Pasta has arguably become one of the most flexible and popular foods in culinary history, with vast possibilities of different pasta recipes to pick from. It’s delicious, whether gently tossed in olive oil or heavily covered with tomato sauce. So don’t settle for a limp, uninteresting salad or frozen garlic bread with your pasta. It’s time to step up your side dishes. After all, it isn’t a full meal without an interesting side dish or appetizer to set the tone of the entire meal.

Catch a glimpse at our Top 5 Side Dishes To Serve With Your Pasta.

1. Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

First, let’s talk about “Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts” which is a simple dish to prepare. The great thing about this side dish is that it mixes with just about anything! They are difficult to beat with their crunchy crust and melted cheese. With loads of garlic and parmesan cheese, this recipe takes things to an entirely different level. The parmesan cheese and the Brussels sprouts become quite crispy as it cooks. Typically, Brussels sprouts are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and manganese, which makes this an excellent choice for a dining side dish as it is both nutritious and delicious.

2. Classic Bruschetta

Moving on to the second dish on our list, the “Classic Bruschetta”. This Italian-styled dish may sound silly to some but, don’t underestimate the power of bread, olive oil, garlic, basil, and marinated tomatoes. Simply rubbing some vegetables on some toast might just do the trick as a mouth-watering pairing to your pasta dish. The dish itself is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium stemming from the olive oil, tomatoes, and basil used. In addition, this dish is inherently low in calories that help build muscle which is important for all of you health-conscious people out there.

3. Turkey Meatballs

So far we have listed vegetable-based side dishes to pair with your pasta main dish. However, if you’re looking for a meatier alternative, you can never really go wrong with some old-fashioned meatballs but this time with a twist! Instead of using ground beef, opt for using turkey as they are a healthier substitute. There’s a reason why this is the most famous pasta-based dish. These richly flavored meatballs go well with a range of pasta meals. Meatballs are high in minerals, including zinc, iron, and vitamin B12. According to the National Institutes of Health, zinc is a powerful antioxidant that aids in DNA maintenance and regeneration. With it being rich in protein, it’s also great for gym buffs that are trying to build muscle and for others to get in good shape.

4. Air Fried Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a quick appetizer to make, this one’s for you! Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe that highlights the earthy, rich flavor of mushrooms. You only need an air fryer and roughly 10 minutes of hands-on cooking time. Air fryer mushrooms will be your latest obsession if you are an avid mushroom lover. If you enjoy mushrooms, you will enjoy frying them in the air fryer. This is a terrific way to get more usage out of your air fryer while still having a tasty vegetarian side dish. This mushroom side dish is low on calories and carbs, provides a source of vitamin D, supports your immune system, decreases cholesterol levels, promotes healthier bowel movements, is low on sodium intake, protects brain health, and decreases the risk of cancer. 

5. Sauteed Zucchini

As seasons change, this next side dish is perfect for the spring season. Simply sautéed zucchini goes well with almost any pasta dish. The Parmesan enhances the delicate and gentle zucchini taste, and sufficient quantities of salt bring out the brilliant flavor of this popular spring vegetable. Many may not know this but zucchini is one of the most enriching vegetables with many different health benefits. Zucchini is rich in vitamins A, K, and B6, as well as plant-based minerals and antioxidants. 

In conclusion, a nutritious meal is critical for excellent health and nutrition as it protects against a wide range of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A healthy diet includes choosing foods that are diverse and ingesting less salt, sugar, saturated fat, and industrially generated fats. If you’re not accustomed to eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, adopting modest changes will help you improve your eating habits in the long term. Tell us in the comments below if you enjoyed these side dishes, if you are willing to try them, and what other topics you would like us to cover. Tune in for more interesting blogs coming very soon and check out our latest blog on the top 7 tips & tricks on how to make your pasta healthier.