What Sides to Eat With Lasagna? Elevating Your Italian Feast
The best sides to serve with lasagna offer a balanced contrast to its richness: think fresh, crisp, and light. Ideally, sides will complement the lasagna’s savory flavors, creating a more complete and satisfying meal without overpowering the main course.
Understanding the Lasagna Landscape
Lasagna, a cornerstone of Italian-American cuisine, is a dish celebrated for its comforting layers of pasta, rich sauce, creamy cheese, and often, savory meat. Its inherent richness, however, demands thoughtful consideration when choosing complementary side dishes. The goal is to avoid creating a meal that feels heavy or monotonous. We aim to introduce textures and flavors that brighten the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.
The Importance of Balance: Texture and Flavor
A successful side dish strategy rests on the principle of contrast. Since lasagna is soft and cheesy, seek sides that offer a crisp or crunchy texture. Likewise, the richness of the lasagna calls for sides with acidity and freshness. The ideal combination will create a harmonious and enjoyable meal.
Top Side Dish Contenders: A Detailed Look
Several side dishes rise to the occasion when paired with lasagna. These options are popular for their ease of preparation, complementary flavors, and ability to add textural interest.
- Salads: A classic pairing, salads offer lightness and freshness.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables provide a healthy and flavorful counterpoint.
- Bread: While lasagna already has pasta, a different style of bread can add textural diversity.
- Soups: A light, brothy soup can be a delightful starter.
Salad Sensations: The Go-To Choice
A simple green salad is arguably the most popular side for lasagna, and for good reason. The key is to choose ingredients that offer a counterpoint to the richness of the main course.
- Classic Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crisp romaine provide a satisfying contrast.
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery arugula and bright citrus offer a palate-cleansing effect.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing and vibrant side.
Vegetable Varieties: Roasted and Steamed Delights
Roasted or steamed vegetables offer a healthy and flavorful complement to lasagna. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, while steaming preserves their nutrients and crispness.
- Roasted Asparagus: The slight bitterness of asparagus balances the richness of the lasagna.
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side that adds a vibrant green color to the plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: The sweetness of the balsamic glaze complements the savory lasagna.
Bread Beyond Pasta: Adding Texture
While lasagna is pasta-based, serving bread on the side can still be a great idea, provided you choose the right type.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, but consider a lighter version with less butter.
- Crusty Italian Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Breadsticks: A fun and easy option, especially for kids.
Soup Starter: A Light and Brothy Prelude
A light, brothy soup can be a refreshing start to your lasagna dinner. Avoid creamy soups, as they will add to the overall richness.
- Minestrone: A vegetable-packed soup that’s both healthy and flavorful.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food that’s light and refreshing.
- Italian Wedding Soup: Tiny meatballs and pasta in a flavorful broth create a satisfying starter.
Table: Side Dish Options at a Glance
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Texture | Complementary Aspects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Salad | Fresh, Acidic | Crisp | Lightens the meal, provides contrast |
| Roasted Vegetables | Sweet, Savory | Tender, Slightly Crisp | Adds nutrients and balances richness |
| Crusty Bread | Neutral, Slightly Salty | Crusty, Soft | Soaks up sauce, adds textural variety |
| Minestrone Soup | Savory, Herbaceous | Brothy, Chunky | Provides a light and flavorful start to the meal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best dressing for a salad served with lasagna?
A light vinaigrette is generally the best choice. Avoid creamy dressings, which can make the meal feel too heavy. A simple lemon vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette will provide the perfect amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the lasagna.
Are there any specific vegetables to avoid when serving with lasagna?
Avoid vegetables that are naturally sweet or starchy, such as corn or potatoes, unless prepared in a way that mitigates their sweetness. These flavors can clash with the savory profile of the lasagna and make the meal feel overly heavy.
Can I serve a tomato-based soup with lasagna?
While technically possible, it’s usually best to avoid tomato-based soups. Since lasagna already contains tomato sauce, a tomato soup can be redundant and overpowering. Opt for a lighter, broth-based soup instead.
What type of cheese should I use in a salad served with lasagna?
If adding cheese to your salad, choose something light and fresh, such as feta or goat cheese. Avoid heavy cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, which can compete with the cheese in the lasagna.
Is it okay to serve a dessert immediately after lasagna?
While you certainly can, consider allowing some time between your meal and dessert to avoid feeling overly full. If you do serve dessert, opt for something light and refreshing, such as sorbet or fruit salad.
Can I serve pasta as a side dish with lasagna?
Generally, no. Serving pasta as a side dish to lasagna is redundant and will likely result in a carb-heavy and overwhelming meal. Instead, opt for options that offer diversity and balance in texture and flavor.
What are some good herb pairings for sides served with lasagna?
Fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme all pair well with lasagna and its accompanying side dishes. Incorporate these herbs into your salads, roasted vegetables, or even the lasagna itself for a more cohesive flavor profile.
How can I make my side dish healthier?
Focus on using fresh, whole ingredients and limiting added fats and sugars. Choose lean proteins, plenty of vegetables, and whole-grain bread. Opt for vinaigrettes instead of creamy dressings.
What’s the easiest side dish to prepare for lasagna?
A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is arguably the easiest side dish to prepare. It requires minimal ingredients and can be assembled in just a few minutes.
How can I make garlic bread a healthier option?
Use whole-wheat bread, limit the amount of butter, and incorporate herbs and spices for flavor. You can also try grilling the bread instead of baking it for a lighter option.
Can I prepare side dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many side dishes, such as salads (dressing on the side), roasted vegetables, and soups, can be prepared ahead of time. This allows you to focus on the lasagna itself when it’s time to cook.
What’s the key to a successful lasagna and side dish pairing?
The key is to balance the richness and heaviness of the lasagna with fresh, light, and complementary flavors and textures. Think about creating a meal that is both satisfying and enjoyable, without feeling overwhelming.