Lasagna, or lasagne if you’re feeling traditional, is a globally cherished dish. This Italian masterpiece of pasta, rich cheese, and flavorful sauces has graced dining tables since the Middle Ages. Originating from Italy, lasagna’s enduring appeal lies in its comforting layers and versatility. But the question that often arises when planning a lasagna dinner is: what should you serve alongside it?
Dating back to the 1300s, recipes for layered pasta dishes confirm lasagna’s popularity for over seven centuries. The classic rendition features stacked pasta sheets filled with ragu, creamy béchamel, and cheese. Variations abound, from meat and tomato ragu to vegetable-focused creations, and different Italian cheeses. Regional twists further enrich the lasagna landscape. Bolognese lasagna, perhaps the most famous, boasts a robust tomato and beef ragu with béchamel. Genoese lasagna highlights fresh seafood. Neapolitan lasagna is known for its vegetarian-friendly juicy tomato sauce and mozzarella. Tuscan lasagna offers a hearty blended meat and tomato sauce infused with wine.
Regardless of the lasagna variation you choose to prepare, the right side dishes are crucial to elevate your meal. They should complement the lasagna’s richness, offering a contrast and enhancing the overall dining experience without being too heavy or overpowering. Below, we explore a range of the best side dishes, categorized for your convenience, along with appetizer and drink suggestions to complete your lasagna feast.
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Quick and Easy Side Dishes for Lasagna
Sometimes, simplicity is key. When lasagna is the star, you need side dishes that are quick to prepare yet still delicious and complementary. These simple sides enhance your lasagna without demanding too much time or effort, allowing the main course to truly shine. Choose one or create a delightful medley for your guests.
Classic Tomato Bruschetta
Close up of bruschetta with tomatoes and basil
Traditional Italian bruschetta is incredibly easy to make and provides a burst of fresh flavor. It consists of toasted bread slices topped with a mixture of ripe tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. While lasagna already incorporates tomatoes, the freshness of basil in bruschetta acts almost like a refreshing side salad, offering a counterpoint to the lasagna’s richness. The crispiness of the toasted bread also provides a textural contrast.
Simple Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes are another tomato-based side, but the roasting process brings out a subtle sweetness and umami depth that pairs beautifully with lasagna. For this simple side, you only need cherry tomatoes, good quality extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Simply halve the tomatoes, toss them with the other ingredients, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast until slightly softened and bursting with flavor. Roasted tomatoes are subtly sweet and addictive, making them a delightful accompaniment, especially with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots
Honey roasted carrots with thyme sprigs on a baking sheet
Honey-roasted carrots are among the easiest and most satisfying side dishes. Simply peel and trim carrots, then place them in a roasting dish. Coat them generously with extra virgin olive oil and a drizzle of honey, along with fresh thyme sprigs. Roast until tender but slightly firm, allowing the honey to caramelize the carrots slightly. The sweetness of the honey-roasted carrots offers a wonderful contrast to the savory lasagna. This side is particularly versatile and complements various lasagna types, including seafood lasagna; for the latter, consider adding lemon slices to the roasting pan for a citrusy note.
Parmesan Lemon Asparagus
Parmesan and lemon asparagus is another quick and nutrient-rich side dish. Just snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, add lemon wedges, and sprinkle with Parmesan shavings. Roast until tender-crisp. Asparagus is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and beneficial for gut health, making it a light and healthy counterpoint to richer lasagna. The lemon adds brightness, while Parmesan provides a savory note.
Healthy Side Dishes to Serve with Lasagna
Lasagna, while delicious, is undeniably rich. If you’re looking to balance your meal with healthier options, these side dishes are perfect. They cut through the richness of lasagna with fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients, proving that a lasagna dinner can be both satisfying and health-conscious.
Refreshing Raw Zucchini Salad
Raw zucchini salad is a light and healthy side that’s surprisingly flavorful. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of zucchini. Toss these ribbons with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs like basil and chives. Shaved Parmesan adds a touch of savory flavor. For extra texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts. If you desire a creamier element, a small amount of shredded mozzarella can be included, though this will slightly increase the calorie content.
Fennel and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Fennel and orange salad with red onion and rocket leaves
Fennel and orange salad offers a unique flavor profile that complements lasagna beautifully. Fennel has a refreshing, subtle licorice-like taste that pairs well with rich sauces and seafood. Combine thinly sliced fennel with segments of peeled oranges, ensuring you remove the membranes for the best texture. Dress the salad with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, wholegrain mustard, and a hint of sweetness from sugar or maple syrup. Thinly sliced red onion and peppery rocket (arugula) leaves add further layers of flavor and texture. The bright citrus and anise notes of this salad cut through the richness of lasagna, providing a palate-cleansing effect.
Expert Tip: This salad pairs exceptionally well with a Prosecco Negroni (recipe below), creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Simple Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic
Green beans with lemon and garlic are a classic, vitamin-rich side dish. Trim the green beans and blanch them briefly to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. Alternatively, microwave them with a little water. Toss the cooked green beans with lemon juice, a touch of garlic, and salted butter for a simple yet flavorful side. The bright lemon and savory garlic enhance the natural flavor of the green beans, making them a perfect healthy accompaniment.
Arugula Salad with Parmesan and Balsamic
Arugula salad with parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze
Arugula salad, also known as rocket or rucola, is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamin K and other essential nutrients. It’s beneficial for bone health, brain function, and digestion. Its peppery flavor provides a wonderful contrast to rich dishes like lasagna. Dress arugula with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. The peppery, slightly bitter arugula and tangy balsamic vinaigrette create a refreshing and palate-cleansing side, especially effective with very cheesy lasagnas.
Vegetable Side Dishes for Lasagna
Whether you’re serving a meat lasagna and want a vegetable-focused side, or catering to vegetarians and vegans, vegetable side dishes are always a welcome addition. These options provide variety, flavor, and essential nutrients, complementing lasagna in delicious ways.
Crispy Air Fryer Asparagus
Air fryer asparagus with parmesan shavings and lemon juice
Air fryer asparagus is a game-changer for achieving perfectly crispy asparagus quickly. Simply trim the tough ends of the asparagus, toss with extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, and air fry according to your machine’s instructions. The air fryer creates a delightful crispness that baking or roasting sometimes misses. Once cooked, you can enhance it with shaved Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) and a squeeze of lemon juice. The crispy texture and concentrated flavor of air-fried asparagus make it an irresistible side.
Baked Zucchini with Herbs and Tomatoes
Baked zucchini is a versatile and flavorful vegetable side dish. You can keep it simple with sliced zucchini, garlic, fresh herbs like basil and parsley, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. For a richer version, add sweet cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan or shredded mozzarella. Bake until the zucchini is just tender and, if using cheese, until it’s melted and lightly browned. While adding cheese makes it a richer side, it’s undeniably delicious and can be balanced with lighter elements in other parts of the meal.
Zesty Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
Avocado salad with arugula, radish, bell pepper, tomato and cheese
Avocado, while rich, makes a wonderfully refreshing and vibrant salad. Combine creamy avocado chunks with crisp cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. The key is a zesty lime dressing made with lime juice and zest, honey, cider vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Cilantro is a popular addition, especially if you’re serving seafood lasagna. However, for other lasagna variations, consider parsley or basil if you prefer a milder herb. The creamy avocado and bright, tangy dressing create a delightful contrast to the richness of lasagna.
Balsamic Roasted Bell Peppers
Balsamic roasted bell peppers are an incredibly easy and flavorful side dish. Deseed bell peppers (using a mix of colors adds visual appeal) and cut them into segments. Toss the pepper segments with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, fresh pepper, and balsamic vinegar or glaze on a baking sheet. Roast until just softened, allowing the peppers to become slightly caramelized and sweet. The balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements lasagna beautifully, especially when served with fresh bread to soak up the balsamic glaze.
Popular and Crowd-Pleasing Lasagna Side Dishes
For guaranteed success and crowd-pleasing options, these are the superstar side dishes to serve with lasagna. Some might surprise you, while others are classic choices. Consider selecting one from this category in addition to another from the previous categories to offer your guests a delightful variety.
Expert Tip: Offering a side from this category along with a lighter, fresher side ensures a balanced and satisfying meal for everyone.
Unexpectedly Delicious Chicken Wings
Chicken wings might seem like an unconventional side for lasagna, but they are a surprisingly fantastic pairing. Opt for buffalo spiced or other spicy chicken wing recipes to create a flavorful contrast to the rich Italian flavors of lasagna. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, spicy chicken wings offer a fun and unexpected textural and flavor dimension alongside meat-based lasagnas. The spiciness cuts through the richness, and the different textures create an exciting dining experience.
Homemade Focaccia Bread
Homemade focaccia bread with rosemary and sea salt
Homemade focaccia bread is a delightful and impressive side. While visually stunning painted focaccia might seem intimidating, focaccia is surprisingly easy to make, especially if you use a bread maker for the dough. The key is allowing the dough ample time to rise, even overnight. Before baking, top the focaccia with fresh rosemary and sea salt, or drizzles of homemade garlic pesto for extra flavor. Focaccia bread, with its airy texture and flavorful toppings, is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauces from lasagna. If making focaccia from scratch isn’t feasible, a high-quality frozen garlic baguette, baked to golden perfection, is a convenient and almost-homemade tasting alternative.
Classic Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons
Caesar salad is a timeless and universally loved green salad that pairs perfectly with lasagna. It typically consists of romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing. To elevate your Caesar salad, make your own Caesar dressing from scratch using lemon juice, egg yolk, olive oil, anchovies (optional), Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic. Homemade garlic croutons are also incredibly easy to make. Simply cube slightly stale bread, toss with olive oil, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper, and roast until golden brown and crunchy. The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a refreshing contrast to the soft, rich lasagna.
Fun Fact: Despite its association with Roman emperors, Caesar salad was invented by an Italian chef in the early 1920s in Mexico.
Flavorful Italian Green Beans
Italian green beans with breadcrumbs and parmesan
Italian green beans are a flavorful and comforting side dish. They are typically coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs, then sautéed until the breadcrumbs are toasted and the cheese is melted. A favorite recipe combines trimmed green beans with breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, olive oil, garlic, sea salt, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The “Italian” element often comes from the addition of herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley. These herbs infuse the green beans with classic Italian flavors that complement lasagna perfectly. The toasted breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, while the Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy note that ties in with the lasagna.
Appetizers to Serve Before Lasagna
For a complete Italian feast, consider starting with appetizers before serving lasagna. These Italian antipasti and salads are light, flavorful, and designed to whet the appetite without being too filling before the main course.
Expert Tip: Complete your Italian meal with a classic Tiramisu for dessert – it’s easy, quick, and universally loved. And don’t forget digestifs after dinner to aid digestion after a hearty meal.
Authentic Italian Antipasto Platter
Italian antipasto platter with olives, cheese and cured meats
Antipasto, meaning “before the meal” in Italian, is the perfect starter. A platter of Italian antipasti offers a variety of flavors and textures. Include a selection of Italian cured and cooked meats (like salami, prosciutto, mortadella), cheeses (such as provolone, mozzarella, Parmesan), and marinated vegetables like olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted peppers. Most of these items can be purchased pre-made from delis or supermarkets, making antipasto a convenient and crowd-pleasing appetizer. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Classic Caprese Salad
Caprese salad, named after the Italian island of Capri, is another quintessential Italian appetizer. It’s a simple yet elegant salad made with slices of fresh, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with good quality extra virgin olive oil. Seasoning is typically minimal, with just freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, and sometimes a balsamic glaze for added sweetness and tang. The vibrant colors of the Caprese salad – red, white, and green – are said to represent the colors of the Italian flag, adding a symbolic touch to this delicious appetizer.
Elegant Homemade Beef Carpaccio
Homemade beef carpaccio with rocket salad and parmesan shavings
Beef carpaccio is a sophisticated and flavorful appetizer made with thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin or sirloin. It’s crucial to source high-quality beef from a reputable butcher who understands it will be consumed raw to ensure safety. Trim any excess fat from the beef and season it simply with flakes of sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with peppery rocket salad and generous shavings of Parmesan cheese. Some variations include capers for their briny, salty flavor. Beef carpaccio offers a delicate and flavorful start to the meal, contrasting with the richness of lasagna to come.
Refreshing Prosciutto and Melon
Prosciutto e Melone is a popular and incredibly simple Italian appetizer. The sweetness of fresh cantaloupe melon paired with the salty prosciutto creates a delightful sweet and savory combination. All you need are melon wedges (cantaloupe is traditional) and thin slices of prosciutto. Simply wrap each melon wedge with a slice of prosciutto and serve. The refreshing melon and salty prosciutto make it a perfect light appetizer, especially before a richer main course like lasagna.
Drinks to Pair with Lasagna
To complete your lasagna dinner, selecting the right drinks is essential. These suggestions cater to various preferences, from wine to cocktails to non-alcoholic options, ensuring there’s a perfect beverage for everyone at your table.
Perfect Italian Wine Pairings
Italian wine is the natural choice to accompany lasagna. For a classic Italian meat lasagna, red wine is generally recommended. Consider modern-style Tuscan reds or other richer red wines that can stand up to the bold flavors of the lasagna. If you’re serving a seafood lasagna, a crisp, citrusy white wine like Pinot Grigio is an excellent choice, complementing the seafood beautifully. Wine enhances the dining experience, bringing out the flavors of both the lasagna and the side dishes.
Sparkling Prosecco Negroni (Negroni Sbagliato)
Prosecco Negroni cocktail with orange slice garnish
Also known as “Negroni Sbagliato” (mistaken Negroni), a Prosecco Negroni is a lighter, more sparkling twist on the classic Negroni. It swaps gin for Prosecco, resulting in a bubbly and slightly less intense cocktail. You’ll need Campari, sweet vermouth, Prosecco, and an orange slice for garnish. Serve Prosecco Negronis over ice as a refreshing aperitif with appetizers or as a delightful post-dessert drink. The bittersweet and bubbly nature of this cocktail provides a sophisticated and palate-cleansing option.
Refreshing Sparkling Water with Citrus
Sparkling water is a fantastic non-alcoholic option that pairs well with lasagna. It’s clean, refreshing, and doesn’t overpower the flavors of the food. For added flavor, offer lemon or lime wedges to squeeze into the sparkling water. Serve it ice-cold in attractive glasses to make it feel just as special as alcoholic beverages. Sparkling water is a versatile and healthy choice that complements the richness of lasagna without adding extra calories or alcohol.
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