Lasagna brings comfort and richness, but it really shines when it is surrounded by sides that balance it out. Think crisp greens, warm bread, and a few surprises that lighten the plate. These sides are easy to mix and match, whether you are feeding a crowd or just upgrading a weeknight dinner.
Breads
To some, doubling up on carbs might seem insane but if you want something to mop the sauce up with and are happy to bloat yourself with extra carbs then include some bread with your lasagna:
Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread
This garlic bread comes together quickly with regular sliced bread, turning out lightly crisp and full of buttery garlic flavor. It’s a great side for lasagna because it soaks up sauce and adds a warm, savory bite.
Olive Focaccia
This olive focaccia bakes up with a lightly crisp crust and a soft, airy center, and it comes together easily without any kneading. The savory olives make it a great side to have with lasagna, adding a bit of saltiness and texture to the meal.
Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread
The dough comes together quickly and bakes up in a dutch oven, so the crust turns lightly crisp while the inside stays soft and warm. Its mild rosemary and roasted garlic flavor makes it a great side for soaking up extra sauce from lasagna.
Garlic Knots
These garlic knots bake up soft and chewy, with a buttery garlic coating that comes together quickly. Their mild, savory flavor makes them a great side for lasagna since they’re perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Flatbread Recipe with Garlic and Herbs
The flatbread comes together quickly and bakes up soft and thick, with plenty of olive oil, garlic, and herbs throughout. Its savory flavor and pillowy texture make it a great side to balance out a rich lasagna.
Focaccia Bread
The dough comes together with minimal effort and bakes up into a golden, airy bread with a lightly crisp top from the olive oil and rosemary. Its soft, savory texture makes it a great side for soaking up the sauce from lasagna.
Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
These breadsticks bake up soft and buttery, with a light dusting of Parmesan, garlic, and herbs that soaks right into the dough. They’re great alongside lasagna because their warm, tender texture is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Salads
If, however, you'd prefer to have something refreshing that cuts through all the richness of a lasagna then try one of these salad sides:
Arugula Parmesan Salad with lemon dressing
This salad comes together quickly with fresh arugula, parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, and a bit of olive oil. It’s lightly crisp and bright, which makes it a great side to balance out the richness of lasagna.
Tomato Salad
This tomato salad comes together quickly with just a few basic steps, letting the tomatoes stay front and center. Its fresh, lightly juicy texture and mild acidity make it a great side to balance out a rich lasagna.
Super Simple Spinach Salad
This spinach salad comes together quickly with a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette that keeps things light and fresh. It’s a great side for lasagna because it balances out the richness with a crisp, clean bite.
Italian Chopped Salad
This chopped salad comes together quickly with crisp greens, crunchy vegetables, and a punchy Italian-style dressing. It’s a great side for lasagna because the fresh, savory flavors and light texture balance out the richness of the pasta.
Antipasto Salad
This antipasto salad comes together quickly with a mix of savory meats, cheese, and crisp vegetables tossed in a light dressing. It’s a great side for lasagna because it’s fresh and balances out the richness of the main dish.
Perfect Caprese Salad
Caprese salad comes together quickly with layers of soft mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil. Its light, bright flavors make it a great side for lasagna because it balances out the richness of the pasta.
Simple Green Salad
This green salad comes together quickly and has a crisp, fresh bite that balances out richer main dishes. It’s especially good next to lasagna because the light texture and bright flavors help cut through all that cheese and sauce.
Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons
This Caesar salad comes together quickly with crisp lettuce, homemade garlic croutons, and a creamy dressing that’s simple to whisk up. Its cool, savory crunch is a nice contrast to the richness of lasagna, making it a great side.
Vegetables
If you want to add some goodness that isn't a salad, then a side of vegetables or two works really well.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus comes together quickly on the grill, picking up a lightly charred flavor and staying crisp-tender. Its simple, savory taste makes it a great side to balance the richness of lasagna.
Buttery Garlic Mushrooms
These mushrooms cook quickly in a pan, soaking up a rich garlic butter sauce that makes them tender and savory. Their simple flavor and soft texture work well next to lasagna, balancing out the richness without competing.
Oven Roasted Vegetables
The vegetables roast up with lightly crisp edges and a savory mix of herbs that comes together without much fuss. Their simple, bright flavors make them a great side for serving next to lasagna.
Perfectly Grilled Zucchini Recipe
Grilled zucchini cooks up quickly and gets lightly crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. Its mild, savory flavor makes it a great side to serve with lasagna because it balances out the richness of the main dish.
Appetizers & Small Plates
You could also opt to have a little appetizer alongside the lasagna that works well to lead into the richness of the dish. These Italian-inspired appetizers are all great options:
Antipasto Platter
This antipasto platter comes together quickly with a mix of savory bites and a nice balance of textures. It works well alongside lasagna because the fresh, briny flavors cut through the richness of the main dish.
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These Buffalo cauliflower bites roast up with a lightly crisp coating and a gentle heat from the sauce. They make a great side for lasagna because their tangy flavor and soft texture balance out the richness of the pasta.
Zucchini Fries
These baked zucchini fries come out lightly crisp on the outside with a soft center, thanks to a coating of Parmesan and Panko. Their mild, savory flavor makes them a great side to balance out a rich lasagna.
Classic Bruschetta
This bruschetta comes together quickly with toasted bread and a fresh tomato topping, making it easy to prep while your lasagna bakes. The mix of crisp bread, juicy tomatoes, and a little sharpness from the cheese and balsamic is a nice balance next to a rich pasta dish.
FAQs
Healthy sides like mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit can pair nicely with lasagna. They bring balance and keep the meal from feeling too heavy. These options are especially good if the lasagna is very rich.
For a crowd, go with simple, shareable sides like salad bowls, bread baskets, and large vegetable platters. These are easy to serve and scale well for bigger groups. They also accommodate different tastes and dietary needs.
For a more upscale meal, consider elegant salads, roasted vegetables, or a curated cheese plate. These sides feel intentional and polished. They help elevate lasagna into a more formal dining experience.