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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

What to Serve with Aglio e olio? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Aglio e olio pairs well with Caesar Salad, Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan, Roasted Broccoli With Lemon, Mushrooms and Roasted Tomatoes, and Persimmon and Chickpea Salad.

Caesar Salad

What can you not expect from a salad that contains so many items?

For a lighter option, try Persimmon and Chickpea Salad. Persimmon and Chickpea Salad

This is one dish that all vegans will love.

What to Serve with Aglio e olio? 7 BEST Side Dishes Save for Later!

Aglio e olio is a true classic in the world of pasta.

It's simple, it's garlicy, and oh-so satisfying.

Yet, even the most perfect dish can leave you wondering, "What else can I add to round out the meal?"

These aren't just any sides; they're the best companions to improve your pasta night from great to unforgettable.

Ready to discover your pasta's new best friends?

Table of Contents

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  • 7 Great Sides to Serve with Aglio e Olio
    • 1. Caesar Salad
    • 2. Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
    • 3. Roasted Broccoli With Lemon
    • 4. Mushrooms and Roasted Tomatoes
    • 5. Persimmon and Chickpea Salad
    • 6. Kale and Brussels Sprouts Slaw
    • 7. Cheese and Cauliflower Breadsticks
  • Frequently Asked Questions

7 Great Sides to Serve with Aglio e Olio

It's always a debate between vegetables and meats when choosing a side dish for spaghetti - or consider chili party side ideas for crowd-pleasing dishes.

Regardless of your choice, there's a clear-cut way to make them into a delicious dish.

1. Caesar Salad

caesar salad Save for Later!

Caesar salad is your go-to salad when you cannot decide which salad to make - pair it with shrimp Caesar salad side suggestions for added variety.

The eggs, olive oil, lemon juice, sauce, cheese all make up for the complexity in the taste of the Caesar salad.

While the salad is rich in calories, it isn't always the second choice for any salad lover.

While plain Worcestershire sauce is primarily used for this recipe, you can switch things up and easily make a homemade Caesar dressing to add to your Caesar salad.

2. Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan

stuffed eggplant parmesan Save for Later!

This low-carb recipe is a twist on the classic eggplant parmesan.

It is easier to make and creatively unique.

Mushrooms, quinoa, and eggplant pulp make a great stuffing for this recipe - try stuffed mushroom side options for similar savory fillings as a companion.

Kids love them equally, so you need not prepare an alternate dish while cooking this.

It is filling and comfortable to eat, so not many have an issue with stuffed eggplants.

You can even store leftovers for up to 3 days if refrigerated in an airtight container.

3. Roasted Broccoli With Lemon

roasted broccoli with lemon Save for Later!

This is a cheat to eating broccoli. Once you try this side dish, you'll have a whole new idea about broccolis.

To roast the broccoli, drizzle olive oil on them and roast them on a pan or bake them in the oven; it'll surely taste amazing - a similar approach works for roasted carrots sides for a sweet, caramelized contrast.

The smell of olive oil enriches the natural flavor of broccoli, and when combined with the freshness of lemon juice, it simply becomes irresistible.

If you fancy eating beautiful-looking food, remember to cut the broccoli into different shapes.

4. Mushrooms and Roasted Tomatoes

mushrooms and roasted tomatoes Save for Later!

This is a quick way to cook mushrooms when you are out of ideas or want to try something new - consider portobello mushroom side pairings for hearty options too.

You need only put all the ingredients together and season them with Italian seasoning.

Make your Italian seasoning with oregano, rosemary, and other herbs if you don't have it ready.

Bake this mixture for 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven.

The tomatoes are good even without being sliced as they retain a lot of flavors and give a juicy feeling with each bite.

This recipe takes 30 minutes to make but once done, the leftovers can be stored for up to a week.

5. Persimmon and Chickpea Salad

persimmon and chickpea salad Save for Later!

This is one dish that all vegans will love.

It is also gluten-free and dairy-free, and any recipe with persimmon will make the dish addictively sweet.

This salad is something you can make with just a few ingredients.

Persimmon and roasted chickpeas mixed with the goodness of fresh lemon juice give this salad a refreshing flavor - try chickpea salad side ideas for more protein-packed choices as well.

Add some shredded goat cheese to the assembled salad to make this salad even more enticing.

This sweet and filling salad will cleanse your palate and provide a wonderful aftertaste.

A simple tip would be to cut the persimmon in exciting shapes for an extra zing to your meal.

6. Kale and Brussels Sprouts Slaw

Brussels sprouts are not the most loved food.

They, however, make some of the best side dishes, so you shouldn't skip them out.

Cheese and pepper are the stars of this dish, and they make the dish so addictive.

The mixture of kale and sprouts also gives a pleasant texture to the slaw - pair it with kale salad side suggestions for leafy complements if more greens are wanted.

This side dish is so fun as you can add it directly to your spaghetti or eat them separately.

7. Cheese and Cauliflower Breadsticks

cheese and cauliflower breadsticks Save for Later!

This is another gluten-free side dish that you can creatively include in your spaghetti Aglio e olio.

It is no lie that cauliflowers can be hard to add to recipes, and making them into breadsticks is a creative way of using them.

Mozarella and parmesan cheese make this dish so utterly satisfying that you'll immediately be drawn to its taste.

A vegetable, cauliflower makes delicious breadsticks.

Dip them in a marinara sauce and enjoy it with your spaghetti.

Cheesy sides complement many pasta meals. cauliflower cheese side pairings for comforting combos suits richer menus. roasted carrots sides for a sweet, caramelized contrast works when a brighter vegetable is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Aglio e olio?

Caesar Salad What can you not expect from a salad that contains so many items? Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan This low-carb recipe is a twist on the classic eggplant parmesan.

Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.

What is the easiest side to pull together on a weeknight?

Steam or roast a vegetable while the main dish finishes. This side dish is the simplest option since it needs minimal prep.

Toss with olive oil and salt and it is ready in the same time the entrée takes to cook.

What texture should the side dish add?

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.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

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Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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