Simple Italian starter/ accompaniment for meatballs and garlic bread.

[Abitcomplex]

Helloooo, we are having friends round for an informal tea, and planning on Italian meatballs with garlic bread for mains.

To stop it looking too 'beige' what healthy starter/accompaniment could I make? Something easy, or fresh, that I could make on the day a couple of hours before they arrive, and refrigerate.
Many thanks in advance xx

Sliced mozzarella and beef tomatoes with basil leaves. Super simple and delicious.

Yes mozzarella and tomatoes. Cherry vine tomatoes are lovely as well.
Or a zingy courgette salad- very thinly sliced courgette with chopped mint and parsley and a squeeze of lemon, some salt & olive oil

Bruschetta, make the mix the day before then just pop on the bread on the day!

I love bruschetta. I dollop pesto on top. Tricolora salad is nice too.

Cool, thanks all, fab ideas xx

I'd go for an antipasti platter of cold meats, cheese, roasted veg (toms, peppers, artichokes), chutneys. Would fancy bread with it dipped in balsamic and oil but poss not as you've got the GB with 2nd course. Maybe just breadsticks then,