Italian wedding soup is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that features tiny meatballs, delicate pasta, and a rich broth often filled with greens. It's a meal that's almost a complete package, but the right side dishes can elevate it to something truly special.

Here are 16 tasty side dishes that complement Italian wedding soup beautifully, offering a range of flavors and textures to make your meal unforgettable.

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The best side dishes to serve with Italian wedding soup are garlic bread, garden salad, cauliflower pizza bowl, zucchini noodles, Caesar salad, stuffed mushrooms, gluten-free bread, Israeli couscous, focaccia, Rice-A-Roni, garlic Parmesan knots, cherry tomato salad, apple slaw, Parmesan crisps, and mozzarella sticks.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Garlic Bread
2. Garden Salad
3. Cauliflower Pizza Bowl
4. Zucchini Noodles
5. Caesar Salad
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
7. Gluten-Free Bread
8. Israeli Couscous
9. Focaccia
10. Rice-A-Roni
11. Garlic Parmesan Knots
12. Cherry Tomato Salad
13. Mozzarella Sticks
14. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
15. Apple Slaw
16. Parmesan Crisps
What To Serve With Italian Wedding Soup

1. Garlic Bread

Ah, the classic garlic bread. Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and slathered with garlic butter that melts right into it. Toast it until it's golden brown and you've got the perfect crunchy side. It's amazing for soaking up the last bits of that hearty Italian wedding soup.

2. Garden Salad

A garden salad is all about fresh, crunchy veggies. Lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and maybe some bell peppers, topped with a light dressing. The refreshing crunch and fresh flavors offer a break from the rich, meaty, and slightly salty taste of the soup. It's like a palate cleanser between spoonfuls.

3. Cauliflower Pizza Bowl

Take your favorite pizza toppings and put them on a cauliflower base. It's like having a pizza, but lighter. The cauliflower absorbs the flavors of the toppings, giving you a delightful mouthful of Italian goodness. You get the essence of a cheesy pizza, but with fewer carbs. Win-win, right?

4. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," offer a low-carb alternative to regular pasta. Lightly sauté them with some olive oil and garlic, and maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. They have a tender but firm texture, providing a different kind of noodle experience that works so well with the richness of the soup.

5. Caesar Salad

What makes a Caesar salad so perfect is the balance of textures and flavors. Crispy romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, sharp Parmesan cheese, and maybe some croutons for added crunch. It complements the complex flavors of Italian wedding soup by offering a creamy, tangy contrast.

6. Stuffed Mushrooms

These aren't just any mushrooms; they're filled with a delightful mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Bake them until the cheese is melty and a little golden on top. These stuffed mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a different type of meatiness that pairs well with the soup.

7. Gluten-Free Bread

For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free bread can be just as satisfying. Toast it with a bit of olive oil and maybe some rosemary or thyme. It's perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the flavorful broth, giving you a complete soup-eating experience without the gluten.

8. Israeli Couscous

These little pearls of pasta are chewier and larger than regular couscous. Cook them in some vegetable or chicken broth, and they soak up all those flavors, becoming little bombs of tastiness. It’s a grain that adds both substance and a unique texture as a side dish, making your meal even more fulfilling.

9. Focaccia

Focaccia is another Italian bread that's worth mentioning. It's got this chewy texture, and it's often flavored with olive oil, rosemary, and sometimes garlic. The bread acts like a sponge, soaking up those flavors. It's soft, fluffy, and perfect for dunking in your Italian wedding soup or just eating on its own.

10. Rice-A-Roni

This boxed classic may not be authentically Italian, but it sure is comforting. Rice-A-Roni offers a blend of rice and pasta, seasoned and cooked to a soft, fluffy finish. It provides a change of texture and flavor that can complement the soup, especially if you choose a simple, herb-seasoned variety.

11. Garlic Parmesan Knots

You've got garlic, cheese, and dough tied into cute little knots. What’s not to love? These can be homemade or store-bought, and they provide both a garlic kick and a cheesy goodness. Plus, they're small, so you can pop them easily between spoonfuls of soup.

12. Cherry Tomato Salad

Simple but effective, a cherry tomato salad with a balsamic glaze is like a burst of sunshine on your plate. The sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes balance out the rich and meaty flavors of the soup.

13. Mozzarella Sticks

Say hello to the ultimate comfort food side dish: mozzarella sticks. With a crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese on the inside, these treats are downright irresistible. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and you've got a dish that takes comfort to the next level.

14. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cut them into wedges or cubes and roast them with some olive oil and herbs. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes adds a new dimension to your meal, offering a contrast to the salty, herby flavors in the soup.

15. Apple Slaw

For a light and refreshing side, apple slaw is the way to go. Slice up some tart green apples, mix them with crunchy cabbage, and toss everything in a simple vinaigrette. The result is a crisp, tangy dish that balances the richness of Italian wedding soup. It's like a little palate cleanser with each bite.

16. Parmesan Crisps

If you're craving some crunch, look no further than Parmesan crisps. These delicious rounds are made from baked Parmesan cheese, and they pack a punch of intense flavor. Add a couple of these crisps to your soup as a fun and cheesy garnish, or just munch on them as is. Either way, you're in for a salty, crispy treat.