Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing favorite, but what should you serve alongside it? The right side dishes can take your lasagna dinner from good to great. Some of the best sides to serve with lasagna include Italian chopped salad, steamed asparagus, and garlic bread.
These sides complement the rich flavors of lasagna without overpowering it. A fresh salad adds a crisp contrast, while veggies like asparagus or sautéed broccoli rabe bring balance to the meal. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Want to try something different? Consider serving chicken and gnocchi soup as a starter. It’s quick to make and adds variety to your Italian-inspired meal. With these tasty options, you’ll have a well-rounded dinner that’s sure to impress.
Classic Bread Sides
Bread sides are a perfect match for lasagna. They soak up the sauce and add a satisfying crunch. Let’s look at some tasty options to pair with your pasta dish.
Garlic Bread Varieties
Garlic bread is a top pick to serve with lasagna. You can make it different ways to suit your taste. Try buttery garlic bread with herbs like parsley or basil. For cheese lovers, add mozzarella or parmesan on top and broil until golden.
Want a twist? Make cheesy garlic pull-apart bread. Use a loaf of crusty bread, cut it in a grid, and stuff with garlic butter and cheese. Bake until gooey and crisp.
For a healthier option, use whole grain bread. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor to your meal.
Focaccia: An Italian Staple
Focaccia is a flat Italian bread that goes great with lasagna. It’s soft inside and crispy outside. You can top it with herbs, olives, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
Make your own focaccia at home:
- Mix flour, yeast, salt, and water
- Let it rise
- Press into a baking sheet
- Add toppings and olive oil
- Bake until golden
Slice it into squares to serve. It’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce from your lasagna.
The Simplicity of Breadsticks and Garlic Knots
Breadsticks and garlic knots are easy sides that everyone loves. They’re fun to eat and great for dipping.
For breadsticks:
- Roll out pizza dough
- Cut into strips
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt
- Bake until crisp
Garlic knots are like tiny bread rolls. Tie strips of dough into knots, then bake. After baking, toss them in garlic butter and parmesan cheese.
Both of these sides are simple to make. You can even buy pre-made dough to save time. Serve them warm with your lasagna for a tasty combo.
Fresh Salads to Complement Lasagna
Salads add a light, refreshing touch to hearty lasagna. They bring balance with crisp textures and bright flavors. Here are some tasty salad options to pair with your next lasagna dinner.
Caprese Salad: A Touch of Freshness
A Caprese salad is simple yet delicious. You’ll love the mix of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top for extra flavor. This salad is easy to make and looks pretty on the plate.
The cool mozzarella contrasts nicely with hot lasagna. Ripe tomatoes add a sweet-tart pop. Fresh basil brings an herbal note that goes well with Italian dishes. You can make this salad ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving.
Try using different types of tomatoes for variety. Cherry tomatoes work great too. For a twist, add some sliced avocado or a sprinkle of pine nuts.
Caesar Salad, a Creamy Contrast
A crisp Caesar salad is a classic choice with lasagna. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons add nice texture. Start with fresh romaine lettuce as your base. Add homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing.
Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Don’t forget the croutons – they add a satisfying crunch. You can make your own by toasting bread cubes with olive oil and herbs.
For protein, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. If you want a vegetarian option, toss in some roasted chickpeas instead. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
Greek Salad for a Mediterranean Twist
A Greek salad brings a tangy, salty kick to your meal. Start with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumber. Add chunks of feta cheese for a creamy, salty touch. Kalamata olives bring a rich, briny flavor.
Slice some red onion very thin and add it to the mix. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano ties it all together. You can also add some bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
This salad is super refreshing next to hot lasagna. The mix of vegetables feels light and healthy. The feta and olives add bold flavors that stand up well to the pasta dish.
Arugula Salad: Peppery and Fresh
An arugula salad offers a peppery bite that cuts through rich lasagna. Start with a big bowl of fresh arugula leaves. Add some cherry tomatoes and thin slices of red onion. Shave some Parmesan cheese on top for a salty touch.
Make a simple dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, and a bit of Dijon mustard. This light dressing lets the peppery arugula shine. You can also add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
Try adding some sliced pears or apples for sweetness. A few crumbles of goat cheese can add creaminess. This salad is quick to throw together and adds a fresh pop to your meal.
Savory Vegetable Side Dishes
Vegetable sides add flavor and nutrition to your lasagna meal. These dishes bring color to your plate and offer a tasty contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli
Roasting brings out the best in Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
For extra flavor, try these additions:
- Minced garlic
- Lemon zest
- Grated Parmesan cheese
The high heat caramelizes the veggies, giving them a crispy outside and tender inside. This method reduces the bitterness some people dislike in Brussels sprouts.
Roasting also works well for broccoli. It gets crispy edges and a slightly nutty taste. You can mix these two veggies for a colorful and tasty side dish.
Grilled Zucchini and Broccoli Rabe
Grilling zucchini and broccoli rabe adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with lasagna. Slice zucchini lengthwise and brush with olive oil. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender with nice grill marks.
For broccoli rabe:
- Blanch it in boiling water for 1 minute
- Pat dry and toss with oil and seasonings
- Grill for 2-3 minutes, turning once
The slight bitterness of broccoli rabe balances the richness of lasagna. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra zip.
These grilled veggies are light and fresh, making them a perfect match for a hearty pasta dish.
Assorted Roasted Vegetables
A mix of roasted veggies offers variety and lets you use what’s in season. Good choices include:
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Onions
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
Cut veggies into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Roast at 425°F for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
You can customize this dish based on your tastes or what you have on hand. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
This colorful mix adds visual appeal to your plate. It also provides a range of textures and flavors to complement your lasagna.
Hearty Soup and Olive Appetizers
Warm up your taste buds with these tasty starters. They’ll get you ready for the main lasagna dish while adding some Italian flair to your meal.
Minestrone Soup: A Hearty Start
Minestrone soup is a great way to kick off your lasagna dinner. This veggie-packed soup is filling but won’t stuff you before the main course. It’s full of beans, pasta, and fresh vegetables in a tomato broth.
You can make minestrone soup easily at home. Just toss in carrots, celery, zucchini, and beans. Add some small pasta shapes too. Season it with basil and oregano for that classic Italian taste.
Serve your minestrone hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. It goes well with a slice of crusty bread on the side. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you want a lighter start to your meal.
Marinated Olives – A Mediterranean Delight
Marinated olives are a simple but yummy appetizer. They bring a tangy, salty flavor that works well before lasagna. You can buy them ready-made or make your own at home.
To marinate olives, mix different types in a bowl. Add some olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Throw in some garlic cloves for extra flavor. Let them sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
Serve your olives in a small dish with toothpicks. They’re great for snacking while you chat with guests. The olives’ bold taste will wake up your appetite for the lasagna to come.
