20 vegetable side dishes
Try our veggie sides, from traditional roast potatoes to twists on dauphinoise, colourful Asian greens and sides perfect for a curry like vegetable samosas
Don’t ignore vegetables when planning out your next culinary adventure. Vegetables are not only good for you, but they’re also bursting with fresh flavours and can be done in many different ways. We’ll show you our top 20 vegetable side dishes, from traditional roasties to accompany your roasted meats to Indian vegetable side dishes that pair fantastically with a spicy curry. Sit back and enjoy the world of greens!
Celebrate root vegetables in all their glory with our top root vegetable recipes. From carrots and parsnips to potatoes and celeriac, these versatile veg bring a rainbow of colours and flavours to your plate, and our roasted vegetable recipes are the perfect vibrant addition to any meal. Want to keep things plant-based? Our collection of vegetarian side recipes has you covered.
For more inspiration, explore our best side dishes, featuring comforting classics like macaroni cheese and freshly baked breads, or dive into our guide on the best sides to serve with a curry.
1. Bang bang cauliflower
Give bang bang chicken a veggie twist by swapping the meat for crispy cauliflower florets. Coated in a spicy, crunchy batter, this flavour-packed dish is the perfect side for classic noodles like our chow mein, or try it with something lighter, like our refreshing Sichuan smacked cucumber noodles.
Discover more cauliflower recipes.
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2. Charred brussels sprouts with Marmite butter
Marmite and Brussels sprouts might seem like an odd pairing, but trust us – it’s a match made in heaven. The Marmite adds a rich, umami depth to the sprouts, making them the perfect addition to your Christmas dinner or a cosy winter meal. With just three ingredients, this recipe is super simple and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Discover more Brussels Sprouts recipes.
3. Hasselback potatoes
Looking for a healthy, gluten-free twist on your Sunday roast? Skip the traditional roasties and try our impressive rosemary and garlic hasselback potatoes. They may look fancy, but here’s a handy tip: place your potato between two wooden spoons to easily cut thin slices without going all the way through. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, they’re a show-stopping upgrade to any roast.
Discover more hasselback potato recipes.
4. Vegetable samosas
These vegan samosas are the ultimate curry side. They may take a bit more effort, but the reward is in every bite – a golden, crispy exterior giving way to soft potatoes, tender carrots, and a hint of sweetness from the peas.
Discover more samosa recipes.
5. Ultimate tomato salsa
Whip up this vibrant, healthy salsa in just 5 minutes using fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, lime, coriander, and a splash of white wine vinegar. Perfect for dipping nachos, but don’t stop there – spoon it over rice bowls, chillies, or even spread on toast for a zesty flavour hit.
Discover more salsa recipes.
6. Braised red cabbage
This low-fat Christmas side dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. For a fresh twist, try adding preserved lemon, a splash of ginger wine, or crispy bacon. It's a brilliant make-ahead option, too—pop it in the freezer and save time on the big day.
Discover more red cabbage recipes.
7. Aubergine melts
These indulgent aubergine melts make a perfect side for your favourite Italian dishes. Serve them alongside a creamy risotto or toss them with pasta and one of our homemade pestos, like this kale pesto, for a truly satisfying meal.
Discover more aubergine recipes.
8. Broccoli & cauliflower cheese
Cauliflower cheese gets more colourful with broccoli in this super Sunday lunch side dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it serves up to six people and requires fewer than ten ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
Discover more cauliflower cheese recipes.
9. Onion rings
Recreate a beloved pub classic with these light and crispy onion rings, made in just 20 minutes using only four ingredients. Quick and simple, they could easily become a regular feature on your dinner table!
Discover more pub food recipes.
10. Honey soy sprouts
Give Brussels sprouts a fresh twist by shredding them and tossing them in a sticky soy and honey sauce. This deliciously innovative take elevates the humble sprout to new heights, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you want to add a unique element to your traditional roast or showcase how versatile sprouts can be throughout the year, this dish proves they’re not just for Christmas.
Discover more Christmas side dish recipes.
11. Ultimate roast potatoes
No guide to the best vegetable side dishes would be complete without the classic roast potato. This foolproof recipe ensures a delightful crunch on the outside, revealing a wonderfully fluffy centre.
Discover more roast potato recipes.
12. Butternut dauphinoise
If you love dauphinoise potatoes, prepare to be delighted by this butternut squash version! Infused with the fragrant notes of bay, thyme, and nutmeg, it features a rich cheese sauce crafted from mature double Gloucester. It’s the ultimate comforting side dish for a cold winter evening.
Discover more butternut squash recipes.
13. Braised shiitake mushrooms & pak choi
Kick off your Lunar New Year celebrations with this vibrant vegetable dish featuring shiitake mushrooms, pak choi, ginger, garlic, and oyster sauce. Bursting with flavour, this low-calorie and low-fat side dish is perfect for welcoming the new year and makes a delightful addition to any festive occasion.
Discover more Chinese New Year recipes.
14. Greek salad
Greek salad is a fantastic no-cook vegetable side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats. Its simplicity belies its bold flavours; the fresh cucumber and ripe tomatoes shine, complemented by the robust taste of feta. This vibrant salad brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your plate with minimal effort.
Discover more Greek recipes.
15. Curried roast parsnips with cashews
Elevate naturally sweet parsnips with bold Sri Lankan and Indian flavours, finished with a splash of soy sauce. This exciting twist takes parsnips to a whole new level of deliciousness. Incorporate them into your traditional roast or serve alongside a creamy curry, like our easy butter chicken, to add a delightful kick to your spread.
Discover more vegetarian Indian recipes.
16. Air fryer potato wedges
Savour these wedges, perfectly seasoned with paprika, oregano, and onion powder. Cooking them in your air fryer ensures a crisp exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and using less energy. For more tips on energy-efficient cooking techniques, check out our helpful guide.
Discover more air fryer recipes.
17. Macho peas
Delight in a fresh twist on peas with the vibrant flavours of parsley and mint. For an added kick, sprinkle in a pinch of chilli flakes. This gluten-free side dish is wonderfully versatile, pairing beautifully with fish, such as our super healthy salmon burgers, or complementing chicken dishes like these sticky chicken wings.
Discover more pea recipes.
18. Bombay potatoes
Savour Bombay potatoes as a fantastic side dish for your next epic feast. These Indian-style potatoes, enhanced with juicy tomato chunks, are straightforward to prepare and pack a spicy, moreish punch. Plus, they’re low in fat, vegan, and gluten-free.
Discover more gluten-free recipes.
19. Saag paneer
Saag paneer is a beloved vegetarian dish that bursts with flavour. Made with tender spinach and creamy paneer, this Indian classic is a delight for the taste buds and a nutritional powerhouse, rich in calcium and folate.
Discover more spinach recipes.
20. Smacked cucumber pickles
These Sichuan pickles are broken into pieces and tossed in a tangy soy, vinegar, and chilli oil dressing—a refreshing accompaniment to rich Asian main courses such as Peking duck or Char siu.
Discover more cucumber recipes.
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