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
- 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.
- A light, creamy version of classic coleslaw, swapping cabbage with crisp shredded cucumber and red cabbage
- Pair with our fish tacos recipe.
- Crispy, caramelized sprouts with a sweet and savory glaze
- Ready in 30 minutes.
- Pairs well with pork chops.
- Mixed vegetables (asparagus, peppers, zucchini, broccoli, onion)
- Sears fast on on a flat top grill.
- Pair with our blackstone steak recipe.
- Crunchy, creamy, with smoky bacon and sweet raisins
- Great for BBQs or potlucks
- Make it with smoked party ribs.
- Tender, sweetened carrots with a buttery crumbly topping
- Make- ahead friendly dish.
- Goes great with our prime rib.
- 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)
- 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
- Simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes
- Add parmesan cheese for a flavor boost.
- Any chicken recipe pairs well with this 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!
Heartier Side Dishes You’ll Love
- Loaded Hashbrown Casserole
- Double Baked Mashed Potatoes
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Sourdough Garlic Bread + Garlic Toast
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