5 plant-based side dishes: Add veggies to every meal

Side dishes are under-rated secret weapons in the kitchen. Not only do they “round out” a meal, they’re also a wonderful way to pack nutrients into every meal. Especially if you’re transitioning to a plant-based diet or seeking to add more vegetables to your day-to-day, side dishes are a great place to start —without overhauling your cooking routine overnight. 

From a hearty baked potato to a roasted cauliflower dish—these are simple side dishes that will efficiently and deliciously add more veggies to every meal (omnivores, we're looking at you!). No matter your dietary preferences —it shouldn't limit you from cooking with more veggies! 

Depending on your appetite, you can pair two or three sides together for a meal. Or add a side to a main dish to balance out your plate. And if you’re looking for more recipe ideas and cooking tips, we’ve got you covered at Swich. We’re on a mission to help 100 million people learn to cook with more plants to improve health —and if you haven't already, we hope you join us!

1. Vietnamese Style Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms

Marinated with ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice, these roasted shiitake mushrooms are full of flavor. Serve them as a side, or use them as part of a filling or stuffing. For example, these mushrooms add great flavor to these Edamame & Shiitake Gyozas. They also go extremely well with this Vietnamese Grilled Tofu.

Benefits of mushrooms: They’re a good source of potassium, vitamins, and antioxidants. Studies also show they have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. 

See the full ingredients list and recipe: Vietnamese-Style Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms.

2. The Ultimate Baked Potato 

These are the best baked potatoes you’ll ever have. End of story! They’re so satisfying that they can be served as a main meal with a nice salad.

Benefits of potatoes: As sources of iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and zinc – potatoes help the body improve bone health. They also have a variety of other benefits like helping the body build immunity, maintain healthy digestion, and improve heart health. 

See the full ingredients list and recipe: The Ultimate Baked Potato.

3. Moroccan Roasted Carrots

Bright and flavourful, these carrots are roasted with a spice blend of sumac, cumin, paprika, coriander, and cayenne. They go particularly well with Falafels and this Middle-Eastern Roasted Cauliflower dish.

Benefits of carrots: Packed with vitamin A, carrots are great for eye health. They’re also a great source of potassium and vitamin K. 

See the full ingredients list and recipe: Moroccan Roasted Carrots. 

4. Hainanese Roasted Cauliflower

Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and loaded with fiber, the Hainanese Roasted Cauliflower is a versatile side dish that goes great with Scallion-Ginger Sauce or topped with cilantro and Fried Shallots.

Benefits of cauliflower: As a cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is naturally high in fiber and vitamins. They also deliver antioxidants and other nutrients that are known to boost memory. 

See the full ingredients list and recipe: Hainanese Roasted Cauliflower.

5. Middle-Eastern Roasted Cauliflower w/ Pine Nuts & Tahini Sauce

Do you love a flavor-packed dish with a little crunch? This cauliflower recipe will be in your regular cooking rotation. It’s made with a variety of spices (cumin, turmeric, and coriander) and topped with tahini, mint, and toasted pine nuts. If you want to pair it with other dishes, it goes particularly well with Moroccan Roasted Carrots and Garlic-Fried Quinoa.

Benefits of pine nuts: pine nuts are sources of omega-3s, which are important fatty acids that potentially slow cognitive decline and lower the risk of dementia.

See the full ingredients list and recipe: Middle-Eastern Roasted Cauliflower w/ Pine Nuts & Tahini Sauce.

If you’d like to see more chef-curated recipes designed for your health —come along and cook with us!