What to Serve with Ravioli? 15 Tasty Side Dishes

Ravioli is one of those dishes that never fails to bring a smile to my face. I mean, who doesn't love those little pockets of deliciousness? But sometimes, finding the right side dishes to serve with ravioli can be a bit of a challenge.

That's where I come in! After experimenting with various combinations in my kitchen, I've put together a list of 15 fantastic side dishes that go great with ravioli.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with ravioli are spaghetti sauce, ricotta, tomato sauce, zucchini noodles, caramelized onion, butternut squash, garlic bread, Caprese salad, Caesar salad, steamed asparagus, roasted red peppers, antipasto platter, Italian chopped salad, and pesto pasta salad.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Spaghetti Sauce

You can't go wrong with a classic spaghetti sauce to serve alongside your ravioli. The rich tomato flavors and aromatic herbs complement the pasta perfectly, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. Just simmer canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and your favorite herbs on the stovetop to create a delicious homemade sauce.

2. Ricotta

A creamy, mild ricotta cheese is an excellent side dish for ravioli, especially when it's filled with a meat or vegetable mixture. Simply scoop some fresh ricotta onto your plate and enjoy it with your ravioli for a lovely contrast of textures and flavors.

3. Tomato Sauce

A simple, homemade tomato sauce is another classic option that pairs wonderfully with ravioli. It's easy to make and adds a bright, fresh flavor to your pasta dish. Combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, and basil in a saucepan, and let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Zucchini Noodles

For a lighter and healthier side dish, try serving ravioli with zucchini noodles. The mild flavor and tender texture of the zucchini noodles let the ravioli filling shine, while also adding a touch of freshness. Spiralize your zucchini and sauté it with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a quick and delicious side.

5. Caramelized Onion

Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element to your ravioli meal. The rich, golden-brown onions contrast beautifully with the pasta and enhance the overall flavor of your dish. Slowly cook thinly sliced onions in butter or olive oil until they become soft and caramelized.

6. Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a delicious and versatile side dish that complements ravioli wonderfully. Roast the squash with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until it's tender and caramelized. The sweetness of the squash pairs well with both meat and cheese-filled ravioli.

7. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, and it's the perfect side dish to serve with ravioli. Its savory garlic flavor and crispy crust create a satisfying contrast to the tender pasta. Spread butter and minced garlic on slices of crusty bread and toast them in the oven until golden brown.

8. Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad is a light and refreshing side dish that goes well with ravioli. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese creates a delightful contrast to the rich pasta. Layer slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves on a plate, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

9. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with many pasta dishes, including ravioli. The crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons add a refreshing touch to your meal. Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese for a simple and delicious salad.

10. Steamed Asparagus

Steamed asparagus is a healthy and elegant side dish that pairs nicely with ravioli. The tender-crisp texture and bright green color of the asparagus add a touch of sophistication to your meal. Simply steam asparagus spears until they're tender but still have a slight crunch, then season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of lemon juice.

11. Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers bring a sweet and smoky flavor to your ravioli meal. The peppers' vibrant color and tender texture make them a visually appealing and tasty side dish. Roast whole red peppers in the oven or on the grill until their skin is charred, then peel, slice, and serve.

12. Spinach and Garlic Sauté

A simple spinach and garlic sauté is a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements ravioli well. The garlic adds a nice kick, while the spinach provides a healthy dose of greens. Sauté fresh spinach and minced garlic in olive oil until the spinach is wilted, then season with salt and pepper.

13. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter is a great way to add variety and excitement to your ravioli meal. Arrange a selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables on a platter, and let your guests help themselves. The contrasting flavors and textures of the antipasto items add depth to your meal.

14. Italian Chopped Salad

An Italian chopped salad is a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with ravioli. The combination of crunchy veggies, tangy dressing, and salty cheese creates a medley of flavors that perfectly complements the pasta. Combine chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and Italian dressing, then top with crumbled feta or cubed mozzarella.

15. Pesto Pasta Salad

A pesto pasta salad is a delicious and versatile side dish that works wonderfully with ravioli. The fresh basil flavor of the pesto adds brightness to your meal, while the pasta provides a satisfying, familiar element. Cook your favorite pasta shape, then toss it with homemade or store-bought pesto and your choice of vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and roasted red peppers.

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