Lasagna is a classic Italian dish loved by many. Its layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce make for a hearty meal. But sometimes you want to add more to your plate.

You can make your lasagna dinner even better by adding tasty side dishes. There are many options to choose from.

Some sides are light and fresh, while others are rich and filling.

The right sides can balance out the flavors of your lasagna and create a full, satisfying meal.

1. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with lasagna. It’s simple to make and adds a delicious flavor to your meal.

To make garlic bread, spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and herbs on sliced Italian or French bread.

Then toast it in the oven until golden and crispy.

The warm, buttery bread complements the rich flavors of lasagna. Its crunchy texture also provides a nice contrast to the soft pasta layers.

You can easily customize garlic bread by adding cheese or different herbs to suit your taste. It’s a crowd-pleasing side that’s sure to enhance your lasagna dinner.

2. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with lasagna. It adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich pasta.

The salad features crunchy romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Grated Parmesan cheese and crispy croutons add extra flavor and texture.

You can make your own Caesar dressing at home with ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, and anchovies. Or use a store-bought version for convenience.

For a twist, try grilling the romaine before adding the dressing and toppings. This gives the salad a slightly smoky taste that complements lasagna well.

3. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad makes a perfect side for lasagna. This classic Italian dish brings freshness to your meal.

You’ll love the mix of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness.

The light, crisp flavors balance out the rich lasagna. It’s an easy way to add color and nutrition to your plate.

Serve it chilled for a cool contrast to the hot pasta. This simple salad is sure to impress your dinner guests.

4. Bruschetta

Bruschetta makes a great side dish for lasagna. You can easily prepare this Italian favorite at home.

Start with slices of crusty bread, toasted until golden brown.

Top the bread with a mix of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Drizzle some olive oil over the top for extra flavor.

The crisp bread contrasts nicely with the juicy tomatoes.

Bruschetta adds a fresh, light element to your meal. It balances out the rich, hearty lasagna. You can serve it before or alongside the main dish.

5. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a tasty veggie dish that pairs well with lasagna. It adds color and nutrients to your meal.

This French classic combines eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The veggies are cooked until tender and flavored with herbs.

You can serve ratatouille warm or at room temperature. It balances the richness of lasagna with its light, fresh taste.

Try layering ratatouille between lasagna sheets for a veggie-packed twist. This combo creates a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.

6. Steamed Asparagus

Steamed asparagus makes a great side dish for lasagna. Its mild flavor and tender texture complement the rich pasta perfectly.

To prepare, trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears. Steam them for 4-5 minutes until bright green and just tender.

Season the cooked asparagus with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

The crisp-tender asparagus provides a nice contrast to the soft layers of lasagna. It also adds color and nutritional value to your meal.

7. Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a tasty side dish for lasagna. It’s light and fresh, balancing out the heavy pasta.

To make it, slice zucchini into thick strips. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for a few minutes on each side until tender.

The grill marks add a nice smoky flavor. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano for extra taste. Grilled zucchini is easy to make and takes just minutes to cook.

This veggie side brings color and nutrition to your plate. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your lasagna meal.

8. Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers make a tasty side dish for lasagna. You can easily roast them at home in your oven.

Cut red bell peppers into quarters and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Broil the peppers for about 20-25 minutes until the skin blackens. Put them in a covered bowl to steam for 15 minutes.

Peel off the blackened skin and slice the peppers into strips. Season with a little olive oil, salt, and herbs if desired.

Serve the roasted red peppers alongside your lasagna for a colorful, flavorful addition to your meal.

9. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter is a great side dish for lasagna. It gives your meal an Italian flair and lots of variety.

You can include cured meats like salami and prosciutto on your platter.

Add some cheeses too. Mozzarella and provolone work well. Don’t forget to include olives and marinated vegetables for extra flavor.

This colorful spread will look nice on your table. It’s easy to put together and lets guests pick what they like. An antipasto platter is perfect for starting your lasagna dinner on a tasty note.

10. Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Spinach and strawberry salad brings a fresh twist to your lasagna meal. This vibrant side dish combines crisp spinach leaves with juicy strawberries for a burst of flavor.

Add some crunch with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts. Toss in crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy touch.

A light vinaigrette dressing ties it all together. Try balsamic or poppy seed for extra zing. This salad offers a nice contrast to the rich, savory lasagna.

It’s quick to make and adds beautiful color to your plate. The sweetness of strawberries balances the earthy spinach perfectly.

11. Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks make a delicious side dish for lasagna. These crispy, golden-brown appetizers offer a fun contrast to the layered pasta dish.

The gooey cheese inside provides a satisfying stretch when you bite into them. You can serve mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping, adding a tangy flavor.

They’re easy to eat and share, making them great for casual dinners or parties. The breaded exterior adds a nice crunch that complements the soft texture of lasagna.

For a twist, try making homemade mozzarella sticks. You can customize the breading with herbs or spices to match your lasagna’s flavors.

12. Panzanella

Panzanella is a tasty Italian bread salad that pairs well with lasagna. This dish uses crusty bread cubes mixed with juicy tomatoes and fresh vegetables.

You can add cucumbers, red onions, and bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor. Toss everything in a tangy vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil and vinegar.

For the best taste, use day-old bread that will soak up the dressing without getting mushy. Panzanella offers a light, refreshing contrast to rich and hearty lasagna.

13. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup makes a tasty side dish for lasagna. This Italian classic is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta.

You’ll enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in each spoonful. The soup’s hearty ingredients like carrots, celery, and tomatoes balance out the rich lasagna.

Serving minestrone alongside lasagna creates a filling meal. The warm soup adds comfort, especially on cold days.

For the best pairing, choose a lighter minestrone recipe. This prevents the meal from becoming too heavy.

14. Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Balsamic glazed carrots are a tasty side dish for lasagna. They offer a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the rich pasta.

To make them, cook carrots until tender. Then add balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey. The glaze coats the carrots as it reduces.

You can use regular orange carrots or try rainbow carrots for more color. Baby carrots work well too and save prep time.

The carrots come out shiny and flavorful. Their sweetness complements the savory lasagna nicely. This simple side takes just minutes to prepare.

15. Lemon Arugula Salad

A lemon arugula salad is a quick and easy side dish for lasagna. You can make it in under 10 minutes.

To prepare this salad, mix fresh arugula leaves with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. Add some shaved Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

The peppery taste of arugula pairs well with the rich lasagna. The lemon dressing adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the heaviness of the main dish.

This light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy lasagna. It’s a great way to add some greens to your meal without overpowering the main course.

Pairing Sides with Lasagna

Picking the right sides can take your lasagna meal to the next level. The key is finding dishes that balance and complement the rich, hearty flavors of lasagna.

Balancing Flavors

Choose sides that cut through the richness of lasagna. A Caesar salad works well with its crisp lettuce and tangy dressing. The acidity helps cleanse your palate between bites of lasagna.

Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli add earthy notes. Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese and sauce.

For a fresh touch, try a Caprese salad. The combo of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil brings bright flavors to the table.

Garlic bread is always a hit. Its savory, buttery taste enhances the Italian theme of your meal.

Considering Textures

Think about adding crunch to balance the soft layers of lasagna. A crisp garden salad with cucumber and carrots does the trick.

Roasted veggies also provide a nice textural contrast. The caramelized edges give a satisfying bite.

For something different, try breadsticks or garlic knots. Their crusty exterior and soft inside make a great pairing.

Don’t forget about sauces. A smooth pesto or herb-infused olive oil can add interest to your sides and the lasagna itself.

Popular Cuisine Inspirations

Lasagna pairs well with sides inspired by Italian cuisine and international flavors. You can enhance your meal with traditional Italian accompaniments or explore fusion options from other cultures.

Italian-Inspired Sides

Garlic bread is a classic Italian side that goes great with lasagna. Its buttery, garlicky flavor complements the rich pasta dish. You can make it at home by spreading garlic butter on sliced bread and toasting it in the oven.

Caprese salad offers a fresh and light contrast to hearty lasagna. Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, then top with basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Try roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and herbs before roasting until tender and caramelized.

International Fusion Options

Greek-inspired sides can add a Mediterranean twist to your lasagna meal.

Prepare a Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Dress it with lemon juice and olive oil for a tangy flavor.

Asian-inspired green beans make an unexpected but delicious pairing.

Stir-fry green beans with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a crisp and savory side dish.

For a Middle Eastern touch, serve hummus with warm pita bread.

The creamy chickpea dip provides a cool contrast to the hot lasagna. You can buy pre-made hummus or easily make it at home with a food processor.