14 Italian Side Dishes in 5 Categories

Diana Barkley (Senior Editor)

Aside from their delectable pasta dishes and pastries, did you know that Italian cuisine is also known for its flavorful side dishes? Whether you’re looking for light and fresh side dishes or rich and savory sides, our selection of the best Italian side dishes has everything to match your taste.

From easy-to-prepare dishes to sophisticated recipes, the Italian side dish repertoire has plenty of options for every occasion.

As you read on, you’ll find something that fits a casual lunch, family feast, or a simple date night dinner. So, let’s take a quick dive into this guide to see what you can cook up.

Best Italian Side Dishes You Need to Try

Best Italian Side Dishes You Need to Try

This curated selection of over 14 Italian side dishes is categorized based on their main ingredient and the dishes they complement best. Salads, soups, pastas, and vegetables.

Italian Vegetable Side Dishes

Italian Vegetable Side Dishes

Here are quick Italian vegetable sides to pair with any dish.

If you are looking for more Italian food ideas, have a look at this article.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

This classic Italian side dish is perfect for grilled meat or bread. It exudes a wonderful blend of flavors and texture, fresh and tangy, with a hint of creaminess from its cheese content. Here’s how to make a Caprese salad that can make up to five servings.

First, prepare these ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 500g high-quality mozzarella cheese
• Flaky or coarse sea salt
• Black pepper (coarse ground)

Follow these easy steps:

1. Make ¼ or ½ inch slices of mozzarella cheese. It’s best to cut them while cold to make uniform slices. Set them aside or store them at room temperature while you prepare other ingredients.
2. Cut your tomatoes with the same thickness (¼ to ½ inch).
3. On a plate, lay the tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese slices alternatingly, slightly overlapping each other.
4. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and top with salt and pepper.

Italian Roasted Cauliflower

Italian Roasted Cauliflower

Another nutty and healthy veggie side dish is Italian roasted cauliflower, made perfect with herbs and spices. This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to complete and serves about four. Below, you’ll find the main ingredients you’ll need:

• 4 or 5 pcs cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic (thinly sliced)
• 1 pc small cauliflower head
• 1 tbsp capers
• ⅛ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Half tsp Kosher or coarse salt
• ¼ lemon

Follow these steps to the tee to enjoy your dish:

1. Cut the cauliflower head into medium-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Slice your cherry or grape tomatoes into halves next.
3. In a bowl, toss the ingredients (cauliflower, tomatoes, capers, salt, pepper, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil) together and layer in a baking pan.
4. Place the pan in a preheated (475°F) oven and cook for up to 20 minutes or until the cauliflower slightly browns (but not all areas). Don’t forget to toss the mixture in between.
5. Remove the dish from the oven, transfer it to a bowl, squeeze some lemon in, and toss.
6. Lastly, garnish the dish with chopped parsley.

Italian Peperonata

Italian Peperonata

This Italian classic side dish made with bell peppers will add a pop of color to any ordinary meal. You can serve it as a side to your favorite pasta or top your toasted bread with it.

Its sweet, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness is irresistible, and you can never get enough. Prepare these ingredients and follow this recipe to make classic Italian Peperonata:

• 5 big bell peppers
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 pc large white onion (thinly sliced)
• 6 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
• ¾ cup or about 180 mL extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• Salt (adjust according to taste)

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Remove the stems and seeds from the bell peppers and slice. Cut them lengthwise at about ½ inches thick and set aside.
2. Heat half of the olive oil over medium heat and add garlic slices. Sauté for two to three minutes or until the garlic browns.
3. Add onions and cook for another two minutes.
4. After that, add the bell peppers and stir occasionally. The bell peppers will soften in approximately 20 minutes. Allow mixture to simmer.
5. Add the tomato puree and stir gently.
6. After one hour, pour the remaining olive oil and season with salt to taste.
7. Add the vinegar next, mix, and enjoy.

Italian Side Dishes for Pasta

Italian Side Dishes for Pasta

Pasta dishes are the ultimate Italian staple, best paired with breads or salads. Check out the following Italian side dish recipes that go well with freshly cooked pasta.

Calamari Fritti

Calamari Fritti

Calamari fritti is the perfect side dish to pair with pasta puttanesca, a savory, sweet, and spicy classic Italian pasta. This side is made with fresh squid rings deep-fried until light to golden brown.

The perfect calamari fritti is crispy and tender, without any of the rubberiness. Prepare the following ingredients to make about four servings of calamari fritti:

• About 500 g (1 lb) of fresh or frozen small squid bodies
• 700 mL cooking oil (3 cups)
• 4 large eggs
• Fine or iodized salt
• 1 ½ cup fine semolina flour
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour

Follow these easy steps for the perfect side dish:

1. After thoroughly cleaning the squids, use paper towels to pat them dry.
2. Slice the squid bodies into ½ inch rings.
3. Place the semolina and all-purpose flour in two separate bowls. We’ll use these to coat the squid rings later. You may add salt or ground pepper to the flour to taste.
4. In a large bowl, beat four large eggs and set aside.
5. In a deep pan or pot, pour oil and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil temperature reaches over 300°F, you can drop your squid rings in.
6. Start by coating squid rings in all-purpose flour, dusting off the excess, and dipping them on eggs next. Coat them in semolina flour last.
7. Fry the calamari per batch instead of putting all the pieces in one go to prevent sticking.
8. Use a mesh spider or frying strainer to remove the calamari. Drain excess oil and transfer it to a plate with a paper towel.

Italian Breadsticks (Grissini)

Italian Breadsticks (Grissini)

Grissini can be served as a delectable side for pesto pasta and can be paired with dipping sauces or spreads.

This long, thin, and crunchy bread is made with typical ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, but you can incorporate herbs or Parmesan cheese to elevate the taste. Here are the primary ingredients you’ll need:

• 380 g bread flour
• 1 tsp activated dry yeast
• 30 g unsalted butter
• 60 mL extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• 195 mL warm water

Follow these steps:

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl with an electric mixer or by hand.
2. Add oil and butter, then gradually add warm water while mixing or kneading the dough. Combine ingredients until well incorporated or until the dough forms into a ball.
3. Cover the dough with a plastic film and let it sit at room temperature for an hour or until the dough doubles in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. Once the dough is ready, divide it into 25-gram slices, depending on your liking. This can make over 20 pieces of thin breadsticks.
6. Roll every piece depending on how thin or long you want them.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your breadsticks. Note that the bread will expand while baking, so it’s best to allow enough space between every piece.
8. Brush the breadsticks with olive oil or water.
9. Pop the breadsticks in the oven and cook for up to 25 minutes until golden or light brown.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is an Italian antipasto of toasted bread topped with tomatoes, cheese, and spices. This dish makes an excellent companion to your pasta of choice, and it takes about 25 minutes to make.

You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 baguette
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 pcs plum or cherry tomatoes (diced)
• ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp fine or Kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• About 30 g Parmesan cheese (grated)

Follow these easy steps:

1. Cut the baguette diagonally into ¼-inch slices and brush each side with extra-virgin olive oil.
2. Place the sliced bread on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven (preheated to 400°F). Toast the bread until golden brown, turning it halfway through to achieve a perfect toast.
3. In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, grated Parmesan, garlic, and basil.
4. Add the balsamic vinegar, ½ to 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Top your toasted baguette slices with the mixture and serve.

Easy Italian Side Dishes

Easy Italian Side Dishes

If you’re running out of ideas, these last-minute, nutritious side dish recipes can save you the hassle. They’re super easy to make and require ten ingredients or less.

Grilled Eggplant

Grilled Eggplant

Grilled eggplant is one of the least expensive and healthful side dishes you can prepare. It’s a tasty, low-calorie dish that takes around 20 minutes. Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 medium-sized eggplants (cleaned, dry, unpeeled, and sliced to ¾-inch)
• 60 mL olive oil
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt and pepper (finely ground)
• Italian dressings and seasoning

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix Italian seasoning, dressing, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. You may also add your favorite herbs to elevate the taste.
3. Brush the mixture to both sides of each eggplant slice and season to taste.
4. Grill both sides of eggplant slices until brown or tender.

Italian Green Beans

Italian Green Beans

Transform regular green beans into a flavorful side dish that compliments grilled salmon and similar grilled meals. This simple Italian comfort dish takes about 10 minutes to make. Prepare the following ingredients:

• 500 g green beans (fresh, with stems removed)
• 2 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 28 g Parmesan (finely grated)
• 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 78 mL water
• Half tsp dried oregano
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Red pepper flakes

Follow these easy steps:

1. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the panko breadcrumbs. Saute until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
2. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer its contents to a bowl. Add finely grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl, mix, and set aside.
3. Wipe the skillet and place over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil next.
4. Sauté the green beans for up to five minutes.
5. Add the remaining spices and flavorings and cook the beans for about one minute.
6. Add water to the mixture and cover the skillet. Let it cook for four to five minutes, and turn the heat off.
7. Transfer the cooked green beans to a bowl or serving dish and add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
8. Combine the ingredients and add the Parmesan and breadcrumbs mixture next.

Arugula Salad

Arugula Salad

A healthful addition to salmon or grilled entrees, Arugula salad adds a spicy and delectable kick to your favorite protein or lunch. It takes less than 10 minutes to make, and the ingredients aren’t complicated.
Prepare the following ingredients:

• 2 bunches of arugula (washed and dried)
• ½ lemon
• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Ground black pepper
• Salt
• Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano (shaved)

Follow these easy steps:

1. Toss arugula greens, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl. Combine ingredients until well-mixed.
2. Top the salad with shaved parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano and enjoy.

Sides for Lasagna

Sides for Lasagna

Lasagna is a baked Italian pasta with a cheesy and meaty taste that compliments the tangy and refreshing flavor of salads or vegetable side dishes. Here are some excellent recommendations you should try.

Italian Radicchio Salad

Italian Radicchio Salad

The nutty (with a hint of zesty) taste of this Italian salad will go well with the savory taste of your lasagna. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 medium-sized Radicchio head (chopped with the core removed)
• 4 bunches arugula
• ½ red or green onion (thinly sliced)
• 85 g parmesan or blue cheese
• 100 g Rosemary walnuts (store-bought or freshly made)

Salad dressing ingredients:

• 60 mL balsamic vinegar
• 120 mL extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (grated)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey syrup
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper (finely ground)

Here’s how you do it:

1. In a bowl or a jar, combine all salad dressing ingredients until well-combined, and set aside.
2. Combine chopped radicchio, arugula, sliced onions, and half a portion of the grated cheese and another bowl.
3. Gradually add tablespoons of salad dressing and toss.
4. Top the salad with rosemary walnuts and remaining cheese.

Caponata

Caponata

Another eggplant side dish you should serve with your lasagna is Caponata, a stew dish bursting with flavors (sweet, vinegary, a bit salty, and nutty).

You can serve this as a bread or spaghetti topping, too. Prepare the following ingredients to make up to six servings of caponata:

• 2 or 3 pcs small, round eggplants (cubed)
• 1 pc red onion (thinly sliced)
• 42 g celery hearts
• 42 g pine nuts
• 20 pitted green olives (thinly sliced)
• 450 g plum tomatoes (thinly sliced vertically)
• 10 pcs fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
• 2 tbsp salt-packed capers
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Extra-virgin olive oil

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. In a bowl, toss eggplant cubes and about one tablespoon of salt. Allow the eggplant to drain in a colander and set aside.
2. Place a pan over low heat and heat 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Sauté the onion slices until slightly brown.
3. Add the plum tomatoes to the pan together with the celery hearts and saute.
4. After about five minutes, add the pitted green olives, capers, and pine nuts to the pan and mix thoroughly.
5. Remove the pan from heat and set the mixture aside. It’s now time to get back to the eggplant slices that we left to drain earlier.
6. Using clean paper towels, pat the eggplant cubes dry or gently squeeze to remove moisture. Set aside.
7. Get another pan, place over medium heat, and pour extra-virgin olive oil about two inches deep. Fry the eggplant cubes until golden or up to eight minutes.
8. After frying the eggplant cubes, combine them with the tomatoes and onions you prepared earlier.
9. Over low to medium heat, cook the mixture for around 2 minutes and add the remaining ingredients and flavoring next.

Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad

This crunchy and fresh side dish is a staple to every occasion, and serving it alongside lasagna counters the pasta’s soft texture. Here’s a beginner-friendly Caesar salad recipe that yields up to six servings:

• 2 large heads romaine lettuce
• Store-bought croutons
• 170 g sun-dried tomatoes (thin strips)
• 170 g toasted pine nuts
• 42 g of shaved Parmesan

For the salad dressing:

• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 4 pcs anchovy (finely chopped or processed)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• About 60 mL of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Half a cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper (finely ground)

Follow these easy steps:

1. In a container or food processor, combine all salad dressing ingredients and set aside.
2. Grill the Romaine lettuce until both sides are lightly charred. Slice them into small pieces and transfer them to a serving dish or large bowl.
3. Top the sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts over the lettuce, gradually add the dressing, and toss ingredients together.
4. Lastly, top the salad with croutons and shaved Parmesan.

Side Dishes with Italian Beef

Side Dishes with Italian Beef

Due to its rich, savory flavor profile (thanks to the infusion of many herbs and seasonings), Italian beef goes well with lightly flavored or fresh salads that counter its hearty flavor. Here are some salad recipes to try.

Italian Potato Salad

Italian Potato Salad

Try this easy Italian potato salad recipe to pair with Italian beef. First, prepare the following:

• About 100 g boiled baby potatoes (unpeeled and sliced in half)
• 340 g green beans (blanched)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• ¾ cup pitted olives
• 1 red onion (diced)

For the salad dressing:

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• Pepper flakes
• Olive oil (extra-virgin)
• Salt and pepper

Here are the steps you need:

1. Combine all salad dressing ingredients and whisk until it emulsifies. Set aside.
2. Combine the potatoes, green beans, and other raw ingredients in a large serving bowl. Toss them together while gradually adding the dressing, and adjust the flavor according to your preference.

Spinach Salad

Spinach Salad

Spinach is a low-calorie and vitamin-rich green best eaten raw to achieve its healthful benefits. All you need to transform store-bought baby spinach into a restaurant-grade, nutritious salad is to prepare the following ingredients:

• 5 cups uncooked baby spinach (thoroughly washed)
• Walnuts
• Cherry tomatoes (sliced)

To make the salad dressing:

• 1.5 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced
• Kosher salt
• Finely ground black pepper

Here’s how you do it:

1. Mix the salad dressing ingredients and set aside.
2. In a bowl, put baby spinach and sliced cherry tomatoes. Gradually add the dressing and toss.
3. Top the salad with walnuts.

Typical Italian Ingredients to Use for Sides

Typical Italian Ingredients to Use for Sides

By taking a look at some of the most common Italian side dishes, we can conclude that there are a few staple ingredients present in almost every recipe. Let’s explore the flavor profile and relevance for each.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil incorporates a richer taste and aroma to salads and Italian recipes. Since it’s the less processed form, it’s a much healthier option that contains the majority of the antioxidants and valuable nutrients.

Vegetables and Greens

Vegetables and Greens

Italian cuisine is notable for its wide selection of sauces and dishes with a bold flavor profile. These dishes often include vegetables or greens like arugula, tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers as main ingredients.

Further, these veggies don’t only add nutritional value but also incorporate a variety of tastes (earthy, slightly bitter, sweet, etc.) that contribute to the overall balance and harmony of flavors unique to every Italian dish.

Semolina Flour

Semolina Flour

This flour variant is the most crucial ingredient in Italian pasta and bread. It’s a pale yellow coarse flour made from durum wheat. Unlike regular flour, semolina has high protein and incorporates a distinct, nutty flavor.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar

A staple to almost every authentic Italian recipe (salads, desserts, etc.), balsamic vinegar is a dark-colored, syrupy vinegar variant that is aromatic and slightly sweet. Traditional balsamic vinegar is made from cooked and fermented sweet white grapes.

Italian Drinks to Serve with Italian Sides

Italian Drinks to Serve with Italian Sides

Here are some classic Italian beverages and mocktails to try with our side dish recipes:

• Bicerin: An 18th-century Italian beverage that combines espresso and chocolate with whipped cream on top.
• Chinotto: This refreshing citrus-flavored soda has a slightly bitter kick. It’s best paired with pasta, salads, and tasty Italian dishes.
• Italian soda: Italian soda is a combination of club soda and flavored syrups.
• Virgin Mojito Italiano: This mocktail combines lemon-lime soda and fresh mint leaves.

Tasty Italian Appetizers

Tasty Italian Appetizers

Italian appetizers are very famous for their fresh ingredients. Some famous Italian starters to try are:

• Potato Focaccia Rolls: Cheesy or savory mashed potato-filled dough that’s crispy on the outside.
• Erbazzone Reggiano: A cheesy pie filled with savory filling made of cheese, greens, and proteins.
• Arancini: These are fried balls stuffed with cheese or risotto.

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