What To Serve With Lasagna: 16 Tasty Side Dishes

Who can resist a steaming hot, cheese-laden slice of lasagna? But what to serve alongside this Italian star to create the perfect meal? Well, that's where the fun begins! The beauty of lasagna is its versatility.

It pairs well with so many different sides, from light, refreshing salads to hearty, flavorful companions. So, I've rounded up a list of 16 fabulous side dishes that will complement your lasagna, take your meal to the next level, and delight your taste buds.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with lasagna are chicken wings, garden salad, blooming onion, Caprese salad, corned beef hash, cheese rangoon, roasted zucchini, garlic bread, antipasto platter, bruschetta, roasted red peppers, grilled chicken Caesar salad, ratatouille, coleslaw, stuffed bell peppers, and sautéed mushrooms.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Chicken Wings

Spicy, tangy chicken wings can offer a brilliant contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of lasagna. Whether they're tossed in buffalo sauce, glazed with a sweet barbecue dressing, or marinated in tangy teriyaki, wings can provide that much-needed flavor contrast.

Plus, they're a casual finger food, making them fun and easy to eat alongside a portion of lasagna. They're easily customizable, too. You can adjust the heat, sweetness, and seasoning to suit your palate and pair perfectly with your lasagna recipe.

2. Garden Salad

A fresh, crisp garden salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the robust, cheesy goodness of lasagna. The lightness of leafy greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and your favorite dressing provides a balance that helps to cleanse the palate, allowing you to fully enjoy each rich, flavorful bite of lasagna.

Not to mention, it's a great way to add some nutrients to your meal. The best part? You can toss it together while the lasagna is baking!

3. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion brings a delightful crunchy texture and sweet onion flavor that complements lasagna beautifully. This deep-fried appetizer is a conversation starter, its unique presentation catching the eye. Plus, its fun dipping sauces can be a great way to introduce additional flavors to your meal.

Just imagine pulling apart the crispy onion petals and savoring them with a hearty piece of lasagna – it's a fusion of flavors that's hard to resist!

4. Caprese Salad

A caprese salad, with its sweet ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella slices, offers an Italian flavor profile that matches perfectly with lasagna. The juicy tomatoes and basil bring a bright, fresh contrast to the heavy lasagna, while the mozzarella ties it all together.

Drizzled with a balsamic reduction, this salad is a burst of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for offsetting the richness of the lasagna.

5. Corned Beef Hash

Corned beef hash, with its savory, salty taste and hearty texture, makes for an unexpected but delightful companion to lasagna. The mix of tender corned beef, crispy potatoes, and sautéed onions gives a satisfying contrast in texture and a break from lasagna's cheesy intensity. Its robust flavors can stand up to a rich lasagna, and the combination can make your meal feel like a truly hearty feast.

6. Cheese Rangoon

These crispy, cheesy delights make a fantastic side for lasagna. Cheese rangoons, with their crispy outer wonton covering and hot, creamy, cheesy inside, offer a different type of cheesy goodness that complements lasagna nicely. The slight crunch of the wonton wrapper followed by the creamy cheese is a texture lover's dream. Serve them with sweet and sour sauce for a little extra flavor punch that stands up to a hearty lasagna.

7. Roasted Zucchini

Roasted zucchini is a perfect side dish for lasagna. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it an excellent vehicle for a variety of seasonings, so you can tailor it to match your lasagna's flavor profile. Whether you keep it simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or amp it up with garlic and parmesan, roasted zucchini is a versatile and healthy side dish that will allow your lasagna to shine.

8. Sauteed Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and meaty texture, are a fantastic side dish to serve with lasagna. When cooked properly, mushrooms develop a deep, rich flavor and tender texture that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, tomato-based flavors of lasagna. Whether you saute them in butter or olive oil, and perhaps with a touch of garlic, mushrooms add a level of sophistication and umami goodness to your meal.

9. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a natural partner for lasagna. Its robust garlic flavor and soft, buttery texture soak up the rich lasagna sauce beautifully. Plus, it's a great way to get all the delicious, saucy leftovers off your plate!

10. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter is a delightful assortment of flavors to accompany your lasagna. Cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offer a variety of tastes that complement the rich, hearty lasagna. Plus, it's a fun, shareable dish that adds a social element to your meal.

11. Bruschetta

This classic Italian starter is a great pairing for lasagna. Crispy toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a light, refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for an extra tangy kick.

12. Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with lasagna. Their soft texture and rich taste enhance the hearty flavors of the pasta. For an extra flavor boost, toss them in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.

13. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled chicken Caesar salad is a hearty, satisfying side that balances the richness of lasagna. The crisp lettuce, smoky grilled chicken, and tangy Caesar dressing create a refreshing palate cleanser. Top with parmesan and croutons for extra crunch.

14. Ratatouille

This French vegetable stew is a colorful, healthy side to pair with lasagna. The combination of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes cooked in a rich tomato sauce complements the robust flavors of the lasagna. Plus, it's a great way to add a vegetable boost to your meal.

15. Coleslaw

Coleslaw brings a fresh, tangy element to your lasagna dinner. Its crisp texture and tangy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta. Plus, it's a great make-ahead dish that's perfect for easy meal prep.

16. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers, filled with a savory mixture of meat and rice, are a hearty side that pairs well with lasagna. The sweet, tender peppers and flavorful filling add a robust element to the meal that stands up to the lasagna's rich flavors.