17 Best Side Dishes to Pair With Your Spaghetti Dinner
Spaghetti, with its rich and savory taste, has long been a dinner favorite in many households. However, choosing the perfect side dish to complement your spaghetti can enhance your meal experience, bringing out the delightful flavors of your pasta dish. Read on for outstanding side dishes that perfectly pair with your spaghetti dinner.
Garlic Bread
What better way to complete your spaghetti dinner than with warm, crispy garlic bread? This classic side dish is the perfect combination of buttery, garlicky goodness that pairs well with any pasta. Whether you opt for a store-bought loaf or make your own from scratch, garlic bread will surely be a hit at your dinner table.
Caesar Salad
A refreshing Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese is the perfect side dish for spaghetti. The zesty dressing, made with garlic, anchovies, and lemon juice, adds flavor. Crispy croutons provide a delightful crunch. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
Meatballs
Whether homemade or store-bought, meatballs are a classic addition to any spaghetti dinner. They add a hearty and satisfying element to your meal while complementing the flavors of your pasta dish. You can serve them on the side or mix them into your spaghetti for added flavor and texture.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish that pairs well with any pasta dish. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze perfectly accompanies spaghetti. It’s also an excellent option for vegetarians.
Kale Salad
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that can be transformed into a delicious salad. Massaging the kale with olive oil and lemon juice helps to soften it, making it more enjoyable to eat. Add sliced almonds, shaved parmesan cheese, and dried cranberries for extra crunch and flavor.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta, a beloved Italian appetizer, is a delightful choice that can serve as a flavorful side dish. Combining ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic on crispy bread creates flavors that perfectly complement spaghetti. Add balsamic glaze or mozzarella for a touch of sophistication.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus makes for a delectable accompaniment to spaghetti. The tender, charred spears of asparagus contrast the pasta, while a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and grated parmesan enhances the flavors. Treat yourself to this culinary masterpiece and relish the fusion of tastes and textures.
Green Beans Almondine
Green bean almondine is a sophisticated French dish that adds elegance to your spaghetti dinner. Imagine tender green beans mingling with crunchy toasted almonds, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This combination creates an exquisite culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a classic Italian starter that never fails to impress. It features a beautifully arranged assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, marinated vegetables, and briny olives, creating a wonderful combination of flavors, textures, and colors. This stunning visual feast is meant to be shared with loved ones, transporting your taste buds to the heart of Italy.
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp and spaghetti make a delightful combination of flavors. The succulent shrimp, grilled perfectly, adds a touch of surf and turf to your meal. The tangy tomato sauce complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Whether served on skewers or tossed into the pasta, this dish is delicious and nutritious with its extra protein boost.
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan, a vegetarian classic, is a delightful dish featuring crispy, breaded eggplant slices with flavorful marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Not only does it offer a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to any meal, but it also provides a delicious opportunity to incorporate more vegetables into your culinary repertoire.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in advance and served cold. The bright, fresh basil and garlic flavors perfectly complement the spaghetti’s tomato sauce. You can add other ingredients like roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a more filling option.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Spinach and artichoke dip is a creamy and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with spaghetti. Tender spinach leaves, tangy artichokes, and melted cheeses create an irresistible dip. It’s great for dipping bread or crackers and a fantastic option for vegetarians seeking a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms have an earthy taste and meaty texture. They add a delicious twist to your spaghetti. Seasoned with garlic, thyme, and parsley, they provide an extra flavor. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing or a hearty and filling side dish, there are endless possibilities to complement your spaghetti dinner.
Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread is a delicious and versatile choice for any Italian meal. Its soft, chewy texture, infused with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, makes it the perfect accompaniment to spaghetti. Dipping it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds more flavor to your dinner experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad is not only a refreshing and healthy side dish, but it also complements pasta perfectly. Its vibrant colors add a delightful visual appeal to your plate while offering essential vitamins and nutrients. You can experiment with different fruits, incorporating those in season, to create a combination that bursts with flavor.
Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a unique twist on traditional spaghetti sides. Shredded zucchini mixed with flour, eggs, and savory herbs creates a crispy and flavorful fritter. It’s fun to add more vegetables to your meal without sacrificing taste. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or as a topping on your spaghetti.
