Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but figuring out What To Serve With Meatloaf can sometimes be a puzzle. If you’re looking to elevate your meatloaf dinner into a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal, you’ve come to the right place. Move beyond the usual rice or plain bread, and explore this collection of over 35 amazing side dishes that will perfectly complement your meatloaf, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences.
The best meatloaf, sliced on a plate with snap peas.
Discovering the Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf
This guide is your ultimate resource for discovering the best side dishes for meatloaf. We’ll explore a wide array of options, from light and healthy to comforting and classic, ensuring your meatloaf meal is not just delicious but also nourishing and enjoyable for the whole family. Whether you’re aiming for a lighter menu or a more traditional spread, you’ll find inspiration here.
From effortless vegetable sides to more elaborate pairings, we’ve curated over 35 of our favorite side dish recipes that are hearty yet wholesome, designed to perfectly enhance your meatloaf experience.
Meatloaf with healthy sides.
Sweet and Savory Sides
1. Candied Brussels Sprouts
For a delightful sweet and savory contrast, try candied Brussels sprouts. The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts is transformed into a caramelized sweetness when roasted or pan-fried with maple syrup and bacon. This creates a sophisticated and flavorful side dish that beautifully complements the richness of meatloaf. The crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor profile make it a truly memorable addition to your meal.
Candied Brussels sprouts.
2. Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries
Another fantastic sweet and savory option is maple roasted carrots with cranberries. This side dish is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also offers a wonderful balance of flavors. The sweetness of maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of carrots, while the tart cranberries add a festive touch and a burst of flavor. Roasting brings out the best in both ingredients, creating tender carrots with slightly caramelized edges.
carrot side for meatloaf.
Classic Comfort Sides
3. The Ultimate Mashed Potatoes
No list of meatloaf side dishes would be complete without mashed potatoes. Creamy, fluffy, and comforting, mashed potatoes are a quintessential pairing for meatloaf. Whether you prefer classic mashed potatoes made with white potatoes, a slightly sweeter version with sweet potatoes, or a lighter option incorporating cauliflower, mashed potatoes provide a perfect starchy base to soak up meatloaf gravy and juices.
A bowl of mashed potatoes with butter.
4. Tomato Soup
For a truly comforting and nostalgic meal, serve meatloaf with a bowl of tomato soup. The slightly tangy and subtly sweet flavor of tomato soup cuts through the richness of meatloaf, creating a balanced and satisfying combination. Homemade tomato soup, especially a version made with milk for a lighter yet creamy texture, offers a heartwarming and classic pairing that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Homemade Tomato Soup in a bowl with cream and croutons
5. Miso Carrot Mac and Cheese
Take comfort food to the next level with Miso Carrot Mac and Cheese. This isn’t your average mac and cheese; the addition of carrots and miso introduces a lighter, more nuanced flavor profile. Carrots add sweetness and a vibrant orange color, while miso provides umami depth, elevating this classic dish into something truly special. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly healthy side that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf.
Miso Carrot Mac and Cheese.
6. Vegan Polenta with Spinach and Mushrooms
For a creamy and comforting side with a twist, consider vegan polenta with spinach and mushrooms. Polenta offers a delightful alternative to mashed potatoes, providing a satisfyingly creamy texture, especially when made with plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for cheesiness. Topped with sautéed spinach and savory mushrooms, this dish adds a hearty and wholesome element to your meatloaf dinner, perfect for those seeking vegetarian or vegan options.
healthy meatloaf side.
Fresh and Light Sides
7. Tossed Green Salad
To balance the richness of meatloaf, a tossed green salad is an excellent choice. A simple salad with mixed greens, your favorite vegetables, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf. A lemon dressing, as suggested, adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the savory flavors, making it a perfectly balanced and easy side dish.
Green salad.
8. Cucumber Salad
Another refreshing salad option is cucumber salad. An Indian cucumber salad with yogurt dressing offers a cool and tangy counterpoint to meatloaf. The combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy yogurt, and subtle spices creates a light and flavorful side that’s incredibly easy to make and complements a wide range of dishes, including meatloaf.
Indian Cucumber Salad.
9. Kale Caesar Salad
For a nutrient-packed and flavorful salad, kale Caesar salad is a fantastic choice. Kale’s sturdy texture holds up well to creamy Caesar dressing, and its slightly bitter notes are balanced by the richness of the dressing and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option). This salad provides a satisfying crunch and a boost of vitamins, making it a healthy and delicious side dish for meatloaf.
Kale caesar salad.
10. Panzanella Salad
Bring an Italian flair to your meatloaf meal with Panzanella salad. This bread salad combines ripe tomatoes, toasted bread, and a zesty vinaigrette. The juicy tomatoes and crunchy bread soaked in flavorful dressing create a light yet satisfying side dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s a great way to use up day-old bread and enjoy a vibrant and refreshing salad alongside meatloaf.
Panzanella salad.
11. Strawberry Spinach Salad
For a fruity and vibrant salad, strawberry spinach salad is an excellent choice, especially during spring and summer. The sweetness of strawberries, combined with fresh spinach, crunchy almonds, and creamy goat cheese (optional), creates a delightful flavor combination. A light vinaigrette ties it all together, making it a refreshing and visually appealing side dish that adds a touch of elegance to your meatloaf dinner. In colder months, consider substituting seasonal fruits like citrus or pomegranate.
Strawberry Spinach Salad.
12. Chickpea Kale Salad
If you’re a kale lover, chickpea kale salad is a must-try. This salad is both hearty and healthy, combining the earthy flavor of kale with the protein and substance of chickpeas. A lemon-tahini dressing adds brightness and creaminess, while tahini brings a warm, nutty flavor that complements the kale beautifully. This salad is a robust and flavorful side that stands up well to the richness of meatloaf.
13. Marinated Lentil Salad
For a hearty and flavorful cold salad, marinated lentil salad is an excellent option. Lentils provide a substantial base, packed with protein and fiber, while a vibrant marinade adds zest and depth of flavor. The addition of fresh vegetables like radishes, as suggested, brings color, crunch, and freshness, creating a well-rounded and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for pairing with meatloaf.
14. Cabbage Slaw
Don’t underestimate the versatility of cabbage slaw. While often served with fish tacos, cabbage slaw is equally delicious as a side for meatloaf. Its crunchy texture and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the dense meatloaf. Cabbage is also packed with nutrients and fiber, making slaw a healthy and flavorful addition to your meal.
Cabbage slaw for fish tacos.
15. Shaved Zucchini Salad
For a light and elegant side, shaved zucchini salad is a beautiful choice. Thinly shaved zucchini ribbons create a delicate texture that’s both refreshing and visually appealing. A simple lemon dressing, combined with pistachios and Parmesan cheese, adds flavor and crunch, making it a quick and easy side dish that elevates your meatloaf dinner.
Healthy Meatloaf zucchini side.
16. Butternut Squash Salad
If you’re looking for a salad with a touch of sweetness and warmth, butternut squash salad is a great option. Roasted butternut squash becomes tender and caramelized, and when combined with dried cherries and a hint of chili, it creates a vibrant and complex flavor profile. This salad is a delightful way to enjoy seasonal squash and adds a touch of autumnal warmth to your meatloaf meal.
healthy meatloaf side.
Roasted and Grilled Vegetable Sides
17. Quick Roasted Veggies
Quick roasted vegetables are a simple, healthy, and versatile side dish for meatloaf. Choose your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, green beans, bell peppers, and mushrooms, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and roast until tender and slightly caramelized. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and creates a flavorful and nutritious side that complements meatloaf perfectly.
Roasted Broccoli.
18. Roasted Corn Off the Cob (Esquites)
Bring the flavors of Mexican street corn to your meatloaf dinner with roasted corn off the cob, also known as Esquites or Mexican Street Corn Salad. Roasted corn kernels are combined with creamy dressing, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro, creating a flavorful and slightly spicy salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a fun and unique side dish that adds a zesty kick to your meal.
Mexican roasted corn off the cob.
19. Pan-fried Asparagus
Pan-fried asparagus is a light, elegant, and quick side dish that’s perfect for spring or any time you want a simple yet delicious vegetable accompaniment. Pan-frying asparagus in a skillet with a little olive oil and seasonings cooks it quickly and keeps it crisp-tender. Its delicate flavor and vibrant green color make it a lovely contrast to the richness of meatloaf.
Pan fried asparagus.
20. Sweet Potato Fries
For a healthier and more flavorful alternative to traditional fries, try baked sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness and vibrant color, and baking them instead of frying keeps them light and crispy. Served with a dipping sauce like chipotle aioli, sweet potato fries are a fun and satisfying side dish that both kids and adults will enjoy with meatloaf.
crispy baked yam fries with chipotle aioli.
21. Grilled Peppers with Burrata
Elevate your vegetable sides with grilled peppers with burrata. Grilling bell peppers gives them a smoky char and sweetness that’s incredibly delicious. Served with creamy burrata cheese and crusty breadcrumbs, this dish becomes a show-stopping side that’s both elegant and flavorful. The combination of grilled vegetables, creamy cheese, and crunchy bread is a textural and taste delight that pairs beautifully with meatloaf.
healthy side for meatloaf.
22. Spice Roasted Parsnips
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful roasted vegetable, spice roasted parsnips are a fantastic choice. Parsnips have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that intensifies when roasted. Seasoning them with spices adds warmth and complexity, making them a delicious and healthy alternative to sweet potato fries or carrots. Their golden brown color and satisfying texture make them a delightful side for meatloaf.
healthy meatloaf side.
23. Beets and Sweets Gratin
For a visually stunning and flavorful vegetable side, beets and sweets gratin is a winner. This gratin features a beautiful spiral of beets and sweet potatoes, creating a rainbow of colors and flavors. The earthy sweetness of beets and sweet potatoes is enhanced by roasting, and you can add cheese or spices for extra flavor. This dish is both healthy and impressive, perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten up a weeknight meatloaf dinner.
healthy meatloaf side.
Sautéed and Skillet Vegetable Sides
24. Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant
For a healthier take on fried eggplant, try crispy air fryer eggplant puffs. Air frying eggplant results in a crispy exterior and tender interior, with significantly less oil than traditional frying. These eggplant puffs are a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy the flavors and textures of fried eggplant, making them a tasty and lighter side dish for meatloaf.
Close up photo of air fryer eggplant recipe.l
25. Zucchini and Mushroom Side
A simple yet flavorful zucchini and mushroom side is a great way to add vegetables to your meatloaf meal. Sautéed zucchini and mushrooms with garlic and herbs create a light and savory side dish that complements meatloaf without being too heavy. It’s a quick and easy way to get your veggies in and enjoy a delicious and healthy accompaniment to your dinner.
Healthy Meatloaf side with mushrooms.
26. Crispy Zucchini Fritters
If you love crispy textures, zucchini fritters are a fantastic side dish option. These fritters deliver a satisfying crunch similar to potatoes but are packed with zucchini, making them a veggie-forward and tasty side for meatloaf. They can be baked or pan-fried, offering a versatile and delicious way to enjoy zucchini.
These oven baked, crispy Zucchini Fritters recipe are so quick to make and make a great savoury breakfast or a delicious party appetizer! Made with bread crumbs, they
27. Crunchy Green Beans with Almonds
Crunchy green beans with almonds are a classic and elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with meatloaf. Blanched or sautéed green beans retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, while toasted almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. This simple yet sophisticated side dish is a timeless choice for any meatloaf dinner.
healthy green beans.
28. Chili Garlic Broccoli
Add a little spice to your vegetable sides with chili garlic broccoli. Broccoli florets tossed with chili flakes and garlic create a flavorful and slightly spicy side dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Despite its bold flavors, it remains light and refreshing, making it a perfect counterpoint to the richness of meatloaf.
healthy broccoli.
29. Roasted Cauliflower Florets
Roasted cauliflower florets are a versatile and delicious side dish that can be seasoned in countless ways. Simply roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and creates a slightly crispy texture. You can enhance its flavor with garlic, herbs, spices, or even a squeeze of lemon juice. Roasted cauliflower is a healthy and satisfying side that complements meatloaf beautifully.
Healthy cauliflower.
30. Swiss Chard with Peas
For a vibrant and nutritious sautéed green side, Swiss chard with peas is an excellent choice. Swiss chard offers a slightly earthy flavor and beautiful color, while peas add sweetness and tenderness. Sautéing them together with garlic and a touch of olive oil creates a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s packed with vitamins and minerals and adds a lovely pop of color to your plate.
Potato and Grain Based Sides
31. Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Add a flavorful and easy grain side with Instant Pot Mexican Rice. This rice is infused with tomato flavor and spices, creating a vibrant and aromatic side dish that’s incredibly easy to make in an Instant Pot. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including meatloaf, adding a touch of warmth and zest to your meal.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice.
32. Tomato and Oregano Potato Bake
For a lighter take on potato bake, tomato and oregano potato bake is a delicious and healthier option. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with tomatoes and oregano, then baked until tender and flavorful. This dish offers the comfort of potatoes without the heaviness of creamy sauces, making it a perfect choice when you want a lighter yet satisfying side for meatloaf.
33. Lightened-up Creamed Spinach
Enjoy the creamy comfort of creamed spinach in a healthier way with lightened-up creamed spinach. This recipe reduces the richness and calories of traditional creamed spinach while maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor. It’s a perfect side for those who love creamed spinach but are looking for a lighter option to serve with meatloaf.
Explore More Meatloaf Recipes
Looking for inspiration for the main course itself? Here’s a collection of delicious meatloaf recipes to try out:
Meatloaf with healthy sides.
Conclusion: Perfect Sides for Every Meatloaf Meal
With over 35 delicious and healthy side dish ideas, you’re now well-equipped to answer the question of what to serve with meatloaf. From fresh salads and roasted vegetables to comforting classics and creative twists, this guide provides a diverse range of options to create a memorable and satisfying meatloaf dinner. Experiment with these pairings and discover your family’s new favorite side dishes to complement this beloved comfort food. Enjoy creating your perfect meatloaf meal!
