What To Serve With Vegetable Soup (25 Best Sides)
Vegetable soup is a timeless classic with endless possibilities. It’s a light and flavorful meal that can be tailored to fit any taste. Whether you prefer a simple broth or a hearty veggie-packed soup, this one-pot dish is sure to satisfy.
But what truly elevates a bowl of vegetable soup to a complete meal is the side dishes that accompany it. That’s why I’ve gathered a collection of my favorite side dishes to serve with vegetable soup.
Enjoy the crunch of roasted green beans or the creaminess of butternut squash casserole. Or, add a touch of sweetness to your meal with pear and arugula salad, or go savory with cheesy garlic bread.
With these soup side dishes, you can turn a humble bowl of vegetable soup into a delicious and satisfying meal. So, let’s explore the best side dishes to serve with vegetable soup.
Looking for a quick answer? Here are my favorite sides for vegetable soup.
Some of the best side dishes to serve with vegetable soup are grilled cheese sandwiches, baked stuffed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, cheddar garlic biscuits, oven-fried zucchini, crispy shredded brussels sprouts, black rice salad, roasted green beans, air fryer cauliflower, sweet potato fries, butternut squash casserole, wilted spinach salad, pear and arugula, green bean salad, cheesy garlic bread, veggie quesadillas, snow peas, broccoli salad, pasta salad, cheddar sourdough bread, harvest salad, shrimp salad, savory scones, rice pilaf, and rye bread with smoked salmon.
1. Grilled cheese sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a great side dish for vegetable soup. The savory, crunchy texture of the sandwich adds a wonderful contrast to the soft and creamy soup. The gooey melted cheese and buttery bread make for a comforting and indulgent experience.
It’s easy to customize your grilled cheese sandwich. Try it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and diced onions for a cheesy-onion combo.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a great way to take vegetable soup to the next level.
We love: Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Spinach (by Give Recipe)
2. Baked stuffed potatoes
Baked stuffed potatoes are a great side dish to serve with vegetable soup. They are the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
The fluffy texture of the potatoes and the savory, cheesy filling offer a pleasing contrast to the light and nourishing soup. The potatoes are also a great way to sneak in extra vegetables since the filling can be anything from broccoli to spinach.
Prep the potatoes ahead of time and reheat in the oven for a golden brown finish. Serve them alongside a crisp salad or a dinner roll for a complete meal that is sure to warm the heart and soul.
We love: Twice Baked Potato Recipe (Stuffed Jacket Potatoes) (by Valentina’s Corner)
3. Buttermilk biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are an ideal side dish for any soup. These fluffy, buttery biscuits bring a comforting and homey feel to the meal, making it feel like a warm hug on a cold night.
The perfect combination of savory and sweet, these biscuits are great for sopping up the last of the soup in the bowl. Plus, they come together quickly and are a great option for busy evenings.
The classic combination of vegetable soup and buttermilk biscuits is a favorite for a reason. Try it tonight and find out why!
We love: Southern Buttermilk Biscuits (by The Gracious Wife)
4. Cheddar garlic biscuits
These cheddar garlic biscuits add a delightful twist to a classic soup side dish. The beloved combination of sharp cheddar and garlic creates a flavorful biscuit that pairs really well with the subtle flavors of vegetable soup.
The flaky, buttery texture of biscuits adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy soup. Enjoy it with a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for a truly indulgent meal.
Cheddar garlic biscuits are easy to make and come together in no time. Serve them with your favorite soup recipes for a cozy and comforting meal.
We love: Easy Cheesy Garlic Biscuits (by Now Cook This!)
5. Oven-fried zucchini
Oven-fried zucchini is a great side dish for vegetable soup. The crunchy texture of the zucchini adds a nice contrast to the soup and it’s a great way to get in some extra veggies.
Plus, it’s simple to make. Just slice the zucchini into wedges, season them with salt and pepper, coat them in breadcrumbs and bake them in the oven until they’re golden brown.
Oven-fried zucchini also goes well with other soups such as mushroom soup, tortilla soup, tomato soup, and squash soup, making it a great choice for any soup.
We love: Super Crispy Zucchini Fries – Baked in the Oven (by Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons)
6. Crispy shredded Brussels sprouts
Crispy shredded Brussels sprouts offer a delicious and nutritious side to any vegetable soup.
Shredding the Brussels sprouts creates thin, delicate pieces that, when roasted, become golden and crisp. The crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the soft vegetable soup, while the nutty flavor of the roasted Brussels adds depth to the dish.
Crispy shredded Brussels sprouts make a great side dish that pairs perfectly with any vegetable soup.
We love: Crispy Shredded Brussels Sprouts in the Oven (by Mandy Jackson)
7. Black rice salad
Black rice salad is a nutritious and delicious side dish for vegetable soup. The nutty flavor of the black rice pairs nicely with the earthy flavors of the vegetables in the soup.
The salad is easy to make; simply combine cooked black rice, plenty of fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. To make it extra special, add some crumbled feta cheese or toasted almonds for a pop of texture and flavor.
The salad comes together quickly and is a great way to add a healthy side dish to your meal.
We love: Asian Black Rice Salad with Ginger Orange Dressing (by Flavor the Moments)
8. Roasted green beans
Roasted green beans make a great side dish for vegetable soup.
The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the beans, enhancing the flavor and creating a delightful contrast to the vegetable soup.
To make the roasted green beans, simply season them with a bit of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. Or add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for a cheesy twist.
They are a simple and delicious side dish that will bring your vegetable soup to the next level.
We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans (by Eatwell101)
9. Air fryer cauliflower
Air fryer cauliflower is a great side dish for vegetable soup. The high heat of the air fryer helps to crisp the cauliflower florets, making them a perfect contrast to the soft texture of the soup.
The roasting process not only adds a delicious crunch to the cauliflower but also enhances its natural sweetness, making it a great pairing for a variety of vegetable soups.
The air fryer also allows you to finish the cauliflower with a variety of spices, such as garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika. This makes for an exciting and flavorful vegetable side dish that pairs really well with the vegetable soup.
Plus, air fryer cauliflower is a healthy side dish option that is gluten-free, low in calories, and high in fiber.
We love: Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower – No Breading (by Love And Other Spices)
10. Sweet potato fries
Sweet potato fries are an excellent side dish for vegetable soup. The natural sweetness of the fries pairs perfectly with the earthy flavors of the soup. Plus, the vibrant orange color of the fries adds a visually appealing element to the meal, complementing the more subdued hues of the soup.
When baked or fried to a crispy texture, sweet potato fries add a pleasant crunch, contrasting with the soup’s softer consistency.
These fries make a great side dish for a comforting, satisfying meal. They’re an easy side to whip up and go well with a variety of vegetable soup recipes.
We love: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (by The Hearty Life)
11. Butternut squash casserole
Butternut squash casserole is a great side dish to pair with vegetable soup. The creamy texture and natural sweetness of the squash complement the savory flavors in the soup, and the comforting casserole is sure to be a hit at any meal.
To make the casserole, mix cooked butternut squash, butter, and seasonings. Top with shredded cheese, and breadcrumbs (or cracker crumbs). Bake until gooey and golden. For added crunch and flavor, add a layer of crushed potato chips to the top.
This easy side dish is a great way to get in some extra vegetables, and it goes great with any type of vegetable soup. Serve with a rustic vegetable soup, minestrone soup, or onion soup for a delicious and filling meal.
We love: Butternut Squash Casserole (by The Cozy Apron)
12. Wilted spinach salad
Wilted spinach salad is a great side dish for vegetable soup. Its bright, acidic flavors and vibrant colors provide a flavorful contrast to the heartiness of the soup, offering a refreshing reprieve.
The tartness of a lemon vinaigrette, along with the smokiness of the bacon, will bring out the subtle sweetness of the vegetables in the soup.
The freshness of the salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup. It’s also a great way to incorporate some extra vegetables into the meal. Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper, and sweet potatoes for an even heartier salad.
We love: Wilted Spinach Salad (by The Mediterranean Dish)
13. Pear and arugula
Pear and arugula salad is a great side dish for vegetable soup. This simple salad combines the sweetness of pears, the nutty flavor of arugula, and the zing of red onions, creating a flavor profile that pairs really well with the soup.
The salad also brings a light and crisp texture to the meal, which acts as a nice contrast to the warm and comforting soup.
Making the salad is simple and quick. All you need to do is toss together the ingredients and dress them with a light vinaigrette. Adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or crumbly cheese will take the salad to the next level.
We love: Easy and Mouthwatering Arugula Pear Salad (by The Fed Up Foodie)
14. Green bean salad
Green bean salad is a great side dish for vegetable soup, adding texture and flavor to the meal.
This simple side dish is a great way to bring a burst of freshness to any meal. Tender green beans, crisp red onion, and sweet and tangy vinaigrette combine to make a salad that pairs well with any type of vegetable soup. The crunch of the green beans goes nicely with the creamy soup, creating a pleasant contrast.
Green bean salad is also a great way to add color and nutrition to a meal. Try adding nuts, dried fruit, or diced tomatoes for a more diverse flavor. This salad recipe is a great way to spruce up any vegetable soup.
We love: French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad (by Pardon Your French)
15. Cheesy garlic bread
Cheesy garlic bread is a great side dish for vegetable soup. The savory, garlicky flavor of the bread complements the fresh, light flavors of the soup.
The crunchy texture of the bread is a great contrast to the smooth texture of the soup. It also adds a delicious cheesy flavor to the soup, making it even more flavorful.
This cheesy garlic bread recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. It pairs well with most vegetable soups, such as potato soup, vegetable soup, and clam chowder.
So, the next time you’re making vegetable soup, don’t forget to whip up a batch of cheesy garlic bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
We love: Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread (by The Recipe Critic)
16. Veggie quesadillas
Veggie quesadillas are another great side dish for vegetable soup. The savory combination of vegetables and cheese in the quesadillas provides a perfect contrast to the smooth and creamy texture of the soup.
With a variety of vegetables to choose from, you can customize the quesadillas to your taste. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and zucchini for a flavorful and colorful quesadilla.
The crunch of the quesadilla’s exterior and the soft, melty cheese interior offer a delightful contrast to the soup’s texture. Top it all off with a little bit of sour cream and you have a tasty side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We love: Avocado Black Bean Quesadillas (by Gimme Delicious)
17. Snow peas
Snow peas are a deliciously refreshing side for vegetable soup. Their sweet, crunchy texture adds a delightful contrast to the soft, comforting soup.
Snow peas are a simple yet delicious addition to the meal. Quickly cook them in a pan with a little bit of olive oil and garlic. They are ready in minutes!
They pair well with a variety of vegetable soups, and their bright, fresh flavor adds a lively element to the meal. With its easy preparation and attractive presentation, snow peas make a great side dish for vegetable soup.
We love: Stir-fried snow peas (by Greenbowl2soul)
18. Broccoli salad
A vibrant and zesty broccoli salad is a tasty vegetable side dish to serve alongside soup.
The crunchy broccoli, creamy dressing, and sweet raisins in the salad provide a satisfying texture and flavor contrast to the smooth soup. The bright colors of the salad energize the meal, and the creamy dressing adds a touch of indulgence.
Broccoli salad takes only minutes to make, and it’s a great way to get extra vegetables into your meal. Plus, it’s a delicious way to add a little bit of nutritious crunch to your meal.
We love: Classic Broccoli Salad (by Chelsea’s Messy Apron)
19. Pasta salad
Pasta salad is a great side dish to serve with vegetable soup. It adds complexity and texture to the meal and can be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
The coolness of the pasta salad contrasts nicely with the warmth of the soup, providing a refreshing break from the soup’s hearty flavors. The acidity of the vinaigrette dressing also helps to balance out the soup.
You can customize the pasta salad to fit your taste, adding in diced tomatoes, red peppers, feta cheese, or whatever vegetables you like. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, healthy, and filling side dish.
We love: Greek Olive Pasta Salad. (by Half Baked Harvest)
20. Cheddar sourdough bread
If you’re an avid home baker, cheddar sourdough bread is the side dish for you. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and the perfect accompaniment to any vegetable soup. And if you’re no star baker, opt for a store-bought bread instead!
The sourdough flavor pairs well with the savory vegetables in the soup and the melted cheddar adds a rich and creamy texture.
Serve a warm slice of cheddar sourdough bread with vegetable soup and top it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
It’s a tasty and comforting side dish to complete a hearty and satisfying dinner.
We love: Sharp Cheddar Sourdough (by Poetry & Pies)
21. Harvest salad
A harvest salad is the perfect healthy side dish for any soup. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in the salad creates a pleasing contrast to the soup’s natural richness.
Harvest salads typically feature a mix of seasonal vegetables, fruit, nuts, and cheese. These ingredients are a perfect combination of sweet and savory, adding complexity and balance to a meal. The freshness of the salad also provides a nice contrast to the soup’s heartiness.
The bright, vibrant colors of the salad provide visual appeal and make it an attractive addition to the table.
Harvest salads are also very versatile. There are endless combinations available to customize the salad to your tastes. This makes it a great option for those looking for a unique side dish for their vegetable soup.
We love: Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette (by As Easy As Apple Pie)
22. Shrimp salad
Shrimp salad is an often overlooked side dish.
The combination of fresh flavors in the shrimp salad provides a nice contrast to the earthy flavors of the soup. The crunch of fresh vegetables, the creaminess of sliced avocado, the sweetness of shrimp, and the zing of citrus in the salad will make for a unique and interesting taste.
Shrimp salad is also a great way to add protein to your meal. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a refreshingly light addition to your dinner table.
We love: Citrus Shrimp Salad with Avocado (by FoodieCrush)
23. Savory scones
Savory scones are a delicious bread alternative to serve with vegetable soup. With their flaky texture and buttery flavor, they can turn a simple soup into a satisfying meal.
Add a savory twist to basic scones with bacon, cheddar, or olives and rosemary. The savory flavors make them a great accompaniment to vegetable soup, adding a new layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
They are also super easy to make, typical recipes require only a few basic pantry ingredients. Serve your scones warm or cold with a hearty bowl of vegetable soup.
We love: Cheddar Cheese Scones (by Spend With Pennies)
24. Rice pilaf
Rice pilaf is the perfect side dish to serve with vegetable soup.
The combination of rice, vegetables, and herbs makes pilaf flavorful and hearty. Dipping spoonfuls of pilaf into your soup, allow the grains to absorb the flavor of the soup.
The pilaf also provides texture contrast, with the tender, fluffy rice contrasting well with the soup’s heartier vegetables.
Rice pilaf is a great dish to customize to your soup. Add vegetables like mushrooms or diced tomatoes, herbs like thyme or rosemary, and spices like garlic or onion powder.
We love: Herbed Rice Pilaf (by Easy Peasy Meals)
25. Rye bread with smoked salmon
The classic combination of rye bread with smoked salmon and vegetable soup makes for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Smoked salmon pairs wonderfully with the flavor of the vegetable soup, adding a rich and salty flavor that complements the vegetables. Rye bread is a perfect accompaniment, providing a hearty and flavorful base to the soup.
For a meal that is both satisfying and healthy, opt for rye bread with smoked salmon as a side dish for vegetable soup. It will make your meal complete and you won’t regret it.
We love: Smoked Salmon on Rye (by This Little Plate)
Frequently asked questions
Vegetable soup is a delicious and healthy option for any meal, and these side dishes will make it even more special. From roasted broccoli salad to baked potatoes or sweet potato wedges, these side dishes will bring out the flavor of the vegetable soup and create a well-rounded meal.
No matter what you choose, these side dishes will create a meal that you and your family will enjoy.