What to Serve With Pavlova: 15 Best Side Dishes

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

📦 Amazon Daily Deals 2025 DEALS

The wait is over. Shop the official price drops on Tech, Home, Kitchen & Apple products right now.

👉 Shop Amazon Sale

⚡ LIMITED TIME OFFERS • PRIME DELIVERY ⚡

Elevate your pavlova by pairing it with delightful side dishes that amplify its flavors and textures. Fresh berry compote adds a fruity burst, while lemon curd offers a zesty, tangy twist. Try passion fruit sauce for an exotic flair or rich vanilla custard for a creamy contrast. Whipped cream, especially with flavors like vanilla or citrus zest, enhances the meringue beautifully. Explore more with almond brittle, raspberry sauce, pistachio crumble, or a honey drizzle. These sides not only complement the airy and sweet nature of pavlova but also create a dynamic dessert experience. Discover more combinations to perfect your pavlova ensemble.

Fresh Berry Compote

delicious homemade berry sauce

A new berry compote serves as an ideal accompaniment to pavlova, enhancing its delicate sweetness with a burst of tart, fruity flavor. Utilizing seasonal berries adds a rejuvenating touch, and compote variations allow for endless creativity.

Whether using strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, this topping offers a delightful contrast that elevates the dessert, making each bite a memorable experience.

Lemon Curd

sweet and tangy spread

Often celebrated for its zesty and tangy profile, lemon curd provides a vibrant counterbalance to the sweetness of pavlova. This tangy topping, with its delightful citrus flavor, adds an invigorating twist to each bite.

The rich, creamy texture of lemon curd enhances the light and airy pavlova, creating a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and revitalizing.

Passion Fruit Sauce

tropical fruit flavor burst

Passion fruit sauce, with its exotic and vibrant flavor, offers a tropical complement to the delicate sweetness of pavlova.

This tangy topping brings a burst of citrusy zest, enhancing the pavlova's light and airy texture.

The exotic flavors of passion fruit create an invigorating contrast, making every bite an exciting experience.

Perfect for those who crave a balance of sweet and tangy in their desserts.

Vanilla Custard

tasty dessert with vanilla

Vanilla custard, with its rich and creamy texture, serves as a luxurious accompaniment to pavlova, elevating the dessert to new heights of indulgence.

The smooth custard texture contrasts beautifully with the crispy meringue, creating a delightful balance.

There are various custard variations to explore, from classic vanilla to more adventurous flavors, each adding its unique touch to the pavlova experience.

Whipped Cream

sweet treat topping delight

Whipped cream, with its light and airy texture, provides a perfect complement to pavlova, enhancing the dessert's overall appeal.

Flavor variations, such as adding vanilla or citrus zest, can elevate its taste profile.

Serving suggestions include dolloping whipped cream generously over the pavlova, allowing it to mingle with fresh fruits.

This combination offers a delightful contrast, enriching every bite with creamy goodness.

Chocolate Ganache

decadent chocolate dessert topping

Drizzling rich chocolate ganache over pavlova introduces a luxurious and decadent layer to this classic dessert. Made from dark chocolate, this ganache adds a silky texture that perfectly complements the crisp meringue.

The deep, rich flavor of the dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the pavlova, creating a harmonious blend that's both delightful and satisfying, making every bite a true indulgence.

Tropical Fruit Salad

fruity summer salad delight

A lively tropical fruit salad offers an energizing and colorful contrast to the sweet, airy pavlova. Combining pineapple chunks and papaya cubes, this dish introduces a revitalizing burst of flavor and texture.

The juicy sweetness of the pineapple, paired with the creamy, rich papaya, creates a perfect balance, enhancing the overall experience of the pavlova without overpowering its delicate taste.

Mint Syrup

refreshing drink enhancement option

Enhance the pavlova's invigorating qualities by incorporating a mint syrup, which provides a subtle hint of herbal aroma and a touch of sophistication. This delightful addition, often featured in cocktail recipes, brings a rejuvenating herbal infusion that complements the dessert's sweetness.

Drizzle lightly over the pavlova for a revitalizing twist that will captivate your guests' palates and elevate your dessert presentation.

Caramel Sauce

sweet and gooey topping

Caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the light, airy texture of pavlova.

Drizzle butter caramel over the meringue for a luxurious touch, or sprinkle a hint of sea salt caramel for a delightful contrast.

This combination enhances the dessert's flavors, making each bite a sumptuous experience that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Kiwi Slices

fresh fruit dessert choice

Kiwi slices guarantee a vibrant, tangy freshness that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of pavlova. The kiwi benefits include high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, enhancing both health and flavor.

For the best presentation, use precise slicing techniques to create even, attractive slices. This method not only guarantees a visually appealing dish but also allows for a balanced, delightful taste experience.

Mango Coulis

fresh fruit puree sauce

A luscious mango coulis adds a tropical twist to pavlova, providing a rich, fruity contrast to the meringue's sweetness.

This delightful sauce can elevate your dessert experience, harmonizing perfectly with the pavlova's light texture.

For a more varied mango experience, consider pairing with mango salsa or mango sorbet, creating a revitalizing and vibrant addition that enhances the pavlova's overall flavor.

Almond Brittle

crunchy caramelized almond treat

Complementing the tropical essence of mango coulis, almond brittle introduces a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that balances the airy pavlova.

The nutty crunch from the caramelized almonds not only adds texture but also enhances the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience.

This combination creates a perfect harmony, elevating the pavlova to a sophisticated dessert enjoyed by all.

Raspberry Sauce

sweet and tangy topping

Raspberry sauce brings a vibrant tartness that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of pavlova. Made from fresh raspberries, this raspberry coulis is a simple yet elegant addition.

Pistachio Crumble

flavorful dessert topping option

Another delectable addition to pavlova is a pistachio crumble, which provides a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the dessert's delicate meringue.

The nutty texture of the crumble complements the soft pavlova, while its vibrant green hue adds a visually appealing contrast.

This combination promises a delightful experience, making your pavlova not only taste but also look exquisite.

Can the Same Side Dishes for Tostadas Also Be Served with Pavlova?

Yes, the best side dishes for tostadas can also be served with pavlova. Both dishes pair well with Mexican rice, beans, and guacamole. The savory flavors of the tostadas’ sides complement the sweet and airy pavlova, creating a diverse and satisfying meal.

Honey Drizzle

sweet and sticky treat

To elevate the sweetness of pavlova, a light honey drizzle can be applied, adding a subtle floral note and enhancing the dessert's overall flavor profile.

Using honey from local beekeepers guarantees freshness and supports the community. Explore different floral varieties, such as clover or wildflower honey, to discover unique tastes.

This small touch makes your pavlova even more delightful.