What to Serve with Pasta Primavera : 12 Amazing Ideas to Try
My family is full of chefs. Well, at least the women in my family are. My grandmother, my mother, and my aunts can all cook up a storm. So, when it came time for me to host my first dinner party, I wanted to make sure that everything was perfect. I planned out the menu and even made sure to have a few backup dishes, just in case.
One of the things that I wanted to make sure of was that I had a variety of side dishes. You see, pasta primavera is a dish that can be made with a variety of vegetables. And, while it is delicious on its own, I wanted to make sure that my guests had plenty of options.
So, I came up with a list of side dishes that would perfectly complement my pasta primavera. Let me give you some examples:
Best Pasta Primavera Side Dishes
- Meatballs with Cherry Tomato Sauce
- Kale Salad
- Spring Panzanella Salad
- Burrata Salad
- Cheese and Cauliflower Breadsticks
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Bruschetta
- Roasted Carrots
- Stuffed Eggplant
- Zucchini and Tomato Ragu
- Italian Salad Pizza
- Grilled Zucchini
Meatballs with Cherry Tomato Sauce
First up is one of my personal favorites, meatballs with cherry tomato sauce. This dish is hearty and filling, but still has that light and refreshing taste that you want from a summertime meal. The tomato sauce is also melded perfectly with all of the delicious flavors from the pasta and vegetables.
If you are curious how to prepare this dish, here are the details. First, you will need to make the meatballs. I like to use a mix of ground beef and pork, but you can really use whatever type of meat you prefer. Once the meat is mixed, shape it into small balls and set them aside.
Next, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté some onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add in a can of crushed tomatoes and a can of tomato sauce. I also like to add a splash of white wine, but that is completely optional. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes.
Once the sauce is ready, add the meatballs and let them cook until they are browned and cooked through. Serve it up with a nice heaping of pasta primavera. Moreover, if you are looking for other ways to use this dish, it also pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich or garlic bread.
Kale Salad
If you are looking for a lighter option, then kale salad is a perfect choice. This dish is packed with nutrients and is super healthy. The acidic dressing helps to cut through the richness of the pasta and vegetables and also provides a nice zesty kick. The best part about this salad is that it can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying your party.
To make this salad, you will need a bunch of kale, some shaved Parmesan cheese, a lemon, and good-quality olive oil. First, wash the kale and dry it well. Then, remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the kale, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. I like to let the salad sit for a few minutes so that the kale can soften slightly. Then, it is ready to serve.
Spring Panzanella Salad
Now, this salad is a tad bit more hearty than the kale salad but is still a great option if you are looking for something light. The bread in the salad soaks up all of the delicious flavors from the vegetables and dressing, making it a perfect accompaniment to your pasta primavera.
In a nutshell, you prepare this salad by toasting some bread and then tossing it with vegetables, cheese, and a light dressing. I like to use a mix of cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and mozzarella cheese. For the dressing, I simply mix together some olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of honey.
Once everything is mixed together, let the salad sit for a few minutes so that the bread can soak up all of the delicious flavors. Then, Boom. You’ve got a bombing side dish for your pasta.
Burrata Salad
This next salad is one of my absolute favorites. It is simple, yet so incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and the creaminess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the pasta. Plus, the best part about this dish is that it takes less than 15 minutes to make.
So, to make this salad, you will need some burrata cheese, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. First, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a bowl. Then, tear the burrata cheese into pieces and add it to the bowl.
Next, tear the basil leaves and add them to the bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Then, give everything a good mix and you are done. So incredibly easy and so incredibly delicious.
Cheese and Cauliflower Breadsticks
These breadsticks are a great option if you are looking for something a little heartier. They are cheesy and delicious but still, have that healthy cauliflower twist. They are made with cauliflower, cheese, and breadcrumbs, so they have a nice crunch to them.
In addition, the breadsticks also hold up well when dipped in sauce, making them the perfect partner for your pasta primavera.
And another thing, these magical little breadsticks are a great accompaniment for dishes like soup or salad. So, if you are looking for an all-around good side dish, these breadsticks should definitely be on your radar.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a classic side dish, but they are often overlooked. However, when they are roasted to perfection, they become sweet and flavorful. Plus, they go so great with the lemony pasta primavera.
As for preparation, simply grab your roasting tray and preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then, wash your Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Next, toss them with some olive oil and salt. Then, roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Once they are done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve alongside your pasta dish.
Bruschetta
This classic Italian dish is the perfect way to start your meal. The bread is crispy and the tomatoes are juicy, making it an ideal pairing for your pasta primavera. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about it when you are trying to get everything else on the table.
To make bruschetta, start by slicing a baguette into thin slices. Then, drizzle with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Next toast lightly for a few minutes.
While it’s toasting, slice some fresh tomatoes and add them to a bowl. Add garlic, basil, salt, and pepper, and mix everything together. Once the bread is nicely toasted, top with the tomato mixture and you’re now on you’re way to a delicious accompaniment for your meal.
Roasted Carrots
Next is a roasted carrot dish. This is a great option if you are looking for something a bit sweeter. The carrots are roasted with honey and thyme, giving them a delicious flavor. They also pair well with the other savory dishes making them a plus in my book.
Moreover, this dish is also super easy to make. Simply preheat your oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. Then, wash your carrots and slice them into thin strips. Next, toss with olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Then, roast in the oven for a few minutes. Once they are done, remove from the oven dish them out.
Stuffed Eggplant
Following that, we have a stuffed eggplant dish. This is a great option if you are looking for something unique and classy. The eggplant is roasted and then stuffed with a breadcrumb mixture. It’s then topped with mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection.
Not to mention that stuffed eggplant makes for an exquisite pairing with your pasta primavera. The gooey cheese and the crispy breadcrumbs provide the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta dish. I’m confident that your guests will be impressed.
Zucchini and Tomato Ragu
Now, let’s move on to another dynamite vegetable side dish, zucchini, and tomato ragu. This is a great option if you are a zucchini lover like me. Plus the flavors and tomato goodness pairs beautifully with your pasta primavera.
So, to make this dish, zucchini, and tomatoes are simply simmered in a broth of choice. Then, it’s topped with mozzarella cheese and served alongside your pasta. Trust me, it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Italian Salad Pizza
Finally, one of my biggest crowd-pleaser side dishes is Italian salad pizza. This dish is always a hit and once you try it you will understand why. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover tomatoes and lettuce you have in the fridge.
So, to make this delicious side dish, start by making or buying a pre-made pizza crust. Bake the crust as per package instructions. Once it’s out of the oven, top with your favorite Italian salad ingredients. I like to use shredded mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
Then, drizzle with your favorite dressing and serve alongside your pasta primavera for a complete meal. I promise your guests will be asking for seconds.
FAQ
What side dish goes well with pasta?
There are many side dishes that go well with pasta. Some of our favorites include meatballs with cherry tomato sauce, kale salad, spring panzanella salad, burrata salad, cheese and cauliflower breadsticks, roasted brussels sprouts, bruschetta, roasted carrots, stuffed eggplant, zucchini and tomato ragu, Italian salad pizza, and grilled zucchini.
What do you eat with carbonara?
Grissini, steamed greens, or a light salad are all great side dishes to serve with carbonara.
What is the difference between carbonara and alfredo sauce?
Carbonara is made with eggs, cheese, cream, and guanciale, while Alfredo sauce is made with cream, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Both are delicious pasta sauces!
What should I serve with spaghetti?
There are many options for what to serve with spaghetti. Some of our favorites include garlic bread, a light salad, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
In short, there are many delicious side dishes that go well with pasta primavera. Choose a dish that sounds good to you and your guests and give it a try.
It’s easier than you think!
So now that you know what to serve with pasta primavera, what are you waiting for? A cooking adventure awiats you! And don’t forget to enjoy your party. Thanks for reading!