If you only ever had bland veggies, then you should definitely try one (and then all) of these 19 veggie recipes. They’re the kind of recipes you never knew existed, and once you do, you can never go back to those plain old veggie recipes again. You’ve got leaves, stems, roots, and anything else you could think of, but they all taste just as good. Some are roasted, some are grilled, and some get tossed in sauces that make them hard to stop eating.
Spinach Soufflé. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Avocado Tomato Salad
This avocado tomato salad throws the old “lettuce and dressing” idea out the window. It’s packed with crunchy romaine, creamy avocado, juicy tomato, and a fresh dressing you make in seconds. It’s bright, bold, and nothing like a plain salad. This veggie-heavy dish tastes more like a meal than a side.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes
Brighten up your summer appetizers with the bold flavor of slow-roasted Italian tomatoes. They’re rich, tangy, and full of fresh tomato goodness. Perfect for snacking by the handful or pairing with other veggies, they add big flavor without any extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
This baked ratatouille brings together squash, zucchini, and tomatoes in the best way. It’s full of color and flavor and bakes up soft and rich. It looks great on the plate and tastes even better. This is a veggie-heavy recipe that doesn’t feel like you’re eating a bunch of vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Spinach Orzo Salad
This warm orzo dish is loaded with spinach and savory mix-ins that blend right into the pasta. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but also works with anything you’re serving. Everything comes together fast and tastes way better than the name makes it sound. This is a veggie-heavy meal that feels nothing like eating a bowl of greens.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Vegan Couscous Salad
This couscous dish is full of chopped veggies and has the kind of flavor that sticks with you. It’s light but filling and works as a side or a full meal. You toss everything together fast, and it holds up well if you make it ahead. It’s one of those veggie-heavy meals that surprises you with how good it is.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Spinach Souffle
This spinach souffle looks fancy but takes almost no effort to make. It’s soft, rich, and full of flavor without feeling heavy. Even people who say they don’t like spinach will ask for seconds. It’s one of those veggie-heavy dishes that doesn’t feel like vegetables at all.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Souffle
Tomato Quinoa Salad
This refreshing salad brings together juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and hearty quinoa for a fresh and easy way to use your garden picks. It’s full of flavor, packed with goodness, and makes a satisfying summer meal you can prep ahead. You’ll want to keep this one on repeat whenever fresh produce is around.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Hearts of Palm Salad
This hearts of palm salad is light, crisp, and full of fresh summer flavor from tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette. It’s easy to toss together and makes a bright side dish that works with just about anything. Whether you’re hosting or keeping it casual, this one’s sure to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
This grilled bok choy has smoky edges and soaks up a quick Asian-style marinade. It’s done in minutes and works with whatever protein you’re making. The flavor hits hard, and the texture stays crisp. This is one of those veggie-heavy sides that doesn’t feel like a side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Add a bold and zesty twist to your summer appetizers with this vibrant roasted tomatillo salsa. The roasted tomatillos bring a tangy depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients. Whether you’re serving chips, tacos, or anything that needs a little kick, this salsa delivers a refreshing burst every time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad adds a twist to the classic panzanella. It’s crisp, cool, and full of bold Mediterranean flavor. The veggies hold their own without trying too hard. It’s a veggie-heavy dish that’s refreshing but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Lemon Kale Salad
This kale salad is simple but far from boring. The lemon dressing and parmesan do all the work, and the kale softens just enough to soak it in. You’ll want seconds even if you swore off kale before. This is the kind of veggie-heavy recipe that makes you forget it’s mostly greens.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Cucumber Salad
Refresh and hydrate with this cool and crisp cucumber salad, perfect as a side dish on hot summer days when cooking is out of the question. Enjoy the simplicity of fresh cucumbers, herbs, and a tangy dressing that will invigorate your palate.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Garlic Sesame Kale
This garlic sesame kale is simple, quick, and full of flavor. The sesame oil gives it a deep nutty taste, and the garlic adds just enough kick. It cooks fast and still feels fresh and bright. This veggie-heavy recipe makes kale something worth craving.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale
Chunky Guacamole
Dig into the creamy, flavorful world of a San Antonio favorite with this copycat Boudro’s guacamole. It’s made with ripe avocados, zesty lime juice, fire-roasted tomatoes and peppers, and just the right mix of seasonings. This fresh and bold dip is perfect for sharing outdoors or bringing a little sunshine to your table.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole