Vegetarian Grain Side Dish Recipes

Staff Picks

Farro Salad with Asparagus and Parmesan

A light and delicious way to get your whole grains. Perfect salad for picnics, baby or bridal showers or just because!

Vegetarian Mexican Rice

187

This flavored rice is a local favorite in San Antonio.

A savory side dish, tasty yet simple, with carrots, celery, onions and quinoa. I always cut my veggies really small, more like mincing because I don't like chunky veggies. It is always optional to cut this small. This would probably taste great with rice as well.

By jwyant89

Lentil and Buckwheat Salad

This yummy, whole grain and protein-rich salad is a great lunch, side dish, or potluck item. It can be eaten warm or cold, alone, or on top of a mixed green salad with tomatoes.

By thamesarino

Barley Risotto Primavera

Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this risotto uses barley instead of rice for an extra nutritional punch. This is a hearty and filling meat-free alternative to the usual skillet meals.

By Jen

Soft Polenta with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Polenta should be served soft from the pot, or chilled and then pan-fried. Wild mushrooms, cheese, fresh herbs, and olives are good additions to this grain. If you can get a hold of it, try ricotta salata in place of the Parmesan cheese. If you don't want to use quinoa, you can simply use an equivalent amount of cornmeal in its place.

By Candice

Pecan Rice

154

Pecans sauteed with onion, parsley, basil and ginger make plain brown rice come to life with rich, nutty flavor.

By Deborah Westbrook

Vegan Curried Millet

Delicious curry dish that is sure to satisfy. If you like your curries spicy, feel free to add crushed red pepper or ground cayenne to taste.

By rtyoumans

Italian Polenta Casserole

Cheesy polenta layered with thinly sliced zucchini and marinara sauce makes a delicious side dish to steak, pork chops, or chicken!

By Kim's Cooking Now

Italian Rice Balls

107

These are served with Italian dinners as a side, like a bread. They're great with sauce and pasta dishes.

By VINCE JONES

Quinoa Side Dish

474

Quinoa is a great alternative to rice - it's lighter, and cooks in about half the time.

By sal

Spanish Rice II

1355

Rice is sauteed with onion and green bell pepper, and then simmered with water, chopped tomatoes and spices.

By JOHN MAC

Inspiration and Ideas

Lemony Quinoa

167

"Best quinoa dish ever! I often double the recipe because we can dust a single batch in one sitting. Try adding raisins for a nice sweet element." – taniascotti

Vegetarian Fried Rice Recipes

If you're a vegetarian craving some comforting fried rice, look no further than this recipe round-up.

Linnie's Spanish Rice

123

Broccoli and Rice Stir Fry

128

Indian Saffron Rice

114

Polenta

Veggie Quinoa

I blundered into this delicious mix of ingredients while trying to use up leftover vegetables in the fridge. Even friends who 'don't like vegetarian cooking' have enjoyed it. I like the slightly bitter taste of unwashed quinoa (just check for unwanted debris before you use it), but most recipes call for rinsed quinoa.

More Vegetarian Grain Side Dish Recipes

Cornmeal Mush

This is a basic recipe for a very easy and versatile dish. You can eat it like hot cereal, or chill it and then fry it. This goes well with syrup as a breakfast dish, or with savory sauces and vegetables for dinner.

By NANCYELLEN

Saffron Rice

This simple recipe for saffron rice includes butter, onion, and saffron. It has been used in my family for quite some time and has always been a favorite.

By LLADRACH

Zucchini Herb Casserole

750

I've been making this casserole for almost 20 years and it's always a hit. Even my meat-eater husband likes it. Serve with a crusty French bread or soft breadsticks. Leftovers are great in an omelet the next day.

By Debi Blair McGinness

Coconut Rice

121

Basmati rice is simmered in coconut milk, instead of water, giving it a rich flavor.

By Emma Maher

Dirty Rice

This is an easy recipe to make and it's very flavorful and spicy.

By Candice

Air Fryer Polenta Fries

These polenta fries made in the air fryer are simple, crunchy, delicious, and addictive. My first batch was an experiment and they were so good that I ran out and bought another tube. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

By Soup Loving Nicole

Baked Mushroom Rice

154

You can vary this easy rice side dish by adding different spices or meat.

By Maryanne

Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

The spices may seem like a strange combination, but this is a wonderful, delicate traditional Turkish dish with a twist. Serve chilled, as is traditional, or warm, as desired. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over dolmas before serving.

By WhirledPeas

Carrot Rice

530

Fragrant basmati rice sauteed with carrots, onions, fresh ginger, peanuts, and cilantro. You will be surprised to taste this delicious rice.

By Anonymous

Jasmine Rice

This pilaf is made with jasmine rice, an aromatic rice popular in Thai cuisine.

By Brian

Broccoli Rice Casserole by Minute® Rice

The quintessential creamy side dish just perfect for dinner, an office potluck, or a holiday recipe idea.

By Minute Rice

Broccoli Casserole II

This is my grandmother's casserole, and her standard addition to our family dinners. Leftovers aren't leftover long.

By JENCOOK

Carrot, Tomato, and Spinach Quinoa Pilaf

I remember my aunt telling me about quinoa, saying it was such a wonderfully healthy food and what do you know? It's kosher for Passover! I decided to beef up my quinoa with some fresh vegetables, cooked until they are just tender without becoming mushy. As a side dish this serves 4-5, but I've been known to eat half of it as a meal on its own.

By Jess

Basmati Rice

Simple basmati rice, like in the restaurants!

By Kristine Weatherly

Potato Cake

163

Potato cakes are great for breakfast. Mashed potato cakes with a cheese surprise in the middle.

By Dave Silsby

Green Chile and Rice Casserole

Just in time for Christmas! I have NEVER served this in 25 years without raves or requests for the recipe. Note: the sour cream and cheese can be lowfat if you wish.

By pcur

Green Lentils and Rice Assyrian Style

In Assyrian, we call this dish "jadarah"! Lentils and rice have come a long way. We see these types of dishes more often! I hope you enjoy this great and easy recipe of "jadarah"!

By sharon younan

Mexican Rice I

174

Easy to prepare and the flavor of Mexico is in your kitchen!

By Michele O'Sullivan

Instant Pot® Quinoa

Perfect fluffy quinoa. One shot in the Instant Pot®!

By Food Lover

Quinoa Broccoli Casserole

This is vegetarian comfort super-food. Warm, gooey, and delicious. Serve with a green salad and sliced fruit.

By SketchyRecipe

Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf

468

This is an adaptation of an old Armenian recipe, and this variation is so delicious I can't stop eating it. It's a great way to stretch expensive seasonal asparagus and pricey cashews. It's great as a side dish or as a vegetarian entree.

By SABRINATEE

Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)

Rice shaped in triangles or balls filled with your favorite ingredients. Common fillings are pickled plums or salmon but just about anything salty will work and plain is also very tasty. A tasty alternative to the American sandwich and a staple for any bento (Japanese boxed lunch). Store in the refrigerator.

By Tiffany

Zucchini-Tomato Saute

Sooo easy to make and double or triple if needed. Serve as the main meal with a salad and crusty bread, or as a side dish.

By NIBLETS

Stovetop Saffron Rice

Takes a little time but well worth the wait!

By Kimber

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