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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    What to Serve with Manicotti: 20 Best Side Dishes

    Modified: May 12, 2023 by Addison LaBonte · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    collage of 4 of the side dishes to serve with manicotti from the collection with text title overlay.

    Looking for something to serve alongside baked manicotti? Check out this collection of 20 side dishes to find the perfect pairing for a delicious meal.

    collage of 4 of the side dishes to serve with manicotti from the collection with text title overlay.

    I’m sure you’re familiar with the large manicotti tubes that you stuff with creamy ricotta cheese, cover with pasta sauce in a baking dish, and finish in the oven. 

    A dish of stuffed manicotti shells is the ultimate indulgence. 

    But did you know that authentic Italian manicotti uses a delicate crêpe as a little sleeve to hold the cheese filling? 

    The thin shells allow the flavors of the tomato sauce and seasoned ricotta to shine through and the experience is sublime!

    The crêpes can be made with eggs, flour, and water or milk. I use milk instead of water for my recipe for homemade manicotti. 

    Although it’s not difficult to make this traditional Italian recipe (you don’t even need a piping bag!), it can be time-consuming. 

    Give it a try though - once you’ve had it this way, you might be spoiled forever!

    Below you’ll find simple side dishes to complement this exquisite Italian family meal, whether you’re making it for special occasions or a quiet dinner at home.

    Air Fryer Green Beans
    Sure, you can steam, pan-fry, grill, or roast green beans but once you’ve made them in the air fryer, your dinners will demand this method! It’s quick, needs very little oil, and there are less pots and pans to wash. Keep it simple or toss with garlic powder and other seasonings.
    Check out this recipe
    close-up overhead of green beans on a white plate.
    Chopped Vegetable Salad by Flavor Mosaic
    If you’re looking for a hearty salad without adding meat, try this easy recipe. You’ll love the combination of crunchy vegetables and juicy tomatoes. And this salad is versatile enough for any type of dressing. Serve in a large bowl or pack in a jar for convenient lunches.
    Check out this recipe
    Chopped Vegetable Salad on a dish with a fork.
    Sautéed Zucchini by The Forked Spoon
    It’s delicious enough to eat raw but when sautéed in a large skillet, you won’t want to put your fork down! You don’t have to peel the zucchini but scooping out some of the seeds with a small spoon will prevent it from getting soggy. 
    Check out this recipe
    Sautéed Zucchini in a bowl and on a spoon.
    Copycat Olive Garden Salad by Good Life Eats
    This Italian restaurant rocks a timeless salad that’s loved by all guests but here’s a way to make it right at home! There’s also a convenient recipe for homemade garlic bread croutons. Be sure to chill the dressing for about two hours before serving for best results.
    Check out this recipe
    Copycat Olive Garden Salad in a bowl.
    Burrata Caprese Salad by Maple and Mango
    Burrata cheese has a firm layer of mozzarella on the outside but once you pierce the elegant shell, you’re in for a surprise! The rich interior is made up of cream and soft curds (like cottage cheese). It’s divine to eat, especially over the juicy heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil in this recipe. This is one of the most colorful caprese salads I’ve ever seen!
    Check out this recipe
    Burrata Caprese Salad on a plate.
    Lemon Kale Salad by Feasting Not Fasting
    Have you finally taken the plunge and welcomed kale into your daily life? Then you’ll know that massaging is one of the best ways to break down some of the fibers to make this dark, leafy veggie more digestible. Now you’re ready for delectable recipes like this one, using sweet cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and a zesty lemon dressing.
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon Kale Salad on a plate with a fork.
    Garlic Parmesan Asparagus by Joyous Apron
    Fresh asparagus is best for this side dish. To avoid the bitter taste, use prime ingredients like a block of parmesan cheese and fresh cloves of garlic. Also, try not to overcook. Trim, toss with seasonings, and bake at 400°F for crispy, flavorful greens! 
    Check out this recipe
    Garlic Parmesan Asparagus on a dish.
    Iceberg Lettuce Salad by Cooktoria
    This salad screams summertime! But it’s also perfect in the middle of winter when you’re done making your cozy, homemade manicotti and want a refreshing side dish recipe. Sprigs of dill and hemp seeds enhance the flavors and the dressing is wonderfully simple.
    Check out this recipe
    Iceberg Lettuce Salad in a bowl.
    Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks by iFOODreal
    Here’s a fun one! Next time you’re looking for an alternative to breadsticks, look no further. These zucchini planks are cheesy, crunchy and oh so healthy! And there’s no peeling or scooping either - simply cut in half, sprinkle the topping, and bake.
    Check out this recipe
    Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks on a dish.
    Italian Green Salad by Cooking with Mamma C
    Make this salad just before you serve the manicotti because it will be fully dressed and ready for the party! The white balsamic vinegar mix lovingly coats each piece of lettuce with a light, tangy flavor. Prepare the dressing separately or simply toss each ingredient on top of the greens as the recipe suggests. 
    Check out this recipe
    Italian Green Salad in a bowl.
    Sourdough Dinner Rolls by Lynn's Way of Life
    Instead of yeast, make these beautiful dinner rolls with a sourdough starter. You can prep the dough the night before and bake in the oven the next day. Temperature matters here - the dough will take longer to rise if your kitchen or the liquid ingredients are cooler than the recipe requires.
    Check out this recipe
    Sourdough Dinner Rolls on a tray.
    Spinach with Butter & Parmesan by Coley Cooks
    This is a great dish that’s big on taste! Fresh spinach stalks, a whole lotta butter, chopped garlic and a delicious pile of freshly-grated parmesan cheese…pair this with your manicotti and enjoy your little feast!
    Check out this recipe
    Spinach with Butter & Parmesan in a bowl.
    Zucchini Tomato Basil Salad by Good Life Eats
    This pretty salad is a great recipe to show off your garden harvest to a large crowd. Pull out your mandoline slicer or spiralizer and grab whatever light-colored vinegar you have (white balsamic or white wine). Use fresh basil (not dried) and medium-sized zucchini, as the larger size will have too many large seeds. The results will be spectacular!
    Check out this recipe
    Zucchini Tomato Basil Salad on a white dish.
    Grilled Eggplant by Dinner at the Zoo
    Go ahead and marinate this eggplant dish for up to 2 hours for best flavor - when it’s time to grill, they will only need 3-4 minutes per side. Once you have those striking grill marks on the eggplant slices, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve on a large plate. Your side dish will look like it belongs on a Food Network show!
    Check out this recipe
    Grilled Eggplant on a dish with lemons.
    Pea and Pesto Spinach Salad by Evergreen Kitchen
    What a delightful salad to eat! It’s an exciting mix of green peas, toasted pine nuts and spinach but here’s the part you’ll love: it’s all tossed with a fresh pesto dressing! Serve in a large bowl so everyone can enjoy the textures and beauty of this dish before they devour it.
    Check out this recipe
    Pea and Pesto Spinach Salad in a bowl on a table with spoons.
    Roasted Mini Pepper Salad by Cooktoria
    If you’ve made yearning glances at the colorful bag of mini peppers in the grocery store a million times, maybe it’s time to buy it and take it home. This simple recipe walks you through roasting, peeling and deseeding these cute veggies to create a fantastic side dish for your manicotti.
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted Mini Pepper Salad in a dish.
    Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad by iFOODreal
    The biggest decision you will have when making this chunky, fragrant salad is this: sour cream or yogurt? No judgment here! You can even make it ahead of time, as long as you don’t stir the ingredients together until you’re ready to serve. 
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad in a dish.
    Roasted & Marinated Italian Peppers by Cooking with Mamma C
    Don’t be afraid to roast these peppers until they’re completely charred - the skins will soften and separate when they’re sweating in the paper bag. And wear food-safe gloves to keep your fingers clean. If there are any peppers left over, make sandwiches!
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted & Marinated Italian Peppers in a white dish.
    Escarole with Olives and Capers by Coley Cooks
    You’ll savor the slightly bitter taste of the escarole, combined with olive oil, garlic, capers, and black olives. Smash the garlic and toast until light brown to add even more rich flavor to this soulful dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Escarole with Olives and Capers in a bowl with a fork.
    Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
    This recipe is effortless and soon to be a favorite for your whole family. Make sure the florets are about the same size so they roast evenly. You’ll bake them in a single layer at a high temperature for about 20 minutes but keep an eye on them. The look you’re going for is brown, not burnt. 
    Check out this recipe
    overhead of broccoli garnished with coarse sea salt

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