If you're looking for the perfect side to serve with lasagna, this recipe collection has got you covered. From salads to breads to veggies and more, you'll be sure to find the perfect accompaniment to pair with your favorite lasagna recipe for your next dinner party.
Lasagna. It's the perfect main dish for any dinner table. Whether it's three cheese lasagna or a protein filled vegan lentil lasagna, the main star always needs a side kick. What do you pair with such a hearty dish?
Some of our favorites include fresh bread, cheesy garlic bread, or garlic knots. We also love going with a fresh salad such as an arugula salad, a simple salad with balsamic vinegar, or a classic wedge salad without the bacon. And if you're having a dinner party, a vegetarian antipasto platter is also a great idea!
But there are so many more ideas, that we've compiled a list of some of the best sides for your lasagna meal, all of which are either vegetarian or vegan.
So, if you're looking for the perfect side dishes to serve with your lasagna dinner party, check out some great options below!
Best Side Dishes for Lasagna
Easy Stovetop Brussels Sprouts
This frozen brussels sprouts on the stovetop takes this humble vegetable and turns it into a flavorful perfection in less than 15 minutes. For a different flavor, try adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
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Air Fryer Squash
Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this Air fryer squash is an easy-to-make side dish that features both zucchini and fresh yellow squash. Swap in your favorite seasoning, such as Italian herbs, or add a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
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Cashew Basil Pesto
Make your own homemade pesto in just 10 minutes! This cashew pesto is bright, savory, and full of flavor. It's perfect for topping your lasagna! To make this vegan, add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
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Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables by Real Food With Sarah
These tasty Mediterranean roasted vegetables are easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep work. Oven-roasted until tender and lightly charred, these veggies are packed with flavor. Add in olives, feta, or a sprinkle of za'atar for more Mediterranean flair.
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Italian Green Bean Salad by My Quiet Kitchen
With zesty Italian dressing, white beans, and tomato, this green bean salad is a light and refreshing side dish perfect for lasagna. For an extra protein boost, swap the white beans for chickpeas.
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Vegan Mediterranean chickpea salad by Best Served Vegan
Light and refreshing, this vegan Mediterranean chickpea salad is full of color and topped with a simple, flavorful dressing. It's the perfect choice for serving with lasagna.
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Roasted Asparagus Green Salad by Wholefood Soulfood Kitchen
This roasted asparagus green salad combines a mix of leafy greens and warm roasted asparagus with a lemon olive oil dressing. It makes a great light and easy-to-make side dish. Sprinkle with parmesan for extra flavor.
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Garlic Parmesan Asparagus by An Edible Mosaic
Delicious crisp-tender garlic Parmesan asparagus is an easy side that whips up in only 15 minutes and pairs well with just about any main dish! You can roast it in the oven, sauté it on the stovetop, cook it on the grill, or air fry it, and this recipe includes directions for each cooking method.
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Caprese Salad by Flawless Food
The combination of freshness and texture in a caprese salad is both refreshing and satisfying, making it the perfect counterpart to a richer dish like lasagna. Add avocado slices for a creamy twist or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
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Sourdough Focaccia by Lynn's Way of Life
Sourdough focaccia is the perfect side for any lasagna recipe! Topped with kosher salt, rosemary, and olive oil, this focaccia is so delicious!
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Bruschetta by Christina's Cucina
Who doesn't love bruschetta? Tomato topped toast with fresh basil is always a crowd pleaser! Try adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of mozzarella for a cheesy touch.
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Cavolo Nero Salad by Carrots and Cookies
This easy Tuscan kale salad recipe is made with a simple lemon vinaigrette and sprinkled with hemp hearts and grated parm. The texture and flavor compliment lasagna just perfectly! Add toasted almonds for extra crunch.
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Sautéed Broccoli Rabe by Mangia With Michele
Hearty and satisfying, slightly-bitter sautéed broccoli rabe is a beloved dark leafy green side dish that's easy to make with simple ingredients such as olive oil, fresh garlic, and crushed red pepper.
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House Salad by Profusion Curry
This recipe for a restaurant-style house salad is drizzled with a delectable maple balsamic dressing. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy flavors, this refreshing salad is wholesome and nutritious. Add roasted nuts, avocado, or dried cranberries for a sweet, crunchy twist.
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Mediterranean Green Beans with Lemon Dressing by Blue's Best Life
This flavorful Mediterranean-inspired green bean salad recipe is packed with tender green beans, briny kalamata olives, salty feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes and a zingy lemon dressing that is drizzled overtop.
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Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic by Joy Filled Eats
Lemon and garlic broccoli is the perfect light side dish to go along with lasagna. It is flavorful and delicious.
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Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms by My Plantiful Cooking
These air fryer Portobello mushrooms are juicy, savory, and packed with flavors! An easy side that is ready in 15 minutes.
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Air Fryer Artichokes by Ambitious Foodie
These air fryer artichokes are a quick and easy vegetable side dish that's the perfect way to complement your main course. When you serve them with a delectable garlic aoili for dipping, they taste even better.
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Vegetarian Caesar Salad by Hey Nutrition Lady
If you've never had a Kale Caesar before, you're in for a treat! This vegetarian Caesar salad is made with Tuscan kale, vegetarian Caesar dressing, and crispy roasted chickpeas. It's an easy kale Caesar recipe made without anchovies or eggs, and can be made vegan with a couple of simple swaps.
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Greek Lettuce Salad by Souvlaki For The Soul
Made in under 10 minutes and with only 4 ingredients, this Greek lettuce salad (Maroulosalata) is a quick and easy, flavorful side dish.
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Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella by My Homemade Roots
This green bean salad with tomatoes and mozzarella will excite your taste buds with a combination of garden-fresh flavors of green beans and cherry tomatoes and a tangy basil, apple cider vinegar, and mustard dressing.
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Sauteed Zucchini by Good Gourds
Sauteed zucchini with fresh basil and garlic is just about the easiest veggie side you'll ever make. Just 7 minutes and it's on the plate!
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Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers by A Little and a Lot
Looking for the perfect easy side dish to go with lasagna? These mouth-watering marinated roasted bell peppers are packed full of flavor and color.
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Sauteed Zucchini and Summer Garden Vegetables by The Reid Homestead
This tasty side dish is easy to make and uses up all your garden veggies! It's a perfect dish to serve alongside lasagna.
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Vegan Garlic Bread Without Butter by No Frills Kitchen
One of my favorite things to pair with lasagna is garlic bread! And, this version is completely vegan, super easy to make and absolutely delicious. It makes for the perfect side dish for any Italian dinner!
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Leeks Stewed in Wine by Bayev's Kitchen
This delicious recipe for leeks stewed in wine is a perfect complement to lasagna. The tender, flavorful leeks and rich wine sauce make for a delightful side dish that enhances the flavors of the main course. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little something extra to their lasagna dinner.
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Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms by Sprig and Spoon
The perfect side for any lasagna dish, these stuffed portobello mushroom caps are savory, flavorful and packed with veggies.
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Balsamic Spinach and Mushrooms by Served From Scratch
This fast and easy vegan side is packed full of flavor and ready in just 20 minutes! It's the perfect side to any of your favorite pasta meals!
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Swedish Pizza Salad by Dash for Dinner
This vinaigrette-style coleslaw pairs well with pizza, pasta, and more! Perfect for a healthy side to accompany a big, hearty slice of lasagna.
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Vegan Italian Chopped Salad by The Short Order Cook
Fresh vegetables, protein-packed ceci beans (chickpeas), and a tasty vegan Italian dressing come together with in this hearty chopped salad.
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Tips on Serving Sides
Serving lasagna with side dishes can elevate the meal and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some tips for when you want to serve lasagna:
- Balance Flavors: Choose side dishes that complement the flavors of the lasagna. For instance, if your lasagna is rich and savory, consider serving it with a light and refreshing salad to balance the meal.
- Consider Textures: Incorporate side dishes with different textures to add variety to the meal. Crisp vegetables, such as Air Fryer Squash or our Easy Stovetop Brussel Sprouts, can provide a satisfying contrast to the soft and creamy texture of the lasagna.
- Think about Colors: Opt for side dishes that add visual appeal to the plate. colorful mediterranean veggies, salads, or bright fruits can make the meal more visually appealing and appetizing.
- Portion Sizes: Keep the portion sizes of the side dishes in mind to ensure they complement the lasagna without overpowering it. Side dishes should enhance the meal without overshadowing the star of the show.
- Preparation Methods: Choose side dishes that can be prepared ahead of time or alongside the lasagna to streamline the cooking process. This ensures that everything is ready to serve at the same time and prevents any last-minute stress.
- Serve in Separate Dishes: Present side dishes in separate serving dishes or bowls to give guests the flexibility to choose what they'd like to accompany their lasagna. This also allows for easy refills if needed.
- Consider Dietary Restrictions: If you're serving lasagna to a group with diverse dietary preferences or restrictions, offer a variety of side dishes to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Include options that are vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free as needed.
Additional Resources
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