10 Best Sides to Go with Lasagna

Top of the list in our sides to go with lasagna: Italian chopped salad! This one couldn't be a more perfect pairing, and it's easy to whip up. Homemade Italian dressing covers a mix of crisp romaine, tomatoes, shallot and Parmesan cheese shavings. The best part? Olives and jarred pepperoncini, which round it out with salty and tangy notes. Every time we serve it, this one gets big praise.

Looking for the best and easiest garlic bread recipe? This delectable side dish is a total treat food that goes perfectly with lasagna. It’s got just the right savory, garlicky flavor. It’s tender on the inside, and crunchy on top from broiling it with Parmesan cheese. Somehow, it’s only got less butter than most garlic bread recipes, so it’s a lighter spin on the classic. But most of all: it’s gosh darn delicious.

Here's an elegant salad to go with lasagna: and it’s quite possibly the easiest salad recipe you’ll make! You don’t even have to make a salad dressing for this easy arugula salad. In under 10 minutes, you’ve got an elegant salad that goes with literally everything. Dress baby arugula simply with olive oil and lemon juice, then add Parmesan shavings and thinly sliced shallots. Done! Simple, understated, and oh so good.

Classic is classic for a reason, and the classic wedge salad does not disappoint. Every time we serve it, people ooo and ahh. Because it really is perfection: the crunch of iceberg lettuce against the creamy, savory blue cheese dressing just makes sense. Not to mention it looks stunning! There’s a reason this salad has been impressing us all for 100 years. 

This steamed cauliflower is flavored Mediterranean style, with bright lemon zest, olive oil and savory Italian seasoning. Steamed until crisp tender, it's seriously tasty. As a fresh and healthy option, it's a fantastic contrasting side to go with lasagna. (Or try the Instant Pot Cauliflower version.)

Here's another tasty salad to go with lasagna: this spinach apple salad is as easy as it is delicious! No one will believe it took minutes to put together. Start with a bed of greens and add crisp apple and pear. Our best balsamic vinaigrette covers it in tangy sweet goodness, and the best part? Maple-glazed walnuts or pecans! Just a few minutes in a hot skillet with maple syrup makes the nuts come out shiny and lightly sweet.

These green beans are a fabulous side to go with lasagna: whip them up on the stovetop while the lasagna bakes! They take only 10 minutes to put together and couldn't be easier. The beans are steamed until crisp tender, and mixed with lemon zest for brightness. (If you've got a pressure cooker, try our Instant Pot version.)

These truly are the best sauteed mushrooms, and the meaty flavor is perfect with lasagna! They're tender and juicy, with a brightness at the finish. Fresh thyme and oregano give an herby punch. Take one bite and you'll exclaim "Wow!"

Another great side to go with lasagna: broccoli! And this one is the best broccoli around. You'll steam it until it's bright green and crisp tender, then mix it with olive oil, red onion and feta crumbles. It's seriously simple to whip up while the lasagna bakes: it takes only 10 minutes! Or, use our Sauteed Broccoli or Roasted Broccoli methods. Or broccoli's elegant cousin, this Perfect Roasted Broccolini!

Last up in our sides and salads to go with lasagna: fennel orange salad! It features beautiful juicy oranges and a famous pairing: sliced raw fennel, which adds a subtle licorice essence. Throw it over greens with a few garnishes, top with a zingy homemade citrus vinaigrette, and wow! There’s so much going on flavor and texture-wise, it’s one of the most unexpectedly delicious salads we’ve ever made.