Veal Parmesan pairs well with Garlicky Broccoli, Sweet Potato Slices, Sauteed Korean Cucumber, Caramelized Potatoes, and Green Peas, Onions, and Butter.
Garlicky Broccoli
The thing with veal Parmesan is that such a dish is heavy.
For a lighter option, try Green Peas, Onions, and Butter. Green Peas, Onions, and Butter
This dish takes minutes to prepare.
Veal Parmesan stands out as a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.
Yet, picking the right side dish can improve your meal from great to unforgettable.
Imagine biting into that crispy, tender veal covered in savory sauce and melted cheese, now think about what you're scooping up alongside it.
That's where we step in. We've rounded up 7 top-notch side dishes that promise to complement your veal parmesan perfectly.
From roasted vegetables to creamy polenta, we've got options to satisfy every palette.
7 Delicious Sides for Veal Parmesan
Here are some interesting ideas when not sure what to serve with veal Parmesan - including frozen vegetable sides made easy.
1 - Garlicky Broccoli
The thing with veal Parmesan is that such a dish is heavy.
You cannot come up with a heavy side dish, so you need to keep things light.
A few ingredients are more than enough.
Broccoli is colorful and has a crunchy texture - try broccoli side ideas and pairings that highlight the veg's crunch.
It is refreshing and can easily go with the veal.
But plain broccoli is a bit dull, so roast it a bit in olive oil and garlic.
Simply throw some chopped garlic on top of everything, and your guests will love the outcome.
2 - Sweet Potato Slices
The same rule applies here.
At the same time, you mix potatoes and meat - one of the traditional combos in cuisines from all over the world.
Opt for sweet potatoes because they will intrigue your palate - see sweet potato side pairings that balance rich mains.
Wash them, peel them, and cut them into thin slices.
Bake them until they get a golden color.
You can add a few condiments on top - but not before taking them out of the oven.
Do not bother with extras, such as cheese - veal Parmesan is already heavy enough.
Such extras will make it nauseous.
3 - Sauteed Korean Cucumber
This is an incredibly light dish from Korea.
It may sound a bit unusual mixing two different cuisines, but it works.
The original recipe implies using a couple of cucumbers, some fine sea salt, roasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, rice bran oil, and cooking oil.
You can remove the last few ingredients if you think it would be too oily.
Sauté the cucumbers and have all the slices spread around in smaller bowls by each plate.
The Korean influence works well with the cheesy veal - a unique combo that mirrors Korean side ideas for fried chicken flavor contrasts.
4 - Caramelized Potatoes
No matter how you get them done, chances are potatoes will always work well with a meaty dish - check baked potato side ideas for more inspiration.
You only need three ingredients for this side dish, and the whole job will take just over half an hour.
You need some waxy potatoes, granulated sugar, and butter.
Indeed, the final outcome will be a bit sweet. However, it will work well with veal.
What about the cheese? Use something milder instead of Parmesan for an even better effect - mozzarella or edam will do.
If you go for Parmesan, chances are flavors will be a bit too intense - not suitable for everyone.
5 - Green Peas, Onions, and Butter
This dish takes minutes to prepare - similar quick options appear in quick sides for fried green tomatoes lists.
It is easy and works wonders with veal Parmesan for a few different reasons.
First, you have a bit of color next to your main dish.
Second, you get a crunchy texture that will feel great with the soft and saucy veal.
Third, you have an infusion of vitamins, new flavors, and aromas.
You need a shallot or a small onion, some salted butter, lots of peas, water, salt, parsley, and pepper.
Chuck everything together and remember - the peas dominate this dish.
Mix the ingredients and place everything in a large bowl.
6 - Cheesy Asparagus and Tomatoes
This is probably the best combo when not sure what to serve with veal Parmesan - also see asparagus side ideas with bacon for a savory twist.
The dish is based on veggies, so it will add some crunchiness and can compensate for the heavy veal.
You need some fresh asparagus, grape tomatoes, olive oil, and water. Trim the asparagus and cook it.
Chop the grape tomatoes in half and mix everything together.
Top the salad with some grated Parmesan cheese - this is probably the element that makes these two dishes work so well together.
Prepare more than what you think you will need - chances are it will go faster than the veal.
7 - Stir Fried Cauliflower
No matter what you choose to stir fry as a side dish, you are less likely to go wrong with it.
This recipe asks for cauliflower as the main ingredient - then, you need a large chopped onion, butter, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.
Stir fry the ingredients and make sure the cauliflower is crunchy and has an appealing brown nuance.
It is usually a matter of a few minutes.
Despite being a bit oily, the veggie profile of this side dish will not be too heavy for your veal Parmesan.
Veal Piccata pairs well with bright sides like lemony greens and roasted veg - Veal Piccata side suggestions. Veal Milanese goes well with crisp salads and potato dishes - Veal Milanese side ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garlicky Broccoli The thing with veal Parmesan is that such a dish is heavy. Sweet Potato Slices The same rule applies here.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A leafy green or fiber-rich vegetable balances the meal best. Garlicky Broccoli The thing with veal Parmesan is a good pick for adding color and nutrients.
Pairing a protein-heavy main with a lighter vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
How far ahead can you prep the sides?
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.
Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.