Tasty Side Dishes To Serve With Your Lemon Pasta

Lemon pasta is an easy dish that you can whip up in minutes with just a few ingredients, but it never fails to impress guests.

Lemon pasta on a white plate, garnished with fresh basil.

Did you know that Americans consume approximately 20 pounds of pasta per person each year? It’s no surprise, especially when pasta has become one of the world’s best-loved foods.

Pasta is perfect for any occasion, whether a weeknight meal or a dinner party. Lemon pasta is one of my favorite pasta dishes, and it’s always a hit. Here’s my quick-and-easy lemon pasta recipe plus a bunch of ideas for what to serve alongside.

Slices of garlic bread on a wooden board with a knife and a couple of cloves of purple garlic.

1. Garlic bread

Garlic bread has long reigned supreme as a preferred side dish among pasta enthusiasts, and its fame is well-deserved. Whether you’re pressed for time on a weeknight or planning a late-night soirée, garlic bread is a phenomenal option to satiate your culinary cravings. It can be whipped up in mere minutes — less than 10. This buttery, garlicky bread boasts unparalleled versatility, complementing various pasta dishes.

And when paired with lemon pasta, garlic bread truly shines, with the garlic infusing the bread with a spicy, savory edge that balances out the lemon pasta’s tanginess. The bread’s crunchiness balances out the soft, chewy texture of the pasta, giving the dish contrasting textures. Truly, garlic bread is an indispensable addition to any pasta lover’s go-to dishes.

high angle shot of a plate of artichokes cooked in the air fryer.

2. Grilled veggies

Grilled vegetables are a healthy and flavorful option to serve alongside lemon pasta. The smoky taste and slight char from the grill complement the tartness of the lemon, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini can deliver a nice delectable texture. Season your grilled veggies with paprika, cumin, or garlic to enhance the taste.

Aside from making your lemon pasta more appealing, grilled vegetables are nutritious as they are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber to complement your lemon pasta. Air-fried vegetables are another perfect healthy side dish. Try Air Fryer Artichokes or Air Fryer Broccolini.

kale salad on a fork with a sliver of almond.

3. Salad

A fresh and colorful salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado would be a great side dish for lemon pasta. If you’re feeling fancy, serve a Superfood Kale Salad with blueberries, almonds, and a flavorful miso dressing.

overhead shot of a whole roast chicken with lemons.

4. Roasted Chicken

When complementing the soul of lemon pasta, roasted chicken is an excellent choice. Juicy chicken seasoned with rosemary, thyme, or oregano is a perfect match for lemony pasta . Instead of roasting in the oven, you can roast a whole chicken in the air fryer for the juiciest chicken you’ve ever tasted. The air fryer gives it a tantalizingly crisp skin, too, which is a great counterpoint to the tender pasta.

High angle shot of cooked shrimp in a bowl. There is an Instant Pot in the background.

5. Shrimp

Sautéed shrimp will give your tastebuds a great treat if you love seafood. This side dish can be the perfect addition since it is low in calories and a good source of protein. Tender, plump shrimp are delicious with pasta and everyone knows that seafood and lemon are a match made in heaven. If you want a super quick and easy recipe, try Instant Pot Shrimp. If you want to try creative options like the bacon-wrapped shrimp in oven see how here.

Wrapping Up

Lemon pasta is versatile and delicious; you can pair it with various dishes. Consider any of the above side dishes, whether you want something light or filling. There is always a side dish to complement your lemon pasta for any occasion.