How to Cook Wild Rice
Nutty, earthy and satisfyingly chewy, wild rice is one of the most characterful grains you can bring to the table — its long, dark grains split open as they cook to reveal a pale, fluffy interior. It makes a stunning base for roasted vegetables, mushrooms or a simple herb dressing, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge for easy weekday meals.
HealthScore 89

Creamy Spinach Gratin
Bubbling, golden and deeply savoury, this gratin layers tender wilted spinach in a silky garlic sauce beneath a crisp, herb-flecked breadcrumb crust — comfort food at its most elegant. It is rich in iron and folate from the spinach, yet lighter than a classical gratin. Serve alongside roasted potatoes or grilled sourdough with a glass of dry Riesling.
HealthScore 80
Soft Parker House Rolls
Pillowy, golden and folded in the classic Parker House style, these rolls have a feather-soft crumb, a glistening plant-fat crust and that irresistible pull-apart tenderness. A flax binder and oat milk keep them every bit as rich and supple as the original. Lovely warm from the oven alongside a dry cider.
HealthScore 72

Sage Onion Bread Stuffing
Golden, herb-fragrant and deeply savoury, this stuffing bakes into a dish of crisp-edged cubes and a tender, flavour-soaked centre — the kind that earns the loudest praise at the table. Mushroom and walnut mince brings meaty richness whilst fresh sage and parsley keep every mouthful bright. Serve it alongside your Sunday roast or holiday spread and pour a glass of dry Pinot Noir.
HealthScore 77

Brussels Sprout Mushroom Hash
Crispy, caramelised Brussels sprouts meet smoky, umami-rich chestnut mushrooms in a golden hash that's as satisfying on a weeknight as it is on a weekend brunch table. A squeeze of lemon at the end lifts every savoury note and keeps the colours vivid. Serve it alongside a glass of dry Riesling for a pairing that sings.
HealthScore 87

Flaky Plant-Based Buttermilk Biscuits
Tall, golden and shattering at the edges, these scones pull apart in buttery, steam-lifted layers that are hard to believe are entirely plant-based. The oat-milk "buttermilk" gives a gentle tang, whilst ice-cold vegan fat keeps every fold distinct and impossibly light. Bake a batch for a lazy weekend brunch and pair with a crisp dry cider.
HealthScore 69

Sweet Potato & Pecan Casserole
Silky, caramelised mashed sweet potato baked beneath a golden, crunchy pecan crown — this is comfort food at its most generous. Every spoonful is warmly spiced, buttery-rich and deeply satisfying, and it comes together without a single animal ingredient. Gorgeous as a centrepiece side for a Sunday roast or a holiday table, and lovely alongside a glass of tawny Port.
HealthScore 76

Garlic Herb Potato Mash
Silky, golden and deeply savoury, this plant-based mash is built on Yukon Gold potatoes and a whole head of slowly roasted garlic, folded through with fruity olive oil and warm oat milk until luxuriously smooth. Every spoonful is rich with mellow garlic sweetness and a clean, herbaceous finish from fresh parsley. Brilliant alongside a Sunday roast or a hearty stew, and a glass of dry Pinot Noir is the ideal companion.
HealthScore 74

Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Tender green beans smothered in a velvety, umami-rich mushroom and oat milk sauce, crowned with a generous layer of golden crispy fried onions — this is comfort food that earns its place at any table. It is wonderfully rich without being heavy, and works beautifully as a side for a Sunday roast or a holiday spread. Pour a glass of off-dry Riesling alongside and it sings.
HealthScore 81

Creamy Vegan Corn Pudding
Billowing with sweet corn and finished with fresh chives, this silky Southern-style pudding is soft, spoonable and deeply comforting — golden on top, custardy within. It's a brilliant side dish for a Sunday spread or festive table, and pairs beautifully with a glass of sparkling apple juice.
HealthScore 75

Garlic Chilli Tenderstem
Glossy, charred tenderstem broccoli tossed with crisp golden garlic and jewel-bright slices of fresh red chilli — this is a side dish that earns its place at the table. The stems stay tender with just enough bite, and the fruity heat of the chilli cuts beautifully through the richness of the olive oil. Ready in under fifteen minutes, it is brilliant alongside pasta or a grain bowl.
HealthScore 85

Apple Wine Rotkohl
Deep garnet and glossy, this slow-braised red cabbage is heady with red wine, warm spice and the sharp sweetness of tart apples — a classic German side dish that fills the kitchen with an irresistible, wintry fragrance. A spoonful of redcurrant jelly stirred in at the end gives it a jewel-bright finish and beautiful balance of sweet and sour. It is the perfect partner to roast celeriac or lentil dumplings, and holds up wonderfully alongside a glass of Spätburgunder.
HealthScore 88

Party Pinto Beans (Frijoles de Olla)
A classic Tex-Mex pot of tender pinto beans simmered low and slow with Roma tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, white onion and fresh coriander — no meat, no fuss, just pure plant-based comfort. Known in Mexico as *frijoles de olla* ("pot beans"), this crowd-pleasing dish is as at home on a weeknight table as it is at a party spread. Serve as a hearty side, spoon over rice, or ladle into warm tortillas. Love bold beans? Try our [Spicy Vegan Refried Pinto Beans](https://www.cuisinesavvy.com/recipe/spicy-vegan-refried-pinto-beans) next — they start exactly here.
HealthScore 91

Creamy Vegan Picnic Coleslaw
A vibrant, tangy, and creamy plant-based coleslaw perfect for picnics and gatherings. This colorful side dish combines crisp green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, and red onion with a creamy vegan dressing made from vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and celery seed. It's refreshing, crunchy, and completely dairy-free.
HealthScore 79

Mexican Rice
A flavorful and mildly spicy Mexican rice dish made with long-grain white rice, serrano chiles, and a blend of spices. Perfect as a side dish for your favorite Mexican meals.
HealthScore 78

Sofrito Sans Meato
A flavorful and vibrant vegetable sofrito made with zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, and onion. Coarsely chopped vegetables are sautéed in stages for a perfect side dish. Vegan, gluten-free, and bursting with flavor.
HealthScore 83