Cold Vegan Side Dishes
When it comes to side dishes, cold options are a game-changer. Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a potluck where you’re unsure if an oven will be available, these cold vegan side dishes have you covered. We’ve carefully tested and curated this list in our own kitchen. And our friends, family, and readers have given them the stamp of approval. You can rest easy knowing these dishes are tried, true, and totally delicious!
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These are some of our favorite cold sides to bring to gatherings, and they’ve saved us from that last-minute stress more times than I can count!
Imagine your power going out before a party or being asked to bring a dish at the last minute. You’ll be so glad to have one of this list of easy, make-ahead vegan side dish recipes on hand!
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The Best Cold Vegan Side Dishes
No matter the occasion, these cold vegan side dishes are here to save the day! Whether you’re heading to a summer BBQ, packing for a picnic, or need a stress-free make-ahead option that doesn’t need to be reheated, these recipes are delicious, easy, and totally crowd-pleasing.
Salads & Slaws
When it comes to cold vegetable side dishes, salads are the obvious go-to—but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! These vibrant, flavor-packed recipes prove that a great salad or slaw can steal the show at any meal.
Vegan Southwest Salad – This bold and flavorful salad is loaded with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together. Take it from Mildred who said: “I tried this recipe today. It was a big hit with my family. It was so yummy and satisfying. Thank you very much sharing this recipe.”
Vegan Olive Garden House Salad – Crisp, fresh, and topped with a homemade vegan Italian dressing, just like the restaurant favorite!
Southwest Three-Bean Salad – This protein-packed salad is great for meal prep and tastes even better after a day in the fridge!
Cucumber Tomato Salad – Light, refreshing, and bursting with summer flavors. This one is perfect for hot days or serving with falafel!
Healthy Broccoli Salad – Crunchy, slightly sweet, and completely irresistible. This is a true party in your mouth!
Easy Vegan Caesar Salad – A creamy, dairy-free Caesar dressing that pairs perfectly with crisp romaine and crunchy croutons.
Vegan Tuna Salad – This vegan tuna salad, made with white beans instead of chickpeas, is a creamy, protein-packed deli-style side perfect for serving with crackers at your next potluck or picnic.
Vegan coleslaw ideas
Lemon Tahini Slaw – A refreshing slaw with a creamy lemon tahini dressing. This one’s perfect for BBQs and makes a great topping for sandwiches, veggie burgers, and vegan fish tacos.
Creamy Vegan Coleslaw – A classic coleslaw that’s just as good as the traditional version but completely dairy-free! Perfect for pairing with sandwiches, burgers, or as a side dish on its own.
Dips & Spreads
Dips and spreads are the ultimate make-ahead cold vegan side dishes for parties, potlucks, and BBQs. They’re easy to prepare, effortless to serve, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you pair them with veggies, crackers, or chips, these flavorful recipes are perfect for sharing!
Plant-Based Taco Dip – Layered with creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors, this dip is always a crowd-pleaser!
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip – This dip has been a consistent crowd-pleaser over the last 10 years we’ve been vegan. Skip the air fryer to serve it cold!
Pineapple Salsa – This fresh pineapple salsa is a fun twist on the traditional tomato salsa! Easy to make ahead and just perfect served with tortilla chips.
Creamy vegan dips
Spicy Garlic Hummus – A creamy, garlicky hummus with a kick of spice that makes it the perfect dip for veggies, crackers, or pita.
Vegan Queso Dip – Make this incredible vegan queso in 5 minutes flat, no cashew-soaking or even a stove top required!
Dill Pickle Hummus – Tangy, briny, and loaded with pickle flavor. If you’re a pickle lover, this one’s for you! Take it from Cheryl who said “This is soooo good. Thank you!”
Extra Garlic Hummus – This Extra Garlic Hummus (emphasis on the “EXTRA”) is for all our fellow garlic lovers out there! It’s an easy-to-make 10-ingredient dip with a fantastically strong garlic flavor and silky smooth texture that will not disappoint.
Avocado Ranch Dip – This is perfect for drizzling on tacos, nachos, burgers, fries, everything! It’s made lighter and healthier by using silken tofu to replace the sour cream, but you won’t miss a bit of flavor!
Vegan Buttermilk Ranch Dip – A cool and creamy ranch dip that’s perfect for veggies or chips. We love this comment from Mel who said, “Hands down THE BEST vegan ranch recipe there is. I make this for my family, and they devour it!!! “
Easy Homemade Spreads
Vegan Beer Cheese – Thick, creamy, and slightly tangy, this beer cheese is perfect for dipping pretzels or spreading on burgers.
Vegan Whipped Feta – This vegan whipped feta dip recipe with tahini is quick, uncomplicated, incredibly flavorful, and the perfect plant based party appetizer.
Olive Tapenade – Salty, briny, and packed with umami flavor! This tapenade is the ultimate spread for bread or crackers.
Vegan Cheese Ball – This is a family-favorite, a veganized version of my Nana’s classic cheddar cheese ball! Take it from MrsJennyK who said, “I made this for a holiday party we threw. I didn’t tell anyone, even my family, that it was vegan. It was a big hit!”
Tomato Jam – A bright savory jam that pairs beautifully with crackers or crostini.
Pasta Side Dishes
Pasta side dishes are a satisfying and versatile option that go way beyond the typical pasta salad. These cold vegan side dishes bring bold flavors and creative twists, making them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering!
Avocado Tequila Lime Pasta – A unique twist on pasta salad with a creamy avocado lime dressing. This one can be served hot if you like, but we adore it served cold at a potluck!
Vegan Pasta Salad – A classic pasta salad with fresh veggies, kalamata olives, and a tangy dressing.
Cold Noodle Salad with Peanut Lime Sauce – A flavorful Asian-inspired noodle salad that’s drenched in peanut sauce with a spritz of lime!
Pickled & Fermented Sides
Pickled and fermented sides are a fun and flavorful addition to any spread, bringing a tangy kick to balance rich and savory dishes. The best part? They’re the ultimate make-ahead option: Just prep a day or more ahead and let time work its magic!
Buffalo Ranch Pickles – Spicy, tangy, and total showstopper!
No-Cook Refrigerator Pickles – Super easy and customizable—once you make these, you’ll never buy store-bought pickles again.
Spicy Maple Bourbon Pickles – For those who love an extra kick in their pickles.
Finger Foods
Finger foods make fantastic cold side dishes because they’re easy to serve and even easier to eat—no forks required! These bite-sized options bring major flavor to any potluck, picnic, or BBQ spread.
Easy Vegan Pinwheels – Fun, flavorful, and easy to prepare and adjust for any event. Check out what Katie had to say: “Such a simple concept and low-effort meal— love these when I have zero energy to make anything! They also travel well and are delish for snacks on the go!”
Vegan Cheese Straws – A crunchy, cheesy snack perfect for dipping or just popping right in your mouth. Here’s what Donna M had to say: “I made these with a block of Violife cheddar and they came out great! Thanks for the amazing recipe.”
Air Fryer Pita Chips – Make your own pita chips in the air fryer with just 4 ingredients and 20 minutes of your time! They’re perfect for dipping into one of the many dips we listed above or just snacking on all on their own. Or, take this tip from Jeanna: “Amazing! Used some leftover pita and added oregano. I will be using these as croutons in a Greek salad.”
Easy Vegan Nachos – We’ve made these no-cook / no-heat vegan nachos for many potlucks, and they are such a hit every time!
Tips for Serving Cold Vegetarian Side Dishes
- Make Ahead: Many of these side dishes taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, making them ideal for meal prep.
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Most will keep for 3-5 days. Check the individual posts for exact timing!
- Serving: If bringing a dish to an event, pack it in a well-sealed container and consider bringing an ice pack to keep it cool if necessary (especially if you’re making one of our tofu cheese spreads!)
Looking for more vegan sides ideas? Check out our full collection of vegan side dishes!
No matter the occasion, these cold vegan side dishes are guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you need something quick for a potluck or a dish to prep ahead, this list has you covered!
Did we miss anything on this list? Let us know in the comments, so we can make this a more complete resource for future readers!
Happy cooking!
