What to Serve with Lasagne

Lasagne, a classic Italian dish, has always been a favourite of mine. It took me a while to get the hang of putting a lasagne together, but now it’s a meal I’ll cook most weeks. With its mouth-watering layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s no wonder that people are always seeking the perfect accompaniments to serve alongside this crowd-pleaser. But the question of what to serve with lasagne often crops up.

There are lots of options for the perfect side dish for lasagne. I like to serve it with garlic bread and fresh salads. From time to time, I’ll serve it with some homemade chips too. It may seem too “carby” but you can’t beat the combination of crispy, chunky chips dipped in a delicious lasagne sauce. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

Classic Side Dishes

Sometimes, only a classic side dish will do.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a delightful side dish to serve with lasagne. The combination of crunchy bread and creamy, cheesy lasagne makes for a satisfying meal. To prepare garlic bread, simply slice a baguette or any crusty bread of your choice, spread it with garlic butter, and bake it in the oven until golden brown. You can also sprinkle your bread with grated cheese too to add an extra layer of flavour.

Green Salad

A light and healthy green salad pairs particularly well with the rich flavours of lasagne and makes for a tasty and healthy side dish. A mix of fresh lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, will help you balance the heaviness of the main dish. You can also add thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, and olives for a more Mediterranean take on the salad. The crisp textures and refreshing flavours of a green salad will offer a great contrast to the tender pasta and gooey cheese in the lasagne.

Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is another classic accompaniment to lasagne. It combines the freshness of a green salad with the indulgence of a creamy dressing. To prepare Caesar salad, toss Romaine lettuce with a rich, garlicky dressing made with olive oil, egg yolk, Parmesan cheese, anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Top it with crunchy croutons, more grated Parmesan, and a sprinkling of black pepper for a touch of heat. The creamy Caesar dressing enhances the taste experience of the entire meal, and the croutons provide a pleasant crunch that complements both the lasagne and the salad.

Vegetable Sides

On colder days, I prefer to cook some warm veggies to go alongside my lasagne.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli is a fantastic way to bring out its natural flavours while keeping it healthy. Simply toss the broccoli in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing it in the oven. Cook at 190°C for around 20 minutes until the edges are crispy and slightly browned. For an added touch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking.

Green Beans

Green beans make for a delicious and colourful addition to lasagne. To prepare, wash and trim the ends of the beans, then blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes. After, transfer the beans to a pan of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. To create more flavour, sauté the beans with some garlic and olive oil just before serving and season with salt and pepper.

Grilled Courgette

Grilled courgette is a light and tasty side dish that complements lasagne very well. To prepare, slice the courgette lengthwise into thin strips. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, grill the courgette on high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, creating those tempting grill marks. Grilled courgette can be served as is, or you can create a simple dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic to drizzle over the top.

Italian Inspired Sides

If you fancy sticking with the Italian theme for your side dish, here are three delicious options to consider: Bruschetta, Caprese Salad, and Antipasto Platter.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a popular Italian starter that pairs well with lasagne. It consists of toasted bread slices topped with a mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. To prepare bruschetta, simply:

Dice ripe tomatoes and mix them with finely chopped garlic, fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
Toast thick slices of Italian bread and lightly rub them with a halved garlic clove.
Spoon the tomato mixture onto the bread and serve immediately alongside the lasagne.

This light and refreshing starter nicely balances the richness of lasagne and enhances the Italian flavours of your meal.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a beautiful and flavourful salad that brings the colours of Italy to the table. To make this fresh side dish, you will need:

Fresh ripe tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic glaze or vinegar
Salt and pepper

To assemble the salad:

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into even rounds.
Arrange the slices on a plate, alternating tomato and cheese, and tuck basil leaves in between.
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar over the salad and season with salt and pepper.

The contrasting textures and flavours of the Caprese Salad are sure to please the palate and complement the lasagne beautifully.

Antipasto Platter

An Antipasto Platter offers a variety of Italian appetisers, allowing guests the freedom to choose their favourites. To create a colourful and enticing platter, include:

A selection of Italian cured meats (such as salami, prosciutto and mortadella)
Variety of cheeses (e.g. provolone, pecorino, and gorgonzola)
Marinated vegetables (like artichokes and olives)
Grissini or breadsticks

Arrange the items attractively on a large platter, and provide small plates and utensils for your guests to serve themselves. An Antipasto Platter adds a touch of Italian flair to your meal and harmonises well with the flavours of lasagne.

Bread Varieties

Breadsticks

Breadsticks are a classic accompaniment to lasagne. These thin, crispy sticks can be plain or flavoured with various herbs like rosemary or oregano. Breadsticks can be served alongside the lasagne, providing a delightful crunch to contrast with the soft texture of the dish. They are also great for dipping in sauces or using as a scoop for the lasagne’s delicious filling.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

For a comforting and indulgent side, try serving cheesy garlic bread with your lasagne. To prepare this, simply spread a butter and garlic mixture on a baguette or ciabatta, sprinkle with grated cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. This cheesy, garlicky delight offers a delightful balance of flavours and textures that harmonise with the rich tanginess of the lasagne. Using different types of cheese, like mozzarella, cheddar, or even blue cheese, can elevate the dish even more.

Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are another fantastic bread option to accompany lasagne. These bite-sized, soft, doughy knots are infused with garlic, butter, and herbs, making them a flavourful and satisfying side. They can also be filled with cheese for an extra burst of flavour. The best part about garlic knots is their shareable, bite-sized nature, making them perfect for family meals or dinner parties where guests can grab a knot or two to enjoy with their lasagne.

Salad Selections

Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a delightful choice to serve with lasagne. It’s peppery flavour and light texture complement the rich flavours of the lasagne, providing a balanced meal. Try tossing arugula leaves with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan to enhance the taste, and your guests will appreciate the refreshing choice.

Wedge Salad

A classic option for pairing with lasagne is the wedge salad. This simple yet satisfying salad features iceberg lettuce cut into wedges, topped with various fixings. Common toppings include crispy bacon bits, blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. The crisp, cool crunch of the iceberg lettuce contrasts nicely with the warm, gooey lasagne.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

For a fruity twist and something a little different, try serving a strawberry spinach salad alongside your lasagne. This salad combines fresh spinach leaves, juicy strawberries, and crunchy nuts for a flavourful experience. To make this salad, simply toss together:

Spinach leaves
Sliced strawberries
Toasted almonds or walnuts
Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

Drizzle with a light, sweet balsamic dressing, and your guests will enjoy the burst of flavour this salad brings to the table. The natural sweetness of strawberries brightens up the meal, while the nuts provide a pleasing crunch that contrasts with the soft, cheese-filled lasagne.

Unique Side Dish Options

Sometimes, simple side dishes that you might not have considered can make the perfect accompaniment. Here are some unique yet delicious side dishes if you fancy serving up a slightly different combination on your dinner table.

Chicken Wings

Though unconventional, chicken wings can make for a great side dish with lasagne, adding a touch of indulgence and a burst of flavour to your meal. Opt for mildly spiced wings, as an overly spicy sauce may overpower the lasagne’s taste. You can either prepare the wings yourself or buy them pre-made, but be sure to check that they are cooked through and have a crispy, golden exterior for maximum satisfaction.

Roasted Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes are a simple yet flavourful addition to a lasagne meal. To prepare, simply halve the tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes at 190°C. You may also choose to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra boost of flavour. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes pairs well with the lasagne, providing a delightful contrast between each bite.

Honey-Coated Carrots

For a touch of sweetness, serve honey-coated carrots as an accompaniment to your lasagne dish. To make this side dish, peel and cut the carrots into batons or rounds, then toss with melted butter, a drizzle of honey, and season with salt and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 190°C for about 25-30 minutes until the carrots are tender and caramelised, occasionally turning them to ensure even cooking. The honey-coated carrots bring a delightful balance of sweet and savoury notes, adding a unique twist to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some tasty vegetable sides for lasagne?

Roasted vegetables make a great side dish for lasagne. Try roasting a combination of bell peppers, aubergines, courgettes, and onions in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. A simple steamed or sautéed green vegetable, like green beans or spinach, also pairs nicely with rich lasagne.

Which are the best salads to accompany lasagne?

A classic Caesar salad with crisp Romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese complements lasagne well. Alternatively, consider a caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Can you recommend a potato dish to serve with lasagne?

A simple, herby roasted potato dish works well with lasagne. Toss baby potatoes or chopped larger potatoes in olive oil, rosemary, and thyme before roasting. Another option is creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a more indulgent side.

What appetisers pair well with lasagne?

Italian antipasti, such as a platter of marinated artichokes, olives, prosciutto, and other cured meats, creates a delicious appetiser before enjoying lasagne. Another option is a classic bruschetta with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and basil served on toasted ciabatta.

Are there any healthy sides to enjoy with lasagne?

Grilled vegetable skewers with bell peppers, courgettes, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms are a nutritious and flavourful option. You might also opt for a zesty mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to lighten the meal.

What are some popular Italian sides that complement lasagne?

Try serving a simple Italian bread, like focaccia or garlic bread, alongside lasagne. Alternatively, an Italian bean salad with cannellini beans, red onions, and parsley in a lemony dressing is both tasty and popular.