Side dishes for lasagna/pasta bakes

[vanillasky1999]

Have people coming for dinner so sticking with tried and tested lasagna and veggie pasta bake recipes.
What would you do for sides - my usual would be nice bread and big green salad but would like something a bit more interesting (impressive!).
Thanks.

Tomato and mozzarella salad? Could also add avocado? And garlic or herby breads.

Panzanella?

• 800g mix of ripe tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1½ tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
• 1 ripe avocado, stoned, peeled and chopped
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 175g ciabatta or crusty loaf
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Olives
• Feta
• Rocket
• Basil leaves

You could do an antipasti platter with artichoke hearts, olives, sun dried tomatoes, marinated peppers and some bocconcini. You can buy all of this in jars or tubs. I would also serve some nice crusty bread and a green salad.

Thanks all.

Grilled vegetables (peppers, courgettes, artichokes)in oiI. You can either do this yourself or buy it in jars.
I sometimes do a side dish of green bean salad. Green beans are cooked and then cooled and left to marinate in lemon juice with chopped garlic, salt and pepper. This will keep in the fridge for a couple of days but it is one my DH's favourites and he polishes it off quicker than that.

Ooh that sounds good too

Salad and/or garlic bread of course.

I think the emphasis should be on the main, so I personally don't go too fancy.

Just a simple tomato, cucumber, feta type salad and foccacia.

I do like asparagus as a side with lasagna though.

I wouldn't do a salad with a different cheese in it if there is cheese in the pasta bakes.
Green salad is lovely. How about a (lightly dressed) home made coleslaw too? Nothing too rich, though.

A green salad is the only side dish I make with a lasagna. The bake is very rich and adding a side dish as rich as the main, makes it a bit too much.

Lettuce, cucumber, green onion, avocado if they're in season, in a light dressing, makes a nice contrast by adding freshness to the bake.