What Goes With Spaghetti -12 Incredible Dishes
There is nothing quite like a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. The pasta is cooked to perfection, the sauce is flavorful, and the meatballs are tender.
But what goes with spaghetti? What are some good side dishes that will compliment this Italian dish?
In this article, we will discuss what goes well as a side dish for spaghetti. We’ll provide some recipes for you to try out, so you can have the perfect meal!
What Goes With Spaghetti
- Radicchio Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Lemon Pepper Asparagus
- Garlicky Greens
- Braised Fennel With Parmesan
- Braided Pesto Bread
- Grilled Vegetables With Garlic Toast
- Sauteed Lemon Green Beans
- Garlic Bread
- Pea Salad
- Lemon Arugula Salad With Pine Nuts
- Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Radicchio Salad
Radicchio is a type of red leaf chicory that has a slightly bitter taste. It is often used in salads and its bitterness pairs well with the sweetness of fruits like oranges or apples.
Radicchio can also be used as a side dish for spaghetti. When cooked, radicchio loses some of its bitterness, making it a more mild-tasting side dish.
Radicchio is also a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for a side dish. It is also relatively low in calories, so it can be a good option for those on a weight-loss diet.
Caesar Salad
There are many reasons to consider Caesar salad as a side dish for spaghetti. For one, it is a healthy option that can help to offset the high-calorie content of pasta dishes.
Additionally, the crispness of the salad helps to refresh the palate and cuts through the richness of cream-based sauces. The acidity of the dressing also helps to brighten the flavors of the dish and makes it more enjoyable to eat.
Finally, Caesar salad is a classic Italian side dish that pairs well with a variety of pasta recipes.
Lemon Pepper Asparagus
If you are looking for a simple and elegant side dish to pair with spaghetti, lemon pepper asparagus is a great option. Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is high in fiber and antioxidants. It also has a delicate flavor that pairs well with the acidity of lemon.
This dish can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight meal. To make this dish, simply roast the asparagus in the oven with olive oil, garlic, and lemon pepper. Then, top it with Parmesan cheese and serve.
You can also serve this alongside other Italian favorites such as chicken parmesan or lasagna.
Garlicky Greens
Garlicky greens make a delicious and healthy side dish for spaghetti. They are high in nutrients, low in calories, and have a pleasantly sharp flavor that pairs well with the rich taste of pasta.
Garlicky greens can be used as a side dish for almost any type of pasta, from spaghetti to lasagna. They are also a good choice for vegans and vegetarians, as they are packed with nutrients and do not contain any meat or dairy products.
When cooked correctly, garlicky greens should be tender but not mushy, and their flavor should be well balanced. If you find that your greens are too bitter, you can add a pinch of sugar to neutralize the taste.
Braised Fennel With Parmesan
Fennel has a reputation for being a strong flavor, but when braised, it becomes much more mellow. The result is a side dish that’s both sweet and savory, with a slight anise flavor.
Braised fennel is an excellent accompaniment to spaghetti, as it pairs well with tomato sauce. It also works well with other Italian dishes such as lasagna or chicken Parmesan.
The sweetness of the fennel helps to offset the acidity of the tomato sauce, while the anise flavor complements the herbs in the dish.
Braised fennel is also a healthy choice, as it’s low in calories and fat. When compared to other side dishes such as garlic bread or fried calamari, braised fennel is a healthier option.
It’s also fairly easy to make, as it only requires a few ingredients and can be cooked in one pan.
Braided Pesto Bread
There are many cases in which braided pesto bread would make an excellent side dish for spaghetti. For one, the bread is full of flavor and can enhance the taste of spaghetti.
Additionally, the bread is quite filling, so it can help to round out a meal. Braided pesto bread is also very easy to make, so it can be a great last-minute addition to a meal.
Finally, this bread pairs well with a variety of different sauces and toppings, so it can be used with many different types of spaghetti recipes.
Grilled Vegetables With Garlic Toast
Grilled vegetables with garlic toast is an excellent side dish for spaghetti. The benefits of using this side dish are that the vegetables are healthy and nutritious, and the garlic toast adds flavor and a crunchy texture to the dish.
This side dish is also suitable for other recipes, such as lasagna, ravioli, or chicken parmesan. It can be made ahead of time and reheated, or it can be grilled fresh and served immediately.
Sauteed Lemon Green Beans
Sauteed lemon green beans make an excellent side dish for spaghetti. The tartness of the lemon pairs well with the acidity of the tomato sauce, while the green beans add a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
This dish is also relatively healthy, as it is low in calories and fat but high in fiber. Furthermore, it is easy to prepare and can be made in less than 30 minutes.
In terms of nutrition, sauteed lemon green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and iron.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of recipes.
While it is often thought of as a simple accompaniment to pasta dishes, garlic bread can also be used as a flavorful addition to soups, stews, and salads. Additionally, garlic bread can be enjoyed on its own as a tasty snack or appetizer.
There are many benefits to using garlic bread as a side dish. For one, garlic bread is an excellent source of flavor and can help to enhance the taste of any recipe.
Moreover, garlic bread is packed with nutrients and provides a hearty dose of fiber and protein. Additionally, the use of garlic bread as a side dish can help to stretch a recipe further and make it more filling.
When choosing a recipe to pair with garlic bread, it is important to consider the other flavors that will be present in the dish. For example, if the recipe contains strong flavors such as tomato sauce or spicy sausage, then a milder-tasting garlic bread would be best.
Conversely, if the recipe is light and delicate in flavor, then a more robust garlic bread would be a better choice. It is also important to consider how the garlic bread will be prepared.
Pea Salad
Pea salad is a great side dish for spaghetti because it is light and refreshing but still has enough substance to complement the pasta.
The sweetness of the peas pairs well with the acidity of the tomato sauce, and the crunch of the vegetables contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the pasta.
Pea salad can also be used as a topping for crostini or bruschetta, or as a filling for tortellini or ravioli. It is a versatile and healthy side dish that can be used in many different recipes.
Pea salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and protein. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight.
Lemon Arugula Salad With Pine Nuts
There are a few reasons why this salad makes an excellent side dish for spaghetti. For one, it has a fairly neutral flavor that will not compete with the sauce or other ingredients in the dish.
Additionally, the acidity of the lemon dressing helps to cut through the richness of the pasta, making it a refreshing and light accompaniment.
The arugula also provides a nice contrast in texture, adding some crunch to the otherwise soft pasta.
Finally, the pine nuts add a touch of sweetness and sophistication that takes the dish to the next level.
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
A classic side dish to serve with spaghetti is a salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. This salad is light and refreshing, and it pairs well with the richer flavors of spaghetti and meat sauce.
The acidity of the tomatoes helps to cut through the richness of the sauce, while the cucumbers add a refreshing crunch. On the other hand, the feta cheese adds a slightly salty flavor that ties the whole dish together.
This salad can also be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
If you’re looking for a heartier side dish, you could add some grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad. Otherwise, this simple tomato-cucumber feta salad is a perfect accompaniment to spaghetti.
Conclusion
Many different side dishes can be served with spaghetti. The best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and the other flavors that will be present in the dish.
So go ahead and experiment until you find the perfect pairing for your next spaghetti dinner!
And don’t forget, sometimes the simplest side dishes are the best.