17 Veggie Recipes That Proved Meat Wasn’t Missed

These veggie-packed recipes aren’t here to be sidekicks; they’re the whole meal. Each one brings real flavor, texture, and satisfaction without relying on meat. Whether it’s a cozy casserole or crispy roasted greens, these dishes fill the plate and actually keep you full. Give them a shot, and you won’t even think about what’s missing.

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash takes about 35 minutes and is packed with cauliflower, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. It delivers the creamy, savory feel of loaded potatoes but keeps things lighter. The texture is smooth and hearty with just enough tang and richness to make it satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget mashed potatoes were ever the default.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts are ready in 30 minutes and bring together brussels sprouts, garam masala, garlic, and olive oil. The flavor is bold, warm, and earthy with a touch of crisp on the edges. These sprouts don’t fade into the background—they’re the reason people ask for seconds. Even the skeptics won’t miss the meat here.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables take about 45 minutes and feature a mix of carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets. The flavor is naturally sweet, a little nutty, and caramelized on the edges. Each bite is warm and filling, with plenty of texture to keep things interesting. It’s a simple dish that holds its own on any table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed artichoke halves served alongside a vibrant spicy mango dipping sauce, presented on a simple background to highlight the bright sauce and tender artichoke texture. — Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce are ready in about 40 minutes and combine fresh artichokes with a sweet-spicy dipping sauce made from peach preserves, mango, and red pepper flakes. The tender leaves are mild and nutty while the sauce adds a bright, fruity heat. It’s an unexpected combo that really works. This one turns a vegetable into an experience.
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Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek Quinoa Salad comes together in 30 minutes and blends quinoa, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. The flavor is bright, briny, and super fresh with just the right bite from red onion. It’s filling without feeling heavy and holds up well for leftovers. Definitely a lunch you’ll look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans take about 20 minutes and are made with green beans, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic. The flavor is deep, slightly smoky, and savory with a good snap from the beans. It’s a simple twist that adds a ton of depth without needing much else. These don’t taste like just another side.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad takes around 25 minutes and uses pearl couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and herbs. The flavor is bright, lemony, and a little crunchy with a chewy texture from the couscous. It feels light but still fills you up. This one works great warm or chilled.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices bake in 40 minutes and feature sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. They’re sweet, buttery, and a little caramelized with soft centers and crisp edges. It’s comfort food without needing a single piece of meat on the plate. They’ll go fast, so make extra.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes take about 35 minutes and are made with russet potatoes, browned butter, garlic, and cream. The flavor is nutty, rich, and savory with a smooth, whipped texture. It’s the kind of side that takes over the whole plate. You’ll forget anything else was supposed to be the main.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta are ready in 30 minutes and combine roasted sprouts with crumbled feta and toasted almonds. The flavor is savory, salty, and a little tangy with crunch from the nuts. It’s balanced and bold enough to be more than a side. This one holds up next to any main dish, meat or not.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes are ready in 30 minutes and use Yukon gold potatoes, heavy cream, and butter. The flavor is rich, buttery, and smooth with a natural sweetness from the potatoes. They’re soft and comforting with no extras needed. It’s everything you want in mashed potatoes, minus the gravy and meat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns

An overhead shot of breakfast casserole next to a single serving and a toppings bar. — Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns bakes in about an hour and includes hash browns, eggs, milk, and cheddar cheese. The flavor is savory, cheesy, and filling with a soft interior and crispy top. It’s perfect for brunch or dinner and doesn’t need bacon to make it work. Prep it the night before and enjoy without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns

Easy Oven Asparagus

Roasted asparagus on a white bowl. — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Oven Asparagus takes just 20 minutes and uses fresh asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The flavor is clean, slightly nutty, and crisp-tender when roasted. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple but still stands out. A solid go-to whenever you need something green that actually tastes good.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans are done in 25 minutes and feature green beans sautéed with red pepper flakes, garlic, and lemon. The flavor is bold, spicy, and a little zesty with a nice char from the skillet. They’ve got crunch and heat without being overwhelming. This one holds attention all the way through the meal.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions come together in 30 minutes using fresh green beans, garlic, and crispy fried onions. The flavor is savory and aromatic with a satisfying crunch. It’s a bit of comfort and a bit of bite in one dish. The onions make it feel a little more special without much effort.
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Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

A white dish filled with kale leaves topped with slices of cheese. A glass of water, a fork, and a napkin are in the background on a dark wooden table. — Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan takes about 15 minutes and includes kale, olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved parmesan. The flavor is sharp, nutty, and bright with just the right chew. It’s satisfying without being heavy and has enough character to eat on its own. It’s not just a salad—it’s the whole plate.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots take about 30 minutes and use carrots, garlic, honey, and butter. The flavor is sweet, garlicky, and a little savory with soft, glazed carrots. They’re simple but full of contrast and depth. This is one you’ll reach for whether it’s a holiday or just a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots