Lasagna is a hearty, classic Italian dish. But have you ever wondered what to serve with lasagna? Here are 18 perfect side dishes that complement a rich and hearty lasagna.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
When I have to feed a house full of guests, a big pan of lasagna is always a win/win option. Not only do I have a delicious, alpha-gal friendly recipe, but I can make it ahead of time. And when the piping-hot pasta casserole hits the table, even the pickiest eaters are happy. But even the most marvelous dish tastes a little better when paired with the perfect companion. So let’s dig into these delicious side dishes that work wonderfully with a lasagna dinner.
NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some of the recipes below may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.
In This Article
Vegetable Side Dishes to Serve with Lasagna
Serving a vegetable side dish with lasagna helps balance the richness of the pasta, cheese, and meat. Whether you’re looking for something light or hearty, there are plenty of ideal vegetable side dishes to pair with lasagna.
Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is that quick, easy-peasy side that brings a pop of green and a peppery kick to the table. Just a quick dance in the pan with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil, and you’ve got a simple side dish that slices right through the lasagna’s cheesy, meaty richness. Not only is it a breeze to whip up, but it’s also your secret weapon for sneaking in some extra vitamins and minerals.
Asparagus
Asparagus is an easy-to-prepare way of adding a touch of elegance to lasagna night. It’s simple to cook asparagus like a pro, whether you use a grill, oven, air fryer, or stovetop. Then drizzle the spears with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dusting of Parmesan, and you’re ready to roll.
Roasted Squash
Roasted zucchini or summer squash is a simple yet flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with lasagna. Slicing and seasoning it with herbs and garlic before roasting brings out its sweetness and soft texture, offering a pleasing contrast to the pasta dish’s richness. This method highlights the zucchini’s best qualities and adds a light, refreshing element to the meal.
Green Beans
Green beans are a timeless accompaniment for lasagna, known for their fresh, crisp texture. Blanching and then sautéing them with garlic or garnishing with toasted almonds enhances their natural flavor. This healthy side dish introduces a vibrant contrast to the lasagna’s richness and adds a dash of color and crunch to your plate.
Eggplant
Roasted eggplant is smoky, savory, and just a touch bitter in the best way possible, making it a fantastic companion for lasagna. This versatile veggie does a stellar job of soaking up any extra tomato sauce, enriching every bite. To prepare, simply slice or dice the eggplant, then salt it to draw out moisture and ensure tenderness. Roast or grill until tender and slightly golden.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are an exceptional side for lasagna. Simply clean the mushrooms then fill them with your favorite combination of diced vegetables, cheese, and fresh herbs. Top them with a few buttery breadcrumbs, and then bake them until they are golden.
Fresh Salads to Serve with Lasagna
Another vegetable-forward way to balance the rich and hearty flavors of lasagna is to serve it with a salad. Whether it’s a simple green salad or something more creative and complex, there are countless ways to pair salad with lasagna, adding a refreshing contrast to your meal.
Antipasto Salad
Antipasto salad is bursting with Italian flavors. It uses the same ingredients you might serve on an antipasto platter — like marinated vegetables, olives, turkey pepperoni, and cheese — but tosses them with a zesty Italian dressing. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a perfect counterbalance to the creamy, indulgent layers of lasagna, offering a tangy bite with each forkful.
Italian Chopped Salad
Italian chopped salad is a crunchy, fresh delight that combines chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and mozzarella cheese, all dressed in a vibrant vinaigrette. Toss in some croutons for an extra crunch and a sprinkle of Italian herbs to tie it all together. It’s a refreshing side that beautifully complements the richness of the lasagna.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This simple salad is the epitome of simplicity and freshness. With just a few ingredients — cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a basic vinaigrette — this cucumber tomato salad brings a light, hydrating element to the table. Its crispness and acidity cut through the lasagna’s density, making each bite feel perfectly balanced.
Caprese Salad
This classic Italian salad serves up the colors of the Italian flag with your lasagna meal. Simply alternate layers of sliced fresh tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, then top the red-and-white layer with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Tomato Feta Salad
Tomato feta salad offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors, combining juicy tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and fresh basil with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This salad’s bright flavors and creamy texture make it an excellent companion to lasagna, adding a touch of freshness and a hint of tanginess that elevate the entire meal.
Panzanella Salad
Panzanella salad is a Tuscan treasure, turning day-old bread into something magical. Tossed with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a generous splash of vinaigrette, the bread soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a salad that’s both flavorful and filling.
Simple Side Salad
A simple side salad might sound, well, simple, but it’s a classic for a reason. A mix of fresh greens, a few vegetable toppings, and your choice of dressing is all you need to prepare this light side.
Bread to Serve with Homemade Lasagna
Whether you serve buttery garlic bread, rustic bruschetta, or another option, a bread side dish helps diners sop up every last bit of tomato sauce on their plates. Here are a few of my favorite options.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is the ultimate comfort food companion to any lasagna meal. Slather slices of soft, fresh bread with a mix of butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs, then bake until golden and crispy.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots take the beloved flavors of garlic bread and tie them up in a delightful, bite-sized package. Made from pizza dough shaped into knots, they are baked until golden and then brushed with garlic and herb-infused butter.
Breadsticks
Whether you prefer soft and fluffy or crisp and golden, breadsticks are always a hit. At our house, we season them with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, and they are gone in no time.
Focaccia
With its airy texture and rich olive oil flavor, focaccia is a versatile bread that pairs beautifully with lasagna. Infuse it with rosemary, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes to add depth to its flavor.
Crostini
Crostini are small, toasted bread slices that offer a crispy texture and a light flavor. They can be topped with a variety of ingredients, but even when served plain or with a simple brush of garlic oil, they provide a delightful crunch that pairs well with lasagna.
Bruschetta
Traditionally topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil, bruschetta is an appetizer-sized side dish. This lasagna side dish brings a burst of summer to your table.
What Do You Like to Serve with Lasagna?
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with lasagna? Whether it’s a cooked vegetable, crisp salad, or comforting carb, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.
