These sides prove veggies can hold their own at any table. Bursting with color, flavor, and creativity, they elevate everything around them. Who says the main dish gets all the credit?

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This quick cabbage apple slaw is a crisp, colorful side dish that adds freshness to any meal. Sweet apples and crunchy cabbage come together with a light dressing for the perfect balance of flavor. It’s easy to make and great for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

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.

This Sichuan-style shredded potato dish brings a tangy, spicy kick to your table. Crisp potatoes are stir-fried with chili and vinegar for that signature balance of heat and sourness. Simple, authentic, and ready in minutes, it’s a must-try side for spice lovers.
Get the Recipe: Sichuan Stir-Fried Chinese Shredded Potato (酸辣土豆丝)

10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Quick, healthy, and packed with flavor, this garlic bok choy recipe makes the perfect weeknight side dish. It’s tender, garlicky, and ready in just 10 minutes. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it pairs beautifully with any main course.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These blistered tomatoes are juicy, flavorful, and bursting with freshness. Cooked with garlic, herbs, and a touch of salt, they add a gourmet flair to any dish. Perfect as a side, appetizer, or topping for pasta and salads.
Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

Air Fryer Parsnips

Air Fryer Parsnips. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Sweet, crispy, and golden, these air fryer parsnips make a healthy alternative to fries. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re tender inside and crunchy outside. Enjoy them as a snack, side, or guilt-free comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parsnips

Tasty Tofu Bok Choy Stir Fry (15-minute Side Dish)

A bowl of stir-fried bok choy with tofu, dried red chilies, and sesame seeds. A pair of chopsticks rests on the bowl's edge. Rice is visible in a separate bowl nearby.
Tasty Tofu Bok Choy Stir Fry (15-minute Side Dish). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This quick tofu and bok choy stir fry comes together in just 15 minutes. Lightly seasoned and perfectly balanced, it’s a wholesome dish full of flavor and texture. A great go-to side for busy weeknights or meatless meals.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Tofu Bok Choy Stir Fry (15-minute Side Dish)

Authentic Braised Bamboo Shoots Recipe (油焖笋)

A plate of cooked braised bambo garnished with chopped green onions.
Authentic Braised Bamboo Shoots Recipe (油焖笋). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These authentic braised bamboo shoots are savory, tender, and full of earthy depth. Slowly cooked in a flavorful sauce, they make a delicious and traditional Asian side. Perfect for pairing with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Braised Bamboo Shoots Recipe (油焖笋)

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 offers a bold and aromatic twist on the classic dish. Each leaf is layered with spicy, tangy seasoning that highlights the flavors of Korean cuisine. It’s a unique side that pairs beautifully with rice and grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Perilla Leaf Kimchi: A Taste of Korean Tradition

Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

A bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts turn perfectly crispy and caramelized in the oven. Tossed with olive oil and seasoning, they’re simple yet full of flavor. A delicious and healthy side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This spicy roasted cauliflower brings heat, crunch, and big flavor to your plate. It’s an easy side or snack that’s perfect for spice enthusiasts. Crispy edges and bold seasoning make every bite irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

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.

These air fryer French onion baked potatoes are creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor. Each bite is filled with caramelized onions and melty goodness. A creative twist on classic baked potatoes that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These slow cooker roasted potatoes are effortless and perfectly seasoned. Golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—they’re a crowd-pleasing side for any meal. Set it and forget it for the easiest comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

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.

Taiwanese spinach stir-fried with garlic is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s a quick and healthy dish that highlights the natural taste of the greens. Ideal for busy nights or as a light side to balance any main.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs

A white bowl filled with sliced Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs, garnished with chopped herbs, is placed on a white plate with a fork nearby.
Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

This sautéed zucchini with garlic and herbs is light, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. It’s quick to prepare yet tastes like a gourmet side. A simple way to elevate your everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs

Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter, chopped green onions, seaweed strips, and black sesame seeds.
Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These creamy Asian mashed potatoes put a delicious twist on the classic comfort food. Rich, flavorful, and infused with subtle Asian seasonings, they’re smooth and satisfying. Perfect alongside grilled meats or fusion-style dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

Buttered Sautéed Leeks

Buttered Sautéed Leeks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Tender, buttery leeks make a simple yet elegant side dish. Their mild flavor and silky texture pair beautifully with meats, fish, or grains. Quick to cook and full of comfort, it’s a recipe worth keeping.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Sautéed Leeks

Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This roasted okra recipe transforms the humble veggie into something crave-worthy. Smoky, savory, and perfectly crisp, it’s an easy side even okra skeptics will love. Great with rice, meats, or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

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 broccoli and mushroom stir fry is a simple, healthy side that’s big on flavor. Tender veggies tossed in a savory sauce make it satisfying and easy to prepare. Ready in minutes for a balanced weeknight dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Quick and Healthy

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Air fryer spaghetti squash is a low-carb, gluten-free pasta alternative that’s ready in no time. It’s light, slightly sweet, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for healthy meals without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These roasted cabbage steaks are tender, flavorful, and simple to prepare. With crispy edges and a buttery, seasoned finish, they make a standout veggie dish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a plant-based main.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, served with a spoon.
Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This bell pepper cucumber salad is crunchy, colorful, and full of zesty freshness. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s refreshing and easy to make. A great side for grilled dishes or summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

Best Sautéed Mushrooms

Best Sautéed Mushrooms. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These sautéed mushrooms are rich, buttery, and bursting with umami flavor. They cook quickly and pair perfectly with steak, chicken, or pasta. A simple yet satisfying side dish that always impresses.
Get the Recipe: Best Sautéed Mushrooms

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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