Lasagna is a hearty and filling Italian dish that many people love. When you make lasagna for dinner, you might wonder what else to serve with it to create a complete meal.
The right side dishes can balance the richness of lasagna and make your dinner even more enjoyable. You can choose from many options like fresh salads, vegetables, breads, and more.
These sides add different flavors, textures, and nutrients to complement your main dish. Some sides are light and refreshing while others are more substantial, giving you plenty of choices based on your preferences and the occasion.
1. Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with lasagna. The combination of warm, buttery breadsticks with the rich flavors of your lasagna creates a satisfying meal experience.
Serve these breadsticks plain or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. This gives you extra sauce to enjoy with each bite.
You can make homemade breadsticks or use store-bought options if you’re short on time. Just warm them in the oven before serving for the best taste and texture.
The mild garlic flavor complements the tomato sauce in your lasagna without overwhelming the main dish.
2. Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Oven-roasted asparagus is a perfect side dish for lasagna. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 10 minutes, making it ideal when you’re short on time but still want to add vegetables to your meal.
Roasting eliminates any bitterness from the asparagus and creates a delicious flavor. Enhance it with simple seasonings like garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese for extra taste.
This healthy side provides a nice contrast to the rich, heavy nature of lasagna. The crisp-tender texture and fresh flavor balance the meal perfectly.
3. Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Crispy smashed Brussels sprouts provide the perfect contrast to rich, cheesy lasagna. Boil these bite-sized veggies until tender, then gently flatten and roast until their edges turn deliciously crispy.
Toss your smashed sprouts with olive oil, salt, and garlic before roasting for extra flavor. You can also enhance them with balsamic vinegar and honey for a sweet-tangy element.
Sprinkle some Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the top before they go into the oven. The result is a caramelized, crispy side dish that balances the heaviness of lasagna.
4. Marinated Cucumber Salad
Marinated cucumber salad is a refreshing side that balances perfectly with rich, hearty lasagna. This light dish adds a crisp texture and bright flavor to your meal.
To make this simple salad, combine sliced cucumbers with red onions, fresh dill, and a tangy dressing of vinegar, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar. Some recipes add sour cream for a creamy variation called mizeria, a Polish cucumber salad.
The cool, crisp nature of cucumbers helps cut through the richness of lasagna’s cheese and sauce. Prepare this salad ahead of time to let the flavors develop while you finish your main dish.
5. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
Sauteed spinach with garlic makes a perfect lighter side for lasagna. Its mild earthy flavor balances the richness of your pasta dish.
Prepare this side dish in just minutes. Heat olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic until fragrant, then toss in fresh spinach leaves until wilted.
Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. The quick cooking time preserves spinach’s nutrients while the garlic adds a wonderful aroma that complements your lasagna.
This healthy side adds a pop of green to your plate without filling you up too much before enjoying your main dish.
6. Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash makes a perfect side dish for lasagna. Its sweet flavor balances the rich cheesiness of the pasta.
Cube the squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
The vibrant orange color adds visual appeal to your plate alongside the lasagna. Some people even incorporate butternut squash into lasagna itself for a seasonal twist.
7. Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is a classic French side dish that pairs wonderfully with lasagna. It features fresh green beans sautéed in butter and garlic, topped with toasted almonds.
Prepare it on the stovetop while your lasagna bakes in the oven. For extra flavor, try using brown butter as your base.
The nutty taste complements the almonds beautifully. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness that cuts through the heaviness of your main dish.
Green beans provide a nutritious element to your meal, making your dinner more balanced and colorful.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms with Herbs
Stuffed mushrooms make a perfect side dish for lasagna. The earthy flavor complements the rich, cheesy pasta beautifully.
Stuff portobello mushrooms with a mix of herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese for a hearty option. Smaller button mushrooms work great as bite-sized appetizers alongside your main dish.
Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme in your stuffing mixture. Adding garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan creates a flavorful filling that stands up to lasagna’s bold taste.
For a special twist, try a ricotta and spinach stuffing that echoes the flavors in your lasagna.
9. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad brings a fresh, light balance to rich, hearty lasagna. This simple Italian dish combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.
The bright acidity of tomatoes cuts through lasagna’s cheesiness while the creamy mozzarella complements it. A drizzle of balsamic glaze and good olive oil adds depth.
Prepare this salad in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy dinner nights. The red, white, and green colors also create a beautiful presentation alongside your lasagna.
It’s light enough not to overpower your main dish but satisfying enough to complete your meal.
10. Classic Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad offers the perfect fresh contrast to rich, hearty lasagna. The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing cut through the heaviness of the pasta dish.
Mix mayo, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese to make a homemade Caesar dressing. Add crunchy croutons and fresh black pepper to complete this timeless side.
You can also top it with grilled chicken if you want a more substantial dish. This classic salad provides a cool, refreshing balance that makes your lasagna dinner feel complete.
11. Balsamic Grilled Zucchini
Balsamic grilled zucchini makes a perfect side dish for lasagna because its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the pasta. This simple dish cooks in minutes and adds a healthy vegetable component to your meal.
Slice zucchini into planks or rounds and brush with a mixture of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil. Grill for just a few minutes per side until tender with nice grill marks.
The slight char from grilling adds depth while the balsamic vinegar gives a sweet-tangy flavor that complements tomato-based lasagna. Prepare this versatile side on a stovetop grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
12. Italian Antipasto Platter
An Italian antipasto platter makes a perfect starter before serving lasagna. Arrange a variety of items like olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers on a large board.
Add some thinly sliced prosciutto, salami, and other cured meats for savory flavor. Include a selection of cheeses such as fresh mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan chunks.
Serve with breadsticks or sliced crusty bread. This colorful starter follows Italian dining traditions and lets guests nibble while the lasagna finishes cooking.
13. Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Bruschetta makes a perfect companion to lasagna with its contrasting textures and complementary flavors. This classic Italian appetizer features toasted bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic.
The lightness of bruschetta balances the richness of lasagna. Customize it by adding mozzarella, avocado, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Serve bruschetta as a starter while your lasagna finishes baking, or place it alongside as a side dish. The fresh, bright flavors of the tomato-basil mixture provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta main course.
14. Garden Salad with Vinaigrette
A garden salad with vinaigrette is the perfect light companion to rich lasagna. Mix fresh greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula as your base.
Add color and crunch with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and red onions. For extra flavor, toss in some olives or mushrooms.
Keep your vinaigrette simple with olive oil, red wine vinegar, a touch of Dijon mustard, and herbs. The acidic dressing helps cut through the heaviness of the lasagna, balancing your meal.
Prepare this salad in advance and add the dressing right before serving for maximum freshness.
15. Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Meatballs in marinara sauce make a hearty companion to lasagna. These savory balls of meat simmer in rich tomato sauce, creating a perfect protein addition to your meal.
Serve them in a separate dish alongside your lasagna. This gives guests the option to enjoy both Italian favorites together or separately.
For best results, use a homemade marinara with fresh herbs. The combination of garlic, basil, and oregano in the sauce complements the flavors in your lasagna.
If time is short, quality store-bought meatballs can work well too. Simmer them in your favorite marinara sauce until they’re heated through.
16. Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp offers a delicious contrast to lasagna’s rich flavors. This seafood side brings a light, protein-packed alternative that won’t compete with your main dish.
Prepare it quickly with just shrimp, butter, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. The bright, garlicky notes complement the tomato and cheese flavors of lasagna.
Serve the shrimp immediately after cooking while still hot. You can place them on a small plate beside the lasagna or offer them as a shared appetizer before the main course.
17. Fried Eggplant Slices
Fried eggplant slices make a delicious side dish for lasagna. Their crispy exterior and tender inside create a nice textural contrast to the soft layers of lasagna.
Coat sliced eggplant in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown. This side dish works especially well with meat-based lasagna, adding a vegetable option to the plate.
Repurpose leftover fried eggplant slices in sandwiches or layer them to create a quick eggplant parmesan for another meal.
18. Zucchini Soup
Zucchini soup offers a light, refreshing contrast to rich, hearty lasagna. The smooth texture and mild flavor help cleanse your palate between bites.
Sauté zucchini with onions and garlic, then blend with vegetable broth for a simple version. Add herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
Serve this soup in small cups as a starter before your lasagna main course. For a creamier option, stir in a little Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
19. Roasted Broccoli with Lemon
Roasted broccoli with lemon balances the richness of lasagna perfectly. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and roast at high heat for crispy, tender results.
Add minced garlic before roasting to infuse the broccoli with savory flavor. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
After roasting, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness. Sprinkle lemon zest for extra citrus flavor or add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
20. Eggplant Zaalouk
Eggplant Zaalouk is a tasty Moroccan salad that pairs wonderfully with lasagna. This dish combines roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices.
Roast eggplants at 430°F for about 30 minutes, then mix with diced tomatoes and sautéed garlic and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Serve Zaalouk warm or cold, either as a side dish or as a dip with bread or pita alongside your lasagna.
21. Easy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup makes a hearty companion to lasagna. This creamy soup combines tender chicken, soft potato dumplings, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Prepare this soup while your lasagna bakes for easy meal timing. Use store-bought gnocchi and rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
Add carrots, celery, and spinach for nutrition and color.
How to Pair Sides with Lasagna
Pairing the right sides with lasagna enhances your meal by creating balance and complementing the rich flavors of this hearty pasta dish. Select options that provide contrast while considering what’s fresh and available.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
Balance lasagna’s richness with lighter, contrasting sides. Crisp salads like Caesar or arugula with lemon dressing cut through the heaviness of cheese and sauce.
Acidic sides such as roasted vegetables with balsamic glaze cleanse the palate between bites. Crunchy garlic bread provides a satisfying counterpoint to soft pasta layers.
For a complete meal, pair your lasagna with:
- Light sides: Green salads, steamed vegetables
- Crunchy options: Garlic bread, bruschetta
- Acidic elements: Tomato salad, pickled vegetables
Avoid serving too many heavy, starchy sides that might compete with the lasagna.
Considering Seasonality and Fresh Ingredients
Choose side dishes that reflect what’s fresh and in season. Summer lasagna pairs beautifully with tomato-cucumber salads or grilled zucchini.
In winter, roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash complement the warmth of your main dish. Using seasonal ingredients ensures better flavor and often reduces cost.
Farmers markets provide excellent inspiration for fresh sides. Look for:
- Spring: Asparagus, peas, tender greens
- Summer: Tomatoes, bell peppers, fresh herbs
- Fall: Squash, mushrooms, hearty greens
- Winter: Root vegetables, brassicas
Fresh herbs transform simple sides—basil for summer dishes or rosemary for winter ones adds aromatic elements that enhance both sides and lasagna.
Serving Tips and Presentation Ideas
A well-planned presentation can elevate your lasagna dining experience. The right serving techniques and thoughtful menu planning make the difference between a simple meal and a memorable dining event.
Creating a Cohesive Italian-Inspired Menu
Start with a light antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated vegetables, and thin slices of prosciutto. This gives guests something to nibble on while the lasagna reaches the perfect serving temperature.
Time your side dishes to complement rather than compete with the lasagna. Serve lighter sides like salads and vegetable dishes first, followed by the main lasagna course.
Consider temperature contrasts when planning your menu. Pair hot lasagna with cool sides like crisp salads or chilled vegetables to create balance.
For beverages, offer Italian options such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or Montepulciano. Non-alcoholic choices might include Italian sodas, sparkling water with lemon, or a simple iced tea.
Plating for Special Occasions
Use warmed plates for serving lasagna. This keeps the food hot longer and shows attention to detail.
Heat oven-safe plates at 200°F for about 5 minutes before serving.
Allow lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps you achieve cleaner, more attractive slices.
Use a sharp knife for precise cuts.
For elegant presentations, use a spatula and tongs to transfer each portion carefully. Add a small garnish of fresh basil or a light dusting of grated Parmesan.
Create visual appeal with color contrast. Place the rich, golden-brown lasagna against white plates or add bright vegetable sides for a pop of color.
For family-style serving, bring the entire lasagna to the table in its baking dish atop a decorative trivet or wooden board. Arrange your side dishes around it.
