You can ask my children and they will tell you, vegetables are a struggle for me! Over the years I’ve found ways to make vegetable-forward dishes something people actually want to eat. When you roast them until the edges caramelize, or toss them in a tangy dressing, or crisp them up with a little bacon, veggies aren’t bland and they start being the dish everyone reaches for first. I’ve collected my favorite vegetable side dishes in one place (a long with a protein pairing) to make your life easier when the 5pm question of “what’s for dinner?” comes up.
Sometimes after making our main dish (often times a protein or pasta) the vegetables become an afterthought. That’s when I appreciate this list of vegetable side dishes. Below you’ll find some of my favorite vegetable forward side dishes that really complete your meal.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Delicious Irish fried cabbage made with bacon and onions! Try this fried cabbage with bacon and onions for an easy, hearty side dish.
- Keto-friendly side with crispy bacon, sautéed cabbage, and savory onion;
- Serves up to 6 as a side dish
- Pairs perfect with our corned beef recipe.
This refreshing cucumber slaw is light, creamy, and perfect for tacos or BBQ! Try this easy shredded cucumber salad recipe today.
- A light, creamy version of classic coleslaw, swapping cabbage with crisp shredded cucumber and red cabbage
- Pair with our fish tacos recipe.
Crispy, caramelized maple roasted brussel sprouts make the perfect sweet and savory side dish for any meal—easy to prep and packed with bold flavor!
- Crispy, caramelized sprouts with a sweet and savory glaze
- Ready in 30 minutes.
- Pairs well with pork chops.
Quick and delicious Blackstone vegetables cooked to perfection! Learn how to make griddle vegetables with this easy recipe for any meal.
- Mixed vegetables (asparagus, peppers, zucchini, broccoli, onion)
- Sears fast on on a flat top grill.
- Pair with our blackstone steak recipe.
This broccoli raisin salad is crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor! Make this easy broccoli salad with bacon and raisins for any occasion.
- Crunchy, creamy, with smoky bacon and sweet raisins
- Great for BBQs or potlucks
- Make it with smoked party ribs.
Tired of the same old holiday desserts? Try this fun and flavorful carrot casserole. It’s so good, you’ll want to make it all year round!
- Tender, sweetened carrots with a buttery crumbly topping
- Make- ahead friendly dish.
- Goes great with our prime rib.
Steaming Instant Pot broccoli is quick and effortless! Make steamed broccoli in just 10 minutes for a tender-crisp, healthy side dish every time.
- Tender and crisp broccoli made in the instant pot in under ten minute
- Easy way to add vegetables to your meal time.
- This side dish goes well with most week night dinners, but we recommend our Ruth Chris stuffed chicken (copycat recipe)
This easy roasted green beans and potatoes recipe is a delicious side dish for any meal! Try this flavorful roasted potatoes and green beans combo.
- Sweet, crisp veggies coated with olive oil, rosemary, garlic.
- You can make a lot of vegetables for a large gathering.
- Make this along with our oven roasted turkey tenderloin
Make roasted carrots and asparagus in just 30 minutes with a few simple ingredients! This easy, flavorful side dish is perfect for any meal.
- Simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes
- Add parmesan cheese for a flavor boost.
- Any chicken recipe pairs well with this side dish.
This carrot raisin salad is crunchy, sweet, and tangy! Try this shredded carrot salad recipe for a refreshing and healthy side dish.
- Crunchy, sweet, and tangy shredded carrot salad
- Light and refreshing
- Serve along with our pulled pork recipe.
Fried cabbage, roasted carrots and asparagus, or our broccoli raisin salad all hold up next to rich, smoky main dishes.
Cucumber slaw is light, creamy, and tangy, made for fish tacos!
Fried cabbage is a keto-friendly side and with only a few ingredients! Steamed broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and the flat top griddle vegetables also fit a low-carb plate.
The carrot casserole can be prepped the day before, refrigerated, and baked when ready. Broccoli raisin salad and carrot raisin salad both actually taste better after a chill!
