Truly, pasta doesn’t need much to make it a crowd favorite at the dinner table. Grab a bowl and a fork and you’re pretty much all set.

Serving up pasta for dinner is actually a golden opportunity to get some extra vegetables on the table. Since pasta is so versatile, what you can serve with it is equally so. A refreshing salad or sautéed greens are just a couple of main great sides that are always welcome next to your spaghetti or your ziti. These 20 simple recipes pair well with just about any pasta you’re cooking and come together just as easily.

Crisp and Crunchy Salads

A big green salad is a classic sidekick to pasta. Something as simple as arugula tossed with lemon juice and olive oil is a great choice, as is a traditional Caesar. Or forgo the greens altogether and opt for a crisp cucumber or juicy tomato salad.

• Jersey Salad
• The New Spring Mix
• How To Make the Ultimate Classic Caesar Salad
• Simple Arugula Salad
• Lemony Salad with Radicchio & Pepitas
• Tangy Cucumber Salad
• Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
• Tomato Salad

Warm Salads

What you pair with pasta doesn’t always have to be served cold. A salad made warm by tossing it in a heated dressing or roasting the vegetables is an unexpected twist we love leaning into.

• Spinach Salad with Warm Brown Butter Dressing
• Roasted Eggplant Salad with Smoked Almonds & Goat Cheese
• The Ultimate Grilled Zucchini Salad
• Kale with Apples, Currants, and Warm Pancetta Vinaigrette
• Quick and Easy Roasted Vegetable Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas, Feta, and Herbs

Other Satisfying Cooked Sides

Or simply serve a platter of cooked veggies. Whether it’s sautéed spinach, braised kale, or roasted asparagus, it’s a wholesome addition to the table.

• How To Quickly Cook Spinach on the Stovetop
• 5-Minute Blistered Tomatoes and Capers
• Easy 10-Minute Garlic Broccolini
• Braised Fennel & Shallots
• Slow-Cooked Kale with Smashed Garlic & Red Onions
• Lemon-Pepper Asparagus