Creamy Parmesan polenta and buttered egg noodles are the top sides for veal Marsala. Their mild, rich starch soaks up the mushroom‑Marsala sauce, while roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad add freshness and contrast.
But what do you serve with it?
We understand that finding side dishes to go along with a heartier entree like veal marsala can be perplexing at times--that's why we have created this list of 10 delicious options designed specifically for pairing with this juicy dish.
So if you want to find out what goes best with veal marsala - read on!
10 Ideal Side Dishes for Veal Marsala
1. Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish that is made with a creamy sauce of butter, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
This dish is typically served with chicken or seafood, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.
The rich and decadent flavors of Fettuccine Alfredo are sure to satisfy any pasta lover's cravings.
The key is in the quality of the ingredients.
Be sure to use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor, and cook the pasta al dente so that it retains its bite.
The sauce should be thick and creamy, but not too heavy.
A little bit of black pepper added to the sauce can also help to improve the flavors.
If you're looking for a heartier meal, Fettuccine Alfredo can also be served with chicken or seafood.
For a lighter option, try adding some sauteed vegetables to the dish.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most versatile and delicious side dishes out there.
They can be made to suit any taste, and they go well with just about anything.
But what makes mashed potatoes so special?
For starters, they have an amazing texture.
When done right, they should be light and fluffy, not dense or gummy.
The key to achieving this perfect texture is to use starchy potatoes and to mash them until they're smooth.
You can also add a little bit of milk or cream to help make them extra creamy.
As for flavor, mashed potatoes can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be.
You can keep them plain, or add in some garlic, cheese, herbs, or even bacon.
The sky is the limit when it comes to flavoring your mashed potatoes.
If you're looking for ways to improve your mashed potato game, here are a few tips:
- Try using different types of potatoes for different flavors and textures. Yukon golds are great for a classic mashed potato, while red potatoes will give you a more rustic dish.
- Add in some roasted garlic for a unique flavor twist.
- For a richer dish, use half milk and half cream instead of all milk.
- Top your mashed potatoes with some crispy fried onions or shallots for a bit of crunch.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a simple and delicious way to enjoy the best of what's in season.
The high heat of roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, and their firm texture provides a satisfying counterpoint to crispy roasted potatoes or breadcrumbs.
To make the most of your roasted vegetables, be sure to choose a mix of colors and shapes.
Then, cut the vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Season generously with salt and pepper, and don't be afraid to experiment with other spices like garlic powder or dried herbs.
Finally, toss the vegetables with a bit of olive oil before roasting to help them brown evenly.
4. Risotto
Risotto is a delicious Italian dish that is made with rice and broth.
It is usually flavored with cheese, vegetables, and/or meat.
Risotto is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor.
If you are looking to improve your risotto dish, there are a few things you can do.
First, try using different types of cheese.
Aged Parmesan or Gruyere would be a great option.
You could also add in some fresh herbs, such as thyme or basil.
Another great way to improve the flavor of your risotto is to use roasted vegetables, such as roasted tomatoes or roasted garlic.
And lastly, if you want a heartier dish, you could add in some cooked meats, such as chicken or sausage.
It is important to not overcook the rice.
The rice should be cooked al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard.
If the rice is overcooked, it will become mushy and lose its signature creaminess.
Another important tip is to slowly add in the broth so that the rice has time to absorb all of the flavors.
5. Creamy Polenta with Parmesan
This dish is for those who love creamy, dreamy polenta.
It's made with Parmesan cheese and chicken broth for extra flavor, and it's garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
The dish is filling and filling, but it's also light and satisfying.
Serve this with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
The taste of this dish is rich and savory, thanks to the Parmesan cheese.
The texture is smooth and creamy, making it the perfect comfort food.
If you want to improve the dish, try serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp.
You can also add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the dish for a bit of heat.
6. Garlic Bread
There's nothing quite like the taste of garlic bread fresh out of the oven.
The combination of crispy, chewy bread with the mellow yet pungent flavor of garlic is irresistible.
And it's so easy to make.
Garlic bread can be a great side dish or appetizer, but it's also hearty enough to stand on its own as a main course.
The key to great garlic bread is to use fresh, quality ingredients.
The bread should be soft and slightly chewy, not dry or crumbly.
The garlic should be fresh, not burned or bitter.
And of course, you'll need some good olive oil to really bring out the flavor.
To take your garlic bread to the next level, try adding some other herbs and spices to the mix.
A little bit of oregano or basil can really brighten up the flavor.
You could also add some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
Or if you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
Just experiment and see what you like best.
7. Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Looking for a tasty and healthy option to serve with your veal marsala?
This dish is packed with nutrients and is sure to please everyone at the table.
The taste and texture of this salad are both amazing.
The fresh spinach leaves are a perfect base for the other ingredients.
The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly.
The acidity of the vinegar cuts through the richness of the veal marsala, making it a perfect pairing.
There are a few things you can do to improve this dish even further.
First, consider adding some chopped nuts to the salad.
This will add a nice crunch and some additional flavor.
Second, try using a different type of cheese in the salad.
Feta would be a great option.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with the dressing.
Add a little bit of honey or Dijon mustard to the vinaigrette to give it an extra kick.
8. Caesar Salad
Looking for a classic side dish to serve with your veal marsala?
This dish is simple, yet flavorful and goes well with the rich flavors of veal marsala.
Caesar salad is all about the balance of taste and texture.
The lettuce should be crisp, the dressing tangy and slightly acidic, and the croutons should add a nice crunch.
Be sure to taste your dressing before adding it to the salad so that you can adjust the flavors as needed.
There are a few ways to improve this classic dish.
One way is to add in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
Another way is to swap out the traditional croutons for something a little more unique like fried onions or garlic chips.
Whatever you do, just be sure to keep the salad simple so that it doesn't overpower the veal marsala.
9. Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad is a simple Italian dish made of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.
It is usually seasoned with salt, pepper and olive oil.
This dish is light and refreshing, making it the perfect accompaniment to a heavier entrée like veal Marsala.
The combination of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil is irresistible.
There are a few things you can do to improve this dish and make it even more special.
First, try using heirloom tomatoes for a pop of color and extra sweetness.
Second, substitute balsamic glaze for the olive oil - it will add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with other herbs - thyme or oregano would also be delicious in this salad.
10. Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
One of the best ways to enjoy asparagus is by grilling it.
Grilled asparagus has a unique taste and texture that makes it a good addition to any meal.
Here are some tips on how to grill asparagus so that you can enjoy it to its fullest.
When grilling asparagus, it's important to choose spears that are of uniform thickness.
This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from burning.
You'll also want to make sure that your grill is heated to the right temperature; too hot and the asparagus will char, too low and they'll take forever to cook.
Once your grill is heated, place the asparagus spears on the grates and cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping once or twice during cooking.
The asparagus is done when it is tender but still has a bit of bite to it.
If you want to improve your grilled asparagus dish, try adding some flavor with herbs or spices.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme pair well with asparagus, or you could try a spice like smoked paprika for something different.
You could also drizzle the cooked asparagus with olive oil or lemon juice for extra flavor.
Best Pairings for Veal Marsala
There are a variety of great options to serve with veal marsala.
I have listed some of the best choices that are sure to compliment your dish.
Be sure to try out a few of these the next time you make veal marsala.
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you're short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
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The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all side dish pairings →When pairing sides with Veal Marsala, consider texture as much as flavor. Creamy dishes benefit from something crisp; grilled preparations love a bright, herby accompaniment.
To balance the meal nutritionally, add a leafy green side and a fiber-rich starch like quinoa or sweet potato alongside your main.
Cover loosely with foil and keep in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C). For delicate greens, dress just before serving to prevent wilting.
A complete, balanced plate includes protein, a fiber-rich carbohydrate or vegetable, and something with brightness - an acid-dressed green or pickled element rounds everything out.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
