What to Serve with Ravioli – 15 Tasty Side Dishes
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Wondering what to serve with ravioli? These 15 tasty sauces and sides are perfect for serving with this classic Italian stuffed pasta.
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Ravioli is a beloved Italian dish that consists of pasta dough filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, such as cheese, meat, or vegetables. This classic dish is popular all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of tender pasta and flavorful fillings makes for a truly satisfying meal.
Making homemade ravioli from scratch can be a labor of love, but you can also find pre-made ravioli in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of fillings and shapes. Traditional fillings include ricotta cheese, spinach, and ground meat, but the possibilities are endless.
From fresh salads to savory sides, these tasty options pair perfectly with ravioli. Read on to discover great side dishes for your next meal.
Sauces to Pair with Ravioli
When it comes to ravioli, the sauce is just as important as the filling. A delicious sauce can take your ravioli dish to a whole new level of flavor. Luckily, there are plenty of sauces that pair perfectly with ravioli.
1. Marinara
One classic easy ravioli sauce that goes well with ravioli is marinara. Made from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, marinara sauce is tangy and savory, providing a bright and fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta.
2. Alfredo
If you prefer a creamy sauce, Alfredo sauce is a popular choice. Made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious touch to your ravioli.
3. Pesto
For a bolder flavor for your taste buds, you can try pesto sauce. Made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, pesto sauce adds a vibrant and herbaceous taste to your ravioli.
Another option is a brown butter sage sauce, which combines melted butter with crispy sage leaves for a nutty and aromatic accompaniment to the pasta.
Sides to Serve With Ravioli
When it comes to serving ravioli, don’t forget about the power of a delicious salad or tasty vegetables! A fresh and vibrant salad can be the perfect complement to the rich and comforting flavors of ravioli. Here are a few salad ideas that will take your ravioli meal to the next level.
4. Caprese salad
This classic Italian salad features ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The combination of flavors is a perfect match for the cheesy goodness of ravioli.
5. Simple green salad
Sometimes you just want a refreshing salad with something heavy like a ravioli dinner. There are so many different types of ravioli and all of them will pair perfectly with a nice spring salad or arugula salad with carrots, onions, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing.
6. Mediterranean-inspired salad
Combine crisp lettuce, juicy cucumbers, tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese for a refreshing and flavorful salad. Top it off with a light lemon vinaigrette for a zesty touch.
7. Roasted vegetable salad
Roast a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, then toss them with arugula, goat cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. The smoky and savory flavors will pair beautifully with your ravioli.
8. Roasted asparagus
A simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with ravioli. Just toss the asparagus spears in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until tender and slightly crispy. The earthy flavors of the asparagus will complement the richness of the pasta beautifully.
9. Parmesan green beans
This simple recipe is great with ravioli! The salty, nutty flavor of the Parmesan cheese pairs nicely with the Italian flavors of the ravioli, while the green beans add some color and crunch.
10. Brussels Sprouts
Cooking techniques like roasting, grilling, or stir-frying could be used to prepare the Brussels sprouts and would be great served alongside the ravioli. The Brussels sprouts can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. A sauce like a tomato-based or cream-based sauce could be added to create a nice flavor combination.
For a sweeter option try our sister site’s brown sugar brussels sprouts.
11. Mediterranean-inspired grilled vegetable medley
Slice up some zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, then toss them in a marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Grill until tender and charred, and you’ll have a delicious and colorful side dish to accompany your ravioli.
12. Cucumber and tomato salad
Slice cucumbers and tomatoes, then toss them in a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. The crispness of the cucumber and the juiciness of the tomato will provide a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm ravioli.
13. Garlic bread or Texas toast
The aroma of garlic and the crusty exterior of the Italian bread will complement the savory flavors of the pasta perfectly. You can also opt for a fresh baguette, sliced and toasted, to add a bit of crunch to each bite.
14. Creamy polenta
The slightly sweet flavor of polenta makes a great dish to serve alongside ravioli when you want serious comfort food. It’s a simple dish that takes very little time too, so it’s a great thing to make on a busy weeknight.
15. Dinner rolls
Some hot, fresh sourdough rolls would be delicious with any type of pasta dishes, and the best way to add a side without adding too much bulk to the meal. You can also try drop biscuits for a fast 15 minute alternative.
