What to Serve With Carbonara: 31 Delicious Sides

There’s nothing quite like a plate of creamy, rich carbonara, right? But figuring out what to serve alongside this indulgent pasta can sometimes be a head-scratcher. We’ve put together a delightful smorgasbord of pairing options that will complement, contrast, and enhance your carbonara experience.

So, dive right in, and let’s find your perfect match to make your next carbonara meal a gourmet delight!

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Antipasti

A light antipasto platter with a selection of cured meats, olives, artichoke hearts, and marinated mushrooms can be a nice way to start the meal.

Cured Meats

Cold cuts like prosciutto, salami, and mortadella pair well with carbonara as their salty, savory flavors can complement the richness of the carbonara.

Arrange a variety of these meats on a platter. No preparation is needed besides slicing if necessary.

Warm Rosemary Olives

The warm marinated olives with lemon zest, rosemary, garlic and almonds would pair well with carbonara because the savory and salty flavors of the olives and almonds complement the richness of the carbonara. The lemon zest adds a bright and fresh note that cuts through the heaviness of the pasta dish.

Serve the olives on the side as a small appetizer before the main course.

Fancy this? Check out Warm Marinated Olives with Lemon Zest, Rosemary, Garlic and Almonds from Feasting At Home.

Caprese Skewers

These skewers, made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves, add a fresh, light flavor that contrasts well with the rich carbonara.

Simply thread the ingredients onto skewers and drizzle with a balsamic glaze before serving.

Give your taste buds a treat with these Caprese Skewers from Spend With Pennies.

(These could work well as a side to pesto pasta, too.)

Roasted Artichoke Hearts

Roasted artichoke hearts can be a great pairing with carbonara. The nutty and earthy flavor of the roasted artichokes can complement the richness of the carbonara sauce.

To serve, simply add the roasted artichoke hearts on top of the carbonara pasta or serve them on the side as a delicious and flavorful side dish. The combination of the two dishes can create a well-balanced meal with a variety of flavors and textures.

Feeling inspired? Try this Roasted Artichoke Hearts from Delightful Mom Food.

Fruit and Cheese Pairings

Fruits and cheese combinations can be a great palate cleanser in a carbonara meal, offering a blend of sweet, savory, and salty flavors. Examples could include prosciutto-wrapped melon or a cheese plate with figs or apples.

Apple and Cheddar

A classic combination. The sharpness of the cheddar and the sweetness of the apple both contrast nicely with the rich carbonara.

Simply slice and serve on a platter for a quick and easy pairing.

Prosciutto with Melon and Mint

Prosciutto with melon and mint is a great pairing with carbonara because it offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pasta dish. The sweetness of the melon and the saltiness of the prosciutto complement each other well, and the mint adds a fresh and bright note to the dish.

To serve with carbonara, simply prepare the prosciutto with melon and mint as instructed and serve it as a side dish alongside the pasta. Alternatively, you can serve it as an appetizer before the carbonara to whet the appetite.

Here’s the Prosciutto with Melon and Mint recipe if you’re interested, courtesy of Flavour and Savour.

Strawberry Crostini

The easy strawberry crostini would pair well with carbonara as it offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.

To serve, you can start with the crostini as an appetizer or a side dish to the carbonara. The sweet and tangy flavors of the crostini can help balance out the richness of the carbonara, creating a well-rounded meal.

Alternatively, you can serve the crostini as a dessert course to end the meal on a sweet note.

Tempted to cook this? Easy Strawberry Crostini from Life As A Strawberry is where you find the whole recipe.

Salads

A salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing counterpoint to carbonara’s richness. For instance, an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan, or a classic Caesar salad could be a great choice.

Simple Green Salad

This simple green leaf salad with shallot vinaigrette would pair well with carbonara because the fresh, crisp lettuce and tangy dressing provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta dish.

To serve, you could either have the salad as a side dish or mix it in with the carbonara for a more complete meal. The coolness of the salad also provides a refreshing break from the warm, savory flavors of the carbonara.

Whip up this Simple Green Leaf Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette from Garlic & Zest.

Pumpkin Pear Salad

The pumpkin pear salad would pair well with carbonara because the sweetness of the pear and the tartness of the pomegranate seeds provide a nice contrast to the richness of the carbonara.

To serve them together, you could start with the salad as an appetizer, followed by the carbonara as the main course. Alternatively, you could serve them together on the same plate, with the salad on one side and the carbonara on the other.

Either way, the two dishes complement each other nicely and make for a satisfying meal.

Dive into deliciousness with this Pumpkin Pear Salad from Natalie’s Health.

Lemony Arugula Salad

This lemony arugula salad with crispy shallots would pair well with carbonara because the freshness and acidity of the salad would balance out the richness of the carbonara.

To serve, you could start with the salad as a refreshing appetizer, and then move on to the carbonara as the main course. Alternatively, you could serve the salad alongside the carbonara as a side dish to add some brightness to the meal.

Sounds interesting? Check out this Lemony Arugula Salad with Crispy Shallot from Minimalist Baker.

Greek Salad

Greek salad with homemade dressing works well as a side dish with carbonara because the sharp flavours of the salad help to cut through the richness of the carbonara.

To serve, simply plate the carbonara in individual bowls and serve the Greek salad on the side.

Sounds interesting? Check out this Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing from RecipeTin Eats.

(You can also pair this salad with baked ziti or serve it alongside lemon pasta.)

Panzanella (Bread Salad)

The strawberry panzanella salad would pair well with carbonara because the salad provides a fresh and light contrast to the rich and creamy pasta dish. The sweetness of the strawberries and the acidity of the white wine vinegar in the salad also complement the salty and savory flavors of the carbonara.

To serve, you can have the salad as a side dish or serve it on top of the carbonara for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Here’s the Strawberry Panzanella Salad recipe if you’re interested, courtesy of The Slow Roasted Italian.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can pair well with carbonara. Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil can also be a nice complement.

Grilled Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is a great side dish to serve with carbonara because the simplicity of the asparagus complements the richness of the pasta dish. The light and fresh flavors of the asparagus provide a nice contrast to the heavy and creamy carbonara.

To serve, simply place a portion of the roasted asparagus on the plate next to the carbonara, or mix it in with the pasta for a little added texture and flavor. The lemon juice and/or zest can add a nice acidic pop to the dish that complements the carbonara sauce.

Sounds interesting? Check out this Perfect Roasted Asparagus from Minimalist Baker.

Roasted Bell Peppers

The natural sweetness of roasted bell peppers contrasts with the salty, savory carbonara. To prepare, slice the peppers, toss with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

Sauteed Zucchini

Sautéed zucchini, with its delicate flavor and soft texture, pairs nicely with carbonara. Sauté thin slices or cubes of zucchini in olive oil with a bit of garlic until golden and tender.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

The sweetness and slight tartness of roasted cherry tomatoes can balance the creaminess of the carbonara. Toss the tomatoes in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until they burst and caramelize.

Bruschetta

Caprese bruschetta works well as a pairing with carbonara because it provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy carbonara. The acidity of the tomatoes and the freshness of the basil and mozzarella complement the savory flavors of the carbonara.

To serve, you can start with the caprese bruschetta as an appetizer and follow it with the carbonara as the main course. Alternatively, you can serve the caprese bruschetta as a side dish alongside the carbonara.

Whip up this Caprese Bruschetta from House of Yumm.

Grilled Eggplant

Grilled eggplant with yoghurt sauce would pair well with carbonara because the smoky and slightly sweet flavor of the eggplant complements the creamy and savory flavor of the carbonara.

To serve, you can have the grilled eggplant as a side dish or appetizer before serving the carbonara as the main course. Alternatively, you can serve the grilled eggplant on top of the carbonara as a garnish or mix it in with the pasta for added texture and flavor.

Check out this delicious Grilled Eggplant with Yoghurt Sauce recipe from RecipeTin Eats.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Parmesan roasted broccoli is a great side dish to serve with carbonara because it provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor. The roasted broccoli is crispy and savory, while the carbonara is creamy and rich.

To serve, simply plate the carbonara and top it with the roasted broccoli. Alternatively, you can serve the broccoli on the side and allow your guests to add it to their carbonara as desired.

Fancy this? Check out Parmesan Roasted Broccoli from Simple Joy.

Bread

A light, crusty Italian bread can be a nice addition to help mop up the creamy sauce. Avoid heavy, rich breads or those with strong flavors that could compete with the carbonara.

Baguette

A simple French baguette, sliced and served on the side, is an easy and effective way to mop up the creamy carbonara sauce. The light, airy interior and crisp crust don’t compete with the main dish.

Ciabatta

An Italian ciabatta bread has a slightly denser texture and crustier exterior than a baguette, but still pairs nicely with carbonara. Slice it into thick pieces and serve on the side.

Focaccia

The gluten-free no-knead focaccia would pair well with carbonara because the bread’s crusty exterior and soft interior will complement the creaminess of the carbonara. The rosemary and garlic flavors in the focaccia will also add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

To serve, slice the focaccia into pieces and serve it alongside the carbonara. Alternatively, you can use the focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce from the carbonara.

Whip up this Gluten Free No Knead Focaccia from The Gluten Free Austrian.

(Got some leftover focaccia? Check out our guide to focaccia sides. Or simply serve it with Italian sausage or use it to soak up Cioppino.)

Rosemary Olive Oil Bread

Rosemary olive oil mini bread would pair well with carbonara because the bread’s savory flavor and soft texture complements the rich and creamy carbonara.

To serve, slice the bread into small pieces and place them in a basket or on a platter. Serve the carbonara in individual bowls and place the bread on the side. Encourage guests to dip the bread into the carbonara sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Loving this? Rosemary Olive Oil Mini Bread on Seasons and Suppers is where you find the instruction.

Seafood

Seafood is a great pairing with carbonara because it adds a different texture and flavor to the dish. The briny and salty flavors of seafood can complement the richness of carbonara, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Some great seafood options to serve with carbonara include shrimp, scallops, and clams.

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail can work well as a starter for a meal that includes carbonara. The light and refreshing flavors of the shrimp cocktail can help balance out the richness of the carbonara.

To serve, simply place the shrimp cocktail on a platter and serve it alongside the carbonara.

Alternatively, you can serve the shrimp cocktail before the carbonara as a separate course. Just make sure to leave enough time between courses for your guests to enjoy each dish.

Tempted to cook this? Shrimp Cocktail from A Pinch of Healthy is where you find the whole recipe.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Grilled shrimp skewers would pair well with carbonara because the smoky and slightly spicy flavors of the shrimp complement the rich and creamy flavors of the carbonara.

To serve, you can either serve the skewers alongside the carbonara as a separate dish, or you can chop the shrimp into smaller pieces and mix it into the carbonara for a surf-and-turf twist on the classic pasta dish.

Treat yourself to this amazing Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe from Wholesome Yum | Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less..

Steamed Clams with Garlic and Parsley

Steaming clams is a straightforward process that yields a dish with a clean, oceanic flavor. The combination of garlic and parsley adds just the right amount of seasoning without overwhelming the delicate taste of the clams. Served as an appetizer, these can cleanse and prepare the palate for the richer carbonara.

Oysters on the Half Shell

Raw oysters served on the half shell provide a unique, refreshing pairing for carbonara. The briny, sweet taste of the oysters is a fantastic complement to the creamy, rich pasta dish. Offering oysters as an appetizer can make for an upscale, elegant dining experience.

Here’s a great article on serving oysters at home.

Crispy Grilled Shrimp (Prawns) with Lemon Butter Sauce

This crispy grilled shrimp with lemon butter sauce would pair well with carbonara because the light and fresh flavors of the shrimp and lemon butter sauce complement the rich and creamy flavors of the carbonara.

To serve together, you could start with the shrimp as an appetizer and then move on to the carbonara as the main course. Alternatively, you could serve the shrimp on top of the carbonara as a surf and turf-style dish.

Either way, the two dishes would balance each other nicely.

Dive into deliciousness with this Crispy Grilled Shrimp (Prawns) with Lemon Butter Sauce from RecipeTin Eats.

Soups

Soups can be an excellent pairing with carbonara because they can provide a nice contrast in texture and temperature. A light soup, such as a vegetable or chicken noodle soup, can help balance out the richness of the carbonara.

Additionally, a soup can serve as a great starter to the meal, helping to whet the appetite and prepare the palate for the main course.

Chicken Vegetable Soup

This chicken vegetable soup is a great pairing with carbonara because it provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta dish. The soup’s lightness and freshness complement the heavy creaminess of the carbonara, while the vegetables in the soup add a crunchy texture to the meal.

To serve, simply offer the chicken vegetable soup as a starter before the carbonara, allowing your guests to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures throughout the meal.

Dive into deliciousness with this Chicken Vegetable Soup from Detoxinista.

Creamy Tomato Soup

The Creamy Tomato Soup recipe works well with carbonara because the acidity of the tomatoes and the sweetness of the basil offer a perfect contrast to the salty and creamy carbonara.

To serve it with carbonara, you can start with a small bowl of tomato soup as a starter, followed by the carbonara as the main course. Alternatively, you can serve the tomato soup alongside the carbonara for a variation of flavors.

The creamy and smooth texture of the soup also complements the richness of the carbonara.

Let’s get cooking with this Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe from NatashasKitchen.com.

Sardinian Longevity Minestrone

The Sardinian Longevity Minestrone would work well served in the same meal as carbonara. The soup’s variety of flavors and textures, from beans to pasta and vegetables, make it a substantial starter that will not overpower the rich carbonara. The vegetables in the soup will add a different set of flavors that will complement the carbonara.

To serve, simply enjoy the soup as a starter before the carbonara or serve them side by side for a comforting meal.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at Sardinian Longevity Minestrone on SoupAddict.

(By the way, we have a whole list of minestrone pairings.)