nutty sweetness of the squash to shine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Roasted Broccolini

Roasted broccolini on a white plate with garlic.
Roasted Broccolini. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Roasted tender stem broccoli (also known as broccolini or baby broccoli) is delicious when cooked until just crisp with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccolini

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob in a green corn dish in front of an air fryer.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Say goodbye to boiling or grilling, and hello to Air Fryer Corn on the Cob! The kernels turn perfectly tender and retain all their juicy sweetness, while the husk gets nicely charred. It’s an easy, hands-off method that results in irresistibly delicious corn.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Calabrian Potatoes

Calabrian potatoes on a white plate.
Calabrian Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

The subtle heat, bright citrus, fresh garlic, and aromatic rosemary in these Calabrian Potatoes liven up a basic, creamy potato in a way that hits all the flavor checkboxes.
Get the Recipe: Calabrian Potatoes

Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that looks beautiful and tastes even better!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

BBQ Green Beans with Ham

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham.
Barbecued Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This easy-to-make BBQ Green Beans recipe is full of tender beans, smoky ham, sweet onions, and tangy sauce that makes a tasty side dish.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans with Ham

Coleslaw

Copycat Popeye’s Coleslaw Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.
Copycat Popeye’s Coleslaw Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Crisp and refreshing, coleslaw is a classic side dish that complements a variety of main courses. This recipe features shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it at a barbecue, picnic, or alongside your favorite grilled dishes, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw

Cheesy Grilled Potatoes

Grilled potatoes topped with cheese and bacon in a foil pan.
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cook up cheesy potatoes right on the grill with your dinner. These are cooked with onion and bacon for extra deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes

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