When planning a lasagna dinner, it’s easy to get caught up in the main event. However, a delicious and well-rounded meal requires more than just a great pasta dish. Italian cuisine is all about balance and harmony, which is why we’re highlighting some mouth-watering side dishes that will elevate your lasagna game. From classic choices to unexpected twists, these pairings are sure to please even the most discerning palates. experience to new heights.
Garlic Bread
In the world of Italian cuisine, few side dishes reign supreme like garlic bread. And it’s easy to see why – the harmonious union of pungent garlic and tangy tomato is a match made in heaven. This classic combination doesn’t just complement each other; it amplifies their individual flavors, resulting in a richly satisfying taste experience that’s hard to resist.
Grilled Romaine Salad
When it comes to complementing lasagna, I’m a big fan of grilled romaine salad. Its ease of preparation, nutritional benefits, and smoky flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to this classic dish. Simply season and grill your romaine lettuce halves until they develop a nice char. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is all you need to finish the dish and get it ready for serving.
Pesto Garlic Bread
Garlic bread gets a flavorful twist as we blend the richness of pesto with the simplicity of this classic treat. The quick-to-make pesto is surprisingly packed with flavour, making this recipe a delightful spin on an old favourite. Simply spread the pesto over garlic bread and bake to perfection, resulting in a wildly tasty culinary creation that’s sure to please.
Vegan Garlic Knots
For any special occasion, such as a family gathering or holiday dinner, it’s essential to have a delicious and satisfying side dish that complements the main course. These vegan garlic knots fit the bill perfectly. Not only can they be prepared in advance and reheated when needed, but they also offer a creative spin on traditional garlic bread. Imagine serving warm, flavorful garlic knots alongside your lasagna or other favorite dishes – it’s sure to be a hit with your guests. And as an added bonus, these knots are easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation.
Focaccia Bread
Indulge in the rich flavors of lasagna’s sauce by pairing it with this delightfully absorbent focaccia loaf. What’s more, making focaccia is a breeze – simply combine the dough, let it rest, shape it into a pan, and bake to perfection. The result is a stress-free, mess-free bread-making experience. To take it to the next level, get creative with toppings like colorful vegetables, fragrant herbs, or melted cheese for a visually appealing finish.
Caprese Spinach Salad
A Caprese salad is the ideal accompaniment to lasagna, offering a refreshing contrast to its rich and cheesy goodness. Its simplicity is part of its charm, relying on just a few high-quality ingredients to achieve harmony. The sweetness of fresh roma tomatoes beautifully complements the mellow flavor of mozzarella, creating a delightful side dish that also pairs surprisingly well with grilled steak.
Vegetable Sides
When serving the rich and satisfying lasagna, it’s essential to strike a harmonious balance with its accompaniments. To achieve this, I’ve curated a list of ten delectable side dishes that will beautifully offset the bold flavors of this beloved Italian classic.
Grilled Broccoli
As you begin with this delectable grilled broccoli recipe, get ready to experience a true culinary delight. This dish is remarkably quick and effortless to prepare, especially once your lasagna has finished baking in the oven.
The tender, fresh stalks of broccoli undergo a remarkable transformation when subjected to the gentle heat of grilling. The sweetness inherent in the vegetable is heightened by the caramelization process, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The addition of a satisfying crunch from the grilled broccoli provides a perfect finishing touch, making this dish an absolute must-try.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are often misunderstood, but with the right preparation, they can be truly delightful. In this recipe, we’re elevating these green orbs by grilling them to perfection and smothering them in a rich, cheesy coating. The end result is a dish that’s both visually appealing and packed with flavor. But what really takes this recipe to the next level is the addition of roasted garlic, which adds a deep, mellow depth to the dish. And if you’re looking for a side dish that pairs perfectly with pork chops, look no further. This recipe has it all: a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Indulge in the simplicity of cooking green beans that are simultaneously healthy, easy, and tantalizingly flavorful. These crunchy and salty treats make for an excellent side dish that complements a wide range of meals. Simply place them in the air fryer and let it do its magic while you attend to other culinary tasks – the result is a perfectly cooked green bean dish ready to be plated and served.
Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
When you combine asparagus with a tangy glaze and a sprinkle of salty crumbles, you create a side dish that’s sure to impress. The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar is beautifully balanced by the richness of the feta cheese, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors. This simple yet elegant combination will leave your guests eager for more, especially when paired with a hearty main course like lasagna – they’ll be scraping their plates clean in no time!
Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers
Indulge in the harmonious balance of flavors as these marinated sweet peppers delight your taste buds with their tender, juicy texture. As a thoughtful contrast to rich and hearty dishes like lasagna, these peppers are sure to vanish from plates in no time. The judicious blend of Italian herbs and aromatic garlic expertly coaxes out the natural sweetness of the peppers, making them an irresistible treat when served hot.
Lemon Parmesan Asparagus
The harmonious union of lemon, parmesan cheese, and asparagus is a culinary masterpiece. The tangy acidity of the lemon and the creamy richness of the cheese beautifully complement the sweet, snappy freshness of the asparagus. This delectable trio is elevated by its simplicity, requiring only a pan and minimal ingredients to bring out the best in each component.
Purple Mashed Potatoes
While the idea of purple mashed potatoes may seem unconventional, rest assured that they taste identical to their regular counterparts. The real value lies in the visual impact they bring to the dinner table – a delightful pop of color that’s sure to spark conversation and delight. For those who share a passion for potatoes, this unique twist is just one more reason to get creative with your cooking. If you’re looking for even more innovative potato recipes, be sure to check out our take on apple sweet potato bake – a delicious and unexpected pairing that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Broccoli Radish Salad
While it’s uncommon to pair broccoli with radish, the combination is surprisingly effective. The spicy kick of radish perfectly complements the earthy flavor of broccoli, taking it to the next level when combined in a salad. Adding lasagna noodles to the mix creates an unexpected harmony between the rich cheesiness and the freshness of the vegetables. This side dish is equally impressive when served alongside a hearty brisket meal.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
When it comes to Italian cuisine, cherry tomatoes are an essential component. In fact, sundried tomatoes are a staple in Italy, and with this recipe, you can easily make your own from scratch. What sets these sundried tomatoes apart is that they’re not completely desiccated, leaving them with a delightful texture that’s still bursting with juiciness when you take a bite.
Air Fryer Vegetables
In our previous exploration of the air fryer’s capabilities, we took it up a notch by incorporating an array of vibrant, nutritious vegetables. This colorful medley is not only visually appealing but also packed with wholesome goodness. To amplify its flavors and tie them into a cohesive Italian-inspired dish, simply sprinkle some garlic and salt throughout the vegetables.
Smothered Green Beans
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food craving – a healthier take on loaded fries! While you may not be alone in your desire for this indulgent treat, it’s now possible to satisfy that craving without compromising on nutritional value. Behold, smothered green beans, elevated by a rich garlic sauce and crispy bacon bits.
Healthy Sides for Lasagna
While lasagna is undoubtedly a satisfying and flavorful dish, its rich composition can make it feel like an indulgent treat. To strike a balance between the comforting pasta, cheese, and creamy sauce, consider pairing it with a nutritious side that complements its richness. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value.
Simple Side Salad
Indulge in a salad that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its delightful combination of crunchy walnuts and two scrumptious dressings. This recipe is perfect for whipping up in large quantities to serve to your friends and family. If you’re struggling to get your little ones to eat their greens, don’t worry – the rich flavors of the Caesar dressing and tangy zing of the balsamic vinaigrette will have them devouring their veggies in no time!
Arugula Shaved Fennel Salad
When seeking a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication in a salad, look no further than this arugula and shaved fennel combination. Each bite is an explosion of flavors, starting with the tangy, peppery notes of the arugula, followed by the sweet, anise-like undertones of the fennel. The rich, fruity depth of balsamic vinegar adds a new dimension, while crumbly blue cheese brings creaminess to the mix.
Avocado Tomato and Arugula Salad
Elevate your salad game with the creamy power of avocado. This light and refreshing dish becomes even more satisfying when you add a satisfying crunch, courtesy of homemade croutons or a crispy Parmesan cheese. The subtle saltiness from these additions harmonizes perfectly with the Italian-inspired flavors, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable culinary experience.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Kale is often misunderstood as a bland or overhyped ingredient, but when treated correctly, it can be a game-changer in the culinary world. Its unique combination of fluffiness and crunch makes it an ideal addition to salads, offering a depth of flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. When paired with raw Brussels sprouts, the two create a satisfyingly crunchy base that’s begging for some sweetness and texture. That’s where sweet grapes and toasted almonds come in – their natural sugars and nutty flavors perfectly complement the earthy undertones of the greens, resulting in a truly memorable salad experience.
Fall Kale Apple Salad
The harmonious union of kale and fruit is a culinary delight. The subtle, slightly bitter taste of kale provides a perfect contrast to the natural sweetness of various fruits, creating a match made in heaven. This synergy shines in the Fall Apple Salad, where the flavors of apple and berry meld together in a symphony of taste sensations. The addition of crunchy walnuts and sunflower seeds adds depth and texture to this delectable dish.
Arugula Parmesan Salad
Arugula’s natural charm allows it to take center stage in this simple yet impressive parmesan-topped side salad. With its unique peppery flavor and delicate texture, this salad is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. But what really sets it apart is its convenience – requiring mere seconds of preparation time, making it an ideal solution for last-minute gatherings or special occasions when you need a healthy option that’s both effortless and elegant. Its versatility also makes it a perfect accompaniment to a range of main courses, including pork chops, which are elevated by the creamy richness of the parmesan cheese.
Roasted Artichoke and Mozzarella Salad
With its bold, earthy flavor, roasted artichoke is a true Italian delight. When paired with creamy mozzarella and the luscious sweetness of Roma tomatoes, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. But what really brings this dish to life is the bright, herbaceous note of fresh basil, which harmoniously balances the flavors and adds a burst of freshness.
Savoury Vegan Muffins
Instead of relying on garlic bread as a staple side dish, consider offering a nutritious alternative that’s just as flavorful. Vegetarian muffins are an excellent option, boasting impressive amounts of fiber, grains, and mouthwatering flavor. To seamlessly integrate them into your meal alongside the lasagna, create a medley of Italian herbs to infuse the muffins with a Mediterranean flair.
Tomato Basil Salad
The star of this salad is undoubtedly the balsamic vinaigrette, which expertly showcases the tomatoes’ inherent sweetness. To add depth and a touch of spice, top it off with thinly sliced red onions and a sprinkle of black pepper. For an added layer of complexity and freshness, be sure to incorporate crisp, high-quality basil leaves into your creation. This salad’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths – it can be effortlessly prepared in advance and served alongside dinner, or paired with a grilled steak for a satisfying main course.
Caesar Salad
The enduring popularity of Caesar salad stems from its effortless customizability, making it an excellent choice for accompanying a satisfying dish like lasagna. By preparing this classic side dish, you’ll have the opportunity to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Grilled Delicata Squash
Delicata squash shares some similarities with butternut squash in terms of its winter vegetable status and abundance of flavor. However, it has a unique quality that sets it apart – when grilled, the development of char lines creates a smoky sweetness that is truly irresistible. This versatility makes it an excellent addition to various recipes.
One such recipe is this refreshing salad, which is surprisingly easy to prepare and visually stunning. Its simplicity belies its impressive presentation, making it a great option for those looking to impress without expending too much effort.
Pickled Beet Salad
Packed with healthy antioxidants, this vibrant side dish is an impressive addition to any table. Its natural sweetness harmonizes exquisitely with the rich flavors of a hearty lasagna. A bonus: you can prepare this up to four days in advance and store it in your fridge, ready to serve at a moment’s notice.
Cauliflower Bread
Italian cuisine often pairs well with a crusty loaf of garlic bread, but what if you’re looking for a healthier alternative? Cauliflower bread is a game-changer. By swapping out traditional bread for cauliflower-based goodness, you can indulge in the flavors and textures of Italy without breaking the calorie bank. The best part? This innovative substitute has all the same mouthwatering characteristics as its carb-heavy counterpart, minus the extra calories.
Avocado Panzanella Salad
Transforming leftover bread into a culinary masterpiece has never been more appealing than with the concept of panzanella, an Italian salad that breathes new life into stale loaves. By combining diced bread with fresh elements like dressed greens, juicy roma tomatoes, and creamy avocado, you’ll be amazed at how this humble ingredient becomes the star of the show.
Good Sides for Lasagna
When it comes to pairing sides with lasagna, we’re not holding back on flavor. In fact, we’ve curated an impressive lineup of 10 mouth-watering options that will perfectly complement the rich flavors of your freshly baked lasagna. From classic combinations to creative twists, these sides are sure to elevate your meal game and leave everyone wanting more.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
A potato casserole is the ultimate transformation of mashed potatoes, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary. This dish is particularly brilliant at reviving leftover mashed potatoes and giving them a second lease on life. By smothering it in cheese and bacon, then baking it to perfection, you’ll be rewarded with a twice-baked masterpiece that’s just as satisfying when served hot or straight from the fridge – making it an excellent choice for accompanying lasagna, if you will.
Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Garlic bread is an ideal choice for a family-friendly treat that’s easy to enjoy together. The pull-apart design ensures everyone can participate without needing utensils, making it a fantastic option for a stress-free meal experience. For added convenience, prepare this recipe ahead of time and serve alongside your lasagna the next day. Not only will you reduce the overall workload, but you’ll also minimize distractions as you focus on completing your dish.
Herb and Cheese Pull Apart Bread
If you’re not a fan of traditional garlic bread, consider substituting it with an herb and cheese version of pull-apart bread instead. This variation is remarkably quick and easy to prepare, yet it boasts a robust flavor profile that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. While it pairs perfectly with lasagna, its versatility also makes it an excellent accompaniment to hearty winter soups and stews or even a spontaneous neighborhood potluck.
Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Stuffed Crescent Rolls
The air fryer’s versatility is further showcased when cooking crescent rolls. This process is surprisingly straightforward, yielding a delicious outcome in mere minutes. To take the rolls to the next level, insert a stick of mozzarella cheese within their doughy folds. Next, infuse them with the savory essence of garlic butter by brushing it evenly across the surface. Finally, place the rolls in the air fryer and allow the magic to unfold.
Homemade Coleslaw
A well-crafted coleslaw strikes the perfect balance between sauciness and texture, boasting a flavor profile that’s both robust and refined. While it should be juicy enough to tantalize your taste buds, it shouldn’t be so runny that it becomes overwhelming. This ideal consistency allows for effortless use as a complement to various dishes, while also making it a satisfying standalone option.I’m particularly fond of this recipe because its scalability is unparalleled – with minimal effort, you can prepare an impressive quantity ahead of time, perfect for meal prep or large gatherings.
Tapioca Breadsticks
The quintessential Italian night staple, breadsticks, are an integral part of the dinner table experience. It’s a universal truth that they bring a touch of warmth and coziness to any meal. But what if I told you that achieving those coveted crunchy, golden treats wasn’t as complicated as it seems? With this simple tapioca bread stick recipe, you’ll learn the trick to consistently producing perfect breadsticks in just 30 minutes – yes, it’s really that easy!
Texas Toast Garlic Bread
If the thought of garlic bread without a pre-made option is unbearable, fear not! A simple recipe can be whipped up using common pantry staples, eliminating the need to rely on store-bought alternatives. This quick fix requires mere minutes of preparation time and yields an impressive result that pairs perfectly with lasagna – a match made in heaven.
Roasted Bell Pepper Puff Pastry Bites
Elevate your dinner party with this sophisticated yet effortless dish. The Italian-inspired flavors make it an excellent choice for a starter as well. While making puff pastry from scratch may seem daunting, rest assured that these flaky treats remain surprisingly simple to prepare. The key to success lies in achieving the perfect level of doneness, where the pastry emerges puffed and golden brown from the oven.
Rosemary Parmesan Bread
This rosemary parmesan bread is a delightful treat that will surely tantalize your senses. When paired with a rich and satisfying lasagna dish, the harmonious union of flavors becomes truly sublime. The subtle notes of rosemary and the nutty undertones of parmesan cheese meld together in perfect harmony, creating a culinary experience that’s nothing short of magical.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
The crowning jewel of our side dish lineup is the one-pot mushroom masterpiece that requires minimal effort but yields impressive results. Simply load up your slow cooker with the necessary aromatics and let it do its magic while you attend to more pressing matters, like assembling your lasagna. The end result will be a tender and succulent mushroom medley that’s sure to delight.