Looking for some quick and easy vegetable side dishes to add to your meals? You’re in luck! We’ve got a list of 21 options that are both simple to prepare and great for anyone wanting to include more veggies in their diet. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something light and healthy on the side.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Imagine your plate featuring a tower that’s both visually impressive and loaded with flavor. Each layer is a testament to the comforting power of simplicity, blending crispness with tender bites. It’s the kind of side that effortlessly transitions from a casual family dinner to the most elegant of gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
If you’re after a side that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying, these golden cubes hit the mark. They emerge from the air fryer crispy on the outside, with a welcoming softness inside. Quick, no-fuss preparation makes them a practical choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Texas Corn Succotash
Talk about a dish that adds color and life to your table! With vibrant hues and diverse textures, it pairs well with just about anything and offers a hearty dose of southern charm. It’s the perfect side to round out your meal with a splash of heartwarming zest.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Smoked Asparagus
Smoky undertones give these green spears a surprisingly rich profile that’s anything but ordinary. They’re the right mix of easy prep and sophisticated flavor, ready to accompany a variety of main courses. This dish is all about adding a refined touch with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Keep the essence of summer alive year-round with a side that requires very little to shine. Sweet, juicy kernels meet the irresistible aroma of air-fried perfection, evoking memories of sunny days and outdoor feasts. It’s a reminder that some of the best flavors come in the simplest forms.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Smoked Brussels Sprouts
When Brussels sprouts meet the smoker, they transform into a conversation-worthy side dish. Each bite is packed with a smoky depth that turns veggie skeptics into enthusiasts. They’re your secret weapon for adding a gourmet touch that guests will think took all day to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Creamed Corn
There’s something undeniably fulfilling about the creamy texture of this dish that makes you feel at home. Effortlessly smooth, it wraps your favorite entrées in a blanket of comfort and warmth. A spoonful of this, and you’re not just serving a side; you’re crafting an experience.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Who knew tangy and smoky could dance together so harmoniously on the plate? It’s a combo that bridges the gap between bold flavors and traditional pairings, guaranteeing to perk up any ordinary meal. This side dish is a nod to tradition with a delightful contemporary spin.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Smoked Spaghetti Squash
Here’s a way to introduce a smoky nuance to your veggie repertoire without overcomplicating the process. This dish offers a playful texture that deceives the palate into thinking it’s indulging in a classic pasta. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit the adventure level of any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash
Fried Tomatillos
Venture into the less-traveled paths of side dishes with these crunchy, tangy wonders. They fry up quickly and bring a boldness to the table that’s hard to match. Not only do they cater to the crunch-craving crowd, but they also add an element of surprise to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Roasting is the name of the game when you want to spotlight the natural flavors of asparagus, but add a dollop of mascarpone, and it transforms into an indulgence. Ready to enhance any plate it graces, this side is both rustic and refined. Perfect for when you’re looking to give your meal a touch of decadence without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
What happens when classic Caesar gets an infusion of southwestern spirit? You get a zesty, dynamic salad that refuses to play second fiddle on the dining table. It’s an audacious twist on an old favorite that promises to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
German Kohlrabi
Introducing your palate to this old-world classic can be a refreshing change from the usual suspects. Its crisp texture and subtle sweetness make it a versatile companion to many main dishes. What truly sets it apart is how it brings a comforting but unexpected European flair to your table setup.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Smoking sweet potatoes elevates their natural sweetness and infuses a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. They serve as a heartwarming side that could very well become the star of your next meal. It’s all about showcasing a staple ingredient in a brand new light.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Spinach gets a makeover in the creamiest, dreamiest of ways, resulting in a side that’s nothing short of sublime. It pairs the earthy undertones of the greens with a silky smooth texture—and the process is almost as enjoyable as the consumption. This is your go-to for when you want to add a spoonful of luxury to your meal without any of the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Nothing says comfort like potatoes braised with garlic and rosemary, releasing tantalizing aromas that promise something special. It’s the kind of side that’s hearty enough to stand on its own, yet plays well with any main it meets. Plus, it’s a foolproof option for adding a rustic, home-cooked vibe to your dish array.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Beans with Bacon
Certain to be a standout with their smoky sweetness, these beans don’t just fill the plate—they fill the room with anticipation. Combining down-home comfort with a touch of sophistication, they’re equally at home at a casual lunch or a dinner party. And they come together with an ease that belies their complex flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beans with Bacon
Grilled Veggies
Grilling vegetables is a surefire way to celebrate their natural goodness while adding a hint of char that’s irresistible. This colorful array delivers not just on taste but also on texture, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s the kind of versatile side that’s ready for everything from intimate dinners to grand celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies
Bacon Fried Corn
Stir in a little excitement to your side selection with corn that’s been kissed by bacon’s savory notes. Each kernel bursts with the perfect combo of sweetness and smokiness, courtesy of a quick sizzle in the pan. This is the dish that’s guaranteed to disappear first at your gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup
With the comforting warmth of baked acorn squash complemented by a hint of maple, you’ve got a side that’s essentially fall on a plate. This dish’s natural sweetness and soft texture make it a stress-free addition to any meal, especially when you’re looking to add a bit of novelty. It’s a straightforward yet memorable pick for a dinner that requires a dash of rustic charm.
Get the Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup
Corn Fritters
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of freshly made corn fritters, a side that brings both texture and a taste of indulgence. They’re a testament to how something so simple can be transformed into a standout dish. Ideal for those days when you’re in search of a quick way to inject fun into the meal.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters