Lasagna is a classic Italian dish loved by many. Its layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce create a comforting meal. But what should you serve with it to make your dinner even better?
The right side dishes can take your lasagna from good to great. They can add new flavors, textures, and balance to your plate. From salads to veggies to breads, there are many tasty options to choose from. Let’s look at some of the best sides to pair with your next lasagna dinner.
1. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with lasagna. You can easily make it at home or buy it pre-made from the store.
To make your own, spread softened butter mixed with minced garlic and herbs on sliced Italian bread. Toast it in the oven until golden and crispy.
The crunchy texture and garlicky flavor complement the rich, cheesy layers of lasagna. It’s great for soaking up extra sauce from your plate too.
For a twist, try adding cheese to your garlic bread or using different types of bread like sourdough or ciabatta.
2. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with lasagna. You can easily make it at home with fresh romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese.
The creamy dressing adds a tangy flavor that complements the rich lasagna. For extra protein, try adding grilled chicken to your salad.
You can customize your Caesar salad by using different types of lettuce or adding other vegetables. Some people like to include cherry tomatoes or sliced red onions.
To save time, you can buy pre-made Caesar dressing at the store. Or make your own with ingredients like anchovy paste, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Bruschetta
Bruschetta makes a great side for lasagna. You can make it by toasting slices of crusty bread. Top the bread with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.
Drizzle some olive oil over the toppings. The crunchy bread contrasts nicely with the soft lasagna. The fresh tomatoes and herbs add bright flavors to your meal.
You can prepare bruschetta quickly while your lasagna bakes. It’s an easy way to add color and texture to your plate. Your guests will enjoy this classic Italian appetizer alongside the main dish.
4. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a classic Italian side dish that pairs perfectly with lasagna. You’ll love how it adds a fresh, light contrast to the rich pasta.
This simple salad combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzle it with olive oil and balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
The creamy mozzarella balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while the basil adds a pop of color and herbal aroma. It’s an easy way to bring the flavors of Italy to your table.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms make a tasty side dish for lasagna. They’re easy to prepare and complement the flavors of your main course.
Clean and remove the stems from large mushroom caps. Place them on a baking sheet. Fill each cap with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, and herbs.
Top the mushrooms with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake them in a 375°F oven for about 20-25 minutes.
The result is a delicious, bite-sized lasagna-inspired appetizer. The mushrooms become tender while the cheese melts and turns golden brown on top.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. These stuffed mushrooms add variety and visual appeal to your lasagna dinner.
6. Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a great side for lasagna. You can create a mix of Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Try adding sliced salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni. Include cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Add some marinated vegetables such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and olives. Don’t forget some crusty bread or breadsticks.
This platter offers a variety of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for nibbling before or alongside your lasagna meal.
7. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters make a tasty side dish for lasagna. To make them, grate fresh zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix the zucchini with flour, eggs, cheese, and seasonings.
Form the mixture into small patties. Fry them in a pan with hot oil for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. The fritters should be crispy on the outside and tender inside.
You can customize your fritters by adding herbs like dill or garlic for extra flavor. Serve them warm alongside your lasagna for a delicious contrast in textures and tastes.
8. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks make a fun and tasty side for lasagna. These crispy, cheesy bites add a nice contrast to the pasta dish.
You can make them at home or buy them frozen. To cook, just bake or fry until golden brown and melty inside.
Serve mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy sauce pairs well with both the sticks and lasagna.
Kids and adults alike enjoy this finger food. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a playful touch to your Italian-inspired meal.
9. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables make a tasty side dish for lasagna. You can use a mix of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and carrots.
Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.
Roast the vegetables in a hot oven until they’re tender and lightly browned. This brings out their natural sweetness.
The roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal. Their flavors complement the rich lasagna nicely.
10. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Spinach and artichoke dip is a tasty side that pairs well with lasagna. You can make it by mixing cooked spinach, chopped artichokes, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan.
Add some garlic, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Bake the dip until it’s hot and bubbly. Serve it with toasted bread slices or crackers for dipping.
This creamy, cheesy dip offers a nice contrast to the hearty lasagna. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead of time. You can even use leftovers as a spread on sandwiches the next day.
11. Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a tasty choice to serve with lasagna. This soup has a light broth filled with small meatballs, tiny pasta, and leafy greens.
The soup’s savory flavors complement the rich taste of lasagna well. Its lighter texture provides a nice contrast to the heavier pasta dish.
You can make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time. This makes it perfect for busy meals. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve your lasagna.
For extra flavor, top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese. A slice of crusty bread on the side is great for dipping.
12. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for lasagna. To prepare them, cut Brussels sprouts in half and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast the sprouts in the oven until they start to turn golden brown. Flip them over halfway through cooking. For extra flavor, drizzle balsamic glaze over the sprouts before serving.
The roasting process gives the Brussels sprouts a crispy exterior and tender interior. The balsamic adds a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with the richness of lasagna.
This simple side dish is easy to make and adds color and nutrition to your meal. You can customize it by adding garlic, honey, or dried fruit for extra flavor.
13. Panzanella Salad
Panzanella salad is a tasty Italian dish that pairs well with lasagna. It’s made with crusty bread cubes, juicy tomatoes, and fresh vegetables.
The bread soaks up the dressing and vegetable juices, creating a mix of textures. You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
A simple vinaigrette dressing brings everything together. Some recipes include mozzarella or other cheeses for added richness.
Panzanella offers a light, refreshing contrast to heavy lasagna. It’s easy to make and can use up leftover bread.
14. Italian Sausage Links
Italian sausage links make a tasty side for lasagna. You can grill or pan-fry them for a crispy exterior. Slice the links into bite-sized pieces before serving.
The savory flavor of Italian sausage complements the rich cheese and tomato sauce in lasagna. Choose mild or spicy sausages based on your preference.
For a lighter option, try turkey or chicken Italian sausage instead of pork. Serve the sausage links with some sautéed peppers and onions for extra flavor and color on your plate.
15. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread is a tasty Italian flatbread that pairs well with lasagna. Its soft texture and savory flavor complement the rich, cheesy layers of the pasta dish.
You can serve focaccia on the side or use it to soak up extra sauce from your lasagna. The bread’s herbs and olive oil add a nice contrast to the meal.
For a quick option, buy focaccia from a bakery. Or try making it at home with flour, yeast, olive oil, and your favorite herbs. Rosemary and sea salt are popular toppings that work great with lasagna.
Nutritional Benefits of Pairing Sides with Lasagna
Pairing sides with lasagna can boost your meal’s nutritional value and taste. The right sides add vitamins, minerals, and fiber while creating a more balanced plate.
Balancing Nutritional Intake
Lasagna is often high in calories, fat, and carbs. Adding vegetable sides can help balance your meal. Leafy greens like spinach or kale provide vitamins A, C, and K. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber.
Whole grain sides like brown rice or quinoa add B vitamins and extra fiber. This helps slow digestion and keeps you full longer.
Lean protein sides such as grilled chicken or turkey can boost the meal’s protein content without adding too much fat. This is great for muscle health and feeling satisfied.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
The right sides can make your lasagna taste even better. Acidic sides like tomato salad or lemon-dressed greens cut through the rich cheese and meat flavors. This makes each bite more enjoyable.
Garlic bread or roasted garlic adds depth to the meal’s flavor. The garlic complements the tomato sauce in the lasagna.
Fresh herb sides like basil or parsley add brightness. They can make the whole meal taste fresher and more lively.
Fruit-based sides like a light fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites. This makes the lasagna flavors stand out more.
Cultural and Regional Influence on Side Dishes
The sides you serve with lasagna can vary based on where you’re from. Different cultures put their own spin on lasagna accompaniments.
Italian Traditions
In Italy, lasagna sides are often simple and light. You might find a green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing. Grilled or roasted veggies are common too. Think zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
Italians sometimes serve bread alongside lasagna. But it’s not always a must-have. When bread is served, it’s often crusty and used to soak up extra sauce.
Wine is a key part of the meal. Red wine pairs well with meat-based lasagna. White wine goes nicely with vegetable or seafood versions.
American Variations
In the U.S., garlic bread is a popular lasagna side. It’s often made with butter, garlic, and herbs on Italian or French bread. Cheese is sometimes added too.
Caesar salad is another common choice. It has romaine lettuce, croutons, and a creamy dressing. Parmesan cheese tops it off.
Americans might serve extra meat sides like meatballs or Italian sausage. Veggie sides can be more diverse. You might see corn on the cob, green beans, or broccoli.
Soft drinks or iced tea are common drink choices in the U.S. Wine is still popular, but not as central as in Italy.
How to Choose the Perfect Sides for Different Types of Lasagna
Picking the right side dishes can make your lasagna meal shine. The key is to match flavors and textures that complement the specific type of lasagna you’re serving.
Classic Meat Lasagna
For a hearty meat lasagna, choose sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness. Try a mix of fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Garlic bread is a classic pairing. Its crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the soft layers of pasta. For a lighter option, go for roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Steamed broccoli or asparagus adds color and nutrition to your plate. These green veggies provide a fresh taste that offsets the savory meat sauce.
Vegetarian Lasagna
With veggie lasagna, you can get creative with your sides. A bruschetta appetizer complements the Italian flavors well. Top toasted bread slices with diced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
A caprese salad mirrors the cheese in your lasagna while adding freshness. Layer sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, then sprinkle with basil leaves.
Sautéed mushrooms make a great side. Their earthy flavor pairs nicely with vegetable-based lasagnas. Cook them in garlic and herbs for extra taste.
Seafood Lasagna
Seafood lasagna calls for light, refreshing sides. A citrus salad with orange and grapefruit segments brightens up the dish. Add some sliced fennel for a subtle anise flavor.
Grilled or roasted asparagus is a perfect match. Its slight bitterness balances the rich seafood flavors. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
A simple side of roasted cherry tomatoes adds a pop of color and sweetness. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until they burst.