• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Bonus - free keto meal plan
  • Home
  • About
  • Media
Lara Clevenger
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Work With Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Dietitian Services
  • Camping
  • Media
×
Home » Trending

26 Vegetarian Side Dish Recipes So Bold They Make Meat Jealous

Published: Jan 23, 2026 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Forget sad veggies — these side dishes are loud, indulgent, and absolutely unhinged. Think caramelized edges, melty cheese pulls, garlicky goodness, and flavors so rich they demand silence at the table. Each recipe transforms humble vegetables into dramatic, crave-worthy showstoppers that disappear faster than you can say just one more bite. These sides don’t whisper healthy — they scream delicious.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash on a white plate with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a delicious side dish and easy low carb recipe. It's a good low carb alternative to pasta and great for those following a keto or paleo diet! BONUS it's super easy to make and done in less than 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making frozen Brussel sprouts in the air fryer is so easy you won’t even believe it! In about 15 minutes from freezer to air fryer, you'll have perfectly cooked Brussel sprouts!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Blackstone Asparagus on white plate.
Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle is insanely easy to do! Crunchy delicious grilled asparagus is a healthy side dish. Minimal ingredients of garlic, salt, pepper and oil, this dish is done in no time at all!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Radishes with parsley, salt, and pepper in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Radishes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These Air Fryer Radishes are incredibly easy to make and require only a few ingredients. They're a great low carb and low calorie side dish. They also spruce up your plate with color!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are so sweet and flavorful! They are incredibly easy to make and done in about 10 minutes! Cooking peppers and onions in the Air Fryer is so easy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Instant Pot Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cauliflower in a white bowl with a fork.
Instant Pot Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot Cauliflower couldn't be easier to make! Just 1 minute under pressure gives you perfectly steamed cauliflower! Simply seasoned, this recipe is great for keto, paleo and gluten-free diets.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cauliflower

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle on a white plate.
Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Make perfectly cooked zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Quick and easy, these make for a healthy side dish! These Blackstone zucchini are low in carbs and great for a keto or paleo diet!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with a spoon, parsley, butter, salt, and black pepper.
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower is a great low carb alternative to potatoes! These Cauliflower mashed potatoes are deliciously buttery! Also, this mashed cauliflower recipe is low in carbs and is a healthy side dish!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Blackstone Green Beans

Blackstone Green Beans with pepper and salt in a white bowl with a spoon.
Blackstone Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making green beans on the Blackstone Griddle is incredibly easy to do! These green beans have just 5 ingredients and are made in just 10 minutes! Not only do they taste delicious, but they're a great low carb side dish!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans

Orange Fluff Salad

A blue bowl of orange fluff with mandarin orange and mini marshmallows.
Orange Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This orange fluff is as light as air, and heaven on the tongue. Tastes just like an orange creamsicle with none of the sticky mess!
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

Hushpuppies

A basket of hushpuppies lined with a paper towel.
Hushpuppies. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These hushpuppies are super crunchy on the outside, yet light and fluffy on the inside. This restaurant appetizer can easily be made at home in no time flat.
Get the Recipe: Hushpuppies

Corn Fritters

A stack of fried corncakes topped with sour cream, and green onions.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These corn fritters feature sweet corn, spicy jalapeno, and a dash of cheese. They fry up super crispy and are one of my favorite summer treats.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Mashed Potato Cakes

Stacked cheesy potato cakes topped with sour cream and green onions.
Mashed Potato Cakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crispy on the outside, yet cheesy and fluffy on the inside. These go great with anything and are so addictive!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Cakes

Mexican Street Corn

Corn on the cob topped with mexican spices and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Mexican Street Corn features a tangy sauce and crumbly cotija cheese sprinkled with just the right amount of spice. This is the best corn I've ever tried!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with two pats of  butter and parsley.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These creamy and flavorful instant pot mashed potatoes are sure to become your new favorite side dish. They cook up fluffy every time in just 8 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Cheesecake Salad

A cheesecake salad with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a large bowl.
Cheesecake Salad. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Juicy fruit and rich cheesecake filling come together in this fun red, white, and blue cheesecake salad. Quick to make and always the first thing gone at at picnics!
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Salad

Perilla Leaf Kimchi: A Taste of Korean Tradition

Perilla leaves coated in a spicy red sauce with diced onions and sesame seeds on a white plate.
Perilla Leaf Kimchi: A Taste of Korean Tradition. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Perilla leaf kimchi is a type of kimchi that is made with perilla leaves instead of the traditional cabbage.
Get the Recipe: Perilla Leaf Kimchi: A Taste of Korean Tradition

Stir Fry Mung Bean Sprouts Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

A plate of stir-fried bean sprouts with sliced red chilies and green onions, served on a dark dish with chopsticks.
Stir Fry Mung Bean Sprouts Recipe (Vegan Friendly). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

If you're looking for a quick side dish that's healthy and delicious, stir-fry mung bean sprouts are the answer.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Mung Bean Sprouts Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

Homemade Chinese Zucchini Pancakes Recipe (糊塌子)

Crispy Chinese zucchini pancakes on a plate.
Homemade Chinese Zucchini Pancakes Recipe (糊塌子). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Chinese zucchini pancakes are bursting with the flavors of different vegetables. They are a great way to enjoy a vegetable-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chinese Zucchini Pancakes Recipe (糊塌子)

Sichuan Stir-Fried Chinese Shredded Potato (酸辣土豆丝)

Stir-fried shredded potatoes with green onions and dried red chilies on a green plate, accompanied by black chopsticks.
Sichuan Stir-Fried Chinese Shredded Potato (酸辣土豆丝). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Chinese shredded potato is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Sichuan cuisine to your table.
Get the Recipe: Sichuan Stir-Fried Chinese Shredded Potato (酸辣土豆丝)

Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Quick and Healthy

A plate of stir-fried broccoli and mushrooms garnished with sesame seeds.
Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Quick and Healthy. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This simple yet delicious recipe combines tender broccoli, meaty mushrooms, and a savory sauce that will feel satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Quick and Healthy

Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style)

Spicy and savory Hunan-style tofu stir-fry on a plate with a pair of silver chopsticks.
Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Hunan tofu is characterized by its bold and spicy flavor profile, with the tofu serving as a mild base to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style)

Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish

Sweet and creamy oven-roasted purple yams on a white plate with green onions.
Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This roasted purple yam recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a unique twist to their meals. They are the perfect side dish or snack!
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish

Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Healthy and flavorful stir-fried Taiwanese spinach with garlic on a brown plate.
Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Simple, easy Taiwanese Spinach stir fry is a classic Chinese vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes topped with melted cheese, green onions, and crispy fried onions, served on a wooden surface with a small bowl of more crispy onions in the background.
Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Looking for a new side dish idea? These air fryer twice baked French onion baked potatoes are sweet, creamy, savory, and oh so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

More Trending

  • A white bowl filled with cooked cauliflower florets, seasoned with black pepper, sits on a light surface next to a white cloth.
    19 Side Dish Recipes That Are Juicy, Flavor-Packed, and Impossible to Ignore
  • A close-up of a spoon holding pasta with ground meat, red bell peppers, tomato sauce, and sprinkled grated cheese.
    21 Pork Recipes So Juicy, Crispy, and Over-the-Top They Cause Fork Fights
  • Two granola bars partially wrapped in parchment paper are stacked on a beige surface.
    23 Strawberry Recipes That Hug, Kiss, and Hijack Your Taste Buds
  • A cheeseburger with spinach, bacon, melted cheddar, sauce, and guacamole on a bun, served with green beans on a black plate.
    24 Grilled and Smoked Recipes So Juicy, Crispy, and Flavor-Packed They Deserve a Standing Ovation

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

Read more

Recent posts

  • A baked casserole topped with melted cheese, breadcrumbs, and sliced green onions in a white dish, resting on a blue patterned cloth.
    19 Cheese Recipes So Gooey, Crispy, and Over-the-Top They Should Be Illegal
  • A whole roasted chicken garnished with rosemary and surrounded by roasted vegetables on a white platter, with a glass of wine and side dishes nearby.
    17 Irresistible Sheet Pan Recipes for Big Flavor and Easy Cleanup
  • A stacked roast beef sandwich with greens and pine nuts on rustic bread, placed on a wooden surface.
    17 Dinners That Make You Look Like You’ve Got Your Life Together (Even If You Don’t)
  • A close-up of sliced spinach and cream cheese roulades with smoked salmon and black caviar, arranged on a wooden board.
    18 Salmon Recipes That Make Dinner Feel Like a Five Star Splash
  • 19 Mushroom Dishes So Good, You’ll Start Calling Yourself a ‘Fun-Gourmet’
  • creamy cheese ranch chicken on a bowl with spoon
    23 Slow Cooker Recipes That Do the Cooking While You Do Absolutely Nothing
free keto meal plan image

Footer

↑ back to top

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Services

The information presented on this web site is not intended to take the place of your personal physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot and do not give you medical advice. See my privacy policy.

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok

Copyright © 2025 Lara Clevenger