Let me tell you a little secret - I absolutely adore lentil soup. It's hearty, healthy, and packed with protein. But as delicious as it is, it can feel incomplete without the right companions.
So today, I want to share with you my favorite side dishes to serve with brown or red lentil soup, dishes that elevate the humble lentil soup into a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with lentil soup are yellow rice, quinoa, cannellini beans, brown rice, zucchini noodles, Israeli couscous, wheat berries, naan bread, garlic bread, Greek salad, grilled cheese sandwich, sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, and pita chips.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Yellow Rice
Yellow rice, with its vibrant color and delicate saffron aroma, is a fantastic side for lentil soup. The gentle flavor of the rice is a perfect counterpoint to the robust, earthy taste of the lentils. Plus, it’s a great way to add a splash of color to your meal.
2. Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutritious and delicious side that pairs beautifully with lentil soup. Its nutty flavor and unique texture provide a lovely contrast to the smoothness of the soup. And since quinoa is also a great source of protein, it makes the meal even more filling and satisfying.
3. Cannellini Beans
If you want to add even more protein and fiber to your meal, consider serving some cannellini beans on the side. These beans are mild in flavor but rich in texture, adding a creamy element that complements the soup wonderfully. Plus, they are incredibly versatile and can be seasoned to suit your tastes.
4. Brown Rice
Brown rice, with its slightly chewy texture and nutty flavor, is another excellent choice. It's a whole grain that can help make your lentil soup feel like a more substantial meal. Plus, it's a great way to add some extra fiber to your diet.
5. Zucchini Noodles
For a lighter, low-carb option, consider serving zucchini noodles (or "zoodles") with your lentil soup. They're fun to eat and their mild flavor allows the taste of the lentil soup to shine. Plus, they add a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft lentils.
6. Israeli Couscous
Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, has a unique, slightly chewy texture that pairs nicely with lentil soup. It's a fun alternative to traditional pasta or rice, and its subtle flavor doesn't overpower the soup.
7. Wheat Berries
Wheat berries are whole, unprocessed wheat kernels that have a sweet, nutty flavor and a delightful chewy texture. They're packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and iron, making them a healthy and tasty side dish for lentil soup.
8. Naan Bread
Last but certainly not least, we have naan bread. This soft and slightly chewy bread is perfect for dipping into lentil soup. Its mild flavor complements the soup without competing with it, and the act of tearing and dipping the bread adds a fun, interactive element to the meal.
9. Garlic Bread
Who can resist the allure of warm, buttery garlic bread? Its crunch and flavorful garlic-parsley-butter spread make it an irresistible sidekick to lentil soup. It's perfect for scooping up every last bit of the soup, ensuring none of the deliciousness goes to waste.
10. Greek Salad
A fresh Greek salad can add a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty lentil soup. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and salty feta cheese provide a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will keep your taste buds entertained.
11. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese and soup are a classic combo for a reason. The gooey, melty cheese and the crispy, buttery bread are a comforting treat that pairs perfectly with the rich lentil soup. And you can customize your sandwich with different cheeses or additions to make it your own!
12. Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a simple and healthy side that works well with lentil soup. The earthy flavor of the spinach echoes the lentils, while its lightness balances the soup's heartiness. Plus, it's a quick and easy side to whip up.
13. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, with their caramelized edges and deep, sweet flavors, are a wonderful accompaniment to lentil soup. You can choose your favorites - carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, or squash, to name a few - and roast them to bring out their natural sweetness.
14. Pita Chips
Crunchy pita chips can add a fun textural contrast to your meal. They're perfect for dipping into the soup, and their mild flavor doesn't compete with the soup's savory, earthy notes. You can even make your own at home for a fresher, healthier alternative to store-bought chips.
What To Serve With Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lentil soup
Instructions
- Make the best lentil soup using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat lentil soup with yellow rice, quinoa, cannellini beans, brown rice, zucchini noodles, Israeli couscous, wheat berries, naan bread, garlic bread, Greek salad, grilled cheese sandwich, sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, and pita chips.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂