What vegetables go with lasagna? What are some great side dishes to elevate an Italian meal?

Tough questions, huh?

I get it, lasagna is a tricky dish to pair. It’s got so many different flavors and textures going on, that you really need to be careful when pairing it with other dishes.

I know this because lasagna is one of my all-time favorite dishes. I love the way the noodles, sauce, and cheese come together to create a comforting, filling meal.

But what makes a great lasagna even better is pairing it with the perfect side dish. And that’s where I come in. For a while now, I’ve been perfecting the art of pairing lasagna with complementary side dishes. And today, I’m going to share my knowledge (including the whats and whys) with you.

So without further ado, here are my top five vegetables that go with lasagna:

Vegetables That Go With Lasagna

Steamed Veggies
Tomato Feta Salad
Chicken Wings
Wedge Salad
Antipasto
Bruschetta
Balsamic Roasted Veggies
Giardiniera
Breadsticks
Caesar Salad
Spinach-Apple Salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Prosciutto Bread
Sautéed Mushrooms
Grilled Eggplant

Steamed Veggies

I’m just gonna come right out and say it how it is—lasagna is a heavy dish. I mean, it’s packed full of deliciousness (cheese, pasta, meat), but all that richness can start to weigh you down after a while.

That’s why I always like to pair lasagna with some steamed veggies. They lighten up the meal and provide a much-needed dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just throw them in a steamer basket and let them do their thing.

Tomato Feta Salad

This is a personal favorite of mine. The tangy feta pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the herbs add a nice touch of flavor. It’s the perfect side dish to offset all the richness of lasagna.

Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make. Just chop up some tomatoes, feta, and herbs, and you’re good to go.

Chicken Wings

This is one of the most popular side dishes to pair with lasagna and for good reason. Chicken wings are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. They’re the perfect finger food to enjoy alongside a big slice of lasagna.

Being the favorite dish of so many people, there are a million different ways to make chicken wings. But my personal favorite is the Buffalo style. They’re coated in a spicy sauce that really kicks up the flavor of the dish.

Wedge Salad

Wedge salad is another great option for lasagna. It’s got all the same components as a Caesar salad (crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, Parmesan cheese), but the wedge shape makes it easier to eat with your hands.

And trust me, you’re going to want to use your hands for this one. The combination of flavors and textures is out of this world.

Antipasto

If you’re looking for a veggie-heavy side dish, antipasto is the way to go. It’s packed full of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, making it the perfect healthy option.

I don’t know about you, but I always feel better when I eat a meal that’s packed full of veggies. And with lasagna, I get the best of both worlds—a delicious, hearty meal, and a healthy side dish.

Bruschetta

This is another personal favorite of mine. I love the combination of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It’s the perfect way to brighten up a heavy dish like lasagna.

Go all the way and make your own bruschetta. It’s not as hard as you think, and it tastes so much better than the store-bought kind. If made right, that is.

Balsamic Roasted Veggies

This is a great option if you’re looking for something a little different. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity that really complements the flavors of lasagna.

And roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them even more delicious. Trust me, this is one side dish you’re going to want to make again and again.

Giardiniera

This is a classic Italian side dish that’s often served with lasagna. It’s a mix of pickled vegetables that are crunchy, tangy, and full of flavor.

I love the contrast of flavors that giardiniera brings to the table. The pickled vegetables add a touch of acidity that really complements the richness of the lasagna.

Breadsticks

Now, let me show you one of my all-time favorite sides—breadsticks. Right? They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. There’s so much to love about them!

Plus, they’re the perfect size for dipping in sauce. And when it comes to lasagna, there’s no shortage of delicious sauce to dip them in. What I’m saying is breadsticks are the perfect way to mop up all that delicious lasagna sauce. This is how they take the dish to the next level.

So go ahead and give breadsticks a try.

Caesar Salad

I mentioned earlier that wedge salad is a great option for lasagna. But if you’re looking for something a little lighter, Caesar salad is the way to go.

It’s got all the same components as a wedge salad (crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, Parmesan cheese), but without all the heavy toppings. This makes it the perfect side dish for lasagna.

Plus, it’s so easy to make. Just chop up some lettuce, tossed with a homemade dressing, and you’re good to go.

Spinach-Apple Salad

Sometimes, it’s hard to know what vegetables go with lasagna until you’ve tried them together. This is one of those times. You might not think that spinach and apples would go well together, but trust me, they do.

The sweetness of the apples complements the bitterness of the spinach, making for a delicious and balanced salad. And the Parmesan cheese ties it all together. This is one side dish you’re going to want to make again and again.

So go ahead and give it a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Not only is this side dish healthy, but it’s also incredibly flavorful. And the key is to roast the Brussels sprouts until they’re nice and crispy.

I like to add a touch of garlic and Parmesan cheese to really bring out the flavors. But you can keep it simple if you want. Either way, this is a delicious and easy side dish that’s sure to please.

Prosciutto Bread

We all know that prosciutto bread is delicious. But did you know that it’s also the perfect side dish for lasagna?

The saltiness of the prosciutto bread really complements the rich flavors of lasagna. And the bread itself is so soft and fluffy, it’s the ideal way to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Sautéed Mushrooms

I don’t know about you, but I love mushrooms. And when it comes to lasagna, they’re the perfect side dish.

They’re earthy, they’re flavorful, and they go so well with all the other ingredients in the dish. Plus, they’re easy to make. Just sauté them in a little bit of olive oil and you’re good to go.

Grilled Eggplant

I saved the best for last. Grilled eggplant is my absolute best side dish for lasagna.

If you do not have a grill, you can roast the eggplant in the oven. But trust me, it’s so much better grilled. The smoky flavor really takes the dish to the next level. I think you’ll love it.

A list of other Options

Vegetable Side Dishes

Steamed Veggies
Tomato Feta Salad
Antipasto
Bruschetta
Caesar Salad
Spinach-Apple Salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Sautéed Mushrooms
Grilled Eggplant
Honey-Coated Carrots
Roasted Tomatoes
Fig And Kale Salad
Green Salad
Roasted Broccoli Rabe
Roasted Veggies
Wedge Salad
Giardiniera

Carbs and Starchy Side Dishes

Breadsticks
Prosciutto Bread
Buttery Garlic Bread
Dinner Rolls

Miscellaneous Combinations

Vegan Roasted Garlic And Lemon Soup
Baked Cauliflower With Cheddar Cheese
Instant Pot Minestrone
Sun-Dried Tomato And Basil Arancini
Raw Veggies Tossed With Italian Dressing
Balsamic Roasted Veggies
Chicken Wings
Garlic Knots
Buffalo Wings

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you serve with lasagna besides salad?

There are a number of other side dishes you can serve with lasagna, including breadsticks, chicken wings, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed mushrooms, Instant Pot Minestrone and grilled eggplant.

Do green beans go with lasagna?

While green beans are not traditionally served with lasagna, they can be a good side dish for the dish. The key is to pair them with other complementary flavors, such as roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon.

Conclusion

Lasagna is such a special dish. It is unique in the world of Italian cuisine and can be made in so many different ways.

What vegetables go with lasagna is dependent on what you like and what you are trying to achieve flavor-wise. Be sure to experiment and find the perfect side dish for your next lasagna night. Enjoy!