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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
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Photo by Bibi
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
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Photo by DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad
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Photo by Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
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Photo by 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
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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
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Photo by Ashley Pike
Reviewer Chef4Six says, “This is sooooo good — and much easier than making Eggplant Parmesan!” This twist on a classic dish makes for a hearty side dish to pair with Sicilian Spaghetti.
Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
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Photo by jewels
Roasting broccoli might be one of the best ways to prepare the vegetable. After tossing with olive oil, salt, 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
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Photo by Dianne
A quick vegetable saute 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
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Photo by CC<3's2bake
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
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Photo by 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.
Byrdhouse Marinated Tomatoes and Mushrooms
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Photo by CookinBug
“This is a dish I put together for my son, Jordan, who is a huge fan of both tomatoes and mushrooms. The flavors keep blending together, so it is great the day you make it and even better the following day,” says recipe creator SunnyByrd. Use fresh tomatoes from the garden for a side dish that is bursting with flavor. Pair it with Jenn’s Out Of This World Spaghetti and Meatballs — you won’t regret it.
Lemon Green Beans with Walnuts
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Photo by lutzflcat
“Steamed green beans tossed with butter, lemon zest, lemon juice and toasted walnuts. This is excellent with asparagus also. Pecans can be substituted for walnuts,” says recipe creator Karen David. This easy green bean recipe tastes as good as it looks. Give it a try alongside Spaghetti with Garlic and Basil.
My Sicilian Ex-Mother-in-Law's Peperonata
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Photo by 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
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Photo by DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Easy Arugula Salad
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Photo by Natasha Titanova
Natasha Titanova
Tomato Cucumber Salad
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Photo by muffinmom
“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.
Saut?ed Swiss Chard with Parmesan Cheese
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Photo by DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Fried Stuffed Squash Blossoms
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Photo by Alli Shircliff
Alli Shircliff
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