Vegetable Sides That Go With Everything

Veggie side dishes are a great way to add color, flavor, and balance to any meal. Whether you’re working with fresh, frozen, or roasted vegetables, there are plenty of easy ways to prepare them. They can be simple, quick, and full of variety.

From roasted carrots and garlic green beans to sautéed spinach and fresh salads, vegetables can be cooked in so many different ways. Some are crisp and light, while others are warm and hearty. They pair well with almost any main dish and can also stand out on their own.

These recipes are useful for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or just making the most of what’s in your fridge. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a group, veggie sides can add something fresh and delicious to the table.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This chilled salad mixes crunchy broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy dressing that brings everything together. Add-ins like bacon, sunflower seeds, or dried cranberries add both texture and flavor. It’s great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep. A fresh way to enjoy raw veggies with a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Tender okra cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce makes this dish full of flavor and warmth. It pairs well with rice or flatbread and is a great option if you’re looking to try something different. The okra stays soft without turning slimy, thanks to a few simple tricks. A comforting and bold veggie main or side.
Get the Recipe: Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

These potatoes are boiled until tender, then smashed and roasted until the edges crisp up beautifully. Garlic and herbs add plenty of flavor, and they’re great on their own or with a main dish. A fun alternative to standard mashed or roasted potatoes. Crispy outside, fluffy inside.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Worcestershire Green Beans

These green beans are sautéed with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, adding depth and a bit of tang. They cook quickly, making them a great weeknight side. A sprinkle of pepper or a few red pepper flakes brings extra kick. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

The BEST Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

These come out crispy on the outside with tender centers—just how Brussels should be. A quick toss in oil and seasoning is all it takes before the air fryer works its magic. You can finish them with a drizzle of balsamic or a sprinkle of parmesan. Quick, easy, and actually enjoyable for sprout skeptics.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Asparagus cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, keeping its color and just the right amount of bite. A sprinkle of parmesan at the end adds a little richness and flavor. It’s a great side when you want something fast and fresh. No overcooked mush here—just tender and tasty.
Get the Recipe: IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Got Extra Tomatoes? Try Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Slow-roasting brings out the natural sweetness in tomatoes and gives them a deep, rich flavor. They’re perfect on toast, tossed with pasta, or added to salads. A little olive oil, salt, and maybe some garlic is all you need. A great way to use up a batch that’s a little too ripe.
Get the Recipe: Got Extra Tomatoes? Try Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Sauteed cabbage with peppers

This colorful combo cooks down quickly and picks up flavor from simple seasonings. The cabbage softens just enough, while the peppers keep a bit of bite. It pairs well with almost any protein or can be enjoyed on its own. A quick and easy skillet side that’s full of color and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed cabbage with peppers

Quick Air Fryer Green Beans

With just a touch of oil and seasoning, these green beans crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. They keep their snap while developing a little golden color on the edges. Great as a side or even a healthy snack. Ready in minutes with hardly any cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Quick Air Fryer Green Beans

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Creamy and smooth, this mash blends cauliflower with just enough potato for texture and flavor. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, without missing much. Add a little garlic or cheese if you want to boost the flavor. Comfort food with a balanced twist.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Mustard Potato Salad

This potato salad has a tangy kick thanks to a mustard-forward dressing that cuts through the richness. It’s perfect for cookouts or as a make-ahead side. Add in celery or pickles for extra crunch. A nice switch-up from the standard creamy versions.
Get the Recipe: Mustard Potato Salad

Quick Creamed Collard Greens Recipe (Dairy-Free)

These greens are tender and creamy without using any dairy, making them a great option for many diets. The flavors are bold but not overpowering, and they cook down quickly. A splash of coconut milk or broth gives them richness without being heavy. A great way to enjoy collards in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Quick Creamed Collard Greens Recipe (Dairy-Free)

Parmesan Oven Fries

These oven-baked fries are tossed with parmesan and seasoning for a crispy, cheesy edge. They bake up golden and go with everything from burgers to salads. You can cut them thick or thin depending on your mood. Way easier than frying, and less messy too.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Oven Fries

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A mix of carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and more roast until tender and caramelized. The natural sweetness comes out in the oven, especially with a touch of olive oil and herbs. Perfect as a side or tossed into grain bowls. Great for making use of seasonal veggies.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Creamy Whipped Potatoes

Smooth, fluffy, and rich—these potatoes are all about texture. A bit of butter and cream helps them whip up light while still being full of flavor. Great with gravy or just on their own. A classic for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Whipped Potatoes

Homemade Sauerkraut

Just cabbage, salt, and time—this fermented classic is surprisingly easy to make. It keeps well in the fridge and adds crunch and tang to sandwiches, sausages, and more. Once you try homemade, the store-bought versions might not cut it. A simple project with tasty rewards.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut

Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes come together quickly in the Instant Pot with minimal effort. They’re creamy, fluffy, and easy to flavor with butter, garlic, or herbs. Great for busy weeknights or when you’re short on stove space. A solid go-to for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Sauteed-rainbow-chard

This leafy green cooks down fast and brings color to the plate with its vibrant stems. A little garlic and oil is all it needs, though you can add chili flakes for some heat. It’s tender without being mushy, and pairs well with a variety of mains. An easy way to work more greens into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed-rainbow-chard

Quick and Simple Air Fryer Cabbage

Cabbage in the air fryer turns golden and crisp around the edges while staying tender inside. A little oil and seasoning is all you need for big flavor. It’s a surprisingly good side when you want something different. Ready in about 10 minutes and great with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Simple Air Fryer Cabbage

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Carrots roast to tender perfection with a glaze of honey that brings out their natural sweetness. A sprinkle of salt or herbs keeps them from being too sugary. Great for holiday tables or everyday dinners. Simple, sweet, and just a little bit fancy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Pan-Fried Lion’s Mane

This meaty mushroom gets crispy on the edges when pan-fried, almost like seafood in texture. A bit of oil, salt, and garlic lets the flavor shine through. Great on its own or as a plant-based main dish. A unique ingredient that’s worth trying if you can find it.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Lion’s Mane