• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About

Gusto Meadow

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
×
Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Jul 19, 2026 by Andrew Gray

What to Serve with Lasagna? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Serve Lasagna alongside Mixed Antipasto Platter, Garlicky Breadsticks, Tomato Feta Salad, Crunchy Green Salad, and Roasted Chicken Wings.

Mixed Antipasto Platter

Keep your whole meal Italian by bringing in an Italian side dish - how about some antipasto?

For a lighter option, try Roasted Chicken Wings. Roasted Chicken Wings

This combo is a bit unusual - after all, you do have lots of meat in the lasagna.

Lasagna night at our house? It's a holiday.

You've got your layers on layers of cheesy, saucy goodness ready to go.

What's missing? The perfect sidekick, or seven, because why stop at one?

Here's the deal. We've tried a lot (like, a lot) of combos.

Some were hits, others-learning experiences.

Sharing our top picks feels like giving away family secrets, yet here we are. Ready to amp up your lasagna game?

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 7 Ideal Side Dishes to Pair with Lasagna
    • 1. Mixed Antipasto Platter
    • 2. Garlicky Breadsticks
    • 3. Tomato Feta Salad
    • 4. Crunchy Green Salad
    • 5. Roasted Chicken Wings
    • 6. Crunchy Roasted Vegetables
    • 7. Honey Coated Carrots
  • Frequently Asked Questions

7 Ideal Side Dishes to Pair with Lasagna

Here are some simple, yet efficient recipes to improve your lasagna and impress the audience.

For a spicier twist, consider Mexican-style lasagna sides like Mexican lasagna side dish options that bring bold flavors.

1. Mixed Antipasto Platter

mixed antipasto platter Save for Later!

Keep your whole meal Italian by bringing in an Italian side dish - how about some antipasto squares side ideas?

This is your opportunity to organize an Italian night - there is not much work to do either, but just waste about 10 minutes of your time or perhaps get the platter from commerce.

Come up with different sliced meats, types of cheese, veggies, and fruits - make a nice arrangement, and you are ready to go.

More colors will make the dish more bright.

Other than that, you will have a mix of different tastes and textures - no one can complain about it.

2. Garlicky Breadsticks

garlicky breadsticks Save for Later!

In theory, pasta and bread may seem a bit unusual.

However, you will be surprised to find out that many Italians rely on this delicious combo.

Once in the combo, bread becomes a sponge that absorbs all the sauces - plus, it can make lasagna feel a bit lighter on your stomach.

While you can get breadsticks in commerce, it pays off doing them yourself - try these breadsticks side ideas for pairing for best results.

In terms of texture, they are super crunchy, so they can match the soft and tender lasagna.

If you can get a dip on the table, too, you are a winner - olive oil works best.

3. Tomato Feta Salad

tomato feta salad Save for Later!

A tomato and feta salad may feel a bit dull - after all, it is quite simple and less likely to impress.

However, when mixed with lasagna, it will change everything.

First of all, this salad is refreshing and likely to make the lasagna feel lighter.

Second, despite the crunchiness in the top layer of cheese on the lasagna, tomatoes will bring it even more.

You get a fabulous mix of textures in each bite, as well as a complimentary side dish - after all, tomatoes and cheese have always worked well together.

As if all these were not enough, such a salad takes minutes to prepare.

Tomato-forward sides also work well with lasagna; for a soup option, see tomato soup side pairings and ideas.

4. Crunchy Green Salad

crunchy green salad Save for Later!

Finding lasagna a bit too heavy? You are not the only one.

No matter how delicious you find it, you simply cannot have too much of it.

How about making it lighter and more refreshing instead? A crunchy green salad will change everything.

You get a bit of color, all kinds of greens, and a fresh taste.

You can use anything you have around - it takes five minutes to prepare such a salad, and it brings in an extra texture, new flavors, and aromas.

Besides, it is healthy and fulfilling - after all, no matter how heavy lasagna is, you always want more.

With a salad next to it, you may stop after a serving.

A crisp salad can echo fried elements; consider fried green tomato side suggestions for a Southern-inspired twist.

5. Roasted Chicken Wings

roasted chicken wings Save for Later!

This combo is a bit unusual - after all, you do have lots of meat in the lasagna.

Why would you bring in even more meat?

However, chicken wings seem to be excellent for lasagna.

The meat combination is extraordinary, regardless of how you prepare your chicken wings.

You get the smoky aroma of chicken, the cheesy lasagna, a few different textures, and a fulfilling meal.

What else can you ask for?

For a sweeter vegetable side alongside wings and lasagna, roasted carrots work well - see roasted carrot side ideas and recipes.

6. Crunchy Roasted Vegetables

crunchy roasted vegetables Save for Later!

Most roasted vegetables will complement lasagna with no issues at all - be it green beans or Brussels sprouts.

Brussels sprouts in particular take this venture to another level.

When preparing such a side dish, you need to make sure your guests actually appreciate them - they are not for everyone.

Roasting them takes about 10 minutes.

They get super crunchy on the outside and a bit soft on the inside - excellent for the texture of lasagna.

As for the taste, you get a mix of nutty, sweet, and caramelized aromas - a bit unusual at first glance, but definitely delicious.

Roasted vegetables pair nicely with bright soups; try roasted red pepper soup pairings in roasted red pepper soup side ideas.

7. Honey Coated Carrots

honey coated carrots Save for Later!

Carrots are most commonly used as secondary ingredients in dishes, but they can also make great side dishes if cooked accordingly.

Carrots complement lasagna because they are naturally sweet.

They should be roasted, though, so they get a bit of crispiness.

Think about the soft lasagna and the crunchy cheese, and you have a top-notch combination.

Coating them in honey makes them even better.

The salty and sweet combination is unusual, but it works in this case.

Preparing this dish takes up to 20 minutes, so it is also great for emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Lasagna?

Garlicky Breadsticks In theory, pasta and bread may seem a bit unusual. However, when mixed with lasagna, it will change everything.

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

How do you round out the plate?

A starchy side and a vegetable work well together. This side dish handles the starch, while a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetable fills the rest of the plate without competing for attention.

Is a starchy side necessary?

Not always.

A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.

Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.

What is the best side when short on time?

Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.

Veggie lasagna pairs with a wide range of sides; explore veggie lasagna side dish ideas for vegetable-forward options. For tweaks to filling texture, consult ricotta cheese substitute suggestions and tips to match different diets.

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

More Side Dishes

  • Sheet pan roasted with mapl 6jeeja
    16 Sweet-and-Savory Vegetable Mixes for Balanced Meals
  • Low sodium roasted veggie medley a bri
    18 Low-Sodium Side Dishes with Clean Flavor
  • Sheet pan vegetable fajitas a bright t qigzx
    21 Delicious Sides Built Entirely from Frozen Vegetables
  • What to Serve with Fish Cakes? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Primary Sidebar

Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

Hi, I'm Andrew

Food Writer & Recipe Developer

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

Our Story →

Related Posts

  • Chocolate pudding a bright top down fo
    17 Easy Pudding-Style Desserts for Effortless Nights
  • Semolina vs Farina: What's the Difference?
  • Pad Woon Sen vs Pad Thai: What's the Difference?
  • Labneh vs Greek Yogurt: What's the Difference?
  • Countertop Oven vs Toaster Oven: What's the Difference?
  • Whiskey Neat vs On the Rocks: What's the Difference?

Join 5,000+ Home Cooks

Fresh Recipes Weekly

Easy dinner ideas, smart substitutes, and kitchen tips — every Thursday morning.

Subscribe Free →

Dinner Picks

  • A collage of six cozy, fast-cooking pasta dishes served directly from deep skillets or Dutch ovens. The dishes feature creamy sauces, veggies, and hearty proteins. Recipes include one-pot Alfredo, sausage and spinach penne, tomato basil linguine, and chicken taco pasta. The surfaces include stovetop shots, kitchen counters, and rustic linens with warm, golden lighting. At the center, a dashed rectangular banner displays bold white text that reads: “22”, followed by soft blue text with a charcoal outline that says “ONE-POT PASTAS”, and smaller pale yellow subtext that reads: “WEEKNIGHT WINS”, all set on a semi-transparent midnight blue strip.
    22 One-Pot Pasta Dinners for Busy Weeknights
  • A photograph of a meticulously styled collage showcasing six vibrant pesto pasta dishes arranged on neutral ceramic plates and rustic white wood. Each plate features a distinct recipe including classic basil pesto pasta, roasted veggie pesto penne, sun-dried tomato pesto twists, and creamy avocado pesto spaghetti; each adorned with fresh pine nuts, basil leaves, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A semi-transparent forest green banner at the center displays bold white text that reads “21”, followed by emerald green text with a white outline that says “PESTO PASTA RECIPES”, and smaller pale yellow subtext that reads “FRESH & FLAVORFUL”. Soft, diffused natural light illuminates the scene, creating inviting shadows and highlighting the rich textures and vibrant colors of the pasta and toppings.
    21 Fresh and Flavorful Pesto Pasta Recipes
  • A photograph of a vibrant collage showcasing six decadent mac and cheese dishes, each with distinct and enticing features. The dishes range from skillet bakes with crispy bacon to elegant ramekin portions drizzled with truffle oil, all boasting creamy centers and golden breadcrumb toppings with impressive cheese pulls. Centered within the collage is a rectangular banner with bold white text reading “20” followed by “MAC & CHEESE RECIPES” in golden-orange outlined text and smaller off-white text “NEXT LEVEL”, all displayed on a semi-transparent smoky gray strip. The background features a mix of dark slate, checkered linens, and rustic wood textures, bathed in warm, inviting studio lighting.
    20 Mac and Cheese Recipes That Take It to the Next Level
  • A photograph of a meticulously arranged collage featuring six vibrant low-carb pasta dishes, each showcasing unique vegetable-based alternatives like zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, and hearts of palm. The dishes are elegantly presented on a variety of surfaces including cool marble, warm light wood, and textured slate, adorned with fresh herbs, grated parmesan, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to enhance their visual appeal. Centrally placed on the collage is a semi-transparent dark green banner displaying the text “19” in bold white, followed by “LOW-CARB PASTA ALTERNATIVES” in leafy green with a soft outline, and the subtle subtext “TASTES GREAT” in pale gray. Soft, natural lighting highlights the textures and colors of the dishes, creating an inviting and appetizing composition.
    19 Low-Carb Pasta Alternatives That Actually Taste Great

Browse by Topic

  • Ingredient Substitutes340
  • Side Dishes186
  • Comparisons124
  • Taste Guides89
  • Shelf Life72

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Services
  • Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2026 GustoMeadow