Serving mostaccioli? Enhance your meal with these fantastic side dishes. Caesar Salad provides a crisp, tangy bite, while Garlic Bread adds warm, buttery goodness. Roasted Brussels Sprouts give a nutritious touch, and Caprese Salad brings fresh, vibrant flavors. Parmesan Asparagus offers tender greens with nutty essence, and Focaccia Bread is perfect for soaking up sauce. Marinated Olives deliver a burst of briny flavor, and Balsamic Glazed Carrots add a sweet, tangy note. Tomato Basil Soup is comforting and rich. Each option complements mostaccioli beautifully, creating a varied and exciting dining experience. Explore these dishes for a more delightful meal.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad offers an exhilarating and complementary side dish to serve alongside mostaccioli.
With diverse crouton varieties, such as garlic or herb, and dressing options ranging from traditional creamy Caesar to lighter vinaigrettes, it caters to various tastes.
The crunch of croutons combined with crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing creates an invigorating contrast to the hearty pasta.
Garlic Bread
Nothing complements the rich flavors of mostaccioli quite like the warm, buttery goodness of garlic bread.
Whether you prefer classic garlic knots or slices slathered in garlic butter, this side dish offers a delightful contrast to the hearty pasta.
The crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior of garlic bread make it a perfect partner, enhancing every bite with its savory aroma and taste.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nutritious and flavorful complement to mostaccioli, balancing the meal with their earthy, caramelized notes. These little green gems are packed with health benefits, including vitamins C and K.
To guarantee the best results, toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until crispy. This simple preparation tip guarantees they enhance your dish perfectly.
Caprese Salad
Following the hearty and savory flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts, a Caprese salad offers a rejuvenating and colorful contrast to your mostaccioli meal.
Combining fresh mozzarella and vine tomatoes, this classic Italian salad is both invigorating and vibrant.
Drizzled with olive oil and a hint of balsamic vinegar, it enhances the meal with a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Parmesan Asparagus
Parmesan asparagus brings a delightful combination of tender greens and nutty cheese to complement the rich flavors of mostaccioli.
The asparagus is lightly roasted, then sprinkled with fresh lemon zest and toasted pine nuts, adding a lovely crunch and bright citrus notes.
This side dish not only enhances the meal's taste but also provides a pleasing visual contrast on your plate.
Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter offers a vibrant and flavorful array of Italian appetizers that serve as an ideal introduction to a mostaccioli meal.
Featuring a charcuterie pairing of cured meats and cheeses, complemented by an olive selection, it sets a delightful tone.
This inviting spread not only pleases the palate but also enriches the dining experience, making each bite of mostaccioli more enjoyable.
Creamy Polenta
Why not complement your mostaccioli with a serving of creamy polenta, a traditional Italian side dish known for its rich texture and comforting flavor?
Similar to creamy risotto and cheesy grits, polenta brings a delightful creaminess to your meal.
Made from cornmeal and often enriched with butter and cheese, it provides a savory, satisfying contrast to the hearty pasta.
Italian Wedding Soup
Another excellent accompaniment to mostaccioli is Italian Wedding Soup, a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender meatballs, leafy greens, and tiny pasta in a savory broth.
Rooted in Italian traditions and wedding customs, this soup adds a comforting and festive touch to your meal.
The blend of ingredients creates a delightful experience, making it a perfect, warming side dish for mostaccioli.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms make an elegant and savory side dish that pairs beautifully with mostaccioli. These delightful appetizers can be made using various mushroom varieties, such as cremini or button mushrooms.
Filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, they offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for those seeking delicious appetizer recipes, stuffed mushrooms elevate any meal with their rich taste.
Grilled Vegetables
Complementing the savory delight of stuffed mushrooms, grilled vegetables offer a fresh and vibrant side that pairs harmoniously with mostaccioli.
Opt for a seasonal selection of bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, marinated in a Mediterranean marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
This simple yet flavorful preparation enhances the dish, adding a touch of healthy, colorful flair to your meal.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Incorporating spinach and artichoke dip as an appetizer provides a creamy, flavorful start to your meal that pairs excellently with mostaccioli. This beloved party appetizer offers various dip variations to suit any palate, from classic recipes to those with added spices for extra kick.
Its rich texture and vibrant taste create a delightful contrast, making your dining experience both enjoyable and memorable.
Focaccia Bread
A slice of freshly baked focaccia bread serves as an ideal accompaniment to mostaccioli, offering a flavorful and textured contrast to the pasta dish.
Drizzled with rich olive oil and topped with fragrant rosemary, this Italian classic enhances the dining experience.
Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it perfect for soaking up the sauce, adding a delightful touch to your meal.
Marinated Olives
To further elevate your mostaccioli meal, marinated olives bring a burst of briny flavor and a pleasing contrast to the rich pasta. Their complex flavor profile, achieved through various preparation methods, adds depth to your dining experience.
Simply marinate olives in olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices to create a delightful side dish. This easy addition will surely impress your guests.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Balsamic glazed carrots provide a sweet and tangy complement to mostaccioli, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal.
These carrots, often prepared with a honey glaze or maple syrup, offer a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity.
The balsamic vinegar adds depth, making the dish both visually appealing and delicious.
This side dish is sure to elevate your dining experience.
What Are Some Side Dishes That Can Be Paired With Mostaccioli?
Some 15 best side dishes to pair with mostaccioli include garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, garlic roasted potatoes, and creamy coleslaw. Other great options are bruschetta, sautéed spinach, caprese salad, antipasto platter, and grilled asparagus. You can also serve it with chicken alfredo, shrimp scampi, or meatballs.
Tomato Basil Soup
Complementing the sweet and tangy notes of balsamic glazed carrots, tomato basil soup offers a warm and comforting addition to your mostaccioli meal.
This hearty soup, rooted in traditional recipes, provides not only delightful flavor but also numerous health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins from tomatoes and basil.
Its rich, savory profile enhances the overall dining experience, making it a perfect pairing.