What To Serve With Tortellini Soup? 15 BEST Side Dishes

Tortellini soup is the epitome of comfort—warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. But what do you serve alongside this bowl of goodness to make the meal complete?

Here are 15 tasty side dishes that are the perfect companions to your tortellini soup, each bringing its own unique charm to the dining table.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with tortellini soup are tomato bruschetta, sauteed mushrooms, zucchini fries, garlic bread, grilled scallops, bacon wrapped asparagus, Caesar salad, strawberry walnut salad, pesto pinwheels,  green beans with almonds, focaccia bread, Caprese salad, Parmesan crisps, and apple walnut coleslaw.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Tomato Bruschetta

Tomato bruschetta isn't just about diced tomatoes on bread; it's a symphony of flavors. Fresh basil leaves bring herbaceous notes, while red onions offer a little kick. Don't forget the balsamic glaze, which lends a touch of acidity and sweetness. Ideally, use a baguette or Italian bread, toasted to a golden brown, as the base.

The crispiness of the bread paired with the freshness of the tomato mixture provides a light, flavorful contrast to the heartiness of tortellini soup.

2. Sauteed Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms offer a depth of flavor that can make any meal feel gourmet. Choose a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or even a few portobellos for added complexity. Cooking them in butter and garlic amplifies their natural umami, while a splash of white wine can add a surprising note of acidity.

The richness of sauteed mushrooms, paired with their earthy flavor, complements the robust taste of tortellini soup in a harmonious way.

3. Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries bring a blend of textures to the table. The outside should be crispy, achieved by coating the zucchini sticks in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. The inside remains tender and juicy. For added flavor, include some herbs like rosemary or thyme in the breadcrumb mixture.

Baked or fried, these zucchini fries are a lighter alternative to regular fries and offer a delightful crunch that stands up well next to a bowl of soup.

4. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is far more than just a side—it's often the co-star of the meal. Starting with a quality loaf of Italian bread, slices are slathered in a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and sometimes a sprinkle of Parmesan or herbs like parsley.

Baked to perfection, each slice comes out golden and crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. The powerful aroma of garlic bread alone can make it the perfect companion to tortellini soup, not to mention the heavenly taste.

5. Grilled Scallops

Grilled scallops might seem like a fancy choice, but they're worth it for the incredible texture and flavor they bring. Sea scallops are preferred for their larger size and sweeter taste. A quick marinade in olive oil, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice sets the stage.

Then, a few minutes on a hot grill gives them a smoky char, enhancing their natural sweetness. The end result is a luxurious side that turns your simple tortellini soup meal into a feast for the senses.

6. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon wrapped around asparagus stalks gives you both smokiness and a fresh crunch. The bacon adds a rich, salty element, while the asparagus offers a slightly bitter counterpoint, making it an exciting and contrasting side dish.

7. Caesar Salad

For something a little crisp and refreshing, a Caesar salad hits the spot. The creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and fresh romaine lettuce offer a lighter option that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls of hearty soup.

8. Pesto Pinwheels

Roll up some puff pastry with a layer of pesto, bake until golden, and you've got pesto pinwheels. These are not only fun to eat but also bring a burst of herby flavor that goes remarkably well with tortellini soup. The flaky, buttery pastry complements the soup's hearty texture.

9. Olive Tapenade Crostini

A combination of olives, capers, and a touch of garlic spread on toasted slices of baguette makes olive tapenade crostini an exotic and flavorful side dish. The saltiness of the tapenade adds an exciting layer to each bite when paired with the soup.

10. Strawberry Walnut Salad

Last but not least, a strawberry walnut salad offers a fruity and nutty dimension to your meal. The sweetness of the strawberries, the crunch of the walnuts, and a light vinaigrette make for a refreshing and colorful addition to the table.

11. Green Beans with Almonds

For a lighter, vegetable-focused option, try steamed green beans topped with sliced almonds. A touch of butter and some salt are all you need to bring out the natural flavors, making it a quick yet nutritious side.

12. Foccacia Bread

Hearty and infused with olive oil and herbs, focaccia bread can be an excellent side for soaking up all the goodness of tortellini soup. The olive oil in the bread also adds an extra layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the soup.

13. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves, drizzled with a balsamic reduction—Caprese salad is a simple but highly effective palate cleanser. The fresh, natural flavors are a great contrast to the rich, hearty soup.

14. Parmesan Crisps

Want something crispy and cheesy? Make some Parmesan crisps in the oven. They're pretty much one-ingredient wonders that provide a salty, crunchy alternative to croutons. Ideal for nibbling between spoonfuls of soup.

15. Apple Walnut Coleslaw

Take the traditional coleslaw up a notch by adding thinly sliced apples and walnuts. The sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the walnuts add a unique twist, while the creamy dressing provides a nice contrast to the hot soup.

More Recipes

What To Serve With Spanish Tortilla

What To Serve With Pinto Beans

What To Serve With Seafood Boil