Lasagna is a beloved dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. While it stands strong on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal from good to extraordinary.
From fresh salads to warm bread, the right accompaniments complement lasagna’s rich flavors without overwhelming them.
Choosing the perfect sides for lasagna enhances your dining experience by adding texture, flavor contrast, and nutritional balance to your meal.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these sidekicks aren’t just afterthoughts. They create a complete Italian dining experience that satisfies every palate and makes your lasagna dinner even more memorable.
1. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is the classic side dish for lasagna. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the rich tomato sauce and cheese in your lasagna perfectly.
You can buy pre-made garlic bread from the store for a quick option. Just heat it up in the oven while your lasagna is cooling.
For a homemade version, slice a baguette, spread butter mixed with minced garlic, parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Then bake until golden and crispy.
The crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to the soft layers of your lasagna. It’s also perfect for soaking up extra sauce from your plate.
2. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a perfect companion to lasagna. Its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta dish.
The creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and savory Parmesan cheese in Caesar salad complement lasagna’s flavors without overwhelming them.
You can easily prepare this classic salad while your lasagna bakes. Add homemade garlic croutons for extra flavor and texture.
For a complete meal, serve generous portions of both dishes. The light, refreshing nature of Caesar salad balances the heartiness of lasagna, making them an ideal pairing.
3. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad makes a perfect companion to lasagna. This simple Italian dish features fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves.
The light, refreshing qualities of Caprese salad contrast beautifully with rich, hearty lasagna. The acidity from the tomatoes helps cut through the cheesy goodness of your main dish.
For the best experience, drizzle your Caprese with good quality olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance the flavors.
This easy-to-prepare side requires no cooking, making it ideal when you’ve already spent time preparing lasagna.
4. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a perfect companion for lasagna. This Italian appetizer consists of toasted bread topped with fresh ingredients.
Traditional tomato bruschetta features diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil on crispy bread. The bright, acidic flavors help cut through the richness of lasagna.
You can make bruschetta in advance and serve it cold or at room temperature. This makes it convenient when you’re busy preparing your main dish.
For a special touch, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of your bruschetta.
5. Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a perfect companion to lasagna. This Italian-style appetizer features a variety of tasty items arranged on a serving board.
You can include cured meats like salami and prosciutto alongside marinated vegetables such as artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers. Add some olives, pickled vegetables, and cubes of cheese for more flavor variety.
The beauty of an antipasto platter is that you can customize it based on what you like. It offers a nice contrast to the warm, hearty lasagna with its cool, savory components.
Your guests can nibble on these small bites while waiting for the main dish to be served.
6. Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach makes a perfect side for lasagna due to its light and nutritious qualities. The mild earthy flavor complements the rich, savory taste of lasagna without overwhelming it.
You can prepare this side dish in just minutes. Simply heat some olive oil in a pan, add fresh spinach, and cook until wilted. Add minced garlic for extra flavor and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
This side dish adds a healthy element to your meal, balancing the heaviness of the lasagna with its simplicity. The vibrant green color also brightens up your plate, making the entire meal more appealing.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for lasagna. Their slightly crispy exterior and tender interior create a nice contrast to the soft, cheesy layers of lasagna.
The earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts complements both meat and vegetable lasagnas beautifully. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until golden brown.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic, balsamic vinegar, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to your Brussels sprouts. The slight bitterness of this vegetable helps cut through the richness of lasagna.
You can roast them alongside other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for a colorful mixed vegetable side dish.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms make an excellent side dish for lasagna, offering a complementary flavor profile that doesn’t compete with your main course. The earthy mushroom caps filled with savory ingredients create a delightful contrast to the rich, layered pasta.
You can prepare stuffed mushrooms with various fillings like ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs to echo the flavors in your lasagna. The bite-sized nature of these treats makes them perfect for serving alongside a hearty main dish.
For a cohesive meal, consider stuffed portobello mushrooms with marinara and cheese – they’ll tie into your lasagna theme while adding textural variety to your dinner table.
9. Asparagus with Parmesan
Roasted asparagus with Parmesan cheese makes a delicious side dish for lasagna. The bright, fresh flavors of asparagus balance the richness of the pasta perfectly.
To prepare this simple side, toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven until tender-crisp, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
You can enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice before roasting. This veggie side comes together in just 10 minutes, making it ideal when you’re short on time.
The vibrant green asparagus also adds a pop of color next to your lasagna, creating an appealing plate.
10. Stewed Squash
Stewed squash offers a soft, comforting texture that balances the layers of a hearty lasagna. To prepare this simple side, just slice yellow squash and simmer it with onions, butter, and a touch of salt and pepper.
The mild flavor of stewed squash won’t compete with your lasagna’s robust sauce. It adds a light vegetable element to your meal without overwhelming the main dish.
For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or herbs like thyme or basil to your stewed squash. This side dish works well with both traditional meat lasagna and vegetarian versions.
11. Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted red peppers bring a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich taste of lasagna. You can use jarred peppers for convenience or roast your own for a fresher taste.
Try serving them as part of an antipasto platter alongside olives and artichoke hearts. This makes for an elegant starter before the main lasagna course.
You can also create a simple side dish by warming roasted peppers with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a touch of garlic for extra flavor.
For a more substantial option, mix roasted red peppers with goat cheese or feta for a colorful and tasty accompaniment to your lasagna.
12. Marinated Cucumber Salad
Marinated cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast to rich, hearty lasagna. This simple side dish combines thinly sliced cucumbers with vinegar, herbs, and seasonings.
For a quick version, mix cucumber slices with white vinegar, a pinch of sugar, salt, and dill. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
You can enhance your cucumber salad by adding red onion slices or cherry tomatoes. Some versions include sour cream for a creamier texture.
This light, crisp side brings a welcome acidic balance to the cheesy, savory flavors of lasagna. The cool, fresh taste cleanses your palate between bites of the main dish.
13. Balsamic Grilled Zucchini
Balsamic grilled zucchini makes a perfect partner for lasagna, offering a lighter counterpoint to the rich pasta dish. This simple side cooks in just minutes and delivers big flavor.
To prepare, slice zucchini into planks or rounds, then brush with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar. The balsamic adds a subtle sweetness that develops beautifully when caramelized on the grill.
Grill the zucchini until tender with nice char marks, usually 2-3 minutes per side. You can make this dish on a stovetop grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
The firm-yet-tender texture and smoky flavor complement your lasagna without competing with it.
14. Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans make a perfect side dish for lasagna. They add a fresh, crisp element that balances the rich, hearty pasta.
To prepare them, simply simmer fresh green beans until bright green and tender-crisp. Then sauté them with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
The light, garlicky flavor complements lasagna without overwhelming it. You can sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or add slivered almonds for extra texture.
This easy side dish comes together in minutes while your lasagna rests. It’s a healthier alternative to garlic bread that still provides that satisfying garlicky flavor.
15. Smashed Cucumber Salad
Smashed cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with rich, hearty lasagna. The technique of smashing the cucumbers helps them absorb more flavor from the dressing.
This salad typically features a spicy garlic-soy dressing that provides a delightful contrast to the cheesy lasagna. The crisp texture and cool taste help balance the warm, heavy main dish.
You can prepare this side in minutes with just a few simple steps. Simply smash cucumbers, add a quick dressing, and serve. It’s especially popular during summer months but works year-round as a light accompaniment to lasagna.
16. Maple-Glazed Carrots
Maple-glazed carrots offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement lasagna beautifully. This side dish is incredibly simple to prepare yet adds vibrant color to your plate.
To make maple-glazed carrots, simply roast them in the oven with olive oil, then glaze with pure maple syrup. The natural sweetness of the carrots intensifies with roasting.
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of salt to create that irresistible sweet-salty combination. You can prepare this dish in about 20 minutes, making it practical for weeknight dinners.
For a crunchy variation, try adding chopped pecans during the final minutes of cooking time.
17. Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta makes a wonderful alternative to pasta when serving lasagna. This smooth, corn-based dish offers a slightly sweet flavor that balances the savory richness of lasagna.
You can prepare basic polenta with cornmeal, water, butter, and a touch of salt. For an extra indulgent side, stir in some Parmesan cheese and cream.
The contrasting textures work beautifully together – the soft, creamy polenta against the layered structure of lasagna. This combination brings an authentic Italian dining experience to your table.
Polenta also absorbs the sauce from your lasagna, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
18. Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks are a classic companion for lasagna. The warm, buttery bread with its aromatic garlic flavor complements the rich tomato and cheese layers of your lasagna perfectly.
You can make homemade breadsticks by brushing pizza dough with garlic butter and baking until golden. For a quicker option, store-bought breadsticks can be enhanced with a brushing of butter mixed with minced garlic and herbs.
Serve them warm alongside your lasagna for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal. They’re perfect for soaking up extra sauce and satisfying those who might want a little extra carbohydrate with their meal.
19. Eggplant Zaalouk
Eggplant Zaalouk is a flavorful Moroccan salad that pairs beautifully with lasagna. This Mediterranean dish features smoked or roasted eggplants mixed with tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices.
The smoky flavor of the eggplant complements the rich cheese and sauce in your lasagna. The combination of these contrasting tastes creates a balanced meal experience.
You can serve Zaalouk warm or cold as a side dish. It works perfectly as a lighter option alongside your hearty lasagna. Simply spoon some onto each plate or serve it in a small dish on the side.
20. Fried Eggplant
Fried eggplant makes a delightful side dish for lasagna. The crispy exterior and soft interior create a wonderful texture contrast to your cheesy pasta main dish.
You can prepare it by slicing eggplant into rounds, dipping in beaten egg, and coating with breadcrumbs before frying until golden brown. The mild flavor of eggplant pairs perfectly with the rich tomato and cheese flavors in your lasagna.
For a lighter version, try air-frying your eggplant slices. This gives you the same crispy texture with less oil. Sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan cheese right after cooking for extra flavor.
21. Tuscan White Bean Salad
Tuscan White Bean Salad makes a refreshing companion to lasagna. This simple side brings a lighter element to balance the richness of your pasta dish.
The salad combines canned white beans with chopped fresh vegetables and Mediterranean herbs. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it perfect for busy dinner preparations.
Common ingredients include butter beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs tossed in a light dressing. Some versions add spinach or arugula for extra color and nutrients.
The bright flavors and protein-packed beans complement the hearty lasagna without competing with it. It’s a practical, easy side that requires no cooking.
Nutritional Benefits of Lasagna Sides
The right side dishes can transform your lasagna meal into a nutritionally complete dining experience. Adding thoughtfully selected sides helps round out your meal with important nutrients that may be missing from the main dish.
Balance of Macronutrients
Pairing sides with lasagna helps create a balanced meal with proper proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Lasagna itself is often heavy on carbs and fats, so lighter sides can balance your plate.
Vegetable sides like sauteed spinach, roasted asparagus, or grilled vegetables add minimal calories while providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These additions help slow digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Consider these macro-balancing sides:
- Protein-rich options: White bean salad or grilled chicken skewers
- Healthy fats: Olive oil drizzled vegetables or avocado salad
- Complex carbs: Whole grain garlic bread or quinoa salad
Adding these complementary sides creates a more satisfying meal that keeps you fuller longer and provides sustained energy.
Incorporating Vegetables
Adding vegetable sides to lasagna significantly boosts your meal’s nutritional profile. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that might be lacking in cheese-heavy lasagna.
Try these nutrient-dense vegetable options:
- Green veggies: Asparagus, broccoli, or spinach (high in vitamins A, C, K, and folate)
- Colorful options: Bell peppers, carrots, or tomatoes (rich in antioxidants)
- Cruciferous vegetables: Brussels sprouts or cauliflower (contain cancer-fighting compounds)
Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness while preserving nutrients. A simple olive oil, salt, and herb coating is all you need.
You can also incorporate vegetables through fresh salads. A basic green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and helps cut through the richness of lasagna.
Wine Pairing with Lasagna Sides
Selecting the right wine enhances both your lasagna and its side dishes. The wine you choose should complement the flavors in your entire meal, not just the main dish.
Red vs White Wine
Red wines typically pair best with lasagna and many of its sides. Italian reds like Chianti, Sangiovese, and Barbera work wonderfully with tomato-based lasagna. Their acidity balances the tomato sauce. For meat lasagna, try a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a rich Tuscan red.
White wine can work too, especially with vegetable sides or cream-based lasagna. Try a crisp Pinot Grigio with Caesar salad or garlic bread. A buttery Chardonnay complements creamy spinach dishes or white sauce lasagna.
For garlic bread and bruschetta, medium-bodied reds like Merlot enhance the garlic flavor without overpowering it. With vegetable sides, rosé wines offer a versatile middle ground that won’t clash with lighter flavors.
Remember to serve red wines slightly below room temperature and whites chilled for the best taste experience.
