Ravioli is a classic Italian dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. But sometimes, serving ravioli on its own can feel a little incomplete. That’s where side dishes come in. The right side dish can take a delicious ravioli dish and make it an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re serving ravioli for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or a special occasion, the right side dish can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore five different side dish options that pair perfectly with ravioli. From classic garlic bread to sautéed spinach, we’ve got something for everyone. Get ready to take your ravioli game to the next level.
List of 15 Best Side Dishes for Ravioli
1. Garlic bread
A classic and simple side dish, garlic bread is easy to make and pairs well with almost any Italian dish. It’s typically made by toasting slices of bread that have been rubbed with garlic and butter or olive oil. The result is a flavorful and crispy bread that’s perfect for dipping into pasta sauce.
2. Caprese salad
A refreshing and colorful side dish, Caprese salad is made with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves. It’s typically drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil makes this salad a perfect complement to ravioli.
3. Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy side dish that can add depth of flavor to any meal. Some popular options for roasting include asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli. The vegetables are typically tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roasted in the oven until they’re tender and caramelized.
4. Caesar salad
A classic salad that’s often served with Italian meals, Caesar salad is made with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a dressing made with anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice. The combination of crisp lettuce, salty Parmesan, and tangy dressing makes it a great side dish for ravioli.
5. Sautéed spinach
Spinach is a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with many Italian dishes. It’s typically sautéed in a pan with garlic and olive oil until it’s wilted and tender. This side dish is a great way to add some green to your meal and balance out the richness of the ravioli.
6. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that can also be served as a side dish. It’s made by toasting slices of bread and then topping them with a mixture of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. The result is a light and fresh dish that pairs well with the richness of ravioli.
7. Parmesan roasted potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a hearty and delicious side dish that can add some substance to a meal. To make Parmesan roasted potatoes, sliced potatoes are tossed with olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and seasoning, and then roasted in the oven until they’re crispy and golden.
8. Green beans with almonds
Green beans are a healthy and flavorful side dish that can add some color to your meal. To make green beans with almonds, the beans are typically blanched and then sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and sliced almonds.
9. Grilled artichokes
Artichokes are a unique and flavorful side dish that can be grilled or roasted. To make grilled artichokes, they are typically trimmed, halved, and then grilled until they’re tender and slightly charred. They can be served with a dipping sauce made from olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
10. Focaccia bread
Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that’s soft, fluffy, and flavorful. It’s typically topped with olive oil, salt, and herbs, and can be served alongside ravioli to soak up any extra sauce.
11. Antipasto platter
An antipasto platter is a great way to add some variety to your meal. It typically includes a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and other small bites. This side dish can be a great way to start your meal or to serve as a shared appetizer.
12. Tomato and cucumber salad
Tomato and cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that can help balance out the richness of ravioli. To make this salad, chopped tomatoes, and cucumbers are typically tossed with red onion, fresh herbs, and a simple dressing made from olive oil and vinegar.
13. Grilled eggplant
Grilled eggplant is a flavorful and healthy side dish that can be prepared in many different ways. To make grilled eggplant, it’s typically sliced, brushed with olive oil, and then grilled until it’s tender and slightly charred. It can be served as is or topped with a flavorful sauce, such as tomato sauce or pesto.
14. Mushroom risotto
Mushroom risotto is a rich and savory side dish that pairs well with many Italian dishes, including ravioli. To make mushroom risotto, Arborio rice is cooked with mushrooms, onions, white wine, and Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the ravioli.
15. Steamed broccoli with lemon and garlic
Steamed broccoli is a healthy and easy side dish that can be flavored with a variety of seasonings. To make steamed broccoli with lemon and garlic, broccoli florets are typically steamed until they’re tender and then tossed with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, creating a bright and flavorful dish that complements the richness of ravioli.
Conclusion
In conclusion, serving ravioli with the right side dish can turn a good meal into a great one. Whether you’re looking for something classic, like garlic bread or Caesar salad, or something a little more unexpected, like sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables, there are endless possibilities for pairing ravioli with the perfect side dish.
We hope this article has given you some inspiration and ideas for your next ravioli meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new pairings – you never know what delicious combinations you might discover. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you.
