Pasta is a versatile and beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. But, are you looking for delicious accompaniments to elevate your pasta meal? If you’re pondering “What Food Goes With Pasta,” you’ve landed in the right place. We’re sharing over 30 of the best side dishes, from refreshing salads and crusty breads to flavorful roasted vegetables, designed to complement your favorite pasta recipes.
Whether you crave a light, healthy option or something more indulgent, this list offers a variety of choices to complete your pasta dinner. So, next time you’re wondering what to serve with pasta, explore these delectable side dishes to create a truly satisfying meal.
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Pasta
Fresh and Flavorful Salads
- Kale Caesar Salad: A healthier and more robust twist on the classic, offering the familiar Caesar flavors with the added crunch and earthy notes of fresh kale.
- Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad: A quick and simple summer salad, ready in just 10 minutes with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a lemon vinaigrette, perfect for a quick and easy side dish ready in 5 minutes.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Wedge Salad: A deconstructed falafel-inspired salad with chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful hummus dressing.
- White Bean Salad: A Mediterranean-inspired salad with cannellini beans, vegetables, feta, and fresh herbs in a homemade Greek dressing, ideal for meal prep.
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: A delightful fall salad combining fresh Brussels sprouts, apples, cranberries, and crunchy seeds, all tossed in a homemade vinaigrette.
Crusty Breads and Rolls
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Toasty and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, topped with garlic butter and melted cheese – ready in under 20 minutes!
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, fluffy, buttery, and delicious garlic breadsticks, a perfect recipe for beginner bakers.
- Easy Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze: A simple and fresh Italian appetizer featuring tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, and olive oil on toasted bread.
- Garlic Knots: Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in a savory garlic herb butter that will leave you wanting more.
- Whipped Ricotta Crostini: An elegant and easy appetizer that can be made in minutes or prepared ahead and assembled just before serving.
- Ciabatta Rolls: Fluffy and airy rolls with a perfectly crunchy crust, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time and no kneading.
- Pull Apart Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery, and flavorful bread that melts in your mouth and pulls apart easily, ideal for sharing.
Roasted and Sautéed Vegetables
- Lemon Parmesan Asparagus: A quick and easy way to serve asparagus, ready in less than 20 minutes with a bright lemon and Parmesan flavor.
- Air Fryer Broccoli: A healthy and quick side dish, ready in just six minutes in the air fryer, offering a crispy and flavorful result.
- Sautéed Brussels Sprouts: A simple and fast side dish made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes.
- Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts: A quick, easy, and delicious side dish that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ready in 30 minutes.
- Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms: A flavorful, healthy, and nutritious appetizer, quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Green Beans Almondine: A classic French side dish that’s buttery, garlicky, and nutty, quick and easy to make, and packed with flavor and texture.
- Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms: Silky smooth mushrooms with an incredible caramelization and earthy rich flavor, ready in under 15 minutes.
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts: A sweet, savory, and salty appetizer. Simple and easy to make.
Other Delicious Accompaniments
- Antipasto Skewers: A quick, easy, and delicious appetizer with the best elements of a traditional antipasto platter, conveniently served on skewers.
- Stuffed Eggplants: A delicious, filling, and healthy vegetarian dinner loaded with vegetables and topped with bubbly cheese.
- Creamed Spinach: A rich, creamy, and delicious side dish that can be made ahead and reheated well, perfect for holiday dinners.
- Pesto Green Beans: A simple side dish that’s quick and easy to make in under 10 minutes, tossed in buttery toasted walnuts and pesto.
- Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara: A low-carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly dish that can save your weeknight dinner routine.
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon: A salty, sweet, and juicy appetizer, easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients.
- Whipped Feta Crostini: A quick and easy snack or appetizer with a herby olive topping, ready in under 20 minutes.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad that is fresh, crisp, delicious, and flavorful. With three simple ingredients tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, it’s ready in minutes.
Elevate Your Pasta Meal Today
With these diverse and delicious side dishes, answering the question of “what food goes with pasta” becomes an exciting culinary adventure. From fresh salads to crusty breads and flavorful vegetables, there’s a perfect pairing for every pasta dish. Experiment with these options and discover your own favorite combinations for a complete and satisfying meal.
