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What Goes With Cannelloni: 15 Best Sides to Try

What Goes With Cannelloni: 15 Best Sides to Try

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We provide a list of 15 sides that balance cannelloni by adding crisp vegetables, bright salads, savory proteins, and comforting breads. These options offer textural variety, temperature contrasts, and range from easy to medium prep effort. They help create a well-rounded meal that complements creamy, rich pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Lemon Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan bright
  • Roasted Garlic Parmesan Green Beans crisp
  • Simple Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons crunchy
  • Roasted Balsamic Asparagus Spears tangy
  • Zesty Tomato and Cucumber Salad refreshing
  • Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon bright
  • Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil bright
  • Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions savory
  • Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs fresh
  • Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Thyme caramelized
  • Crispy Rosemary Focaccia Bread crisp
  • Herbed Garlic Breadsticks aromatic
  • Pesto Drizzle Sauce herbal
  • Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes creamy
  • Italian Marinated Olives tangy

Equipment

  • Sheet pan for roasting vegetables
  • Mixing bowl for salads and sauces
  • Cutting board for chopping ingredients
  • Serving platter for plating main and sides

Method
 

  1. Assess what the main dish already provides—if it has starch, focus on vegetables and fresh sides.
  2. Choose 2-3 sides that fill different gaps: one vegetable, one starch or bread, one sauce or dip.
  3. Start the longest-cooking side first. Prep quick items like salads while the oven works.
  4. Balance temperatures—pair hot roasted vegetables with a cold slaw or chilled dip.
  5. Plate the main dish with sides arranged around it. Drizzle sauce or add garnish last.

Notes

Add a fresh salad or vegetable side and keep it chilled or warm as suited. This prevents the meal from feeling too heavy or bland when served alongside creamy cannelloni.

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