Lasagna is one of the most popular Italian dishes around the world and it can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for a large gathering, choosing the perfect side dish can elevate the taste of your lasagna and make a significant impact on the overall dining experience.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to narrow down the perfect side dish for your lasagna. However, with a few simple tips and some creativity, you can easily find the perfect companion to your lasagna dish. In this article, we will explore some of the best side dishes to serve with lasagna, taking into account the flavors and textures that best complement the dish.
Classic Italian side dishes for lasagna
When it comes to finding the perfect side dish to accompany lasagna, sticking to classic Italian options is always a safe bet. One classic side dish that pairs perfectly with lasagna is a simple green salad. A crisp and refreshing salad made with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the lasagna.
Another traditional Italian side dish that complements lasagna is bruschetta. Sliced Italian bread toasted with a drizzle of olive oil and topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a great choice. This simple yet flavorful dish adds a burst of freshness to your meal and can be a hit with both adults and kids alike. So, next time you’re looking for a great side dish to serve with your lasagna, consider classic Italian options like a refreshing green salad or tasty bruschetta.
Unexpected and creative lasagna side dishes
When it comes to lasagna, the traditional side dishes are garlic bread and a Caesar salad. However, if you’re looking to get more creative with your lasagna sides, there are a variety of unexpected options that are sure to impress your guests. For example, roasted seasonal vegetables like brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots can add a pop of color and flavor to your plate. You can also try making a simple caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
Another creative option is to serve a creamy risotto alongside your lasagna. The rich and decadent flavors of the risotto pair beautifully with the heartiness of the lasagna. If you’re looking to keep things light, consider a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a bright and herbaceous chimichurri sauce. Whatever you choose, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and experiment with different flavors and textures to complement your lasagna perfectly.
Vegetarian and vegan options for lasagna side dishes
Vegetarian and vegan options for lasagna side dishes can be a bit trickier to come by, but they are definitely available. One option is a simple green salad with cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. This not only adds a fresh and crisp element to your meal, but it also provides some valuable nutrients and antioxidants.
Another great option is a roasted vegetable medley. Simply chop up an assortment of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, toss with olive oil and your favorite herbs and spices, and roast in the oven till tender and slightly charred. This dish is not only colorful and eye-catching, but also a delicious and healthy addition to your lasagna dinner. These vegetarian and vegan side dishes are not only easy to make, but also complement the rich and flavorful lasagna perfectly.
Simple and quick side dishes to make with lasagna
Lasagna is a hearty and filling dish that can stand on its own, but adding a side dish can enhance the overall meal experience. If you’re short on time or want a quick and easy side dish to make with your lasagna, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One simple and quick side dish to make with lasagna is a Caesar salad. This classic salad can be made with just a few ingredients, including romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Another option is garlic bread, which can be made by spreading butter and garlic salt on a sliced baguette and toasting it in the oven. For a healthier option, roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms can easily be roasted in the oven and seasoned with herbs and olive oil. These simple and quick side dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
Perfect wine and beer pairings for lasagna and side dishes
Pairing the right wine or beer with your lasagna and side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. For lasagna, a full-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon can complement the richness of the tomato sauce and cheeses. A lighter red, such as Pinot Noir, can also work well with lasagna if it has a meatier filling. For white wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can cut through the heaviness of the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
When it comes to beer, a malt-forward beer such as an amber ale or brown ale can pair well with both meat and vegetarian lasagna. Alternatively, a hoppy IPA or a light-bodied pilsner can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish. As for side dishes, roasted vegetables can be complemented by a lighter red wine or a crisp white wine. For garlic bread or other Italian-style sides, a full-bodied red wine can bring out the flavors. A light lager or pilsner can also be a great option for side dishes that are on the heavier side.
Tips for crafting a well-rounded lasagna meal with sides
When it comes to serving lasagna, having the right side dishes can elevate the entire meal. To create a well-rounded lasagna meal, start by thinking about the flavors and textures of your main dish. Lasagna is a rich and hearty dish, so you want to find sides that complement the flavors without overwhelming them.
One option is to pair your lasagna with a light side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the lasagna and add a fresh element to the meal. Alternatively, roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus can add a pop of color to the plate while adding some fiber and nutrients to the meal. Ultimately, the key is to choose sides that complement the flavors of the lasagna while also balancing out the richness of the dish.
Healthy side dish options to balance out the richness of lasagna.
Although lasagna is a delicious and hearty meal, it can be quite rich and heavy, which is why it’s important to balance it out with some healthy side dishes. One great option is a mixed greens salad, which is loaded with nutrients and fiber and will help to counteract the heaviness of the lasagna. You can add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to make the salad even more flavorful and satisfying.
Another excellent option for a healthy side dish to serve with lasagna is roasted vegetables. Try tossing some zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms in olive oil and roasting them in the oven until they’re tender and caramelized. This will add some much-needed freshness and crunch to the meal, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. So, the next time you’re serving up a piping hot lasagna, consider including a tasty side salad or roasted veggies on the side to make it a more balanced and nutritious meal.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, choosing a side dish to accompany lasagna can be a fun and creative endeavor. While there are many classic pairings to choose from such as garlic bread and Caesar salad, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something new. Experimenting with various flavors and textures can elevate your lasagna experience to a whole new level.
Whether you prefer a light and refreshing salad or a hearty and filling potato dish, there’s a side dish out there that’s perfect for your lasagna dinner. By considering the flavors and textures of both the lasagna and the side dish, you can create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you’re enjoying a plate of lasagna, take some time to appreciate the side dish that’s making it even better!