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What to Serve With Vegan Mac and Cheese: 15 Best Side Dishes

Transform your vegan mac and cheese into a complete meal with these delightful sides. A crisp garden salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette offers a invigorating contrast. For something warm, try roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, adding a caramelized depth. Garlic bread, with its crispy texture and aromatic flavors, makes the meal hearty. Steamed broccoli seasoned with garlic or lemon zest adds vibrancy and nutrients. Tomato basil soup provides a rich, savory complement. These sides not only balance the meal but elevate the overall dining experience. Explore more options to enhance your meal!

Garden Salad

fresh vegetables and herbs

A vibrant garden salad is the perfect complement to vegan mac and cheese, offering a rejuvenating contrast to the creamy dish.

Fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers bring a crisp texture, while homemade croutons add a delightful crunch. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy finish.

This combination not only enhances flavors but also provides an invigorating balance to your meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

perfect side dish choice

Roasted Brussels sprouts add a savory, caramelized depth that perfectly complements the creamy richness of vegan mac and cheese. They offer significant health benefits, being rich in vitamins and fiber.

For best flavor, toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F until golden brown. This simple cooking tip guarantees a delicious, nutritious side dish.

Garlic Bread

craving garlic bread now

Complementing the roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic bread offers a crispy, aromatic side that enhances the comforting flavors of vegan mac and cheese.

Homemade recipes allow you to control ingredients, ensuring a healthier option. The health benefits of using whole-grain bread and fresh garlic include improved digestion and immune support.

This delicious combination makes your meal both hearty and nutritious.

Steamed Broccoli

healthy side dish option

Steamed broccoli serves as a nutrient-rich, vibrant side dish that pairs excellently with vegan mac and cheese. The health benefits are numerous, including vitamins and fiber, which support overall well-being.

To enhance its flavor, you can explore various seasoning options like garlic, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. This simple yet delicious addition brings both color and nutrition to your meal.

Tomato Basil Soup

delicious comfort food option

Tomato basil soup, with its rich, savory flavors and aromatic herbs, provides a comforting and harmonious complement to vegan mac and cheese.

The soup offers nutrition benefits, such as vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes and basil.

Recipe variations can include adding roasted red peppers or coconut milk for extra creaminess.

This delightful pairing makes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal sure to please.

Grilled Asparagus

delicious vegetable side dish

Grilled asparagus, with its tender texture and slightly smoky flavor, serves as an excellent side dish for vegan mac and cheese.

Asparagus benefits include being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for overall health.

For perfect grilling, coat the spears lightly in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

Pickled Vegetables

tasty fermented vegetable medley

Pickled vegetables provide a tangy and crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of vegan mac and cheese. Fermented pickles add a delightful zest, enhancing each bite.

Kimchi varieties, with their spicy and savory notes, elevate the overall dining experience. These pickled delights not only balance flavors but also introduce an exciting, vibrant element to your meal, making it truly memorable.

Sauteed Spinach

capturing the essence perfectly

Why not complement your vegan mac and cheese with a serving of sautéed spinach, which adds a nutritious and flavorful dimension to your meal?

Sautéed spinach offers numerous health benefits, being rich in vitamins and minerals. Its flavor profile, slightly earthy and mildly sweet, pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of mac and cheese, providing a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Coleslaw

creamy cabbage salad side

After enjoying the nutrient-rich sautéed spinach, adding a side of crisp coleslaw can bring an invigorating crunch and tangy flavor to your vegan mac and cheese meal.

The tangy dressing enhances the dish's flavor profile, while the crunchy texture provides a delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.

This combination creates a balanced, satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds thoroughly pleased.

Vegan Caesar Salad

lemon tahini dressing plant based croutons

How can you elevate your vegan mac and cheese experience? Pair it with a revitalizing vegan Caesar salad.

This classic side dish, topped with crunchy homemade croutons, offers a delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese. Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, providing a cheesy undertone that perfectly complements your main dish.

Enjoy the balance of textures and tastes!

Baked Sweet Potatoes

delicious roasted sweet potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes, with their naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture, make an excellent side dish to accompany vegan mac and cheese. The delightful flavor combinations provide a perfect balance to the savory mac and cheese.

Simple cooking techniques, such as roasting with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, bring out the best in these nutritious tubers, adding warmth and richness to your meal.

Roasted Cauliflower

delicious vegetarian side dish

Roasted cauliflower offers a delightful, slightly nutty flavor that pairs seamlessly with the creamy richness of vegan mac and cheese. Whether you opt for hearty cauliflower steaks or light and fluffy cauliflower rice, this versatile vegetable adds both texture and taste.

Its subtle sweetness and crisp edges complement the dish perfectly, making it a crowd-pleasing side for any meal.

Avocado Slices

healthy creamy green fruit

Adding a creamy and nutrient-rich component, avocado slices perfectly enhance the indulgent experience of vegan mac and cheese. Their smooth texture and subtle flavor balance the dish's richness.

Known for their versatility in dishes like avocado toast and avocado smoothies, avocados bring a fresh, healthy twist. Simply slice and serve alongside for an effortless, delicious pairing that everyone will love.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer cucumber dish

Cucumber salad provides an invigorating and crisp contrast to the creamy texture of vegan mac and cheese.

Made with Asian cucumbers, this salad is both light and rejuvenating.

A tangy lemon dressing enhances the natural crunch and subtle sweetness of the cucumbers.

This side dish not only adds a burst of flavor but also offers a delightful balance to your meal.

Should Vegan Mac and Cheese Side Dishes also be Appropriate for Serving with Slow Cooked Ham?

Yes, vegan mac and cheese can be one of the best side dishes for ham. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor can complement the savory, smoky taste of slow-cooked ham. It’s a great option for those who prefer plant-based alternatives or just want to switch things up.

Mixed Fruit Salad

tropical fruit medley mix

A lively mixed fruit salad can introduce a burst of natural sweetness and color to your vegan mac and cheese meal. Thoughtful fruit pairing enhances flavors—consider mixing strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi.

For the salad dressing, a light drizzle of lemon juice and a hint of mint can elevate the dish. This combination creates an invigorating contrast, making every bite delightful.