Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish that’s perfect for family dinners and special occasions. While it’s tasty on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level.

Adding sides to your lasagna dinner creates a more balanced and satisfying meal.

There are many options to choose from when picking sides for lasagna. You can go with classic Italian-inspired choices or branch out to other cuisines for variety.

Whether you prefer vegetables, salads, or bread-based sides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside their lasagna.

1. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a perfect match for lasagna. It’s crispy, buttery, and full of flavor.

You can easily make it at home or buy it ready-made.

To make your own, spread butter and minced garlic on sliced bread. Add herbs like parsley for extra taste. Toast it in the oven until golden brown.

Garlic bread helps soak up the lasagna’s sauce. Its crunchy texture also balances the soft pasta layers. Serve it warm alongside your lasagna for a delicious combo.

2. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with lasagna. Its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty pasta.

You can easily make Caesar salad at home. Start with fresh romaine lettuce, add crunchy croutons, and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.

The creamy dressing, made with anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice, ties everything together. This light and flavorful salad balances out the heaviness of lasagna, making for a satisfying meal.

3. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad pairs perfectly with lasagna. This classic Italian dish brings freshness to your meal. It’s simple to make and looks beautiful on the plate.

Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Arrange them on a plate with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top.

The creamy mozzarella balances the rich lasagna. Juicy tomatoes add a burst of flavor. Basil provides a aromatic touch. This salad offers a light contrast to the hearty pasta dish.

4. Bruschetta

Bruschetta makes a tasty side for lasagna. It’s quick to make and adds a fresh touch to your meal.

Start with crusty bread slices. Toast them until golden brown. Rub each slice with a clove of garlic for extra flavor.

Top the bread with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

The juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil pair well with rich lasagna.

Serve your bruschetta warm or at room temperature. It’s a light, crisp contrast to the hearty pasta dish.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables make a tasty and healthy side for lasagna. You can mix and match your favorites like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and carrots.

Cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes.

The high heat brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. They’ll have crispy edges and tender centers. Their flavors will complement the rich lasagna nicely.

Roasted vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to your meal. They’re easy to prepare and can cook while the lasagna bakes.

6. Marinated Olives

Marinated olives make a tasty side for lasagna. You can buy pre-marinated olives or make your own at home. Mix green and black olives for variety.

To marinate olives, combine them with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Let them sit for at least an hour before serving.

The salty, tangy flavor of marinated olives complements the rich cheese and sauce in lasagna. Serve them in a small bowl alongside your main dish for easy snacking.

7. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter is a perfect side for lasagna. You can create a mix of Italian flavors that complement the main dish.

Include cured meats like prosciutto and salami. Add cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan. Don’t forget olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers.

Arrange everything on a large platter or board. This colorful spread lets guests pick their favorites. It’s a great way to start the meal and works well with lasagna.

8. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a tasty side dish for lasagna. You can make them with a lasagna-inspired filling for a fun twist.

Start by cleaning portobello mushroom caps. Mix ricotta cheese, spinach, and basil for the filling. Add some marinara sauce to each mushroom.

Spoon the cheese mixture into the caps. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the mushrooms in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes.

The result is a delicious, low-carb version of lasagna flavors. Serve these stuffed mushrooms alongside your main lasagna dish for a complementary side.

9. Italian Sausage

Italian sausage makes a tasty side dish for lasagna. You can grill or pan-fry the sausages until they’re browned and cooked through.

Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces and serve them alongside your lasagna. The savory, herb-filled flavors of Italian sausage complement the rich cheese and tomato sauce in lasagna.

For a lighter option, remove the casings and crumble the sausage meat. Cook it in a skillet with some peppers and onions. This creates a flavorful topping you can spoon over your lasagna.

10. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus makes a tasty side dish for lasagna. You can cook it quickly on the grill in just 8-10 minutes.

Brush the asparagus with olive oil and add salt and pepper before grilling. Place the spears directly on the grates or use a grill basket.

For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grilled asparagus. You can also sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese.

The smoky char from the grill complements the rich, cheesy lasagna nicely. Plus, the crisp-tender asparagus adds a healthy veggie to your plate.

11. Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is a perfect side for lasagna. This Italian flatbread has a crispy exterior and soft, airy interior.

You can make it with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, olive oil, and salt. Top it with herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Focaccia soaks up lasagna sauce wonderfully. Its texture complements the soft layers of pasta and cheese in your main dish.

You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Cut it into squares or strips for easy sharing. Focaccia is also great for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

12. Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a light and refreshing side for lasagna. You’ll love its peppery flavor that cuts through the richness of the pasta dish.

To make it, toss fresh arugula leaves with a simple lemon vinaigrette. Add some shaved Parmesan cheese for a salty kick.

For extra crunch, throw in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts. You can also include sliced pears or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

This salad is quick to prepare while your lasagna bakes. It adds a nice balance of flavors and textures to your meal.

13. Prosciutto and Melon

Prosciutto and melon is a tasty side dish that pairs well with lasagna. This Italian classic combines sweet, juicy melon with salty, thin-sliced prosciutto ham.

To make it, wrap strips of prosciutto around melon cubes or wedges. The contrast of flavors and textures is delightful. The melon’s coolness also balances the warm, hearty lasagna.

You can serve this as an appetizer or side dish. It’s quick to prepare and looks elegant on the plate. For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze or add fresh mozzarella.

This light, refreshing combo cleanses your palate between bites of rich lasagna. It’s a simple way to add color and variety to your meal.

14. Fried Zucchini

Fried zucchini makes a tasty side dish for lasagna. To make it, cut zucchini into thin rounds or sticks. Coat the pieces in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Fry the coated zucchini in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. The outside will be crunchy while the inside stays tender.

Serve your fried zucchini hot alongside lasagna. The crispy texture contrasts nicely with the soft pasta. You can offer marinara sauce for dipping if you like.

This side adds a veggie boost to your meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults enjoy.

15. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a tasty Italian dish that goes well with lasagna. It’s packed with veggies, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth.

You can serve minestrone as a starter before the main course. Its light yet filling nature will whet your appetite without overwhelming you.

The soup’s mix of flavors complements the rich taste of lasagna. The vegetables and broth offer a refreshing contrast to the cheesy pasta dish.

For an easy meal, pair a bowl of minestrone with a small portion of lasagna. This combo gives you a balanced and satisfying Italian-inspired dinner.

Understanding Lasagna Pairings

Lasagna is a rich, hearty dish that benefits from well-chosen side dishes. The right pairings can enhance flavors and create a balanced meal.

Flavor Balancing

When picking sides for lasagna, think about balancing flavors and textures. Acidic sides like tomato-based salads or vinaigrette-dressed greens cut through the richness of the cheese and meat. Light, crisp vegetables offer a refreshing contrast to the pasta layers.

You can also choose sides that complement lasagna’s flavors. Garlic bread or bruschetta echo the Italian seasonings. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant mirror the comfort of the main dish while adding variety.

Consider the heaviness of your lasagna recipe. A meat-laden version pairs well with lighter sides, while a vegetable lasagna can handle heartier accompaniments.

Cultural Complements

Italian-inspired sides naturally fit with lasagna. Antipasto platters with cured meats, cheeses, and olives make great starters. A classic Caesar salad or Caprese salad honors lasagna’s roots.

You can also branch out to other Mediterranean flavors. Greek salad with feta and olives offers a tangy contrast. Spanish-style roasted bell peppers bring a sweet, smoky element to the plate.

For a fusion twist, try Asian-inspired greens like bok choy or garlicky green beans. These unexpected pairings can add excitement to your meal while still complementing the lasagna’s flavors.

Choosing the Right Wine

Picking a good wine for lasagna can make your meal even better. You want a wine that goes well with the rich flavors of cheese, meat, and tomato sauce.

Red wines are often a great choice. Look for Italian reds like Chianti or Sangiovese. These wines have the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of lasagna.

If you prefer white wine, try a dry Italian white like Pinot Grigio. It can be refreshing with a cheesy lasagna.

Here are some tips for choosing wine:

• Match the wine’s intensity to the lasagna
• Consider the main ingredients in your lasagna
• Think about the sauce – red sauce pairs well with red wine
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wines

Remember to serve your wine at the right temperature.

Red wines are best slightly cool, around 60-65°F.

White wines should be chilled to about 45-50°F.