Understanding the essence of comfort food is subjective, but one thing’s for sure – lasagna stands out as a reliable go-to meal option. The question remains whether serving side dishes with it is even necessary, considering how satisfying and complete it already feels. Even though lasagna is often loaded with rich ingredients like cheese, meat, and sometimes vegetables, introducing a light side or appetizer can elevate your dining experience to the next level.
Taking this into consideration, I’ve curated 23 healthy side dish recipes that pair perfectly with lasagna and are remarkably easy to prepare.
Homemade Garlic Bread to Serve with Lasagna
Elevating your meals to new heights is easy with a simple yet flavorful addition – homemade garlic bread. This versatile treat pairs perfectly with classic Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti with meat sauce and cheesy lasagna (try skillet lasagna for a quick weeknight dinner), adding a delightful crunch to green salads and hearty soups. The key to making exceptional garlic bread at home lies in using high-quality ingredients, such as real butter, plenty of garlic, and fresh bakery bread.
By doing so, you’ll create a product that far surpasses anything found in the frozen aisle of your local grocery store. To make the best garlic bread at home, follow these simple steps. For those nights when you crave a homemade meal with minimal effort, keep a loaf of freshly baked garlic bread in your freezer. Simply thaw and reheat for an instant side dish that’s perfect over spaghetti and marinara sauce.
With frozen garlic bread, there’s no need to plan ahead – it can go straight from the freezer to the oven.
Chickpea Salad – Perfect Side Dish for Lasagna
Elevate your lasagna dinner with a simple yet satisfying plant-based side dish – chickpea salad. This flavorful recipe combines modest chickpeas with an assortment of vibrant, fresh veggies and a zesty mustard dressing that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes to make using straightforward seasonal ingredients. Its ease and simplicity make it perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have a healthy and delicious side dish ready whenever needed.
The mix of colors, flavors, and textures in this Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad will surely delight your taste buds. Feel free to use this guide as a starting point and customize the recipe by swapping out the veggies with what’s available to you. To achieve the best results, aim for 4 to 6 different vegetables that offer varied colors and textures.
The combination of creamy mustard dressing with its tangy, zesty, and fruity notes complements the chickpeas and fresh veggies perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in each bite.
Panzanella – Herb Marinated Tomato Salad – Best Side for Lasagna!
Among the numerous dishes inspired by the classic Burrata Caprese salad is this vibrant creation. It echoes the same flair for colorful, juicy tomatoes paired with creamy Burrata cheese. However, it’s worth noting that there are key differences between this version and its predecessor. One of the main distinctions lies in the varied selection of tomatoes used.
This dish features an assortment of large, medium, and cherry tomatoes, all carefully chosen to provide a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Furthermore, these tomatoes undergo a marination process that involves balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a specially crafted blend of herbs. This deliberate infusion of flavors serves to amplify the zest of the dish and adds an extra layer of complexity, making each bite a more satisfying experience.
Italian Chopped Salad (Go Well With Lasagna)
Virtually every Italian dish can be made lighter without sacrificing flavor. This chopped salad is an excellent example of how to do just that. Made with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory olives, sweet ham, and creamy cheese, it’s a guilt-free option that’s both satisfying and delicious. By omitting the ham, you can create an even lighter version of this salad. The combination of fresh vegetables and lean protein sources will not only keep you full but also provide essential nutrients.
For those who love lasagna, it’s worth noting that a single serving typically contains around 450 calories, making it challenging to resist going back for more. The secret dressing in this recipe is the key to bringing all these flavors together, creating an umami taste experience that will leave you wanting more.
Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks to Serve with Lasagna
Years after its introduction, the classic combination of pasta and bread remains a staple in many cuisines around the world. This union is easy to understand when considering the way bread functions as a sponge-like vessel, capable of soaking up an abundance of flavorful pasta sauce with ease. Among various types of bread that pair well with lasagna, one particular option stands out – garlic bread.
The version served by Olive Garden is especially notable for its mouth-watering garlic flavor and crispy texture, which has earned it a special place in the hearts of many fans. Fortunately, you can now enjoy this iconic dish at home thanks to our copycat recipe for Olive Garden’s signature breadsticks.
Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad your Christmas Menus!
Revamping your dining experience doesn’t have to be complicated. A well-crafted Caesar salad can elevate any Italian-inspired meal, such as lasagna, by adding a burst of freshness and zest. This recipe cleverly combines the time-honored elements of a traditional Caesar with innovative flavor notes, ensuring an unforgettable taste sensation. Moreover, its versatility makes it an ideal option for busy professionals seeking a satisfying yet easy-to-prepare lunch during workdays.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts & Arugula Healthy Fall Salad with Sunshine Dressing
Among the many delightful and nutritious salads that are perfect for the summer season, this one stands out for its simplicity and versatility. It’s packed with a variety of healthy ingredients such as sprouts, arugula, pecans, and cherries, making it a great choice for those looking for a light and refreshing meal.
Despite its uncomplicated composition, this salad bursts with flavor, allowing you to customize it to your taste by using the sunshine dressing from the recipe or opting for your favorite salad dressing instead. Additionally, serving the dressing on the side offers even more flexibility, enabling everyone at the table to choose their preferred amount of dressing and enjoy the meal as they like.
Pan-Fried Polenta Slices – Best Side Dish for Lasagna
Prepare a tasty and affordable side dish to complement your lasagna by using store-bought polenta. Begin by slicing the polenta into thin rounds, then coat each slice in an egg wash mixed with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for added crunch. Next, pan-fry the coated slices until they are golden brown and crispy, achieving a satisfying texture.
Once cooked, serve the polenta slices with dipping sauces of your choice or use the lasagna sauce as a convenient accompaniment – either way, this side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Make Artisan Bread Recipe {No Knead}
While artisan bread has often been intimidating due to its perceived complexity, making it is actually incredibly easy, especially when no kneading is required. The end result is a deliciously fluffy, crusty loaf that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for freshly baked goodness. There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, freshly baked loaf. The combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior is truly unbeatable.
Whether you’re looking to serve it alongside soups and stews or simply enjoy it with a pat of butter, artisan bread is sure to be a hit. Before baking your artisan bread, make sure to adjust your oven racks accordingly. Place one rack in the middle position and another on its lowest level. Fill a metal pan (it’s best to avoid using glass pans) with about 1 inch of water and place it on the lowest rack. Next, place your bread dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and set it on the middle rack.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until your artisan bread is golden brown. For added convenience, you can also freeze your dough. Simply allow it to rise, then wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a ziplock freezer bag for up to 1 month. To bake, defrost the dough in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Easy and Healthy Microwave Asparagus
Juggling busy schedules and wanting to incorporate healthy eating into our daily lives can be challenging. Steaming asparagus in the microwave offers a quick solution for those hectic mid-week family dinners when we’re short on time but still want to provide nutritious meals. Whether you’re a parent, a working professional, or someone who values ease and convenience, this microwave asparagus recipe is here to save the day.
The beauty of microwaving asparagus lies in its ability to preserve both texture and flavor, making it an ideal alternative to traditional steaming methods that often require more time and effort.
Tasty Pesto Garlic Bread
Transform any meal into an exceptional culinary experience with our mouth-watering Pesto Garlic Bread. A classic combination of French bread smothered in seasoned butter, fragrant pesto, and rich Parmesan cheese creates the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta dishes or as a delectable appetizer on its own.
Low Carb Hero Sub Salad Recipe
Just when you thought you’d have to sacrifice flavor and satisfaction for a low-carb meal, this Hero Sub Salad comes to the rescue. By transforming the classic submarine sandwich into a delicious and refreshing salad, you can enjoy all the meaty goodness without the guilt of consuming high-carb ingredients. This innovative twist on a timeless favorite is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying, yet healthy lunch option.
Healthy and Delicious Avocado, Tomato and Arugula Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Just like the perfect summer salad, this Avocado, Tomato, and Arugula Salad is both light and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings or everyday meals. Its simplicity is one of its greatest strengths, as it’s incredibly easy to prepare and assemble, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal. The cilantro vinaigrette adds a vibrant, zesty flavor that never fails to impress, elevating the dish from a simple salad to a standout feature at any occasion.
Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans for Weeknight
Finding the perfect side dish for busy weeknights can be a challenge, but Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans are an excellent solution. This easy-to-make recipe is not only quick, taking just minutes to prepare, but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your meal plan. The result is perfectly crispy and seasoned green beans that complement any main course beautifully, adding a delicious and healthy touch to your family dinners.
Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe with Garlic Butter and Mozzarella Cheese
Combining the convenience of store-bought dough with the richness of melted cheese and the savory flavor of garlic, these Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Stuffed Crescent Rolls are an unbeatable snack or appetizer option. By employing Pillsbury crescent roll dough, each individual piece is generously brushed with a fragrant garlic butter before being wrapped around a generous helping of gooey mozzarella cheese, which is then air fried to achieve a crispy golden perfection.
Try to Make Garlic Bread
Beyond traditional takeout options, bring home the authentic Italian experience with our easy-to-make Homemade Garlic Bread recipe. Made with only the freshest ingredients, this bread is a perfect blend of flavors, offering an unparalleled taste sensation that’s sure to become your new favorite comfort food. With its simplicity and irresistible aroma, it’s no wonder you’ll find yourself craving a slice (or two) every day.
Amazing Side Salad
Round out your meals with a refreshing twist by serving a simple green side salad that combines the crispness of romaine lettuce with the juicy sweetness of cucumber, tomato, dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans. This versatile mix is perfectly paired with soups and dinners to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Kid Friendly Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe With Bacon
Luxuriate in the warmth and comfort that comes with this delectable Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Loaded with all the rich flavors of a stuffed potato, including crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions, this kid-friendly recipe is sure to become a hit at every family gathering.
Quick and Easy Frozen Garlic Bread In Air Fryer
Cook up effortless side dishes with our simplified Frozen Garlic Bread in Air Fryer recipe. This speedy preparation, ready in under 10 minutes, yields consistently perfect results every time, making it a versatile and appealing accompaniment to your preferred meals.
Easy Air Fryer Green Beans – Vegetable Side Dish Recipe for Lasagna
Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these green beans make a delicious and healthy side dish or snack. They’re quick to prepare, easy to cook with minimal low-calorie oil, making them an excellent choice for a variety of meals, including dinner sides, lunch bowls, or as a standalone snack.
How to Grill Lettuce + Simple Italian Grilled Romaine Salad with Cheese and Bacon
Adding a smoky twist to a classic ingredient can elevate any dish to new heights. By mastering the art of grilling lettuce, you can transform humble romaine into a richly flavored delight. Try topping your grilled romaine salad with a tangy sprinkle of parmesan or blue cheese and crispy bacon for an elevated side dish that’s both simple and delectable.
Pull Apart Garlic Bread Recipe – Easy Appetizer
Elevate your holiday gatherings with a simple yet impressive Pull Apart Garlic Bread recipe. This delectable treat is perfect as an appetizer or side dish, boasting effortless preparation and irresistible flavors that are sure to satisfy both young and old.
