Going vegan is a great opportunity to learn more about nutrition and cooking. And if you are looking to lose weight or simply improve your diet, then going vegan is your best choice. A vegan diet is based on nutrients from plant foods which allows more room in your diet for health-promoting options like whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables, which are packed full of beneficial fibre, vitamins and minerals.
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What are the most popular vegan side dishes?
Studies show that vegans have better heart health and lower odds of having certain diseases. Those who skip meat have less of a chance of becoming obese or getting heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Vegans are also less likely to get diabetes and some kinds of cancer, especially cancers of the GI tract and the breast, ovaries, and uterus in women.
If you are just starting out, then here are some tips on how you can transition to a vegan diet:
- eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
- base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, or other starchy carbohydrates (choose wholegrain where possible)
- have some dairy alternatives, such as soya drinks and yogurts (choose lower-fat and lower-sugar options)
- eat some beans, pulses, and other proteins
- choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat in small amounts
- drink plenty of fluids (the government recommends 6 to 8 cups or glasses a day)
If you need ideas on how to prepare your meals and side dishes, then it is good for you to know the foods and ingredients you can use for your meals:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Breads, rice, and pasta
- Dairy alternatives such as soymilk, coconut milk, and almond milk
- Vegetable oils
If you want specific ideas for your vegan side dish, here are some dishes you can make:
- Mashed potato
- Broccolini
- Fried sweet potato
- Roasted squash
- Braised French lentils
- Roasted pumpkin salad
- Roasted cauliflower
Cold vegan side dishes
There may be days where you just want a quick cold side dish maybe during the summer months or when you just want a quick and healthy meal without a lot of preparation and cooking time. A great example of a cold vegan side dish is a cold pasta salad which is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and BBQ party!
17. Cold Vegan Pasta Salad
Here is an easy recipe on how you can make your own cold vegan pasta salad.
INGREDIENTS
- 10 ounces pasta
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 3/4 cup vegan basil parsley pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 3/4 cup cucumbers sliced
- 3/4 cup bell peppers chopped
- 1/4 cup broccoli (prior boiled for 3 min)
- 1/4 cup red onions diced
- salt & pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
After boiling your pasta, drain and rinse under water to get rid of excess starch. If you are serving it for later, lightly drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil onto your pasta to keep them from sticking together. Add the pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, broccoli and red onion into a large bowl. Keep in the refrigerator with plastic wrap until ready to serve cold. Gently toss with the vegan pesto sauce and serve immediately.
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Healthy vegan side dishes
Your vegan side dishes do not have to be always the repetitive green salads and roasted veggies. Here are some healthy and delicious side dishes you will surely love!
16. The Best Baked BBQ Tofu You’ll Ever Have
Fabulously tasty and versatile, this will be the best BBQ tofu you’ll ever have. It requires only eight ingredients and can be used in a multitude of ways, from sandwiches to soups and bowls. I usually serve it with mashed potatoes and this Super Quick Broccoli Gratin.
Check it here.
15.
These Herb Roasted Potatoes are an easy and healthy side dish. Red potatoes are roasted until crispy in the oven and tossed in flavorful herbs and spices!
Check it here.
14. Double Mushroom Barley Pilaf
Double mushroom barley pilaf is a perfect vegan/vegetarian holiday side dish. It also pairs well with roast turkey, duck, and game hens.
Check it here.
13.
These Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts are an easy and healthy side dish. This recipe is vegetarian and made with a sticky Dijon maple syrup dressing!
Check it here.
12.
This vegan coleslaw makes a perfect side dish option for cookouts and potlucks and can be ready in less than 15-minutes. The healthy oil-free dressing is what really sets this recipe apart.
Check it here.
11. “Cheesy” Vegan Roasted Cauliflower
Cheesy vegan roasted cauliflower made paleo-friendly with nutritional yeast is a simple and easy paleo, whole30, keto healthy side dish, perfect to go alongside any main entree. This cheesy vegan roasted cauliflower will be a staple in your home during the chilly fall months.
Check it here.
10.
Light and fluffy basic Cauliflower Rice recipe used to make delicious gluten-free and low carb sides, risotto, fried rice, salads, soups, burrito bowls, sushi and more! Step-by-step video guide on how to make cauliflower rice using a box grater plus 16 recipes that include cauliflower rice.
Check it here.
9. Stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Leeks, Ginger, Garlic and Chilli
Love them or hate them, Brussels sprouts are an integral part of Christmas. So why not give your Christmas dish a spicy twist? These stir-fried Brussels sprouts with leeks, ginger, garlic and chilli will liven up the event. They’re quick to cook and unlike boiling, stir-frying makes the sulphury compounds of the sprouts less obvious.
Check it here.
8.
I haven’t met a person yet that doesn’t love fries, but we all know that eating traditional fries will cause us to gain weight. So I’ve included this recipe for thick-cut seasoned fries with chipotle sauce to satisfy that urge.
Check it here.
7.
The best balsamic-maple roasted Brussels sprouts with butternut squash, pecans, cranberries and avocado roasted garlic dressing. Ultimate healthy vegan Thanksgiving side dish ready in just 40 minutes!
Check it here.
6. Miso Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables
These Miso Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to any fall meal or holiday side dish. Using an easy oil free vegetable roasting method and then glazing it with a vegan savory, slightly sweet and umami rich glaze- this healthy side dish will surely be your new go-to!
Check it here.
5.
These vegan mashed potatoes with almond milk and cream cheese are super easy to make with only 3 ingredients plus salt and pepper. They’re so creamy, it’s hard to believe they’re dairy-free! They can also be made oil-free by using a vegan cream cheese with no added oils.
Check it here.
4.
Make your barbecue complete by putting these Vegan Baked Beans on the table! This smoky and flavorful side dish is easy to prepare and it’s all made in one pot. It’s also a freezer-friendly recipe and perfect for family dinners or Sunday meal prep.
Check it here.
3. Puerto Rican Yellow Rice (Arroz Con Gandules)
There are days that I just want to revisit my childhood in a Puerto Rican household – and arroz con gandules or Puerto Rican yellow rice with pigeon peas does just that.
Check it here.
2. Spicy Roasted Vegetables
Need a basic recipe that can transform into multiple dishes? No problem, this spicy roasted vegetables is just the thing that solves your request. This one-dish can make your soup, pasta, or mac and cheese an irresistible one.
Check it here.
1. Roasted Garlic and Kale Spaghetti Squash with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Roasted garlic and kale spaghetti squash with sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts makes for a comforting, low-carb meal requiring only 5 main ingredients! Plus the recipe is simple to prepare!
Check it here.
Cold Vegan Side Dishes - Most Popular Healthy Vegan Sides
Going vegan is a great opportunity to learn more about nutrition and cooking. And if you are looking to lose weight or simply improve your diet, then going vegan is your best choice. A vegan diet is based on nutrients from plant foods which allows more room in your diet for health-promoting options like whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables, which are packed full of beneficial fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
- Baked BBQ Tofu You’ll Ever Have
- Herb Roasted Potatoes
- Double Mushroom Barley Pilaf
- Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Instructions
- Choose any Cold Vegan Side Dishes from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Cold Vegan Side Dishes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I share healthy recipes, clean eating ideas, and meal plans for weight loss, as well as give you the best tips on wellness, pregnancy, and parenting advice.