Lasagna is often the centerpiece of a satisfying meal, but it can be challenging to find the perfect sides to complement its rich and comforting flavors. As one of the most popular casserole recipes in the world, lasagna’s hearty nature makes it an excellent main course.
However, adding some well-chosen side dishes can elevate the dining experience and cater to diverse tastes. The key is to select options that enhance lasagna’s flavors and textures without overpowering them. From fresh salads and vegetable medleys to warm, crusty bread, there are numerous possibilities.
Green Salad
The versatility of lasagna is undeniable – it’s a dish that effortlessly pairs with a multitude of sides. One such pairing that’s hard to beat is the classic combination of lasagna and a fresh, vibrant green salad, accompanied by warm bread. This union is particularly effective considering lasagna’s rich, cheesy nature, which can be offset by the light, nutritious qualities of a salad. The inclusion of healthy greens in this dish not only provides a much-needed contrast to the dense pasta but also satisfies our daily dose of essential nutrients. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese lends an Italian flair to the mix, while microgreens and red onion add pops of color and texture. The avocado contributes a creamy, healthy fat component, while roasted tamari almonds bring a satisfying crunch. To further elevate this salad, consider incorporating chopped zucchini for added interest and nutrition. Alternatively, spinach can be introduced to amplify the dish’s overall nutritional profile.
Roasted Veggies
When it comes to serving with lasagna, a delicious and effortless option is roasted veggies. In particular, a medley of Brussels sprouts and green beans makes for a tasty combination. The sweetness that develops in the Brussels sprouts when they’re properly cooked – thanks to the caramelization that occurs when drizzled with olive oil – is truly irresistible. Meanwhile, the sauce provides a wonderful dipping option for bread. Green beans help round out this side dish, adding some much-needed crunch and texture. To prepare these roasted veggies, you’ll need six different spices: thyme, rosemary, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a nice tanginess to the dish, though lemon juice can be used as a substitute if preferred. If Brussels sprouts aren’t your thing, fear not – any roasted vegetables will work well as sides for lasagna. Consider broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, or cauliflower as alternative options.
Antipasto
Crafting an impressive antipasto platter is a surefire way to elevate your lasagna-serving game and delight your family or guests. The key to creating a visually stunning spread lies in selecting a diverse array of colorful ingredients that can be easily enjoyed with the fingers or small cocktail forks. Imagine a vibrant medley of cherry tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini slices, whole green beans, green olives, black olives, and bright yellow pepperoncini, complemented by an assortment of cured meats and fresh mozzarella cheese. When served alongside a crisp salad, antipasto can almost be considered a meal in itself. This delightful combination also works beautifully when paired with veggie lasagna, providing a thoughtful and flavorful accompaniment.
Wedge Salad
Imagine a culinary masterpiece – a refreshing wedge salad that’s anything but ordinary. The star of the show is crisp, cool iceberg lettuce, perfectly complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy blue cheese dressing, and crispy bacon bits. But it’s the generous crumbles of blue cheese that truly elevate this salad to new heights.
As a delightful contrast to the soft, comforting lasagna, this crunchy salad is sure to please. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some Italian seasoning for a burst of flavor or sprinkle in some chives and potato chip crumbs for a surprising salty twist – we can’t get enough of this idea!
This salad isn’t just limited to being a side dish either – it’s also a perfect match for your favorite soup. Inspired by the experts at Tastesbetterfromscratch.com, this is one recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Bread Sticks
The union between bread and pasta is undeniable. A warm, crusty loaf is the perfect accompaniment to a rich, savory pasta sauce. When dining at our favorite Italian chain restaurants, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of soft, freshly baked breadsticks – often served alongside their signature salads or soups. The good news is that homemade breadsticks are surprisingly straightforward to prepare from scratch.
These versatile treats can serve as a satisfying side dish for nearly any meal or complement a fresh green salad. The best part? Once you’ve mastered your go-to recipe, you can whip up a batch at a moment’s notice. This recipe offers a wealth of ideas for mixing things up and keeping your breadsticks game strong.
Want to switch things up? Try pairing garlic butter sauce with one meal, then opting for cheesy breadsticks the following week. For an added layer of flavor, dip them in vegan butter or oil. To make them a key component of a meal, serve them alongside lasagna and a vibrant Caprese salad.
Steamed Veggies
One of the most efficient methods for retaining the valuable vitamins and nutrients in vegetables is to steam them. Not only do steamed vegetables offer impressive health benefits, but they also taste incredibly delicious when flavored with ingredients like ginger and garlic. This recipe takes it a step further by incorporating chicken stock and dry sherry, which not only enhance the flavor but also add depth to the dish. What’s more, steaming is an adaptable cooking technique that can be applied to a wide variety of vegetables, including broccoli, zucchini, snap peas, green beans, broccoli rabe, and cauliflower. By employing this simple yet effective method, you can unlock a world of flavors and enjoy a nutritious meal.
Chicken Wings
When serving lasagna, consider adding a hearty meat side dish to cater to your family’s carnivores. For vegetarian or spinach-based lasagnas, a complementary option for non-vegetarians is particularly thoughtful. Baked chicken wings with garlic and Parmesan cheese, served alongside a Caprese salad, make for an impressive pairing. These elevated wings surpass even the most popular restaurants’ offerings, thanks to the harmonious blend of flavors that complements traditional Italian dishes like lasagna. The absence of deep-frying means you won’t have to worry about excess grease, making this dish a satisfying and indulgent choice.
Roasted Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple in Italian cuisine, and when paired with lasagna, they create an unbeatable combination. This simple roasted tomato recipe will elevate any pasta dish with its rich umami flavor and tangy undertones. The beauty of this dish lies in its minimalist approach, relying on just two spices – black pepper and thyme – to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. A sprinkle of garlic adds a pungent depth, while a pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil tie everything together seamlessly. Consider taking it up a notch by incorporating these roasted tomatoes into a Caprese salad, where their sweet and savory essence will be perfectly balanced. And don’t forget the leftover sauce, which makes for an excellent dipping sauce for your favorite breadsticks or garlic bread.
Tomato Feta Salad
When it comes to pairing lasagna with a side dish, something refreshing and light is a perfect match. A light salad, such as one featuring cherry tomatoes and feta cheese, makes for an ideal accompaniment. The colorful halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese add both visual appeal and a boost of protein. For added depth, consider substituting champagne vinegar or lemon juice for more traditional options like balsamic or red wine vinegar. Once assembled, finish the salad with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to bring everything together. This dish bears some resemblance to a classic Caprese salad, and can be elevated even further by incorporating fresh mozzarella or goat cheese.
Honey-Coated Carrots
Carrots often take a backseat in many recipes, but they’re more than capable of stealing the show on their own. In fact, when paired with pasta, roasted carrots make for a surprisingly satisfying side dish. It’s time to give these sweet and colorful veggies the spotlight they deserve. Roasting whole carrots, stems intact, brings out their natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with a drizzle of honey. Not only do these carrots look stunning, but they’re also packed with nutrients – making them a truly divine addition to any meal.
Garlic Bread
When it comes to pairing with lasagna, garlic bread is the clear winner. But what makes this classic combination truly special? For starters, there are two ways to make garlic bread: toasted and crisped under the broiler for a crunchy exterior or wrapped in foil and baked in the oven for a softer, more buttery interior. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.In Italian restaurants, it’s common to see garlic bread served with butter alongside lasagna and spaghetti – a tradition that’s easy to understand when you consider how perfectly the bread soaks up the rich tomato sauce. And yet, this humble side dish is also incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of meals beyond just Italian classics.Ultimately, garlic bread is the perfect match for lasagna because it adds a satisfying crunch and flavor contrast to the dish without overpowering it. Whether you choose to bake or broil your garlic bread, one thing’s for sure: it’s a timeless combination that will never go out of style.
Easy 10-Minute Garlic Broccolini
As soon as you take your first bite of perfectly cooked broccolini, you’ll be hooked on its unique flavor and texture. This hybrid vegetable, a cross between Chinese broccoli and regular broccoli, offers a distinct advantage over its traditional counterpart – it’s surprisingly easy to prepare and cooks quickly in a hot pan with minimal effort. In fact, the only prep work required is simply tossing the broccolini into the pan, where it’ll tenderize and turn bright green amidst a savory medley of garlic and olive oil.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that doubles as a light meal when paired with lasagna. The combination is unbeatable – the rich flavors of the pasta dish complemented by the bright, fresh taste of bruschetta. When crafting this Italian classic, don’t compromise on quality: use ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil to bring out the best in your bruschetta.
A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil elevates the dish to new heights. You can serve the tomato topping on the side for guests to assemble their own or spread it generously over toasted bread, allowing the flavors to meld together. The versatility and simplicity of this recipe make it a perfect addition to any lasagna dinner.
Summary
Indulge in these delightful recipes with your loved ones. Gather around and savor the flavors together! Share your thoughts on these mouth-watering dishes.