What Vegetables Go Well with Tomato Sauce – 10 Tasty Sides
What vegetables go well with marinara sauce? This is such an important question to ask if you’re a veggie lover like me.
Marinara sauce can be a tricky ingredient because it has such strong flavors. So, you need to always be careful about what you pair it with.
I know it is very easy to get overwhelmed by the options. Trust me, I’ve been there.
And the truth is I’ve made some terrible pairings in my lifetime. But the world didn’t end.
In fact, those mistakes taught me some valuable lessons about what NOT to do when it comes to pairing tomato sauce with vegetables.
That’s why I’m here to help. So you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.
I will share with you my list of vegetables that go well with marinara sauce. These are tried and true pairings that will complement the sauce, and not overpower it.
Vegetables That Go Well With Marinara Sauce
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Artichoke Hearts
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Asparagus
- Eggplant
Bell peppers
Ain’t nothing more classic than this pairing. The sweetness of the bell pepper pairs so well with the acidity of the marinara sauce.
If you try this pairing, I suggest roasting your bell peppers first. It brings out their natural sweetness and makes them even more of a treat.
I like to add some red onion to this mix too. It really pulls all the flavors together. And of course, a little bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese never hurt anybody.
Mushrooms
This is another classic pairing that can’t be beaten. The earthiness of the mushrooms goes so well with the acidity and sweetness of the marinara sauce.
I find that mushrooms have a lot of umami flavor, which pairs well with the acidity in marinara sauce. It is such an earthy pairing, and the mushrooms add an excellent depth of flavor to the sauce.
I like to use portobello mushrooms because they have a really meaty texture. But you can use any kind of mushrooms you like. I also love to add some extra garlic when I’m making this pairing. It really kicks up the flavor a notch.
Green beans
This is such an underrated pairing. I think many people are afraid to pair green beans with marinara sauce because they think the flavors will clash. But that’s not the case at all.
In fact, I think that the sweetness of the green beans pairs really well with the acidity of the marinara sauce. I also appreciate how crunchy and fresh green beans are. They give a nice crisp to the dish, which I really enjoy.
If you’re looking for a unique way to pair green beans with marinara sauce, I suggest blanching them first. Then, add them to the sauce and let them cook for a few minutes. This will allow the green beans to absorb all of the flavors from the sauce without getting mushy.
Broccoli
I know that some people are not the biggest fans of broccoli. But I think that when it’s paired with the right sauce, it can be absolutely delicious.
And what better sauce to pair it with than marinara? The acidity in the sauce helps to offset the bitterness of the broccoli. And when it’s cooked properly, broccoli has a really nice crunch to it.
I like to pair broccoli with marinara sauce when I’m looking for a light and healthy meal. It’s a great way to get your veggies in without feeling weighed down.
And what’s more? The broccoli florets soak up all of the deliciousness of the sauce. Perfection!
Carrots
As a proud millennial with an undying aesthetic, I am all about this pairing.
The orange hue of the carrots pairs perfectly with the red hue of the marinara sauce. And when they’re cooked properly, carrots have a slight sweetness to them that helps to balance out the acidity of the sauce.
Being such a fun and unexpected pairing, carrots and marinara sauce is a combination that you definitely need to try. Did I mention that my favorite thing about carrots is how they brighten up the plate? I also love the sweetness that they add to the dish.
I like to add some chopped parsley to this dish for a pop of color. And if you’re feeling really fancy, you can even garnish with some shaved Parmesan cheese.
Finally, if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to serve carrots with marinara sauce, I suggest roasting them first. Roasted carrots have an unbelievable flavor that pairs really well with the sauce. You can also grate them into the sauce for a more subtle flavor.
Artichoke Hearts
If you think about the fact that many people consider tomatoes to be a fruit, it makes sense that artichoke hearts would go well with marinara sauce.
After all, they’re both fruits! But seriously, the marinara sauce’s acidity helps offset the artichokes’ sweetness. And I love how they add a nice pop of color to the dish.
I like to use jarred artichoke hearts because they’re already cooked and really easy to use. But you can also use fresh artichokes if you prefer. Just be sure to cook them before adding them to the sauce.
Spinach
Have you ever had one of those days where you’re just not ready to eat your veggies? Yeah, me too.
But what if I told you that there’s a way to make eating your veggies fun and delicious? That’s right, my friend. Spinach and marinara sauce is the pairing that you never knew you needed.
I love how the acidity in the marinara sauce helps to bring out the sweetness of the spinach. And when it’s cooked properly, spinach has a really nice texture. It’s soft but still has a slight crunch to it.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to serve spinach with marinara sauce, I suggest wilting it first. This will help to bring out the flavor of the spinach and make it more palatable.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a really versatile vegetable. It doesn’t have a lot of flavor on its own, which makes it the perfect vessel for marinara sauce. I also love how zucchini can absorb all of the flavors from the sauce.
I like to use zucchini noodles when I’m looking for a light and healthy meal. But you can also use regular pasta if you’re in the mood for something more substantial.
I find that zucchini pairs really well with brighter, fresher sauces. So if you’re using a jarred sauce, I suggest adding some chopped fresh tomatoes to the dish.
You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for a little bit of salty flavor. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try using zucchini in place of the pasta in your favorite lasagna recipe. Trust me, it’s delicious!
Asparagus
There’s something about asparagus that just makes me feel fancy. Maybe it’s because it’s often found on the menu at upscale restaurants. Or maybe it’s because it has a really unique flavor that pairs well with many different dishes.
Either way, I love asparagus and I think it goes really well with marinara sauce. Its green-beans-like taste always takes me by surprise in the best way possible.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to serve asparagus with marinara sauce, I suggest grilling it first. The smoky flavor of the grill pairs really well with the acidity of the sauce.
You can also roast the asparagus in the oven if you’re not in the mood to fire up the grill. Just be sure to drizzle it with a little bit of olive oil before roasting to prevent it from drying out.
Eggplant
If you’ve never had eggplant, then you’re in for a real treat. Eggplant has a really unique flavor that pairs well with many different dishes.
I find that it goes especially well with marinara sauce. The sweetness of the eggplant helps to offset the acidity of the sauce. And when it’s cooked properly, eggplant has a really nice texture. It’s soft but still has a slight crunch to it.
There are many different ways that you can cook eggplant. But my favorite way is to fry it. I like to bread the eggplant slices in a mixture of flour, eggs, and bread crumbs. Then I fry them in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can also bake the eggplant slices. Certainly, don’t fry them if you’re trying to eat healthily!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to add to marinara spaghetti?
There are many different things that you can add to marinara spaghetti. Some people like to add ground beef, sausage, or pork. Others like to add vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, or peppers. And still, others like to add cheese, herbs, or spices. The possibilities are endless!
Is marinara sauce a vegetable serving?
No, marinara sauce is not a vegetable serving. However, it does contain vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and garlic. So if you’re looking for a way to get your daily dose of veggies, this is a great option.
What are some good side dishes for marinara sauce?
Some good side dishes for marinara sauce include wilted spinach, grilled asparagus and roasted eggplant. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh tomatoes to the dish.
Wrapping Up
I’ve found that the best vegetables for marinara sauce are those that can stand up to the sauce’s acidity.
In this article, I explored a variety of different side dishes that pair perfectly with marinara sauce. Each dish has been carefully selected to highlight the unique flavors and textures of both the vegetable and the sauce.
So whether you are looking for something new to add to your repertoire or simply want to learn more about what goes well with marinara sauce, I hope this article has been helpful. Thanks for reading!