Sometimes adding veggies to my day can be cumbersome and repetitive. Instead of skipping them altogether, I turn to the ultimate list below of healthy vegetable recipes. Whether I’m looking for easy vegetable side dishes or the main event, This guide covers it all!

I’m sharing gorgeously flavored hot dishes like Roasted Butternut Squash and Skillet Green Beans as well as easy cold dishes like my Avocado Caprese Salad.

rainbow of vegetables to use in easy vegetable side dishes and healthy vegetable recipes.

Get out of the meal planning blues and jump into these incredibly tasty and healthy vegetable recipes. Veggies don’t have to be bland, boring or raw to be healthy. Load them up with savory plant-based sauces and seasonings perfect for any event. I’m sharing my favorite easy vegetable side dishes (enter Roasted Brussels Sprouts!), main dishes like this Creamy Potato Curry and smoothies like a savory simple

Table of Contents
  1. Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
  2. Healthy Main Dishes
  3. Drinkable Smoothies
  4. Healthy Vegetable Recipes FAQs
  5. Best Sauces for Vegetables

Eating more plants has never been easier or more delicious. Trust me!

Easy Vegetable Side Dishes

Compliment your next meal flawlessly with these healthy vegetable recipes. They may be categorized as side dishes, but don’t be surprised if they steal the whole show!

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
5 from 4 votes
Brussels sprouts are my favorite vegetable of all time. It started as a kid when I would pretend they were Barbie doll sized cabbages and play with them. Over the years, I learned to love Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts paired with Maple Walnuts and caramelized to perfection. It's like eating candy! I serve them for Thanksgiving and Christmas every year, and never have leftovers.
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Crunchy Carrot Salad
4.2 from 194 votes
This crunchy carrot salad is lighter, brighter, and not weighed down by mayo. The raw seeds add protein and extra crunch— this makes a great snack or healthy side dish
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roasted cabbage wedges
Roasted Cabbage Wedges
5 from 5 votes
I grew up on roasted cabbage so it's a staple in my St. Patrick's Day celebrations with my family. Enjoy this simple yet comforting recipe and start a plant based tradition with your family, too!
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baked potato wedges
Baked Potato Wedges
5 from 5 votes
Whether you need a great side dish or a fun appetizer, these baked potato wedges are delightful. They come out perfectly crispy with just the right amount of seasoning.
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avocado caprese salad
Avocado Caprese Salad
5 from 16 votes
It’s pretty hard to top a juicy, garden fresh, still-warm-from-the-sun tomato, but this comes pretty close. Creamy avocado stands in for cheese in my Avocado Caprese Salad. We don’t think you’ll miss it.
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How to Make Edamame
5 from 3 votes
My family devours bowls of boiled edamame anytime we are at a restaurant or at home. It's super easy to make and oh-so-delicious to enjoy. This can be enjoyed all by itself as a filling snack or popped out of the pods as a protein-dense salad topping.
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vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
5 from 3 votes
This stuffed portobello mushroom recipe is easy enough for a delicious weeknight dinner and unique enough for your next dinner party. Mediterranean-inspired flavors pop in these beautiful mushroom caps.
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Recipe for vegan buffalo cauliflower wings
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
4.9 from 9 votes
I’ve never been a fan of chicken wings—yet I love the spicy-hot flavor! I was so excited when I got this plant-based recipe to work. Welcome to the world of Cauliflower Buffalo Wings!
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Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe
5 from 2 votes
This colorful salad is as full of flavor as it is color. Your skin will be glowing after incorporating this dish into your lunch routine, and Mediterranean inspired classic!
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Skillet Green Beans
5 from 6 votes
Whip up an elevated version of a classic side in no time with these beautifully blackened skillet green beans. They are topped with fresh sautéed garlic and capers to bring a salty, warm flavor to a vibrantly green vegetable. Easy to prepare and a joy to eat.
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ceramic dish of roasted butternut squash topped with fresh herbs.
Roasted Butternut Squash
5 from 1 vote
Enjoy this gorgeously simple, side dish by cubing and roasting butternut squash in a few easy steps. You can use this recipe to enjoy softened or crispy squash, your choice! This is a great side dish for the cooler months and works well for the holidays, too.
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Healthy Main Dishes

Who knew you could literally fill up on vegetables? The following healthy vegetable recipes feature plant-based ingredients to fuel and delight you. Which one has you running to the kitchen?

Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash
5 from 6 votes
I’m a huge fan of swapping traditional pasta for veggie noodles in this Mediterranean-inspired recipe. Spaghetti squash is very mild and has a great texture that can hold up to sauces and toppings like a champ. Enjoy it to the fullest wrapped in olive oil, artichoke hearts, olives and sun-dried tomatoes topped with crunchy walnuts and perfectly seasoned.
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Hemp Hearts Veggie Bowl
4.9 from 13 votes
The hemp sauce makes this dish and brings the roasted veggies to a whole other level! Feel free to swap in other veggies to match your preferences, but this combo of onions, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and kale is a real winner.
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Vegetable Barley Soup
4.7 from 6 votes
Mmmm…vegetable barley soup! You don't have to wait for the weather to turn cold to simmer up a pot of this tasty vegetarian classic. It's full of flavor, veggies, and love to fill your belly!
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teriyaki bowl
Simple Teriyaki Veggie Bowl
4.7 from 3 votes
Say hello to summer with these Hawaiian-fusion teriyaki veggie bowl! Roasted broccoli, orange bell pepper and onions over creamy coconut rice make for a quick + nutrient dense meal that the whole family will love.
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Blended easy gazpacho soup recipe
Gazpacho Soup
4.9 from 10 votes
This gazpacho soup recipe is made entirely of raw vegetables. And, of course, we had to add 2 cups of leafy greens—in this case, romaine, which is packed with vitamins A and K. These 2 vitamins are great for heart health.
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Creamy Potato Curry
5 from 1 vote
Full of flavor and super creamy, this dish will leave you satisfied. Instead of heavy creams and a night full of stomach cramps, this potato curry is 100% dairy-free. It's dressed with a variety of fresh herbs and spices.
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Austinite Vegan Tacos
5 from 5 votes
When I created this vegan taco recipe, it just felt like it had an Austin flair going on, so I named it after that city. This unique taco is loaded with sweet potato, chickpeas, cauliflower and exploding with flavor.
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Bieler’s Blended Vegetable Soup
3.8 from 224 votes
This healing, cleansing blended vegetable soup recipe helps to alkalize the body and bring it back into balance, especially if you've been eating too much sugar and/or processed foods. Add collagen powder for a protein boost without altering the flavor or texture.
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1-Pot Vegetable Noodle Soup
4.5 from 169 votes
A soothing soup can help your body heal in a variety of ways. This vegetable noodle soup recipe is great to make the moment you feel under the weather, or make at the beginning of cold and flu season, then freeze to have on hand when you need it.
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Chipotle Veggie Bowl
5 from 3 votes
This Chipotle Veggie Bowl recipe is super fresh, nutrient-dense and bursting with flavors! It's easy to customize so everyone in your family can chow done on exactly what they want. Use tomatoes of fresh salsa, avocados or guac, bell peppers or jalapeños, the choices are all yours.
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DIY veggie bowl
Coconut Sriracha Veggie Bowl
5 from 10 votes
This veggie bowl recipe is simple, delicious and has the perfect sauce. Roasted onion, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts served with brown rice or quinoa under the best sauce ever. Great for those left over veggies in the fridge that need to be used.
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Vegetarian Ramen recipe
Simple Vegetarian Ramen
4.4 from 111 votes
Ramen, the staple food of college students, moves to the head of the class thanks to a plant-based overhaul. Load up this Simple Vegetarian Ramen with your favorite veggies and enjoy!
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a beautifully plated loaded sweet potato
Loaded Sweet Potato with Kale Slaw
4.9 from 14 votes
Enjoy this Loaded Sweet Potato recipe that is filling and helps balance your blood sugar. It's also packed with vitamin A, B vitamins, potassium and fiber. They provide the perfect base for this delicious kale slaw, which is teeming with nutrients that help stimulate digestion and absorption.
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cold noodle salad
Cold Noodle Salad with Thai Peanut Sauce
5 from 4 votes
This refreshing cold noodle salad is a great light lunch or yummy side for dinner. Take it to the beach and enjoy at sunset for the ultimate summer night.
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Zoodles in a Jar
5 from 1 vote
Instant Noodles, meet Instant Zoodles! This healthy melange of veggies is great for work or a quick dinner. It’s also crazy delicious + incredibly nourishing.
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Carrot Ginger Soup
4.7 from 121 votes
This nourishing, simple carrot ginger soup is full of love for the tummy. The ginger and cumin bring warmth to the digestive system, while the garlic and onion gently assist liver detoxification. The carrots bring nutrient-dense deliciousness! Feel free to add extra broth or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
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veggie wrap in sun-dried tomato tortilla on plate.
Veggie Wrap with Hummus
4.8 from 9 votes
Eat the rainbow with this plant protein veggie wrap. It's got crunch, creaminess and flavor. Plus, you can wrap it however you want!
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vegetarian taco salad
Spiralized Vegan Taco Salad
4.8 from 9 votes
Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet. We’re always looking for ways to serve them in an exciting way and this vegan taco salad is perfection. Each healthy bite is full of mouthwatering flavor. It definitely hits the spot when you’re craving Mexican flavors.
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Drinkable Smoothies

You should know by now I am a smoothie lover. I don’t need that smoothie to be completely fruit-heavy or sweet to enjoy it. Vegetables make great additions to smoothies! Check out these healthy vegetable smoothie recipes below and let me know which one you’re going to try.

You can stay the course with a sweet Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie or go on a flavor adventure with a lovely Savory Cauliflower Smoothie; the choice is yours!

fruit and vegetable smoothie
Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie
5 from 5 votes
Whip up this fruit and vegetable smoothie to start your day with plant powered nutrients. Perfect as a nutrient-packed breakfast, or a refreshing mid-morning pick me up!
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Alkaline boosting smoothie cube recipe
Alkaline Vegetables Smoothie Cubes
5 from 11 votes
Made with alkaline leafy greens, cucumber, parsley, and fresh squeezed lime juice, these balancing smoothie cubes are an easy way to boost your body’s intake of nutrient-dense plants. Drop into any smoothie to up the nutrition levels and leafy green goodness to your day.
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Savory Cauliflower Smoothie
4.8 from 4 votes
I can't wait for you to try this ultra-creamy, perfectly seasoned cauliflower smoothie. It is bursting with flavor and is a fun departure from my usual sweet creations. Enjoy!
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Apple Celery Smoothie
4.9 from 16 votes
This celery smoothie recipe has a different flare to it. I'm kind of known for making hardcore smoothies, yet I promise this has a refreshing flavor! If you like black licorice (which I do), then this recipe is a big win for you.
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overhead photo of a savory protein shake in a glass jar topped with chickpeas and spices
Savory Smoothie
4.9 from 10 votes
If you're looking for a not-so-sweet smoothie then this savory smoothie is for you! It is naturally protein-packed and full of the flavors of my favorite fresh salsa. It's definitely a unique departure from the traditional fruit sweetened smoothies, yet I dare you to give it a blend!
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Healthy Vegetable Recipes FAQs

What are the healthiest vegetables to eat?

All of them! But seriously, a variety of vegetables is the healthiest. Kale is amazing, yet if you only eat kale, you’ll miss out on a lot of great nutrients from other vegetables. The best plan is to make your plate as colorful as possible with a mix of leafy greens, squash, peppers, root vegetables and more. Choose seasonal options for the most nutrient-dense. And if you find that you don’t like a vegetable prepared one way, try it a different way next time! It took me a while to love Brussels sprouts, yet now I can’t get enough of them.

What’s the healthiest way to cook vegetables?

My favorite way to cook a bunch of vegetables is to chop them up, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment with a healthy oil of your choice, then bake at 350°F for at least 20 minutes. Mix them with a spatula and if they aren’t toasted through, add a bit more time. Feel free to toss with the seasoning of your choice before serving, or prepare a dipping sauce while the veggies bake.

How can I make vegetables taste good but healthy?

Seasoning! I find almost any vegetable can be tasty if I find the right seasonings to add to it. And I’m not just talking salt and pepper (though those are great to start!). Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, a good taco seasoning blend or a great sauce can make your vegetables much more palatable and dare I say enjoyable?

Best Sauces for Vegetables

If you noticed in the recipes above, I’m not just eating plain vegetables. The sauce, dressing or spice blend you pair with your veggies is just as important! Try these out on your next creation and fall in love with my healthy vegetable recipes.

homemade hummus
Homemade Hummus
5 from 14 votes
With this recipe on hand, you'll never need store-bought hummus again! Along with iron-rich chickpeas, we've included loads of fresh, vibrant herbs to add extra vitamins, minerals to this herb hummus.
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lemon vinaigrette for salad in a glass jar.
Lemon Vinaigrette
5 from 2 votes
This bright and fresh dressing was originally created for my Strawberry Arugula Salad, yet can be used in a variety of Spring salads. Be sure to use fresh squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
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How to make sun-dried tomato pesto
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
5 from 1 vote
Enjoy the best sun-dried tomato pesto recipe out there— I add it to pizza, salads, soups, toast and veggie bowls.
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homemade garlic lemon aioli
Garlic Lemon Aioli
5 from 1 vote
100% vegan and 100% scrumptious. This aioli is the perfect dressing for my Kale Caesar salad. Make sure to soak those cashews for a soft and creamy result. You'll enjoy this incredibly simple recipe!
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Vegan Avocado Crema
4.9 from 7 votes
Think of avocado crema as an incredible guacamole-like dressing- thick and creamy with a hint of spice and fresh lime juice. The added coconut milk gives it a nice drizzling quality. Feel free to add more spice if you can take the heat.
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tahini salad dressing
Citrus Tahini Dressing
5 from 2 votes
This simple dressing is bursting with bright citrus flavor paired with a nutty tahini cream. It is both oh so good and oh so good for you. Use it as a gorgeous charcuterie dipping sauce or salad dressing. I originally created it to top my Crunchy Chickpea Salad from my Autumn Cleanse.
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vegan basil pesto in a glass jar surrounded by basil and walnuts.
Vegan Basil Pesto
5 from 3 votes
This vegan basil pesto is simple to make and packed with plant-based ingredients. The garlic blends perfectly with the basil for an authentic Italian flavor.
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cashew cream
Simple Cashew Cream
4.9 from 32 votes
Cashew cream is a deliciously creamy way to take your meals to a new level! This recipe highlights how easy it is to make cashew cream multiple ways. Each variation uses 1/2 cup cashews, but depending on your blender or food processor, it may be easier to make one large batch then flavor individually!
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Chipotle Ranch Dressing
5 from 1 vote
I love creating dips and dressings that are quick and can be used on a variety of dishes. This vegan chipotle ranch dressing is exactly that recipe! Originally created as the dipping sauce in my avocado fries, this condiment is fast becoming a staple in my fridge.
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How to Eat More Veggies

A few years ago I decided I needed an easier way to use more vegetables in my diet. I liked to meal plan, yet I grew exhausted of going through multiple cookbooks and websites each week just for seven days worth of meals. So I created my own meal planner! Yep, Rawk the Year was created by me, for me (and my family).

If you’d like to see plant-based meal planning in action, check out these free meal plans. The shopping lists, recipes and calendar included to take out all of the guesswork. Healthy vegetable recipes have never been so easy to enjoy!

Drop a comment with your fav way to eat your veggies!

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Comments

  1. This is a great list; thank you! I have a hard time adding veggies to meals sometimes, so this will come in handy.