13 Irresistible Side Dishes to Pair with Lasagna
Sides for lasagna bring balance and variety to this comforting Italian dish, creating a complete and satisfying meal. These sides add fresh flavors and contrasting textures that complement the richness of lasagna.
From light, refreshing options to hearty, warm dishes, each side enhances the meal in its own way. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, these recipes elevate lasagna to new levels.
With easy preparation and flavorful combinations, these sides make any lasagna dinner feel more exciting. Below is a collection of our 13 best sides for lasagna to inspire your next meal:
Green Salad
A green salad serves as a refreshing complement to lasagna, balancing the richness of this cheesy favorite. Combining crisp greens with vibrant toppings creates an appealing dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Featuring ingredients like microgreens, red onion, and Parmesan cheese infuses an Italian flair while elevating your meal's overall taste profile. Including avocado provides healthy fats, while roasted tamari almonds introduce a delightful crunch that enhances every bite.
For added texture and nutrition, consider mixing in some chopped zucchini or spinach for extra freshness that you will appreciate alongside your lasagna masterpiece.
Roasted Veggies
Roasted vegetables complement lasagna with their irresistible flavors and textures. This side highlights Brussels sprouts and green beans, which bring a delightful contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
When roasted, Brussels sprouts develop a rich, caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. Green beans add freshness while completing this colorful veggie medley.
Infusing six spices like thyme and garlic powder enhances the taste even further, while balsamic vinegar or lemon juice provides an exciting tanginess you’ll appreciate alongside your meal.
Antipasto
Antipasto is an artful assortment that complements lasagna beautifully. This platter features a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and fruits arranged to catch the eye while offering delightful flavors.
A colorful display transforms simple ingredients into an inviting appetizer; think cherry tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, crunchy green beans, and assorted olives nestled among slices of zesty pepperoncini and creamy mozzarella. Finger foods make it easy for guests to mingle while savoring these tasty bites alongside their meal.
Including antipasto not only enhances your gathering but also pairs well with veggie lasagna if you're catering to diverse tastes at the table.
Wedge Salad
Wedge salad stands out as a refreshing and crunchy accompaniment to hearty lasagna. Crisp iceberg lettuce forms the base, crowned with vibrant cherry tomatoes, rich blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon bits, and flavorful blue cheese crumbles.
The combination of textures offers a delightful contrast to the softness of lasagna while enhancing your meal experience. For an added twist, sprinkling Italian seasoning or adding chives along with potato chip crumbs introduces unexpected salty notes that elevate this dish further.
It's also a fantastic option alongside soup for those cozy evenings when comfort food is on the menu.
Bread Sticks
Breadsticks are a beloved accompaniment that perfectly complements lasagna, providing the ideal vehicle for soaking up rich pasta sauces. Their warm, soft texture creates an inviting contrast to the hearty layers of your favorite Italian dish.
Crafting homemade breadsticks is surprisingly straightforward and allows you to infuse creativity into each batch with various toppings or flavors. Experimentation can lead you from classic garlic butter brushed on top one night to cheesy variations for another occasion.
Pairing these delightful sticks with a vibrant Caprese salad adds freshness and color, enhancing your dining experience while making any meal feel special.
Steamed Veggies
Steamed vegetables are a fantastic accompaniment to lasagna, offering both health benefits and vibrant flavors. By using steaming as the cooking method, you can retain essential vitamins and minerals while enhancing the natural taste of each vegetable.
Infused with ginger and garlic, these veggies deliver an exciting burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with hearty pasta dishes. Adding chicken stock not only elevates the taste but also brings depth through a splash of dry sherry for extra richness.
Versatility is key here; broccoli, zucchini, snap peas, green beans, broccoli rabe, and cauliflower all work beautifully steamed to complement your meal effortlessly.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are an ideal side to accompany lasagna, especially for those who crave a meat-centric dish. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and Parmesan cheese, these baked wings provide a delicious contrast to the rich flavors of your pasta masterpiece.
The aromatic blend of spices enhances not only the chicken but also complements any Italian meal beautifully. With this preparation method, you enjoy crispy goodness without the excess grease typically found in fried versions.
Combining these savory bites with a refreshing Caprese salad creates a delightful balance that caters to all tastes at your dinner table.
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes are a fantastic accompaniment to lasagna, bringing a burst of flavor that enhances any pasta meal. Their irresistible umami profile pairs beautifully with the rich layers of lasagna, while the natural tartness satisfies your palate in every bite.
Using just black pepper and thyme allows these tomatoes to shine, but incorporating diced garlic introduces an exciting twist. A sprinkle of sea salt combined with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil elevates this dish further.
You can even incorporate them into a Caprese salad for added freshness or save some sauce for dipping crusty breadsticks on the side.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that combines crusty bread with vibrant toppings, making it an excellent pairing for lasagna. With its fresh tomato and basil mix drizzled with high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, this dish brings brightness to your meal.
You can enjoy bruschetta as a light standalone snack or complement it alongside your rich pasta creation. The versatility of serving the topping on the side or spread directly onto toasted bread allows you to customize each bite according to preference.
When preparing this dish, opting for ripe tomatoes enhances both flavor and texture, ensuring every mouthful bursts with freshness.
Tomato Feta Salad
Tomato feta salad is a refreshing accompaniment that complements lasagna beautifully, providing a delightful contrast to the hearty pasta dish. Featuring vibrant cherry tomatoes sliced in half, this salad catches the eye with its colorful presentation while offering a boost of protein from chunks of creamy feta cheese.
You can enhance its flavor profile by opting for champagne vinegar or fresh lemon juice instead of the usual balsamic options. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and ties all elements together seamlessly.
For those who enjoy Caprese flavors, adding fresh mozzarella or goat cheese transforms this side into an even more satisfying experience alongside your favorite lasagna recipe.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread serves as a classic accompaniment to lasagna, known for its rich flavor and comforting aroma.
The preparation can be tailored to your preference, whether opting for a crispy finish under the broiler or wrapping it in foil for a softer texture.
This Italian staple often comes with butter, enhancing its ability to soak up savory sauces beautifully.
Ideal alongside hearty pasta dishes like lasagna, garlic bread adds that extra layer of satisfaction without overshadowing the main event on your plate.
Honey-Coated Carrots
Honey-coated carrots stand out as a stunning side that elevates any lasagna meal. This dish allows the natural sweetness of fresh carrots to shine through, turning them into an eye-catching and flavorful addition to your plate.
Roasting these vibrant vegetables brings out their rich flavors while keeping their stems intact for added visual appeal. Not only do they look great, but honey adds a lovely glaze that enhances their taste profile beautifully.
Packed with nutrients, this delightful side dish will leave you appreciating the humble carrot in a whole new light.
Easy 10-Minute Garlic Broccolini
Garlic broccolini is a flavorful side dish that elevates any meal.
This unique vegetable, a cross between Chinese broccoli and the more familiar variety, offers an exciting twist to your dinner table.
You’ll appreciate how effortlessly it cooks; with no prep needed, all you have to do is sauté the vibrant stalks in olive oil infused with garlic until they turn bright green and tender.
The ease of preparation makes this an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings alike, ensuring you can serve up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.