101 vegetarian recipes

20 VEGETABLE SIDE DISHES

Searching for a healthy vegetable side dish to pair with your next meal? These quick and easy recipes are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor. If you’re wondering, “What vegetable sides should I make for dinner?” you’re in the right place! Whether you’re looking to switch up your usual side dishes on a busy weeknight, add more veggies to your diet, or sneak some onto your kids’ plates at family dinner, I’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered over 20 of our best and most popular vegetable side dishes—all vegetarian, gluten-free, and with plenty of vegan options (or easy adaptations to make them vegan!).

Oven Roasted Vegetables: A versatile and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. Customize it with your favorite veggies!


Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these smashed potatoes are an easy and flavorful addition to any meal.

Honey Roasted Carrots: Sweet, savory, and salty, these honey roasted carrots are so delicious everyone will be asking for seconds.

Pesto Asparagus: Take sautéed asparagus to the next level with this quick and healthy side dish that’s vegan and gluten-free.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes: These crispy, tender baby potatoes are loaded with garlic and Parmesan flavor and ready in just 30 minutes.

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash: A festive and flavorful side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast.

Sautéed Garlic Green Beans: Vibrant, buttery, and garlicky, these green beans are ready in just 10 minutes.

Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin: Indulge in rich and creamy layers of cheesy potatoes—the ultimate comfort food for holidays or special occasions.

Air Fryer Vegetables: Quick, healthy, and delicious, these air fryer veggies make the perfect vegan side dish in under 15 minutes.

The Best and Creamiest Mashed Potatoes: These velvety mashed potatoes are buttery, smooth, and simply melt in your mouth.

Creamed Spinach: Rich, creamy, and perfect for fall, this classic side dish is easy to make ahead and ideal for holiday dinners.

Roasted Spring Vegetables: Celebrate the season with this simple sheet pan side dish featuring fresh spring produce.

Air Fryer Asparagus: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, this asparagus dish is ready in just 6 minutes with minimal oil.

Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A flavorful, healthy side dish that’s perfect for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.

Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter: These show-stopping potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with garlic butter.

Roasted Beets: A simple yet nutritious side dish made with just four ingredients and bursting with natural flavor.

Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized to perfection, these sprouts tossed in balsamic and honey are a holiday favorite.

Easy Roasted Cauliflower: A quick, flavorful, and vegan-friendly side dish that’s simple to prepare and delicious to enjoy.

Roasted Carrots: Slightly crispy on the outside and tender inside, these roasted carrots are a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms: This simple sheet pan recipe combines garlic, asparagus, and mushrooms for a flavorful vegan side.


22 FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER IDEAS

Friday nights are the perfect time to relax, unwind, and enjoy delicious meals with family and friends. Whether you need a quick and easy dinner after a busy week or something indulgent to start the weekend right, we’ve got plenty of ideas to inspire you. From comforting classics and hearty pastas to flavorful stir-fries and rice bowls, there’s something for everyone. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, play your favorite tunes, and dive into over 22 Friday Night Dinner Ideas designed to make your evening special.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a beloved family classic made even better! This version is cheaper, healthier, and far tastier than the boxed kind—ready in just 30 minutes for a comforting and satisfying Friday night dinner.

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are packed with flavorful veggies and melty cheese, baked to golden perfection, and perfect for feeding a crowd in just 30 minutes. It’s no wonder they’re one of our favorite Friday night dinner picks!

Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad is delicious, wholesome, and super easy to make. Perfect for summer picnics and cookouts, you can prep it up to three days in advance. You can’t go wrong with this classic Italian salad for Memorial Day celebrations!

Salmon Bites

Salmon Bites are irresistibly delicious, bite-sized pieces of salmon cooked to tender perfection with crispy, golden edges. Coated in a homemade sticky glaze, they’re packed with flavor and perfect for a satisfying Friday night meal!

Sesame Chicken Meatballs

Sesame Chicken Meatballs are quick, easy, and packed with delicious Asian flavors. Cooked in a homemade stir-fry sauce and customizable with your favorite veggies, they make a tasty and satisfying meal for any night of the week!

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and easy dinner that’s ready in just 10 minutes! Bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect dish for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a family favorite, and making it at home means you can enjoy a cheaper, healthier, and far tastier version! Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and satisfying meal for busy nights.

Indian Rice Bowls

These Indian Rice Bowls are a flavorful and wholesome meal that’s easy to assemble. Packed with grains, protein, and veggies, they’re filling, delicious, and perfect for a satisfying Friday night dinner.

Thai Turkey Burgers

These Thai Turkey Burgers, topped with a crisp and creamy slaw, are bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Healthy, delicious, and quick to make, they’re the perfect choice for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers are a delicious, flavorful, and healthy twist on two all-time favorites. These filling peppers are perfect for meal prep and freeze well, making them an easy and satisfying option for any night of the week!

Peanut Noodles

Peanut Noodles are creamy, nutty, and full of flavor. This quick and easy vegan homemade takeout recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a fast, delicious meal.

Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is quick, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight family dinner or as a meal prep option, packed with everything you need in one dish!

Creamy Tomato Pasta

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious meal made from scratch in just 25 minutes. Featuring a rich and silky-smooth tomato and cream sauce, it’s the perfect choice for an easy and satisfying Friday night dinner!

Greek Souvlaki Chicken Breast

Juicy, tender, and moist, this Baked Chicken Breast with the best Greek souvlaki marinade is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect quick and delicious chicken dinner for any night!

Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo is creamy, garlicky, and absolutely delicious! This quick and easy recipe, ready in under 30 minutes, is perfect for busy nights and has become a year-round family favorite.

Cauliflower Tacos

Vegetarian Cauliflower Tacos are packed with air-fried or baked cauliflower, seasoned to perfection, and topped with a creamy lime cilantro slaw—all wrapped in a soft tortilla. A flavorful and satisfying option for any taco night!

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for a Friday night. Loved by the whole family, this viral TikTok favorite is sure to become one of your go-to weeknight meals!

Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken is a quick and easy stir-fry that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Packed with flavor and loaded with tender chicken and crunchy cashews, it’s a delicious and faster-than-takeout option for Friday night dinner!

Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout, perfect for a Friday night dinner!

Easy Baked Meatballs

Easy Baked Meatballs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor—perfect for the whole family! With simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, these homemade meatballs are a quick and kid-friendly dinner option.

Turkey and Cheese Sliders

Turkey and Cheese Sliders are a quick and easy crowd-pleaser! Made with savory deli turkey and melty Swiss cheese tucked into soft Hawaiian rolls and topped with a buttery glaze, they’re perfect for a relaxed Friday night dinner.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Quick and easy, Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata is a simple yet delicious 30-minute meal. Made with tender chicken breast in a light, zesty lemon sauce with capers, it’s the perfect way to kick off your Friday night dinner!

conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to enjoy with family and friends, these recipes offer a variety of flavorful and easy options. From juicy chicken dishes and creamy pasta to healthy stir-fries and savory sliders, there’s something to satisfy every craving. With these simple and delicious meal ideas, you can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable Friday night dinner, all while keeping things easy, quick, and full of flavor!