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Updated: Dec 19, 2025 · Published: Feb 26, 2025 by Dan Harper · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

22 Easy Vegetarian Appetizers and Side Dishes

Hosting a gathering or looking for a fresh side dish does not have to be complicated. We have gathered 22 of our favorite meatless recipes that are quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you need a warm dip or a crisp salad, these ideas will make your menu planning a breeze.

1
feta dip with lemon and thyme by Cleveland cooking. dip is served with peppers and chips
Whipped Feta Dip with Lemon & Thyme
A bright and creamy whipped feta dip infused with fresh lemon zest and thyme. Ready in just 15 minutes, this versatile recipe works as a party appetizer with crackers or a savory sauce for grilled meats and roasted vegetables.
Check out this recipe
2
blistered Green bean recipe plated Cleveland cooking
15 Minute Oven- Roasted Blistered Green Beans
These oven-blistered green beans are a quick and easy side dish ready in just 15 minutes. By pre-cooking the beans in the microwave and finishing them in a hot oven, you achieve a tender inside and a delicious, crispy outside. It is a simple, healthy addition to any family dinner.
Check out this recipe
3
Honey Sriracha cauliflower pizza made from a recipe by Cleveland cooking .com
Honey Sriracha Cauliflower Pizza (Sweet & Spicy Vegetarian)
Discover a new twist on pizza with my honey sriracha cauliflower pizza recipe. Sweet, spicy, with a cool ranch ending. And it's vegetarian!
Check out this recipe
4
Roasted beets with beets greens pesto. The pesto is made from the greens of the beet stalks. it is made along with garlic and pistachios.
Easy Beet Green Pesto Recipe with Pistachios
How do you make roasted beets and beet greens pesto? This recipe will show you how. Six ingredients and 30 minutes is all it takes.
Check out this recipe
5
tahini Miso slaw dressing from Cleveland cooking. A mixture of tahini Miso and bagged slaw. A very easy recipe.
Warm Tahini Miso Slaw with Brussels Sprouts
A unique, warm slaw featuring shaved Brussels sprouts and roasted celeriac tossed in a rich, nutty tahini miso dressing. A delicious vegan side dish!
Check out this recipe
6
blue cheese dressing from Cleveland cooking. Blue cheese dressing in a jar with crumbled blue cheese on top.
Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing (Thick & Chunky Recipe)
Make thick and creamy blue cheese dressing at home in just 10 minutes with this easy recipe. It’s keto and low-carb, uses 7 simple ingredients, and is great for wings and salads.
Check out this recipe
7
Spinach and artichoke pasta recipe from cleveland cooking
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta (Tastes Like the Dip!)
Quick and easy spinach and artichoke pasta, with or without chicken, for a delicious dinner for your whole family!
Check out this recipe
8
apple blue cheese and walnut salad from Cleveland cooking
Apple Blue Cheese Salad with Walnuts
This apple salad is simple yet so refreshing! The apples combined with the blue cheese and toasted, crumbled, walnuts just bring out an incredible flavor!
Check out this recipe
9
Make ahead layered salad from cleveland cooking. Lettuce, mayo, sugar, parmesan cheese, peas, bacon, onions, and bell peppers.
Easy Make-Ahead 7 Layer Salad Recipe
The classic make-ahead 7 layer salad, perfect for potlucks! This recipe layers crisp lettuce, peas, bacon, cheese, and a creamy mayo dressing. Chill for up to 24 hours.
Check out this recipe
10
Apple Swiss salad from Cleveland cooking. green leaf salad with shredded Swiss, cashews, and granny Smith apples. a jar of the dressing in the background along with pieces of apples and cashews. receipt by Cleveland cooking
Easy Apple Swiss Fall Salad (with Cashews)
The perfect easy fall salad! This recipe features crisp apples, savory Swiss cheese, and crunchy cashews tossed in a tangy homemade apple cider vinaigrette. Ready in just 25 minutes.
Check out this recipe
11
strawberry almond salad with mandarin oranges and almond croutons
Simple Strawberry Almond Salad (with Homemade Sugared Nuts)
This is a very easy and affordable strawberry almond salad that is a crowd pleaser! We have been making this salad for years!
Check out this recipe
12
spinach casserole fresh from the oven by cleveland cooking
High Protein Spinach Casserole (Easy Meal Prep)
This creamy spinach casserole is packed with protein thanks to a secret ingredient—cottage cheese. It comes together in under an hour and makes for a delicious make-ahead breakfast or easy weeknight side dish.
Check out this recipe
13
cheddar parsley pesto recipe made with cheddar cheese, olive oil, and garlic. The pesto is served on bagel rounds. Recipe from cleveland cooking
Cheddar & Walnut Parsley Pesto (Easy English Pesto)
Craft a quick, delicious walnut parsley pesto recipe with cheddar cheese. This easy, family-friendly sauce is ready in 22 minutes and works great on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Check out this recipe
14
Finished recipe of basil pistachio pesto from cleveland cooking. Pesto consists of parmesan cheese, basil, pistachios, garlic, and olive oil.
Homemade Basil Pistachio Pesto
Learn how to make basil pistachio pesto at home. This easy, 15-minute recipe is a delicious and versatile sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables.
Check out this recipe
15
Street corn dip with corn, sour cream, mayonnaise, and spices. Served in a small bowl with tortilla chips. Party food recipe and an appetizer recipe.
Mexican Street Corn Dip (Hot & Easy)
Bring the flavors of authentic Mexican street corn to your table with this warm, creamy dip. Loaded with cheese, lime zest, and a kick of Tajín, it is a 30-minute appetizer that pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
Check out this recipe
16
Gluten free parmesan crusted brussels sprouts recipe from cleveland cooking
Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Keto & Gluten-Free)
You can serve the roasted parmesan brussels sprouts as an appetizer or as a side dish. They are a snap to make and it is a gluten-free recipe!
Check out this recipe
17
zucchini mushroom roll ups recipe from cleveland cooking. mushroom and cheese filling wrapped with thin zucchini served with pasta sauce
Cheesy Mushroom Zucchini Roll Ups (Low-Carb Lasagna)
This vegetarian low-carb lasagna alternative features tender zucchini slices rolled around a savory mushroom, ricotta, and Asiago filling. Baked in tomato sauce until bubbly, it is a comforting meal without the heavy pasta. Includes a tip for preventing watery zucchini!
Check out this recipe
18
broccoli ramen slaw recipe from cleveland cooking. veggies, ramen noodles, and an incredible vinaigrette!
Crunchy Broccoli Ramen Slaw (Easy Potluck Recipe)
Quick and easy broccoli ramen slaw recipe that feeds a large group. Great for your next party or dinner gathering!
Check out this recipe
19
cucumber and watermelon salad recipe with feta cheese and pistachios from cleveland cooking
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Pistachios and Feta
This watermelon and cucumber salad recipe is so light and refreshing! The combination of sweet and savory is wonderful.
Check out this recipe
20
simple spanakopita dip recipe from Cleveland cooking. spinach, onion, and feta mixed and served on a cracker.
Simple Spanakopita Dip Recipe
This spanakopita dip will done in no time. Just mix a few ingredients, bake them, and you're done! This makes a great appetizer for a small or a big party.
Check out this recipe
21
Guacamole with Orange Juice Recipe. Tomatoes, garlic, an orange, avocado, and cilantro. Recipe by Cleveland Cooking
Guacamole with Orange Juice Recipe
Make delicious Guacamole with Orange Juice. This simple, easy recipe uses avocados, cherry tomatoes, and orange for a refreshing, sweet twist on the classic dip.
Check out this recipe
22
easy creamy mac and cheese recipe from cleveland cooking. pasta covered in a creamy cheese sauce.
Ultra Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese (No Bake Recipe)
This easy creamy mac and cheese recipe is a no bake mac and cheese recipe that's ready in no time! It's a kid friendly recipe that your whole family will love!
Check out this recipe

More meatless ideas

I hope this roundup has filled your kitchen with inspiration for flavorful no-meat recipes! These dishes prove that eating vegetarian meals can be simple, exciting, and incredibly satisfying. Don't forget to enhance your veggies with my sauces and dressings for added flavor (like Ranch dressing with roasted veggies!). And for those fun gatherings, explore our appetizer page for fantastic meatless appetizer ideas perfect for any occasion.

For another great meatless meal, try my Autumn broccoli slaw. Great any time of the year!

FAQ:

Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?

Many of these recipes, especially the cold dips and salads (like the 7-Layer Salad), actually taste better when made in advance. Check the individual recipe notes for storage tips.

Are these recipes suitable for vegans?

While all these recipes are vegetarian (no meat), some contain cheese or dairy. Look for the "vegan" label in the description or swap the dairy for plant-based alternatives.

What is the best vegetarian appetizer for a large crowd?

Dips are usually the best option for large groups. The Whipped Feta Dip or the Street Corn Dip are excellent choices because they are easy to double and serve with chips or veggies.

Do you have gluten-free options in this list?

Yes, several options here are naturally gluten-free, such as the Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts and the Guacamole. Always check the specific ingredients to be sure.

What pairs well with these side dishes?

These sides are versatile! They pair beautifully with hearty plant-based entrees like stuffed peppers.

More Dinner and Lunch

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    25 Low-Carb Comfort Food Recipes
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    Creamy Blush Sauce Recipe (Tomato Cream Sauce)

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