Manicotti is like that best friend who always knows how to make a party fun! We all remember those cheesy, stuffed pasta tubes from family dinners, right? There’s something comforting about digging into a dish with gooey cheese and a rich sauce.
But what do we serve with manicotti? We could go classic with garlic bread, or mix it up with a fresh salad.
We’ve got a list of side dishes that’ll make your meal pop. So, whether you’re into crunchy veggies or heartwarming sides, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dig in and take your dining experience up a notch!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Manicotti
Here are some delicious and easy side dishes for manicotti that will make your next pasta night even better:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Time |
| Lemon Herb Orzo | Orzo, lemon, herbs | Light, citrusy | Easy | 20 min |
| Caprese Skewers | Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 min |
| Roasted Artichokes | Artichokes, olive oil, garlic | Savory, herby | Medium | 45 min |
| Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks | Bread dough, garlic, Parmesan | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 25 min |
| Eggplant Caponata | Eggplant, tomatoes, capers | Tangy, savory | Medium | 35 min |
| Broccoli Rabe with Garlic | Broccoli rabe, garlic, olive oil | Bitter, garlicky | Easy | 15 min |
| Panzanella Salad | Stale bread, tomatoes, cucumbers | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 min |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Mushrooms, breadcrumbs, cheese | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 30 min |
| Grilled Zucchini | Zucchini, olive oil, herbs | Light, herby | Easy | 15 min |
| Italian Chopped Salad | Romaine, salami, olives, cheese | Tangy, savory | Easy | 20 min |
| Tomato Basil Soup | Tomatoes, basil, garlic | Rich, herby | Medium | 30 min |
| Spinach Ricotta Pie | Spinach, ricotta, pie crust | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 1 hr |
| Antipasto Platter | Cured meats, cheese, olives | Savory, tangy | Easy | 15 min |
1 – Lemon Herb Orzo
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/7798741-e098c30c62294883a355d23ec4d86e94.jpg)
Lemon herb orzo is like a zesty twist on regular pasta. It’s light, fresh, and adds a bright flavor to our meals.
This dish combines buttery orzo with tangy lemon and fragrant herbs. If we’re feeling fancy, we toss in some roasted veggies for a pop of color.
We love how it complements rich dishes, like manicotti, without stealing the show. We can enjoy it warm or chilled, making it our go-to for any occasion.
2 – Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are the cool kids of the salad world. We’ve got fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil all hanging out together.
This combo sings with bright flavors and refreshing bites. They’re perfect for picnics or a light dinner. We’ve devoured these at summer barbecues, and they’re always a hit.
Plus, they look great on a platter. Drizzle some balsamic glaze, and you’ve got a simple yet fancy dish. Enjoy them as a snack or a starter; they fit right in anywhere.
3 – Roasted Artichokes
Roasted artichokes are like nature’s snack food, just waiting to be devoured. We love their nutty, slightly sweet flavor that makes us feel like we’re at a fancy restaurant.
When we roast them, the leaves turn crispy, and that buttery softness inside? Perfection. Dipping them in garlic aioli or lemon juice elevates the experience. Trust us, it’s hard to share these once we get started!
4 – Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Garlic parmesan breadsticks are the ultimate sidekick to any main dish. They’re soft, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness.
The blend of garlic and parmesan creates a rich and savory flavor. They’re like a warm hug for your taste buds.
We often find ourselves snagging an extra breadstick or two when shared with friends. Dipping them in marinara just takes it to the next level.
5 – Eggplant Caponata
Eggplant caponata is like a party in a bowl. We love its sweet-and-sour vibe, thanks to ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and capers.
The deep, rich flavor stands out without overwhelming our meals. It pairs perfectly with everything from crusty bread to grilled meats.
We often find ourselves going back for seconds—or thirds—at potlucks. The texture is delightful, too, with that nice mix of soft eggplant and crunchy bits.
6 – Broccoli Rabe with Garlic
Broccoli rabe with garlic shines as a side we often crave.
It offers a slightly bitter taste that balances beautifully with buttery garlic. We enjoy its vibrant green appearance and hearty texture.
This dish brings warmth to any meal, especially pasta nights.
Drenched in olive oil, it transforms plain food into something special.
7 – Panzanella Salad
Panzanella salad is a summer superstar that we can’t get enough of. It combines juicy tomatoes, crunchy bread, and fragrant basil for a fresh, vibrant dish. The bread soaks up all the delicious juices, making each bite heavenly.
It’s like a caprese salad meets croutons! We love how the bread gives it texture while the tomatoes add a sweet burst. This salad is a staple at our potlucks, disappearing faster than we can blink.
8 – Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are our go-to party snack. They’re juicy, tasty, and pop with flavor. We get a mix of earthy mushrooms, cheesy goodness, and whatever else we toss in—herbs, breadcrumbs, maybe some sausage for a kick.
These little bites beat chips any day. The savory blend makes every bite irresistible. Remember those game nights? We’d demolish a plate in minutes, while others were still figuring out their snacks.
9 – Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a summer grill favorite. It has a mild flavor that absorbs marinades like a champ.
The smoky char from the grill elevates its taste, making it savory and satisfying.
We’ve tossed it on the grill with olive oil, garlic, and spices. Each bite has a light, buttery feel.
This dish will brighten up any meal, especially alongside rich pasta dishes. It’s easy to make and super flexible for various meals.
10 – Italian Chopped Salad
Italian chopped salad is a refreshing mix that never disappoints. We love how bright and crunchy it is, loaded with fresh veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, every bite bursts with flavor. Compared to usual side salads, this one really stands out.
We often find ourselves reaching for seconds because it’s so addictive! It’s like a mini garden on a plate, perfect with any main dish.
11 – Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort dish that warms the soul. It’s a silky blend of sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil. We love the way it’s creamy yet light, perfect for dipping those garlic breadsticks.
This soup brings a fresh vibe unlike any other. When we savor a bowl, the satisfying taste reminds us of lazy Sunday dinners. That rich, velvety texture and herbaceous lift is hard to beat, offering a homestyle feel every time.
12 – Spinach Ricotta Pie
Spinach ricotta pie is our go-to for a cozy meal. It’s rich, creamy, and has that satisfying cheesy goodness.
We love how the fresh spinach gives a pop of green, making it feel a bit healthier.
The flaky crust adds a lovely crunch, balancing the soft filling. Each bite is like a comforting hug.
We often serve it at potlucks, and it vanishes fast—everyone loves it!
13 – Antipasto Platter
Antipasto platters are like a charcuterie board on steroids. We adore the combo of salty meats, tangy cheeses, marinated veggies, and crusty bread. Each element adds flavor and texture.
Some days, we pile on the pepperoni; other days, it’s all about marinated artichokes.
The balance of salty, sweet, and savory keeps us going back for more. It’s the perfect starter, or even a meal if we’re feeling snacky. We remember one gathering where the platter was wiped clean in minutes—everyone loves a good nibble!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.