What to Serve with Baked Ziti

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Wondering what to serve with baked ziti? These 15 delicious side dishes make the perfect pairing with this Italian comfort food classic.

copycat olive garden 5 cheese ziti al forno in serving spoon over white baking dish

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Baked ziti is comfort food perfection, and if you’re looking for ideas for what to serve with baked ziti, you’ve come to the right place! This classic Italian-American dish, with its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and oozing melted cheese, is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy.

These 15 side dishes can transform your ziti dinner from good to downright great. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, you’ll find the perfect companions to complement the cheesy goodness of baked ziti.

Since baked ziti is a heavy cheesy pasta meal, consider serving side dishes that are lighter. Healthy salads or veggie sides are a great option. In the list below, there are all sorts of options from light and healthy to heartier and rich ideas. Either way, the whole family will be excited about this meal!

1. Roasted Peppers

Colorful bell peppers and onions, sautéed to perfection. A savory and hearty side that complements the zit. If you make your baked ziti without meat sauce and want to add some protein to the meal sliced Italian sausage can easily roast alongside the peppers.

2. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze. A classic and refreshing side that adds a burst of Italian flavors to your baked ziti feast. For a grab-and-go option, try caprese skewers instead.

3. Tuscan White Bean Salad

A refreshing salad with cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs. Light and protein-packed to accompany your ziti.

4. Quinoa Pilaf

Fluffy quinoa cooked with diced vegetables, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon. A wholesome and protein-rich side that pairs well with the ziti casserole dish and makes a really hearty meal.

5. Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Fried mozzarella sticks are a classic Italian-American appetizer that pairs well with cheese baked ziti.

sliced of pesto garlic bread in white dish

6. Garlic Bread

Cheesy crusty bread is a great addition to pasta dishes like an easy baked ziti recipe! It’s great for scooping up the tomato sauce in the pasta. I like pesto garlic bread as another option as well.

7. Fresh Salad

A fresh spinach or other leafy greens salad or a Caesar salad are both great choices with your baked ziti pasta recipe. Serve it up with a poppy seed dressing, homemade ranch, or try our Greek salad dressing as well.

sautéed canned green beans on white plate

8. Garlic Green Beans

Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and olive oil until tender-crisp. Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. A simple and vibrant side that brings a touch of freshness to your baked ziti dinner. For a bigger dinner party, you could opt for green bean casserole to feed more people.

No fresh green beans? You can sauté canned green beans as well!

9. Cucumber Dill Yogurt Salad

Cool cucumber slices mixed with greek yogurt, fresh dill, and a hint of garlic. A refreshing and tangy side that pairs well with this ultimate comfort food.

10. Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets roasted with a spicy blend of seasonings. A flavorful and low-carb side to spice up your baked ziti casserole meal.

11. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Tender roasted asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon. A savory and indulgent side that adds a smoky twist to your ziti.

12. Orzo Salad with Mediterranean Flavors

Orzo pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a lemon zest-oregano dressing. A Greek-inspired side bursting with freshness.