Lasagna is already rich but when paired with the right sides, it becomes truly unforgettable. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting guests, these 10 perfectly matched dishes will help you turn your lasagna meal into something extra special.
These sides are simple, flavorful, and easy to prepare even on busy days. Just choose your favorite, add it to the table, and enjoy a well-rounded, restaurant-quality meal without any stress.
And if you’re a true lasagna lover, don’t miss this favorite:
One-Pot Lasagna Soup
1. Garlic Bread (Classic Side for Any Lasagna Meal)
Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love It)
I don’t think any lasagna meal feels complete without garlic bread.
It’s crispy, and perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Difficulty: Super easy
This is one of the most popular answers to what to serve with lasagna besides salad, and honestly, it never gets old.
Ingredients (Classic Garlic Bread)
- 1 French baguette or Italian bread loaf
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Variations:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for cheesy garlic bread)
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (for a spicy twist)
How to Make Garlic Bread
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix:
- Softened butter
- Minced garlic
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter evenly on both sides.
- Place the bread on a baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- For cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle cheese on top and bake for 2–3 extra minutes until melted.
2. Cheesy Breadsticks (Soft, Fluffy & Comforting)
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love Them)
Whenever I’m planning a lasagna meal, these cheesy breadsticks are always on my list.
They’re soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and filled with cheesy, buttery goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
If you’re searching for what to serve with lasagna besides salad in winter, this is one of the most tasty lasagna meal sides you can make.
Ingredients (Cheesy Breadsticks)
For the dough:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Optional for serving:
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
How to Make Cheesy Breadsticks
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add warm milk and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead and Rest
Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Dough
Roll the dough out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Place it on a greased baking tray.
4. Add the Cheesy Topping
Brush the surface with melted butter.
Sprinkle garlic powder, mozzarella, parmesan, and oregano evenly on top.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Slice and Serve
Let it cool slightly, then cut into sticks and serve warm with marinara sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables (Healthy Side Dish Option)
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love Them)
When I want something light but still warm for a lasagna meal, roasted vegetables are my go-to.
They’re colorful, slightly sweet, and perfectly soft with crispy edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy
This is one of my favorite answers to what to serve with lasagna besides salad vegetarian, especially in colder months when raw salads just don’t feel right.
Ingredients (Simple Roasted Vegetables)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thickly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thickly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional add-ins:
- Red onion slices
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli florets
How to Make Roasted Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place all chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
- Add:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Toss everything until the veggies are evenly coated.
- Spread them out on a baking tray in a single layer.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are soft inside and lightly caramelized on the edges.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Comfort Food Pairing)
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love Them)
I know it sounds a little unusual, but mashed potatoes with lasagna is pure comfort food.
When I want a really flavorful lasagna meal, this is one of my favorite simple sides for lasagna especially in cold weather.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy
If you’re searching for what to serve with lasagna besides salad in winter, this one is warm, filling, and always a hit.
Ingredients (Creamy Mashed Potatoes)
- 1 kg (2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional add-ins (for variations):
- 2 cloves garlic (for garlic mashed potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (for extra creamy texture)
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes
Place chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. - Drain and Mash
Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
Mash them using a potato masher until smooth. - Make Them Creamy
Add butter and warm milk.
Mix until soft, creamy, and fluffy. - Season and Adjust
Add salt and black pepper.
If you like richer potatoes, stir in cream cheese or garlic.
5. Tomato Soup or Creamy Vegetable Soup
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love It)
When I want something warm for a lasagna meal, I always think about soup.
A light tomato soup or creamy vegetable soup makes the whole meal feel extra comforting, especially in colder months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy
This is one of my favorite answers to what to serve with lasagna besides salad in winter because it keeps everything warm and soothing.
Ingredients (Simple Creamy Tomato Soup)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
- ½ cup (120ml) cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or oregano
Optional add-ins for variation:
- A pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)
- A spoon of grated parmesan
How to Make Tomato Soup
- Sauté the base
Heat butter or olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. - Add tomatoes and broth
Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. - Blend until smooth
Use a blender or immersion blender to make the soup creamy and smooth. - Make it creamy
Stir in cream or milk.
Add salt, pepper, and dried herbs. - Warm and serve
Let it warm through for 2–3 minutes, then serve hot.
6. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love Them)
Whenever I want something light but still warm on the table, I go for garlic green beans.
They’re fresh, slightly crunchy, and balance out a cheesy lasagna meal perfectly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy
This is one of my favorite simple sides for lasagna when I want to skip heavy dishes and still keep things flavorful.
Ingredients (Sautéed Green Beans)
- 300g (10 oz) fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional variations:
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of chili flakes
- A sprinkle of grated parmesan
How to Make Garlic Green Beans
- Blanch the beans (optional but recommended)
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the green beans.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
(This keeps them bright green and slightly crisp.) - Sauté the garlic
In a large pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–40 seconds until fragrant. - Add the green beans
Toss the beans into the pan and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring often. - Season and finish
Add salt and black pepper.
Optional: squeeze lemon juice on top or sprinkle parmesan.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms (Cheesy & Savory Side Dish)
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love Them)
Stuffed mushrooms always make a lasagna meal feel a little extra special.
They’re small, flavorful, and loaded with cheesy goodness perfect when you want elegant but easy dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
This is one of my favorite answers to what to serve with lasagna besides salad, especially when I want a warm, crowd-pleasing side.
Ingredients (Cheesy Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms)
- 12 large white or cremini mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (60g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (30g) grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Stuffed Mushrooms
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Clean the mushrooms and carefully remove the stems.
Finely chop the stems and set aside. - Heat olive oil in a pan.
Add the chopped stems and garlic.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. - In a bowl, mix:
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan
- Mozzarella
- Sautéed mushroom stems
- Breadcrumbs
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap.
- Place mushrooms on a baking tray and bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
8. Coleslaw (Crunchy Alternative to Salad)
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love It)
Sometimes I want something fresh and crunchy with a lasagna meal, but I don’t feel like making a classic green salad. That’s when I go for creamy coleslaw.
It’s cool, crisp, and adds the perfect contrast to heavy, cheesy lasagna.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking!)
- Difficulty: Very easy
This is one of my favorite simple sides for lasagna when I want a no-fuss dish that still feels homemade.
Ingredients (Creamy Coleslaw)
For the slaw:
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped (optional)
For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional variations:
- A splash of milk to thin the dressing
- A pinch of celery seeds for extra flavor
How to Make Coleslaw
- Prepare the vegetables
Place shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a large mixing bowl. - Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. - Mix everything together
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots.
Toss well until everything is evenly coated. - Chill before serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
9. Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love It)
Corn on the cob might sound simple, but honestly, it’s one of my favorite dishes to serve with lasagna.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy
When I think about what to serve with lasagna besides salad in winter, this warm, buttery side always feels just right.
Ingredients (Garlic Butter Corn)
- 4 fresh corn cobs, husks removed
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings (for variations):
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Chili flakes for a slight kick
How to Make Garlic Butter Corn
- Boil the corn
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add corn cobs and cook for 8–10 minutes, until tender. - Prepare the garlic butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. - Drain and coat
Remove the corn from water and let it drain.
While still hot, spread the garlic butter generously over each cob. - Add extras (optional)
Sprinkle parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes if you like extra flavor.
10. Antipasto Platter (No-Cook Side Dish Idea)
Short Intro (Time, Difficulty & Why I Love It)
Whenever I serve lasagna, I like having at least one side that’s effortless.
An antipasto platter is perfect for that. You can throw it together in minutes, and it looks like you’ve spent hours on presentation. Plus, it’s fun to customize depending on whether you want it vegetarian, classic, or a mix.
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy
This is my go-to answer for what to serve with lasagna besides salad, especially when I want variety and something for everyone.
Ingredients (Antipasto Platter for 4–6 People)
Vegetarian Version:
- 1 cup marinated olives (green, black, or a mix)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ½ cup artichoke hearts, quartered
- ½ cup marinated mushrooms
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubed cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices
Optional for meat lovers:
- 4–6 slices of prosciutto or salami
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
Extras for dipping & finishing touches:
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Hummus or pesto (optional)
How to Assemble the Antipasto Platter
- Pick a platter or large board
Use a wooden board, ceramic platter, or any wide plate. - Arrange the ingredients
Start by placing cheeses and bowls of olives or dips.
Then arrange vegetables, roasted items, and any cured meats (if using). - Add crackers and bread
Fill in the gaps with toasted baguette slices or crackers for texture. - Finish with fresh herbs
Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or parsley for color and freshness.