Delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive—especially when it comes to vegetable-forward cooking. These 14 vegetarian side dishes are packed with flavor and cost less than $1 per serving, making them a smart choice for both your palate and your budget.
From bright salads to roasted favorites and pantry-friendly mixes, these sides prove that simple ingredients can go a long way with the right seasoning and technique.
Cheesy Cabbage Wedges with Breadcrumbs
If you’re not already roasting your cabbage, you’re missing out on one of the easiest upgrades to a basic vegetable. This cheesy roasted cabbage dish is crisp on the outside, tender in the center, and topped with a smooth cheese sauce and herby breadcrumbs.
Get the Cheesy Roasted Cabbage recipe.
Crispy Brown Butter Smashed Potatoes
Crispy Brown Butter Smashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. These golden, crunchy potatoes are infused with the earthy, aromatic flavor of fresh sage, creating a simple yet irresistible combination.
Get the Smashed Potato recipe.
Honey Soy Cauliflower with Crispy Rice
Honey Soy Cauliflower with Crispy Rice is equal parts sweet, savory, and satisfying. The cauliflower is roasted until golden and coated in a sticky honey-soy glaze, balancing sweetness with umami-rich depth. Then it’s topped with crispy and flavorful rice that adds a satisfying crunch.
Get the Honey Soy Cauliflower recipe.
Green Bean, Tomato and Chickpea Salad
Our Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather dining. Packed with crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and protein-rich chickpeas, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.
Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a flavorful dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Perfect as a light side dish or a palate-cleansing appetizer, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Get the Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe.
Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cabbage
This Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cabbage is a fast, low-effort side dish that hits that salty, crispy, cheesy sweet spot. We’re making it on repeat. The method is simple: cabbage slices roast directly on little piles of seasoned Parmesan cheese, which melts, crisps up, and fuses to the bottom of the cabbage.
Get the Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cabbage recipe.
Mexican-Inspired Brussels Sprouts
These Mexican-Inspired Brussels Sprouts are so delicious, caramelized on the edges and coated with a spicy Mexican-inspired seasoning that adds a great pop of flavor.
Get the Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Baked Cauliflower Steaks
If you’re looking for a delicious, meatless main dish that’s both hearty and easy to prepare, these Baked Cauliflower Steaks are the perfect choice. Thick slices of cauliflower are seasoned and roasted until they’re tender and golden, offering a satisfying alternative way to cook cauliflower.
Get the Cauliflower Steak recipe.
Grilled Chili Crunch Zucchini
Grilled Chili Crunch Zucchini are sliced and grilled to perfection, giving them a smoky char, and then topped with a spicy chili crunch that adds a satisfying kick. This dish is an ideal balance of texture and taste, making it a standout addition to any meal.
Get the Chili Crunch Zucchini recipe.
Roasted Cabbage with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Roasting cabbage is one of the easiest ways to bring out its natural sweetness and add some serious flavor with minimal effort. In this version, you roast the cabbage wedges until the edges are golden and crisp, then top them with a simple creamy mustard sauce that takes less than five minutes to make. It’s the kind of side dish that works with just about anything—grilled sausage, roast chicken, even salmon—but still holds its own as a standout on the plate.
Get the Cabbage with Mustard Sauce recipe.
Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
These Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are magic. The combination of crispy edges and fluffy interiors, all coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Corn on the Cob is a delicious and popular summer dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish at any outdoor gathering. There’s just something about the sweet, juicy kernels of corn that are enhanced by the smoky flavor from the grill that makes this dish a must-have during summer barbecues.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Roasted Parmesan Sweet Potatoes
These Roasted Parmesan Sweet Potatoes make a perfect side dish for your meal. They are super quick to make and have a great balance of sweet and savory.
Get the Roasted Sweet Potato recipe.
Flavorful Cilantro Coconut Rice
Coconut Cilantro Rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals, from spicy curries to grilled seafood. The rich creaminess of coconut milk balances the fresh, zesty pop of cilantro and lime, creating a light and fragrant dish that’s anything but boring.
Get the Cilantro Coconut Rice recipe.
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.