25 Vegetarian Side Dishes That Are Hearty and Delicious

Vegetable side dishes are a fantastic way to balance out a rich, hearty meal — and put something delicious on the table that everyone can enjoy, including anyone following a meatless diet. All too often, these vegetarian dishes don’t get the credit they deserve, so we decided to round up recipes that showcase the flavor and decadence that veggies can bring to a meal. Anything but boring, these side dishes are versatile, simple and sure to please anyone who is gathered around your table. If you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to impress, start with this creamy dish. It’s loaded with good-for-you veggies like tomato, squash and leafy greens, making it flavorful and filling. Best of all, it’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Vegetarian side dishes might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a barbecue, but this recipe for vegetarian collard greens is the perfect accompaniment to a meaty meal. It packs deep, rich, flavor and pairs perfectly with smoked or grilled entrees.

Green beans take on a creamy texture thanks to this recipe that uses tahini, lemon and garlic for an elevated flavor profile. Serve warm, chilled, or room temperature.

This versatile side dish is a must-have on any hearty dinner menu. Potatoes may seem simple, but minced garlic, fresh parsley and olive oil add extra flavor to these crispy potatoes.

Cauliflower gratin is creamy, crunchy and filling. Gruyere and parmesan combine for a rich flavor that makes the perfect side dish, but deserves to be the star of the show. Serve it with chicken, beef, pork or fish.

For a simple recipe that requires just four ingredients, try roasted Brussels sprouts. Perfect for any time of year and any type of dinner, roasted Brussels sprouts are a crispy, crunchy, crowd pleasing side dish.

This fresh, flavorful pasta salad takes just 30 minutes. Perfect for a garden party or backyard barbecue, mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil and cherry tomatoes taste just like summer.

We’re firm believers that macaroni and cheese deserves to be a meal all on its own, but it makes a pretty good side dish, too. This recipe takes a classic and adds some spice, thanks to the addition of cayenne and dry mustard. Croutons add a crunchy topping to this baked delight.

For a quick, crunchy salad that can lighten up a dinner, turn to steamed broccoli. This broccoli salad uses almonds for extra crunch and cranberries for a bit of sweet-and-tangy flavor. A lemon-mayo dressing adds luscious creaminess for a completely balanced dish.

Ever wondered how creamy mashed potatoes could get more delicious? We’ve got an idea, and it promises to pack a punch of flavor. Goat cheese adds an unmatchable tanginess, so it’s the perfect way to elevate standard mashed potatoes. Try it in this recipe that uses sour cream and half and half for extra decadence.

For an easy side dish that takes just 15 minutes, try sauteed carrots. Melted butter adds creamy richness and fresh dill adds complex flavor to a simple and savory side dish.

Fresh, crunchy slaw is the perfect accompaniment to rich, barbecued meats. An easy and approachable side dish for your next backyard party, this vinegar-based coleslaw adds zippy flavor to hearty cabbage.

Charred beans are a versatile and fresh side dish that pair nicely with chicken, fish or beef. This recipe gets an extra drizzle of flavor with the addition of a vibrant herb sauce that packs bright acidity.

Baked potatoes are anything but boring in this hearty recipe. Russet potatoes get seasoned with pepper and nutmeg, then topped with chopped scallions and melty cheddar cheese. The creamy, luscious potato filling is held together by an ultra-crispy and crunchy potato skin.

Ready in just 13 minutes, this fresh corn salad uses less than 10 ingredients. Golden corn gets tossed with vinegar, salt, pepper and onions, then tossed with freshly-torn basil. Serve it cold or at room temperature for a refreshing salad option.

Parker House rolls make the perfect accompaniment for any meal. Fresh rolls on the center of a table are irresistible, and this recipe is simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Pair with flavored butters for an impressive homemade side dish that’s easier than it looks.

Cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetables out there. In this recipe, it gets grated on a box grater to make a crumbly base for tabbouleh. The simple salad is loaded with tomatoes, scallions and parsley for a simple side dish that can be ready in just 10 minutes.

Everyone knows the best part of scalloped potatoes are the crispy edges. Thankfully, we’ve found a way to make the whole pan as crunchy as the corners. This recipe ensures the perfect, golden crust while promising creamy, melty potatoes underneath.

This cool and refreshing pasta salad can be served as a side dish or main dish alike. Packed with sun dried tomatoes, olives, feta and parmesan cheese, it’s an easy accompaniment for roast chicken or hearty meatballs. Serve it warm, chilled or at room temperature.

For a simple, affordable side dish that requires just a handful of ingredients, try this roasted cauliflower. Dress it up with extra herbs or keep it simple with thyme and rosemary. Either way, it’s a warm, filling side dish that will please a variety of different palates.

Creamy sweet potatoes are the perfect base for casserole, so we love this recipe that gets topped with a nutty crumb topping and flavored with brown sugar and vanilla. Prep this in advance for your next party and store in the refrigerator.

This 5-minute salad tastes like it took all day. Packed with tangy flavors from the addition of balsamic vinegar, mustard and goat cheese, it’s crisp and filling. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and makes for the perfect side salad to any entree.

Perfect alongside pasta or salad, garlic bread is just as much a treat as it is a vessel for scooping up leftover sauce. Surprisingly easy to whip up, this recipe can be on the table and ready to be devoured in less than 10 minutes.

Fresh herbs and shaved celery come together in this impossibly-simple salad. Loaded with parsley, mint, dill and tarragon, this easy dish gets dressed in champagne vinegar and seasoned salt and pepper. Serve it with fresh fish for a light, vibrant lunch.