Ravioli, with its tender pasta pockets filled with delicious fillings, is a delightful dish on its own. But when you pair it with the right side dishes, it becomes an extraordinary meal that tantalizes your taste buds.
In this article, we’ve curated 15 amazing ravioli side dishes that complement the flavors and textures of this classic Italian pasta.
Let’s kick off our ravioli side dish journey with this recipe for easy roasted cipollini onions. These sweet and caramelized onions are roasted to perfection, creating a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the ravioli.
Cooking Tip: Toss the onions in olive oil and balsamic vinegar before roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
Fun Fact: Cipollini onions were a favorite of Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, who praised their sweet and delicate flavor in his culinary journals.
For an elegant touch, serve prosciutto-wrapped asparagus alongside your ravioli./ The saltiness from the prosciutto perfectly balances the freshness of asparagus.
Cooking Tip: Drizzle a touch of balsamic glaze over the asparagus bundles for an extra layer of flavor.
Fun Fact: Prosciutto is often referred to as the “king of hams” and is a prized delicacy in Italian cuisine, dating back to Roman times.
Enhances your ravioli experience with a side of easy roasted vegetables. A medley of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, are roasted to caramelized perfection.
Cooking Tip: Toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite Italian herbs before roasting for added flavor.
Fun Fact: Roasting vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and was a favorite cooking method in ancient Roman kitchens.
For a hearty and seasonal side, try Ina Garten’s roasted winter vegetables. This dish features a medley of root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, all roasted together in a side dish that is as filling as it is delicious.
Cooking Tip: Drizzle with honey and fresh thyme before roasting for a touch of sweetness and herby flavor.
Fun Fact: Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips have a long history of cultivation and were a staple in the diets of ancient civilizations.
For a crispy and cheesy side dish, try baked parmesan zucchini rounds. Slices of zucchini are coated with parmesan cheese and baked until golden brown.
Cooking Tip: Sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes over the zucchini rounds for a hint of heat.
Fun Fact: Zucchini is technically a fruit, but it’s typically treated as a vegetable in culinary applications.
Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Ina Garten’s outrageous garlic bread. This side dish is loaded with garlic, butter, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, making it the perfect accompaniment to your ravioli.
Cooking Tip: Use good-quality, crusty Italian bread for the best results.
Fun Fact: Garlic has been used for its culinary and medicinal properties for thousands of years and was even consumed by ancient Egyptian laborers to boost their stamina.
If you’re looking for a sweet, savory, and indulgent side dish, then look no further than Paula Deen’s roasted sweet potato casserole. Sweet potatoes are roasted and topped with a buttery pecan streusel.
Cooking Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the streusel for warm, comforting flavors.
Fun Fact: Although sweet potatoes are often referred to as “yams” in the United States, they are botanically distinct from true yams, which are native to Africa and Asia.
Creamy Polenta is a traditional porridge that pairs wonderfully with ravioli. Its texture and milk flavor complement the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Cooking Tip: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the polenta’s savory cornmeal.
Fun Fact: Polenta has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries and was once known as “the food of the people” due to its affordability.
Kick up the flavor with Rachael Ray’s BBQ chicken nachos. Loaded with shredded barbecue chicken, melted cheese, and zesty toppings, this side dish is perfect for sharing.
Cooking Tip: Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a gooey and melty topping.
Fun Fact: Nachos originated in the 1940s in the Mexican border town of Piedras Negras and quickly gained popularity in the United States.
Elevate your ravioli night with the easiest bruschetta recipe around. Toasted baguette slices are topped with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil.
Cooking Tip: Rub the toasted bread with a clove of garlic for an extra layer of garlicky flavor.
Fun Fact: Bruschetta is pronounced “broo-skeh-tah” and originates from the Italian word “bruscare” which means “to roast over coals”.
For a unique side dish, try stuffed artichokes. These tender artichokes are filled with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Cooking Tip: Steam the artichokes until tender before stuffing them for a quicker cooking time.
Fun Fact: Artichokes are actually the edible flower buds of a thistle plant.
Balance your meal with a refreshing, simple Italian salad. This salad features crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, red onions, and a classic Italian vinaigrette.
Cooking Tip: Add a handful of Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Fun Fact: The iconic Italian vinaigrette, made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs, has been used in Italian cuisine for centuries.
Experience the bright flavors of cherry tomatoes salad with roasted lemons. Sweety cherry tomatoes are combined with roasted lemon slices for a zesty and vibrant side to any ravioli dish.
Cooking Tip: Roasting lemons mellows their acidity and enhances their citrusy aroma and natural sweetness.
Fun Fact: Lemons are actually a hybrid between a sour orange and a citron.
Indulge in the medley of flavors in Italian chopped salad. This salad combines a variety of ingredients, including salami, provolone cheese, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.
Cooking Tip: Use a mixture of iceberg and romaine lettuce for a crisp and crunchy salad base.
Fun Fact: Italian chopped salad is known for its colorful ingredients, representing the vibrant Italian flag with red tomatoes, green lettuce, and white cheese.
Final Thoughts
Ravioli takes a special place in our hearts, and when you pair it with the right side dishes, it becomes an amazing meal, sure to satisfy even the hungriest of bellies.
As you plan your next ravioli dish, remember that the right side dish can elevate your meal from drab to fab.
From the vibrant colors of cherry tomato salad to the smoky richness of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, each side dish offers a unique twist to complement your ravioli. Don’t forget the classics like garlic bread and salads, though!
Whether you’re serving a meal for just yourself, a busy family meal, or a large gathering of friends, a steaming pot of ravioli paired with one or two of these side dishes is sure to go down a treat.
Experiment with these different dishes, savor the flavors and enjoy finding your favorite dish for ravioli. Buon appetito!
Can I make these ravioli side dishes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these side dishes can be prepared in advance and reheated when needed. Be sure to store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and follow the recommended reheating instructions.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options among these side dishes?
Certainly! Several of these side dishes can be adapted to vegetarian or vegan diets by making simple ingredient substitutions. For example, use dairy-free cheese or omit ingredients like prosciutto.
Can I pair these side dishes with other main courses besides ravioli?
Absolutely! These side dishes can complement a variety of main courses, including grilled meats, seafood, chicken dishes, and more. Feel free to mix and match to create your ideal meal.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
