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Whenever you decide to prepare a delicious batch of lasagna, you open yourself up to a world of endless possibilities in pairings and side dishes. There’s no shortage of options for what to serve with lasagna!
From bread and salads to veggies and meats, knowing what goes with lasagna can take any homemade pan to greater culinary heights.
If you’re looking for a complete list of what to eat with lasagna, you’ve come to the right place!
I’ll cover the essentials and break down some of the best recipes for the following categories:
I’ve carefully curated my ultimate kitchen guide for what to cook with lasagna.
Not only does it provide a handpicked selection of all-time favorite pairings, but it also shares essential tips on when and how to best serve lasagna, depending on the season or occasion.
Ready to explore and dig into the world of tasty lasagna side dishes?
Salads
Are you curious about exactly what salad goes with lasagna? Let’s explore some of the best salad recipes that I’ve tried through the years and paired with lasagna:
Caesar Salad
Who doesn’t love a Caesar salad? The first entry on this list is an undisputed classic appetizer that is widely popular and incredibly versatile.
This timeless Caesar salad recipe only takes 10 minutes to prepare and is big enough to serve an entire party!
It contains approximately 12 servings and only requires a handful of ingredients readily available in your pantry.
When you pair it with meaty, cheesy lasagna, Caesar salad’s garlic and lemony goodness creates a medley of flavors I’m sure you can’t resist.
The best part? It’s a healthy side as well!
Italian Antipasto
This Italian Antipasto recipe is ridiculously effortless and you’ll have your mind blown with how good the final result is. Its quality can easily match and exceed any antipasto that you’ll find in a restaurant.
All you need to do is gather the ingredients and toss them together to make this unforgettable mixture of textures and tastes! Remember to pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
What makes this antipasto so good with your lasagna is the consistency. It’s like having an authentic Italian party right at home, so you know you’re in for the best culinary experience!
Italian Chopped Salad
Care for another Italian treat to go with your lasagna? Then check out this Italian chopped salad!
There’s nothing quite like biting into the refreshing crunchiness of a salad when the spring and summer seasons come around.
This recipe is filled with tangy parmesan cheese, creamy dressing, salty salami, and crunchy lettuce. The result is a delicious salad that’s a healthier version of the traditional chopped salad.
I enjoy making it during the summertime because it’s the perfect light side to a plateful (or two!) of filling lasagna. The homemade dressing is tasty and can also be used for dipping veggies!
Arugula with Lemon and Parmesan
Are you looking for a fresh and bold salad to complement your lasagna? This lemon arugula salad with parmesan has exactly what you need!
With just a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you’ll have a balanced yet flavorful lemon arugula salad that you’ll be craving daily.
All you need are fresh lemon juice, red onion, baby arugula, parmigiano-reggiano, and you’re all set.
My favorite part of this recipe is that it pairs so well with lasagna and virtually any Italian goodie you could think of! That’s why you best believe this side’s a mainstay on our dining table.
Tomato Feta Salad
When it comes to culinary diversity, this tomato feta salad recipe blends the best of both Italian and Greek cuisine.
It also packs a level of versatility not many sides can dream of — it’s right at home on your plate of lasagna, but also just as wonderful with chicken, fish, or steak!
What I love most about this recipe is that it allows me to get creative; if only I could list all the variations I’ve made to suit my favorite dishes – particularly lasagna!
I personally enjoy switching cherry tomatoes with diced heirloom tomatoes, substituting champagne vinegar with white wine vinegar, and swapping red onions for minced shallots. Make this recipe your own!
Vegetables
If you’re looking for what vegetable goes with lasagna, then look no further! This section will cover the most delicious veggie side dishes you can pair:
Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
This cauliflower casserole recipe is baked with parmesan cheese in a delectable white sauce. It is the perfect comfort food that is an ideal side dish for lasagna.
Whether you’re roasting, steaming, or simply tossing it with salt and olive oil, cauliflower is my top recommended vegetable for the fall season. I simply adore its taste, especially when I’m wolfing down spoonfuls of lasagna!
And it’s not just the flavors that make this creamy cauliflower casserole bake my go-to for fall lasagna parties. This veggie is also packed with nutrients like B vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fiber.
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
Speaking of healthier alternatives, it’s hard to believe that this sautéed spinach recipe could taste so good while being a low-calorie side to lasagna!
Whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or paleo diet plan, this dish is a vegan and gluten-free powerhouse with less than 90 calories per serving.
Cooking spinach can be tricky because if prepared wrong, it can wind up slimy and unappetizing. Not a good look when partnered with lasagna!
But if you follow this recipe exactly, each bite of spinach gets an added kick of flavor from all the spices. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Grilled Peppers & Onions
There’s absolutely nothing that I love more than grilling outside on a beautiful day with warm weather. I’m a huge advocate that a little bit of the added smoky flavors from a grill can go a long way in bringing any dish up a notch!
The only ingredients you need for this recipe are bell pepper, an onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
These grilled peppers and onions are incredibly delicious with a crisp yet tender texture and a smoky char. Try them with lasagna, and I swear you won’t ever look back!
Italian Green Beans
This Italian green beans recipe is a budget-friendly side dish option that goes well with lasagna and tons of other pasta dishes. It’s made with garlic, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, and Italian-cut green beans.
Trying this recipe out opened my eyes to how affordable and adaptable frozen green beans are, as well as being so fresh!
The fire unleashes the delicious combination of flavors during the cooking process, while herbs like basil and oregano infuse the beans with authentic Italian goodness. Beside your lasagna, these beans won’t ever disappoint!
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest
Broccoli is hands down the vegetable that I consume the most on a routine basis. I regularly prepare it on its own or with other ingredients in a wide variety of ways, but I especially love it with lasagna.
When I find myself in the mood to jazz up my lasagna party, this easy recipe never fails to wow my tastebuds. The slight tang and leafy bitterness of the broccoli just melds so well with the savory goodness of lasagna.
Not to mention, it’s also packed with nutrients, low-carb, and gluten-free! It’s no secret that this recipe has been a home staple for quite some time now, and it’s perfect to sneak in some veggies while the kids enjoy the lasagna!
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
These brown sugar honey-glazed carrots are a buttery and flavorful side dish that’s a great pairing with a hot pan of lasagna. You can easily make them in an oven or stovetop, so feel free to whip it up while your lasagna cooks up.
With only four basic ingredients and a few dried spices, you can have the perfect holiday side (in my books, anyway)!
The sweet honey butter glaze blends perfectly with the creamy cheese and rich texture of meaty lasagna. Add a side of ricotta to the plate and you might just have heaven on a plate!
Old School Squash and Onions
Any dish that includes summer squash automatically fills me with nostalgia.
This old-school squash and onions recipe is a Southern classic that takes me back to part of my childhood spent with my grandparents.
They had a small vegetable garden and would prepare squash for me and my cousins to enjoy in the spring.
And now, I want to pass on the same feeling to my kids — which is why I like pairing this squash recipe with lasagna!
It’s a simple and unassuming recipe, but don’t take its flavors lightly. Try it with a plate of lasagna and experience the lovely aroma subtly dancing on your tongue. I’m certain that you’ve never tasted anything quite like it!
Breads
Crusty Italian Bread
Baking crusty Italian bread can seem intimidating, but this homemade recipe is easy to follow with game-changing tips and tricks included!
It makes for an awesome side dish to lasagna because this timeless bread is soft and fluffy on the inside with a yummy crispness on the outside.
It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy their lasagna with a piece or two of great-tasting bread. And if you can’t get enough of Italian bread appetizers, it’s time to enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience with this side!
What makes this bread even better is a small bowl of classic dipping oil. Trust me: with this bread and lasagna combination, you won’t left wanting!
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread may seem like a basic and boring side to lasagna, but with the right ingredients and method, homemade garlic bread can taste like an out-of-this-world pairing!
You’re also free to use any loaf of bread as long as it’s crispy. This ultimate garlic bread recipe uses softened butter stirred with a few herbs, fresh minced garlic, and two different cheeses that carry an extra touch of garlic powder.
Never underestimate garlic bread. It’s a classic that works with many Italian dishes – lasagna included! The cheesy and buttery goodness makes the meaty and savory lasagna stand out even more. Yum!
Bruschetta
In the world of cheese, I’m a strong believer that burrata is one of the most underrated. Out of all the bruschetta recipes I’ve tried throughout the years, this one just might be my favorite.
I was utterly blown away when I paired it with a steaming plate of lasagna. Each bite tasted like summer on a crostini!
The melody of creamy cheeses, fresh basil, and heirloom tomatoes on a crispy slice of toasted bread hits the spot every time.
Focaccia
If you’re looking for what goes good with lasagna for dinner, this focaccia recipe is your best bet! It only takes 10 minutes to make, doesn’t require any kneading, and is so easy to make that it’s frankly ridiculous.
Just remember to put resting, rising, and chilling time into consideration, and you’re sure to get an excellent bread that complements your lasagna perfectly with its unassuming flavors.
I never have to worry or stress out whenever I’m thinking of cooking lasagna nowadays. This simple bread dish is wonderful at playing second fiddle to the star of the show!
Proteins
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
When it comes to meat and proteins, this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is an elegant appetizer for lasagna. It can always be prepared ahead of time and is suitable for many eating preferences.
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is one of the most popular appetizers that guests keep coming for whenever I throw get-togethers at home. They’re also great to munch on in between bites of lasagna!
The secret to this recipe is to add parmigiano-reggiano to the mix as a subtle yet powerful touch to the base ingredients.
Italian Sausage
If you’re hungry for extra protein with your lasagna, this Italian sausage recipe is an easy choice! The sausage itself is a simple combination of ground pork and heavenly seasonings — definitely a great side to perk up anyone’s tastebuds.
What makes Italian sausage right at home with your lasagna is that they both have that Italian flair.
Right off the bat, their flavors meld together perfectly so you don’t even need to think about how to shine the spotlight on your lasagna!
Apart from lasagna, I’ve tried this Italian sausage with all different kinds of recipes from stuffed peppers to pasta and more! I can confidently say that it’s an exquisite mix of just the right amount of sweetness with a touch of spicy flavor.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings and lasagna can be seen as uncommon, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! Try them together — you’ll agree they’re a match made in heaven.
Instead of being fried in oil, these chicken wings are baked to golden perfection in the oven. They are one of the appetizers that guests always request!
This chicken wings recipe is great if you’re hosting lasagna parties with the boys; they’re sure to enjoy the extra protein. The tender and moist flavors from the butter and drippings can entice even the pickiest of eaters.
Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
This meatballs and marinara sauce recipe is very reminiscent of how my mom used to make them. It’s a classic Italian dish that you simply can’t beat as a pairing with lasagna.
Kids can’t get enough of this one because of how juicy and tender the meatballs are with just the right touch of Italian seasoning.
You can pan-fry the meatballs to achieve a crispy exterior, but if you’re in a rush, feel free to bake them on a sheet pan until browned!
Meatballs might look like an unusual topping to lasagna, but the extra meaty taste is always welcome! Pro tip: add a bit of cheese inside the meatballs so they mirror your lasagna. The appearance and flavor? Absolutely divine!
Wintertime Dishes
Wintertime can be a dreaded season because of the extreme cold, but it is also a great opportunity to cozy up with hot and tasty foods. Here are some of the best options for what to serve with lasagna in winter:
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone is a hearty Italian soup loaded with fiber from vegetables and beans. While you’ll commonly see it served with crusty bread, trust me – it works just as well with lasagna!
This classic minestrone recipe is made from scratch with nutrient-dense ingredients such as white beans, fresh herbs, pasta, and many more. It’s a cozy soup that fills the soul with comfort, especially during the bitter winter.
Vegetarian soup paired with rich and meaty lasagna? It’s filling and warm, all in a single meal. That’s why minestrone ranks high on my list of lasagna sides come wintertime!
Italian Wedding Soup
If you’re an avid fan of Italian food, you better try lasagna with Italian wedding soup! While the soup can be a meal on its own, it’s even better when served with lasagna.
Wedding soup packs veggies, pasta, and meatballs in a delectable broth. The milder soup balances out the lasagna’s cheesy flavor so your taste buds won’t become overwhelmed!
Italian wedding soup is traditionally made with long-cooked and homemade chicken stock, but this recipe can save time and mirror the exact flavor with a blend of store-bought broth fortified with plenty of vegetables and wine.
Dinner Party Showstoppers
Are you looking for ideas on what to serve with lasagna at a dinner party? Let’s take a look at some of my top choices that you can easily try at home:
Caprese Salad Skewers
This simple Caprese salad skewer recipe is an all-star hit whenever I bring it to dinner parties. All it takes are four basic ingredients: balsamic glaze, basil, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
It’s a fun and unique substitute for traditional salads. The key to successfully executing this recipe is to use small marinated mozzarella balls as opposed to a large ball of fresh mozzarella.
Caprese salad skewers are great alongside lasagna because you can sneak in a bite after every mouthful of lasagna.
The fresh and creamy taste mixes delightfully with lasagna’s savory meaty flavors, so you’re in for a real treat!
Caramelized Mushrooms
Caramelized mushrooms offer a bit of spice and deep flavor as a side dish to lasagna.
Go for a real showstopper with the garlicky, buttery taste of this mushroom dish which heightens lasagna’s rich flavors!
This recipe avoids mushy and slimy mushrooms with pro tips on how to caramelize them perfectly. If you really want to kick things up a notch, add crushed red peppers for the perfect surprise.
Prosciutto and Melon
One of the most unique lasagna crowd-pleasers I’ve ever tried is this prosciutto and melon recipe.
A combination of sweet and salty flavors alongside the creamy, savory taste of lasagna? Don’t be surprised if guests end up speechless!
As a side dish to lasagna, this is an easy-to-make and refreshing starter that adds a unique Mediterranean flavor to the star of the show. It’s hard to imagine that something so elegant can be ready in just 20 minutes.
This dish captures Italian simplicity and takes it to its finest levels with contrasting textures and flavors that complement each other seamlessly.
If you’re looking to leave a great impression on your guests, whip this up with your lasagna!
Christmas Specials
Over the years, I’ve found that lasagna inherently has the holidays embedded in it as a dish. In this section, we’ll run through my ultimate picks for what to serve with lasagna for Christmas dinner:
Cranberry, Goat Cheese, and Pecan Salad
Nothing puts me in the festive holiday spirit more than a mixed green salad with candied pecans, sweet cranberries, and soft tangy goat cheese.
And with a generous serving of lasagna to boot? I won’t even need to open the presents!
This distinctive salad recipe features perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
Each bite is coated with creamy goat cheese and crunchy candied pecans. I bet you know you’re in for a treat with this one!
I made this recipe with lasagna for my family’s Christmas dinner last year and everybody at the table became an instant fan.
Lasagna’s heavy-on-the-meat sauce always pairs well with light veggie sides, so this one’s a surefire winner!
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Are you looking to make everyone fall in love with your lasagna this holiday season? These perfectly golden brown pan-roasted potatoes are here to help you out!
Garlic-roasted potatoes are gluten-free, dairy-free, and delicious Mediterranean potatoes that pack a spicy punch.
They’re the perfect way to add texture to your lasagna, all while heating up the cold holidays!
This recipe tosses the Lebanese potatoes in a spice-infused olive oil and can be served either hot or cold as a Lebanese potato salad. However, when paired with lasagna, I suggest serving it steaming!
Using Those Extra Noodles
Figuring out what to do with lasagna leftovers or what to make with lasagna noodles can be challenging, but with the right mindset and splashes of creativity, you can create some of the best dishes imaginable!
Lasagna Soup
During the colder months, nothing hits the spot more than a bowl of hot lasagna soup. This recipe is made with sausage, garlic, creamy cheese, Italian-seasoned tomato sauce, and sausage all in one pot!
It has been my ultimate comfort food for the winter season and features a wide range of classic Italian flavors.
While lasagna with lasagna soup is already a top-tier combo, you can also add a side of chopped salad or garlic bread for a filling meal.
For the 10 best side dishes to serve with lasagna soup, check my other article here.
Roll-ups with Ricotta and Spinach
These spinach lasagna roll-ups are deliciously meatless and made with a hot and bubbly three-cheese filling!
The best part is that they can always be prepared ahead with leftover lasagna noodles, so you can enjoy lasagna both ways.
I have to say: this dish is an ingenious way to satisfy your lasagna cravings while not wasting those extra noodles. Enjoy the usual meaty lasagna, then have these ricotta and spinach roll-ups right after. Yum!
I usually like baking these just before dinnertime, but you can also freeze and heat them up for later.
Broken Lasagna Pasta Salad
If you want a vegan partner to your meaty lasagna without throwing away those extra noodles, this broken lasagna pasta salad is your best bet!
I don’t know about you, but this is one example of when room-temperature pasta is worlds better than a steaming hot plate.
The broken and bite-sized lasagna noodles create an exquisite base for the dressing of olive oil and maple syrup.
This pasta salad throws the crunchy almonds and buttery olives with your rich and meaty lasagna, creating a magical taste on your tongue! That’s not to mention that the salad has a wonderful texture that I’m sure you’ll adore.
Desserts
Panna Cotta
A hearty lasagna meal calls for the right kinds of desserts. This classic panna cotta is a creamy, rich, and impressive recipe that’s also incredibly quick to make!
It’s so simple that you don’t need to worry if you’ve never baked with gelatin before.
These can be served in individual portions and topped with fresh berries for everyone to enjoy.
I’ve tried this dessert recipe several times, and even with heavy cream, it’s a perfectly light treat after a heavy plate of lasagna.
Neapolitan Sfogliatelle
A sfogliatelle is a type of classic Neapolitan pastry generally served warm. The outside is covered with tons of flaky and buttery crisp layers, while the inside contains a rich vanilla citrus filling.
The key to making sfogliatelle is in using proper laminations to crisp the many layers into a beautiful shell that can hold the sweetened cheese and semolina filling.
This recipe can be quite the baking challenge, but the final product is outstanding. They make for great handheld pastries with a light taste that’s ideal after everyone’s had their fill of lasagna!
Chocolate and Vanilla Tartufo
A Tartufo consists of two ice cream flavors that are molded around a frozen jam or fruit in the center. For the finishing touch, it’s usually coated in cinnamon or cocoa powder – a truly decadent and luxurious dessert!
After a satisfying lasagna dinner, cutting into a Tartufo and experiencing the sweet flavors inside is the perfect way to end the meal on a happy note.
You can also further customize your tartufo by putting a raspberry in the center or using graham cracker crumbs to coat. It’s all up to you!
What To Serve With Lasagna: 33 Side Dishes
Ingredients
Salads
- Caesar Salad
- Italian Antipasto
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Arugula with Lemon and Parmesan
- Tomato Feta Salad
Vegetables
- Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
- Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
- Grilled Peppers & Onions
- Italian Green Beans
- Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest
- Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
- Old School Squash and Onions
Breads
- Crusty Italian Bread
- Garlic Bread
- Bruschetta
- Focaccia
Proteins
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
- Italian Sausage
- Chicken Wings
- Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Wintertime Dishes
- Minestrone Soup
- Italian Wedding Soup
Dinner Party Showstoppers
- Caprese Salad Skewers
- Caramelized Mushrooms
- Prosciutto and Melon
Christmas Specials
- Cranberry Goat Cheese, and Pecan Salad
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Using Those Extra Noodles
- Lasagna Soup
- Roll-ups with Ricotta and Spinach
- Broken Lasagna Pasta Salad
Desserts
- Panna Cotta
- Neapolitan Sfogliatelle
- Chocolate and Vanilla Tartufo
Instructions
- Pick a salad.
- Pick a protein or veggie.
- End with a dessert!