Greens, Roots, and All – 26 Veggie Sides Worth Talking About

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Looking for a way to jazz up your plate with sides that steal the show? We’ve rounded up some of the tastiest, easiest, and most crowd-approved vegetable recipes to level up your next meal. Whether you’re hosting a feast or just trying to add a little green to your weeknight dinner, these dishes have you covered. From the cozy charm of Creamed Spinach to the crispy perfection of Baked Zucchini Fries, there’s a little something for everyone. You’ll love the sweet and savory pairing in Roasted Butternut Squash With Blue Cheese And Pecans, while Orange Sriracha Glazed Carrots With Goat Cheese And Pistachios bring a bold, zippy twist to the table. For those who adore potatoes (and who doesn’t?), you’ll go back for seconds of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe. And if you’re in the mood for something elegant yet simple, the Brown Butter French Green Beans With Toasted Pecans will have you feeling fancy without the fuss. Ready to dig in? Let’s explore these must-try veggie side dishes!

Ratatouille Recipe

A white dish filled with colorful ratatouille, featuring cooked zucchini, red bell peppers, and tomatoes. A sprig of fresh basil garnishes the top. A slice of bread is partially visible in the background.
Image Credit: Will Cook for Smiles

This Ratatouille Recipe brings together a mix of colorful, roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced side. The combination of these fresh ingredients creates a savory and hearty dish that complements nearly any main. Plus, the roasting technique enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, turning a simple side into a flavorful addition to your meal. It’s perfect when you want something wholesome and packed with vegetables, without feeling overly complicated. If you’re looking to up your veggie game, this one’s a great go-to.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille Recipe

Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac

A vibrant dish featuring roasted carrots garnished with fresh herbs, sliced almonds, and a creamy sauce on a white platter. A red bowl with sauce and a plate of flatbread are visible in the background, all set on a sunlit table.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac brings together earthy roasted carrots and a tangy yogurt sauce, with sumac adding a bright, citrusy note. The combination of flavors makes this dish a standout, offering a fresh take on vegetable sides. It’s perfect for adding color and variety to your table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Roasted Baby Potatoes served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Easy-to-make Roasted Baby Potatoes crisped in the hot oven with olive oil, garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary are one of life’s simple pleasures.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes

Brown Butter French Green Beans with Toasted Pecans

A plate of green beans topped with roasted pecans. The beans are bright green and slightly charred, with the pecans adding a crunchy texture. A yellow napkin is in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Brown Butter French Green Beans with Toasted Pecans add a nutty, buttery richness to fresh green beans. The toasted pecans give the dish a satisfying crunch, while the browned butter adds depth. It’s a fantastic choice for a vegetable side that’s both elegant and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter French Green Beans with Toasted Pecans

Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts

A decorative ceramic dish filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta cheese. The colorful dish is placed on a white plate, with another plate of the same dish in the background. A slow cooker is slightly visible to the left.
Image Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

With this Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts recipe, you can enjoy a delicious side without much effort. These Brussels sprouts turn tender and flavorful after slow cooking, making them a great addition to any meal. They’re perfect if you need a set-and-forget vegetable dish for a family dinner or gathering. Plus, they complement any protein with their subtle, rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Yummy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe picture
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This is the BEST Twice Baked Potato recipe! It’s the perfect side dish for any meal. Loaded with all the flavor to make it a showstopper.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Green Goddess Salad

Yummy Green Goddess Salad picture
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Fresh and herby, this classic green goddess salad recipe is perfect sunny days. Tossed in a creamy dressing and ready to serve in 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans

A white bowl of roasted butternut squash salad is topped with pecans, crumbled cheese, and fresh herbs. Pieces of butternut squash and whole pecans are scattered around the bowl on a dark surface.
Image Credit: Healthy Family Project

The Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans recipe is a standout choice for those looking for something different. The sweetness of the squash contrasts with the tangy blue cheese and the crunch of pecans. It’s a perfect vegetable side dish for those who want to impress with a little extra flavor and texture on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans

Air Fryer Mushrooms

A delightful Air Fryer Mushrooms
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Super simple and super delicious, these Air Fryer Mushrooms are tossed in oil and garlic then cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A rustic, white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with two pats of butter and sprinkled with chopped parsley, sits on a red and white checkered cloth. A wooden spoon lies beside the bowl.
Image Credit: Baking Beauty

These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes offer creamy, smooth potatoes in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot makes it easy to whip up this classic side dish, freeing up your stove for other dishes. Mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser, and this quick version doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. It’s a great pairing for any meal, especially when you want a comforting vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

7 Layer Salad

7 Layer Salad in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Seven delicious layers of lettuce, bacon, peas, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and eggs make up this traditional 7 Layer Salad!
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad in a patriotic motif serving bowl with a spoon.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Classic Southern Potato Salad is a must-have for any gathering, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor from mustard and pickles. It’s a comforting vegetable side that pairs well with grilled meats or fried chicken, making it a crowd favorite. This dish is perfect for rounding out your meal with a classic touch.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts in a bowl, topped with crispy bacon bits and drizzled with balsamic glaze. A spoon rests in the dish, and a small bowl of diced red peppers is visible in the background.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a simple yet tasty option for any meal. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts while making the edges crispy and golden. This dish is perfect if you want a reliable vegetable side that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Vegetable Tempura

A close-up of a platter filled with crispy, golden-brown tempura vegetables and seafood. The assortment includes green beans, shrimp, and other tempura varieties. A bowl of dipping sauce is partially visible in the background, along with chopsticks and a napkin.
Image Credit: Noshing With the Nolands

Vegetable Tempura is a fun way to enjoy a variety of vegetables, lightly battered and fried until crispy. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a tender vegetable inside. This is a fantastic choice for those looking to add some excitement to their vegetable sides while still keeping things light and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Tempura

Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage

A close-up of a plate filled with roasted butternut squash cubes, crispy bacon pieces, and garnished with chopped parsley. A sage leaf is visible in the background. The website name "DancingThroughTheRain.com" is written at the bottom right corner.
Image Credit: Dancing Through the Rain

The combination of butternut squash, bacon, and sage in this Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage recipe creates a deeply flavorful side dish. The squash becomes sweet and tender in the oven, while the bacon adds a savory crunch. It’s a great option when you want a satisfying vegetable dish that feels hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage

Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Almonds

A rectangular ceramic plate holds roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with chopped almonds and black sesame seeds. Two silver spoons rest beside the plate on a light marble surface. A few almond pieces are scattered around the plate.
Image Credit: Dancing Through the Rain

These Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Almonds add a satisfying crunch to a flavorful side dish. The combination of toasty almonds and tender Brussels sprouts creates a unique texture that’s both crunchy and soft. This is a fantastic way to bring some variety to your usual vegetable side dishes, perfect for those who want something beyond the basics.
Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Almonds

Moroccan Carrot Salad

A close-up of a wooden bowl filled with glazed carrot slices garnished with parsley. The vibrant orange carrots are coated in a shiny glaze and mixed with green parsley, creating a colorful and appetizing dish. A blue cloth is partially visible under the bowl.
Image Credit: Whole New Mom

This Moroccan Carrot Salad brings bold flavors to your table with a mix of spices that transform simple carrots into something special. The bright, slightly spicy flavors make this a refreshing vegetable dish, perfect for adding some variety to your usual sides. It’s a unique way to enjoy carrots, and it pairs well with a wide range of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Carrot Salad

Baked Zucchini Fries

Baked Zucchini Fries in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

If you’re on a mission to eat more veggies, you need to make these crispy baked zucchini fries coated in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs!
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini Fries

Roasted Cauliflower

Hands holding a bowl of roasted cauliflower seasoned with grated cheese and pepper. A spoon is in the bowl. A yellow napkin, a lemon half, and a small bowl of shredded cheese are visible nearby on a light surface.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill

Roasted Cauliflower takes this humble vegetable to new heights, with crispy edges and a tender center. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory kick, making this side dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s a great way to serve vegetables in a way that’s flavorful and easy to prepare, perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower

Orange Sriracha Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

A plate of roasted carrots topped with crumbled cheese and chopped nuts. The dish is served on a rectangular white platter. A light-colored napkin and silver serving utensils are in the background.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment

These Orange Sriracha Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese and Pistachios combine sweet, spicy, and savory flavors for a truly unique side dish. The creamy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios complement the tender carrots, making this an exciting option for anyone tired of plain veggies. It’s a fresh take on carrot dishes with bold flavors and contrasting textures.
Get the Recipe: Orange Sriracha Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

A bowl of creamy vegetable pasta featuring carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms. The dish is topped with a rich yellow sauce, and is accompanied by slices of bread and a small bowl of mushrooms in the background. A fork rests inside the bowl.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

A Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is always a hit, especially when you’re craving something rich and comforting. This dish combines various veggies with a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it irresistible even to the pickiest eaters. It’s a fantastic choice for rounding out a meal with a delicious, veggie-packed side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Steamed Brussels Sprouts

A bowl of cooked Brussels sprouts, lightly seasoned with pepper, served in a pink dish with a silver fork. The sprouts are bright green, indicating freshness, and are halved or whole.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill

These Steamed Brussels Sprouts are simple but full of flavor, thanks to a quick steam that keeps them tender and fresh. A dash of seasoning is all you need to make these sprouts shine as a healthy and light vegetable side. It’s an easy, no-fuss option when you want to add greens to your plate without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Beet Salad

A fresh salad featuring roasted beetroot, orange segments, and crumbled feta cheese on a bed of arugula in a white plate. The plate is placed on a white tablecloth next to sliced bread. A fork is placed on the plate, ready for eating.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This Roasted Beet Salad is a vibrant and earthy option for any meal. Roasting the beets deepens their flavor, making them the star of the dish, while the fresh greens add brightness. It’s a colorful and healthy vegetable side that brings a beautiful balance of flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad

BEST Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes

A black bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh thyme and a drizzle of melted butter. A spoon rests in the mashed potatoes, and a striped cloth and whole potatoes are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Emkay’s Kitchen

These BEST Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes live up to their name with a smooth and fluffy texture that’s hard to beat. Perfectly seasoned and rich, this dish brings a comforting element to any meal. If you’re looking for a classic vegetable side, this one will fit right in, whether for a holiday meal or a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: BEST Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes

Creamed Spinach

A white ceramic bowl filled with creamy spinach dip, topped with grated cheese, sits on a wooden table. Beside the bowl is a copper spoon, a grater, and a chunk of cheese. Blurred in the background are stacked dark plates and a folded cloth napkin.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment

This Creamed Spinach recipe brings rich, creamy goodness to the table, making spinach more irresistible than ever. The smooth sauce coats each leaf, creating a luscious and comforting vegetable side. It’s a perfect way to serve greens with a little extra indulgence, ideal for pairing with hearty mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Air Fryer Broccoli

A close-up of roasted broccoli florets topped with grated cheese. A fork is resting on the plate, ready to serve. The broccoli is crispy and vibrant green, adding a fresh, appetizing look to the dish.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

With this Air Fryer Broccoli recipe, you can enjoy crispy, tender broccoli in minutes. The air fryer gives the florets a nice char without needing much oil, making it a healthy and delicious vegetable side. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to add greens to any meal without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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