Lasagna is a low-fuss main dish that can be modified to suit almost every taste. A crowd-pleasing amalgamation of pasta, melted cheese, hearty red sauce and meat or vegetables, it's a meal in itself, but adding a side dish can make it even more memorable. While garlic bread tends to be the go-to lasagna side dish, there are myriad options for sides for lasagna. Go for light but flavorful sides to offset the heavy main course and leave everyone satisfied, but not stuffed.
Flavorful Salads
Video of the Day
In Italian cuisine, salad goes with pasta like french fries with a cheeseburger, making it one of the best authentic Italian side dishes. However, throwing a few leaves of Romaine in with some sliced tomatoes doesn't a proper salad make. The best salad to serve with lasagna has delicious flavor combinations and gourmet toppings.
Video of the Day
Dress up your greens by experimenting with different bases and throwing in some unexpected ingredients. Opt for a spring-mix salad topped with pecans, dried cranberries and Gorgonzola cheese, then serve it with a balsamic vinaigrette. Or go for an arugula base under crumbled feta cheese, sliced pears and chopped red onions. Toss the mixture with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sunflower seeds.
Other possible salad bases include:
- Spinach
- Mesclun greens
- Endive
- Radicchio
- Frise
Mixed Vegetables
Complement the ooey-gooey goodness of lasagna with crisp vegetables. It offers a cool contrast to the hot pasta dish.
A platter of well-seasoned roasted veggies is light, but substantial. Chop zucchini, squash and red potatoes, then drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the veggies until crispy.
Sauteed vegetables are another option. Start with spinach, then toss in chopped asparagus and mushrooms. If you're craving serious crunch, serve your lasagna with raw vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, carrots and cauliflower tossed in an Italian vinaigrette.
Antipasto and Caprese
Serve your lasagna with a shared side to stretch out the meal and create a cozy feeling of family-style dining. Antipasto consists of sliced Italian meats, such as pepperoni, salami and prosciutto, cheeses and marinated vegetables and can be purchased premade at gourmet shops to minimize meal prep.
Caprese is another option; although it is usually categorized as a salad. It consists simply of:
- Sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
- Sliced tomatoes
- Basil
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper
Stuffed Peppers or Tomatoes
Bell peppers and tomatoes are light and easy to prep and cook relatively quickly, and the red and green colors help reinforce the Italian feel of your meal. Cut the pepper or tomato in half, remove the insides, fill with bread crumbs, oregano and minced onions, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake until slightly droopy and serve hot.
Feel free to experiment with the stuffing. If you like spicy food, for example, chopped jalapenos or paprika can give your stuffed peppers or tomatoes an extra kick.
Bread Sides for Lasagna
Bread and pasta make the perfect marriage of flavors. It's a classic combo, and it's served at any Italian restaurant you'll visit. This option is a little heavier, especially with the hearty noodles in the lasagna. But it's a crowd favorite that makes your meal a classic.
Garlic bread is the go-to option as food that goes good with lasagna. Breadsticks make a quick, easy alternative. Give your bread dish a fun presentation with garlic knots. Or you can go gourmet with rustic, crusty roll and an olive oil dipping sauce with Italian spices.