Side dishes to serve with lasagna

American's love pasta. As a matter of fact, people around the world loved pasta dishes. Lasagna is one of the most popular of these dishes. It is a meal in a pan but, it can be a little heavy for some people which makes serving it with a side dish a must. The portion size of the lasagna can be kept small enough to satisfy without busting the diet to pieces. 

Salad

Salad is a natural choice. It can be a simple green salad or a tomato salad with basil. Avoid heavy dressings, keep it fresh and light. Whatever salad ingredients that your family enjoys will make a great side dish with lasagna. 

Broccoli rabe

Broccoli rabe is one of my favorite vegetables. Its slightly bitter taste is a perfect foil for all the creamy sweetness of lasagna. I would suggest steaming it for a couple of minutes and then sauteing it in olive oil with fresh garlic. 

Bread

A loaf of Italian or French bread is a must when you are serving lasagna. If you want to go all out you can turn it into garlic bread with oil, fresh garlic and cheese and a quick pot into the oven which will still be warm!! Over just provide bowls of flavored olive oil for dipping. 

Antipasto plate

Why not serve a family style antipasto plate as a dish? You can slice up salami, olives, marinated mushroom or artichoke hearts, cubes of cheese, roasted peppers and pepperoncini.

Escarole and beans

If you are looking for something quite traditionally Italian, escarole and beans is a traditional dish that will be complement lasagna nicely. You can add sausage to it or do it strictly vegetarian. 

Meatballs or sausage

Depending on how much meat you put into your lasagna, you may want to offer a bowl of meatballs and sausage with additional sauce to add to the meal. Almost everyone loves meatballs. 

Other vegetables

Zucchini and spinach sauteed with garlic in olive oil are great to serve with lasagna but if you prefer you can grill your zucchini or summer squash to serve as a side dish. 

Lasagna is a favorite comfort food. It certainly can stand alone but why would you want it to? Serve it with one or more of these side dishes and watch your families' eyes light up.