Lasagna. The very word conjures images of bubbling cheese, rich tomato sauce, and layers of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comfort food classic, a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. But what should you serve alongside this Italian masterpiece to create a truly memorable meal? This guide explores the best side dishes, salads, breads, and even desserts that complement lasagna, ensuring a balanced and delicious dining experience.
Side Dishes That Shine With Lasagna
Lasagna is a hearty dish, so choosing the right side dishes is crucial to avoid overwhelming the palate. Opting for lighter, brighter options is key.
Vegetable Sides: A Burst of Freshness
Adding a vibrant vegetable side not only enhances the meal’s visual appeal but also provides essential nutrients and textural contrast.
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
The slightly bitter flavor of asparagus, roasted to perfection with a squeeze of lemon, cuts through the richness of the lasagna beautifully. Roasting brings out the asparagus’s natural sweetness, and the lemon adds a refreshing zest. This simple side dish is quick to prepare and complements the lasagna without overpowering it.
Garlic Green Beans
Green beans sautéed with garlic offer a satisfying crunch and a savory element that works well with the tomato sauce. A touch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, further balancing the lasagna’s richness. Consider blanching the green beans before sautéing to ensure they are tender-crisp.
Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts and Raisins
This side dish provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The spinach wilts down nicely, the pine nuts offer a nutty crunch, and the raisins add a touch of sweetness. The slight bitterness of the spinach contrasts perfectly with the rich, cheesy lasagna.
Broccoli with Parmesan Cheese
Steamed or roasted broccoli, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, is a simple yet effective side. The mild flavor of the broccoli doesn’t compete with the lasagna, and the Parmesan adds a salty, savory element that ties the two dishes together.
Beyond the Ordinary: Exploring Unique Sides
While classic vegetable sides are always a safe bet, venturing into more unique options can elevate your lasagna dinner to a whole new level.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts, especially when drizzled with balsamic glaze, offer a sweet and tangy contrast to the lasagna. The roasting process caramelizes the sprouts, bringing out their natural sweetness, while the balsamic glaze adds a sophisticated touch. Consider adding a sprinkle of pancetta for extra flavor and texture.
Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta provides a comforting and subtly sweet counterpart to the savory lasagna. Its smooth texture complements the layered structure of the lasagna, and its mild flavor allows the lasagna’s flavors to shine.
Salads That Cut Through the Richness
A fresh, crisp salad is an essential component of a lasagna meal. It provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, heavy dish, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next bite.
Classic Italian Salad
A classic Italian salad, featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a simple vinaigrette, is a perfect accompaniment to lasagna. The acidity of the vinaigrette helps to cut through the richness of the dish, while the fresh vegetables provide a satisfying crunch.
Caesar Salad
A well-made Caesar salad offers a creamy, garlicky contrast to the lasagna. The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and salty Parmesan cheese create a balanced and satisfying salad that complements the Italian flavors of the lasagna. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the Caesar salad can turn it into a more substantial side dish.
Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
This salad offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The spinach provides a healthy base, the strawberries add a burst of sweetness, and the goat cheese offers a tangy creaminess. A light vinaigrette ties all the flavors together.
Breads: Soaking Up the Goodness
Bread is an indispensable part of any Italian meal, and lasagna is no exception. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding an extra layer of comfort to the meal.
Garlic Bread: A Classic Choice
Garlic bread is a classic pairing with lasagna, and for good reason. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the tomato sauce perfectly, and the warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of deliciousness.
Focaccia: An Italian Delight
Focaccia, with its olive oil-rich dough and rosemary-infused flavor, is a delightful alternative to garlic bread. Its chewy texture and aromatic herbs complement the lasagna beautifully.
Crusty Italian Bread
A simple crusty Italian bread, served with olive oil for dipping, is a perfect way to round out the lasagna meal. The bread’s neutral flavor allows the lasagna to remain the star of the show, while providing a satisfying textural contrast.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending
After a hearty lasagna meal, a light and refreshing dessert is the perfect way to end the evening.
Tiramisu: An Italian Classic
Tiramisu, with its coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and cocoa powder dusting, is a classic Italian dessert that complements the lasagna beautifully. The coffee flavor cuts through the richness of the lasagna, while the creamy texture provides a satisfying finish.
Panna Cotta: A Simple Elegance
Panna cotta, a smooth and creamy Italian dessert, is a light and elegant way to end the meal. Its delicate flavor and silky texture provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty lasagna.
Fruit Salad: A Refreshing Choice
A simple fruit salad, featuring seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and grapes, is a light and refreshing way to end the lasagna meal. The natural sweetness of the fruit provides a satisfying conclusion without being too heavy.
Drinks: Pairing Beverages with Lasagna
Choosing the right beverages can significantly enhance your lasagna dining experience. Consider these options:
Wine: A Classic Pairing
For a classic Italian meal, wine is an essential element. Red wines, especially those with medium body and good acidity, generally pair best with lasagna. Chianti, Barbera, and Sangiovese are excellent choices. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the lasagna, while the fruity notes complement the tomato sauce.
Beer: A Complementary Choice
If you prefer beer, opt for a lighter, crisp lager or a hoppy IPA. These beers provide a refreshing contrast to the lasagna’s richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
Non-Alcoholic Options
For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with a lemon wedge or a refreshing iced tea. These beverages provide a light and cleansing effect that complements the lasagna without being too heavy.
Building the Perfect Lasagna Meal: Tips and Tricks
Creating a cohesive and delicious lasagna meal is all about balance. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Consider the Season: Choose seasonal vegetables and fruits for your side dishes and salads to ensure the freshest flavors.
- Balance Flavors: Aim for a balance of flavors and textures. Pair rich, heavy dishes with lighter, brighter options.
- Don’t Overdo It: Lasagna is a hearty dish, so don’t overload your meal with too many sides. Choose one or two complementary options.
- Presentation Matters: Presentation is key to creating a memorable dining experience. Arrange your side dishes and salads attractively on the plate to enhance the meal’s visual appeal.
- Prepare Ahead: Many side dishes, salads, and desserts can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on the lasagna on the day of your dinner party.
Lasagna is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. By carefully selecting the right side dishes, salads, breads, desserts, and beverages, you can create a truly memorable meal that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Remember the key is balance and complementing the flavors of the lasagna, not overpowering them.
Enjoy your lasagna feast!
What is the best type of salad to serve with lasagna?
A light and refreshing salad is the perfect counterpoint to the rich and hearty nature of lasagna. Consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acidity in the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the lasagna, cleansing the palate and preparing you for the next bite. Including fresh herbs like basil or parsley in your salad will also complement the flavors present in many lasagna recipes.
Another great option is a Caprese salad. The combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil provides a burst of flavor and a delightful textural contrast. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that ties everything together beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience and preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.
What vegetables pair well with lasagna besides salad?
Roasted vegetables are an excellent complement to lasagna, offering a savory and slightly caramelized sweetness. Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant are all fantastic choices. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a pleasant char that adds depth of flavor. Season them simply with olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe a touch of garlic or Italian herbs to enhance their inherent tastes without overpowering the lasagna.
Steamed green beans or broccoli are other simple and healthy options. A squeeze of lemon juice or a light sprinkling of Parmesan cheese can elevate their flavor. The slightly bitter notes of these green vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that caters to a variety of palates and dietary preferences.
What kind of bread goes best with lasagna?
Crusty Italian bread is a classic choice for serving with lasagna. Its sturdy texture is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and melted cheese. A loaf of ciabatta or a baguette, sliced and served warm, provides a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the lasagna. Dipping the bread into the sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and enjoyment to the meal.
Garlic bread is another popular option, adding a flavorful and aromatic element to the table. Whether homemade or store-bought, garlic bread provides a comforting and familiar taste that many people love. The buttery garlic flavor complements the savory components of the lasagna, creating a harmonious and indulgent dining experience that is sure to please everyone.
What desserts are good to serve after lasagna?
After a rich and savory lasagna, a light and refreshing dessert is ideal. Consider a fruit salad with seasonal berries, melon, and citrus fruits. The natural sweetness and vibrant colors of the fruit offer a cleansing and revitalizing finish to the meal. A simple drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt can add a touch of extra sweetness and creaminess.
Another great option is a scoop of gelato or sorbet. The cold and creamy texture provides a soothing contrast to the warmth of the lasagna. Lemon or raspberry sorbet are particularly good choices, as their tartness helps to cut through any lingering richness. A light and airy tiramisu, while still decadent, can also be a delightful way to end the meal, complementing the Italian theme.
Can you suggest a simple sauce to complement lasagna?
While lasagna is usually served with its own rich tomato-based sauce, a simple pesto sauce can be a delicious addition, particularly if your lasagna doesn’t already incorporate basil. A vibrant pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous element that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. Drizzle it lightly over individual servings or offer it as a dipping sauce for bread.
Alternatively, a light and creamy Alfredo sauce can provide a contrasting texture and flavor. While Alfredo might seem heavy, a small amount drizzled over the lasagna can add a touch of indulgence without being overwhelming. Consider using a lighter version of Alfredo, made with less cream and more milk or broth, to keep the overall meal balanced and prevent it from becoming too heavy.
What drinks pair well with lasagna?
A light to medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, is a classic pairing with lasagna. The acidity in the wine helps to cut through the richness of the dish, while the fruity notes complement the tomato sauce and cheese. Avoid overly tannic wines, as they can clash with the flavors of the lasagna. Opt for a wine that is smooth and easy to drink.
For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is a refreshing choice. The bubbles help to cleanse the palate and the citrus adds a touch of brightness. Iced tea, especially a fruit-infused variety, can also be a good pairing, providing a cooling and flavorful complement to the warm and savory lasagna.
Is it okay to serve lasagna with mashed potatoes?
While not a traditional pairing, serving lasagna with mashed potatoes can be a surprisingly comforting combination, especially for those who enjoy starchy sides. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes provides a soft and familiar base that complements the layered textures of the lasagna. If you choose this pairing, consider using a lighter, less buttery mashed potato recipe to avoid making the meal too heavy.
However, it is important to be mindful of the carbohydrate content. Lasagna is already a carb-heavy dish, so adding mashed potatoes can make the meal feel overly filling. If you’re concerned about this, consider serving a smaller portion of both the lasagna and the mashed potatoes, and add a generous serving of vegetables to balance the meal. Alternatively, opt for a different side dish altogether for a more balanced culinary experience.