Not sure which salads are the perfect accompaniment to your delicious lasagna dish? Worry no further.
We're here to provide you with a list of 10 best salads to serve with lasagna.
From warm harvest salad to fennel, arugula and parmesan slaw- we've got all sorts of different combinations you can try.
Whether you're looking for something light or vegan-friendly, these salads are sure to help take your dinner to the next level.
10 Which Salad Type is Is a Side to The Main Dish?
Which type of salad should you choose to accompany your lasagna? It often comes down to personal preference, but here are some of the most popular salads that go well with lasagna:
Caesar Salad works with many dressings; for a range of vinaigrette and creamy ideas try tuna salad dressing options.
- Caesar Salad - This classic Italian salad dressing is a creamy blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic and lemon juice tossed with crisp romaine lettuce. Top it off with a sprinkle of croutons and Parmesan cheese for an all-time favorite.
- Vegetable Salad - A vegetable salad is a great way to add more nutrition and flavor to your meal without having to blow the budget on complex ingredients like capers, anchovy or artichoke hearts. The combinations are endless; mix together anything from roasted peppers, tomatoes and black olives with feta cheese and oregano, or any combination of vegetables you prefer in your meals.
- Fruits & Nuts Salad - If you're looking for something light but still interesting this dessert-style salad can be incredibly delicious when paired up with lasagna. Try a combination of lightly toasted almonds, walnuts or pecan pieces mixed with dried fruits such apples, figs and raisins; all tossed in a light honey citrus vinaigrette makes this the perfect side dish.
- Antipasto Salad - A typical Italian appetizer consisting of various meats (such as salami), cheeses (such as provolone) vegetables and other garnishes like olives and artichokes serves well as an accompaniment to lasagna - so long as you carve out enough room for both dishes on your dinner plate.
- Greek Salad - This bright green concoction adds seasonal colors to any dinner table featuring tomatoes, cucumbers and the tangy taste of feta cheese mixed into the dark green leaves making for not just delicious flavor but also striking visual appeal. Sometimes zesty onions top it off making this one chock full of nutrients too.
- Avocado & Baby Greens Salad - The creamy texture from avocados pairs marvelously with these delicate greens creating a subtle balance between tasteful and sophisticated flavors that add drama to dinner gatherings as well as nutritious value.
10 Perfect Salads to Complement Lasagna
Lasagna is an Italian classic with a filling mix of noodles and cheese sandwiched between generous layers of sauce.
The umami flavor of this dish can be perfectly complemented by a light, fresh salad.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for ideas for weeknight meals, these salads make the perfect accompaniment to lasagna.
Many of these light salads also pair well with heartier mains; for salads that complement corned beef and cabbage, see corned beef and cabbage salad ideas.
1. Arugula Salad
Arugula salad is one of the best salads to serve alongside lasagna.
It's peppery, slightly bitter flavor goes well with lasagna's savory, cheesy flavor.
For a classic arugula salad, start by tossing together 1 large bunch of arugula leaves and ½ cup of thinly sliced carrot in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons each of olive oil and white wine vinegar with a pinch each of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the arugula-carrot mixture and toss gently to combine.
Before serving, top the salad with ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese, as desired - for other cheese pairings and why they work, see cheese for Caesar salad options.
2. Caesar Salad
The classic Caesar salad is an excellent accompaniment for lasagna.
Romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese and traditional Caesar dressing combine in this easy-to-prepare favorite - for bold and creamy alternatives, reference potato salad dressing ideas.
The vivid colors of the lettuce and croutons provide a nice contrast to the rich creamy layers of lasagna, while the cheese and bold dressing coat your palate before the next rich helping of pasta.
The flavors pair nicely together to create a delicious meal that your family will thoroughly enjoy.
3. Caprese Salad
This classic Italian salad consists of fresh slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, arranged with basil leaves and a drizzle of an herbed olive oil vinaigrette - for vinaigrettes that bring bright acidity, see salmon salad dressings to try.
Rather than sticking to the traditional tomato-mozzarella combination, opt for adding interesting flavors like black olives and capers, roasted bell peppers or artichoke hearts.
This salad will provide a pleasant contrast to the heavier lasagna dish by offering a light texture that pairs well with the heavier elements of the pasta dish.
4. Cobb Salad
Cobb Salad is a classic American dish that has staying power for several reasons: it's simple yet flavorful, and it is highly customizable - including many dressing choices, such as Cobb salad dressing options that suit different palates.
To make a Cobb Salad that goes well with lasagna, start with a bed of mixed greens.
Then top the greens with diced cooked chicken or turkey, diced roasted red peppers, bacon crumbles, hard-boiled eggs and crumbled blue cheese.
Finish off the salad with chunks of avocado and some freshly-grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory flavor.
Serve this hearty salad alongside your favorite lasagna recipe for a delicious meal that's sure to please your family and friends.
5. Grilled Vegetable Salad
For a unique and tasty side to go with your lasagna, try this grilled vegetable salad - pair it with dressings used on warm-protein salads like grilled chicken salad dressings for smoky-sweet balance.
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oiling the grill grates.
Prepare a mixture of bell peppers, zucchini, onion, mushrooms, eggplant slices and carrot slices.
Place vegetables in a grill basket and cook for about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender and nicely charred.
To assemble the salad, place cooked vegetables in a large bowl along with freshly chopped arugula or spinach leaves.
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the salad before tossing everything together with salt to taste.
Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour then serve alongside your lasagna.
6. Kale Salad
A filling kale salad is a perfect side dish to serve with lasagna.
Kale is packed with nutrients-including vitamins A, C and K, minerals and antioxidants-but it can be quite bitter when served raw.
To make it a more balanced sake, mix in ingredients like creamy avocado or roasted pecans to provide some sweetness and pizzazz.
Plus, these earthy flavors pair nicely with the creamy lasagna mixtures of tomatoes, cheese and pasta.
Top your salad off with some balsamic vinaigrette for a tasty mix-up of sweet and tart elements - for spicier and tropical dressing ideas, try jerk chicken salad dressing ideas.
7. Mediterranean Tuna Salad
This Mediterranean-inspired salad provides the perfect burst of flavors to go with the hearty lasagna.
Delicious U.S. -caught tuna is combined with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives and feta cheese for a colorful and flavorful dish.
A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and oregano adds a delicious zing to this salad.
Serve it alongside your lasagna for a balanced meal that's full of flavor.
8. Pasta Salad
This unique take on a classic pasta salad combines a variety of textures, flavors and colors.
This dish is made with macaroni, broccoli, red peppers, and olives tossed in a light Italian dressing.
The combination of the crunchy vegetables, cheese and pasta make it the perfect pairing to a delicious lasagna.
It's also an easy side dish to prepare that requires very few ingredients.
9. Spinach Salad
A classic spinach salad is the perfect accompaniment to a filling plate of lasagna.
This bright dish features fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced red onions, bright cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and creamy feta.
Top this salad with a few crushed almonds for an added crunch and then dress it with your favorite vinaigrette.
This nutritious bowl is full of antioxidants and vitamin K that help to balance out the sodium from the lasagna dish.
Great for entertaining guests or just a night in, this salad is sure to impress.
10. Zucchini Salad
This flavorful salad is a nice accompaniment to the classic Italian lasagna dish.
Sliced zucchini, tomatoes, and red onions are roasted in the oven until lightly charred before being tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and sweet basil for a simple but satisfying salad that is sure to make any lasagna dinner feel extra special.
Top with crumbled feta or shaved parmesan for even more flavor.
The 12 BEST Rice Side Dishes for Salmon rice side dishes for salmon pairs well with several of these salads. What Dessert to Serve with Taco Salad? taco salad dessert ideas offers sweet finishes that work after a rich lasagna meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
A pairing that balances the richness or freshness of The 10 BEST Salads to Serve with Lasagna works best. Consider the texture and flavor of the main dish when making your choice.
Avoid options that are too sharp, heavy, or overpowering for The 10 BEST Salads to Serve with Lasagna. Strong flavors can clash with the main dish rather than complement it.
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.
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.