Spaghetti has to be one of the most versatile and well-loved dishes there is. Whether it’s lightly tossed in olive oil or generously topped with marinara sauce and meatballs — it’s good. But don’t settle for limp, boring salad or frozen garlic bread on the side of your spaghetti dinner. It’s time to take the spaghetti sides up a notch, and we’re here to help. Read on for some of our best side dishes that pair perfectly with spaghetti.
Kale Salad
Allrecipes Member
This simple kale salad is ready in 10 minutes and pairs well with just about anything. Tomato, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries give flavor and texture to this light salad. Some reviewers recommend massaging the kale beforehand to give it a richer flavor. Try it as a starter or side salad with Chef John’s Spaghetti al Tonno.
Balsamic Bruschetta
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Bruschetta is a classic Italian antipasto that’s great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. “Simple appetizer — the balsamic vinegar gives it a little kick. Best if the mixture has one or two hours to blend flavors before serving,” says recipe creator Kathy Bias. Now all you need for a dreamy Italian dinner on the patio is a glass of wine and some Spaghetti Italian.
Classic Caesar Salad
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Reviewer Susie O says, “A salad to die for. I no longer have to go to a nice restaurant to get a table-side made Caesar Salad. I can now do it myself and it tastes wonderful!” This top-rated salad uses a restaurant recipe to make an authentic Caesar Salad. Try it with Mariu’s Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Aaron Newcomer
“The whole family really enjoyed this. My husband comments every time I make this, ‘Why can’t the restaurants make asparagus this good?’ It’s a quick little side that makes your plate look like a fancy meal,” says reviewer Susie P. All that’s required for this elegant side dish are three simple ingredients. Serve it warm or chilled with Chef John’s Spaghetti alla Carbonara.
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Recipe creator stefychefy says, “Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction and olive oil. Easy, impressive, and delicious! Most grocery stores now sell prepared balsamic reductions. Surprisingly, it’s just as good!” Caprese makes for a delicious salad that’s also pleasing to the eye. Give this top-rated recipe a try along with this Light Lemon Pesto Pasta.
Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
Reviewer Chef4Six says, “This is sooooo good — and much easier than making Eggplant Parmesan!” This twist on a classic dish makes a hearty side for Sicilian Spaghetti.
Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
bd.weld
Roasting broccoli might be one of the best ways to prepare the vegetable. After tossing with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic, finish this item with a lot of lemon after coming out of the oven. This surprising veggie side dish is the perfect pairing for Win’s Shrimp and Spaghetti.
Zucchini Saute
Chef Mo
A quick vegetable sauté that’s very versatile. You can use any veggies you like. Best served with pasta, but feel free to add it to anything. This simple side is the perfect way to use up the last of your summer squash. Serve it with Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti for a nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Italian Leafy Green Salad
Alberta Rose
The secret to this salad is its dressing. Where many other recipes might use olive oil, the recipe creator recommends using grape seed oil. Packed with tomatoes, bell peppers and four kinds of leafy greens, this side salad is a show-stopper and the perfect pairing for a hearty Baked Spaghetti Casserole.
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Molly
Reviewer Sarah Jo says, “This is one of my favorite ways to eat Brussels Sprouts. I do add a pinch of crushed red pepper when I add the Parmesan cheese to give it a little kick but other than that, I keep to the recipe.” Parmesan, garlic, and butter made this the perfect way to serve up some veggies with your hearty Italian dish. Give it a try with some Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.
My Sicilian Ex-Mother-in-Law’s Peperonata
Buckwheat Queen
“Camilla’s version of a Sicilian contorno (meatless side dish) made with bell peppers, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs,” says Buckwheat Queen. “It’s usually made in large quantities, so there will be leftovers to toss with either pasta or rice the next day. It can be made either in the oven or on the stovetop. This is the stovetop version. This is even better the next day!”
Great Garlic Bread
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Everyone knows to serve garlic bread with spaghetti, but this recipe is not your ordinary garlic bread. You’ll say goodbye to frozen garlic bread for good once you’ve tried this Italian bread topped with cheesy, garlicky goodness. Reviewer Noelle C says, “It gets more attention and compliments than the main course!” You can’t go wrong with this on the side of some Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef.
Easy Arugula Salad
Natasha Titanova
Reviewer SMARIGOLD717 says, “This is a great salad and is so simple to make. And just in time for summer, when the farmers’ market is in full swing!” The arugula in this easy salad will add some peppery bite to your rich spaghetti dish (like this Creamy Garlic Pasta).
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Allrecipes/Kim Shupe
“We always make sure we have fresh tomatoes and cucumbers in the house so we can whip this up as a fresh side dish. It’s easy and fast too,” says jess1127. This light and fresh side salad will go with just about any dish you can think of. Try it with some of this Creamy Bay Scallop Spaghetti.
Sautéed Swiss Chard
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
This quick and easy side dish is sure to add a flavorful punch to your plate. The crinkly, green leaf with celery-like stalks transforms into a tender, cheesy dish after cooking. “I have always boiled Swiss chard. I will never boil again,” says one reviewer. “I cooked it exactly as directions said. The second time I made it I added some bacon pieces. Both ways were excellent.”
Fried Stuffed Squash Blossoms
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
A delicious wonder, fried squash blossoms stuffed with a tangy goat cheese mixture are an essential delight to pair with a spaghetti dinner. This crispy, Italian treat is sure to be a winner. Reviewer Aida E says, “This recipe replaced my husband’s family long time recipe for zucchini blossoms.”
Dining and Cooking