Lasagna is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish, but sometimes, you want to serve it with something other than salad. While a fresh green salad is a classic side, there are plenty of delicious alternatives that complement lasagna without overpowering it.
If you’re wondering what to serve with lasagna besides salad, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re looking for warm, hearty options, light sides, or even something unique, this guide will help you build the perfect lasagna meal.
Table of Contents :
Why You Need the Perfect Side Dishes for Lasagna
Lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish, so it’s important to pair it with sides that balance its richness. The right side dish can:
✔️ Enhance the flavors of the lasagna
✔️ Provide a contrast in texture (crispy, creamy, or light)
✔️ Make the meal more satisfying without being too heavy
✔️ Add a variety of nutrients to your meal
Tip : Still wondering what to serve with lasagna besides salad? Check out this discussion on Quora for more side dish ideas shared by food lovers.
What’s a Good Side Dish for Lasagna?
When choosing a side dish for lasagna, consider flavors and textures that complement the dish without overwhelming it. Here are some great side dishes to serve with lasagna:
1️⃣ Bread-Based Sides – The Perfect Pairing
Nothing pairs with lasagna quite like crispy, buttery bread. These options are classic crowd-pleasers:
🍞 Garlic Bread – Crunchy, garlicky, and perfect for soaking up sauce
🥖 Cheesy Breadsticks – Soft, cheesy, and a fun addition to your meal
🌿 Herb Focaccia – A fragrant, slightly chewy option with olive oil and herbs
Pro Tip: Garlic bread is a classic choice when looking for side dishes for lasagna. Try these Barilla Lasagna Recipe variations for extra flavor.
2️⃣ Warm, Comforting Vegetable Dishes
For a lighter but still satisfying side, roasted or sautéed vegetables add a delicious flavor contrast:
🥦 Roasted Broccoli – Crispy, caramelized, and full of nutrients
🥕 Glazed Carrots – Slightly sweet and buttery, a great contrast to lasagna
🍆 Grilled Eggplant – Adds a smoky, earthy touch to the meal
Tip: Wondering what to serve with lasagna besides salad? These Roasted Vegetable Medley Recipes are a great option.
What to Serve with Lasagne Instead of Salad?
If you’re looking for side dishes for lasagna that don’t involve salad, there are plenty of delicious alternatives! Whether you prefer warm soups, creamy sides, or fresh vegetables, you can find the perfect complement to your meal.
Here are some great sides to go with lasagna when you want to skip the salad:
1️⃣ Soups That Complement Lasagna
A warm bowl of soup is a fantastic alternative to salad—it’s light but still satisfying! Some great options include:
🍅 Tomato Basil Soup – A creamy, rich soup that enhances the flavors of lasagna
🥣 Minestrone Soup – A hearty Italian soup packed with veggies and beans
🧄 Roasted Garlic Soup – A smooth, savory option with deep garlic flavor
Pro Tip: Pairing soup with crispy breadsticks or focaccia makes for a complete, satisfying meal!
2️⃣ Cheesy, Creamy Side Dishes for a Richer Meal
If you want a decadent side dish, try something cheesy and creamy to match the lasagna’s richness:
🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Buttery, smooth, and a comforting addition
🧀 Baked Mac & Cheese – Because you can never have too much cheese!
🥦 Creamed Spinach – A velvety, flavorful way to add greens to your plate
Tip: Looking for sides to go with lasagna? These Creamy Spinach Side Dish Ideas are a perfect match.
3️⃣ Light & Refreshing Alternatives
If you want a lighter side without serving salad, try these fresh yet satisfying options:
🍋 Lemon-Roasted Asparagus – Adds a bright, tangy contrast to lasagna
🍄 Sautéed Mushrooms – Earthy, umami-packed, and easy to make
🌽 Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet and smoky flavors pair beautifully with lasagna
Tip: Adding a citrus-based drizzle over your veggies can help cut through the richness of the lasagna.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Sides to Go with Lasagna
While lasagna is a hearty and delicious main dish, pairing it with the wrong side dishes can make the meal too heavy, unbalanced, or overwhelming. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing the best side dishes for lasagna.
1️⃣ Choosing Sides That Are Too Heavy
Lasagna is already rich and filling, so serving it with another heavy, carb-loaded side can make the meal overwhelming.
🚫 Mistake: Pairing lasagna with too much pasta, rice, or extra cheesy dishes.
✅ Better Option: Choose lighter vegetable-based sides or a simple soup to balance the meal.
Tip: If you do want a cheesy side, keep the portion small and balance it with something fresh!
2️⃣ Skipping a Crunchy Element
Since lasagna is soft and saucy, having a crunchy contrast can make the meal more enjoyable.
🚫 Mistake: Only serving soft, creamy sides without any textural contrast.
✅ Better Option: Add crispy garlic bread, toasted nuts, or roasted veggies to give your meal a satisfying bite.
Tip: Even something as simple as a toasted breadcrumb topping on your side dish can improve the texture!
3️⃣ Ignoring the Flavors of the Lasagna
Not all lasagnas have the same flavor profile. Some are meat-based, some are vegetarian, and others have white sauces instead of tomato sauce.
🚫 Mistake: Pairing a bold, spicy lasagna with a side that has competing flavors.
✅ Better Option: Choose side dishes that complement the lasagna’s flavors rather than overpowering them.
Example: A rich, cheesy lasagna pairs well with a bright, lemony vegetable dish to balance the flavors.
4️⃣ Overloading the Meal with Too Many Sides
🚫 Mistake: Serving multiple rich side dishes that make the meal feel too indulgent.
✅ Better Option: Stick to one or two complementary sides to keep the meal balanced and enjoyable.
Tip: Think about variety in texture, temperature, and flavor—one warm, one cool, or one creamy, one crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Side Dishes
What do Italians serve with lasagne?
In Italy, lasagna is often the star of the meal, so the sides are usually kept simple and light. Instead of heavy dishes, Italians might serve grilled vegetables, roasted peppers, garlic bread, or a small bowl of soup. This helps balance the richness of the lasagna without overwhelming the meal.
What to eat with pasta besides salad?
If you’re not in the mood for salad, there are plenty of other great sides to try! Roasted or sautéed vegetables, garlic bread, light soups, or even grilled mushrooms can complement pasta without making the meal too heavy. The key is to choose something that adds texture or freshness without competing with the flavors of the main dish.
What is a good side dish for lasagna?
A good side dish for lasagna shouldn’t overpower the meal but should still add something extra. Some great choices include:
✔️ Crispy garlic bread or focaccia for a satisfying crunch
✔️ Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a fresh contrast
✔️ A bowl of tomato basil soup to complement the rich tomato sauce
✔️ Creamy mashed potatoes if you want something extra indulgent
The best choice depends on whether you want to keep the meal light or go all out with comfort food!
What are the five mistakes to avoid in pasta salad?
1️⃣ Overcooking the pasta – No one likes mushy pasta! Cook it al dente so it holds its shape even after absorbing dressing.
2️⃣ Overloading with dressing – Too much dressing can make pasta salad heavy and soggy. Start with a small amount, toss everything together, and add more gradually until you reach the perfect balance.
3️⃣ Forgetting seasoning – Pasta absorbs flavors, so don’t forget to season it with salt, herbs, and a little citrus or vinegar for brightness.
4️⃣ Skipping texture – A good pasta salad needs some crunch! Add ingredients like bell peppers, toasted nuts, or even crispy croutons for variety.
5️⃣ Not letting it chill – Pasta salad tastes better after it sits for a bit. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend together.
Final Thoughts: The Best Sides to Go with Lasagna for a Complete Meal
Lasagna is a comforting, hearty dish, and the right side makes it even better. Whether you prefer something light like roasted veggies or something rich like creamy potatoes, there’s always a great pairing to try.
✔️ Want something light? Roasted asparagus or a bowl of tomato soup works well.
✔️ Craving something extra indulgent? Garlic bread and creamy mashed potatoes are perfect.
✔️ Looking for balance? Grilled vegetables and a side of focaccia bring freshness and flavor without making the meal too heavy.
With so many side dishes for lasagna, you can mix and match to create the perfect meal for any occasion!