Stuffed tomatoes are a versatile dish often filled with a mix of seasoned breadcrumbs, minced meat, rice, cheese, and aromatic herbs like basil and parsley. They’re rich and savory, with a natural sweetness and acidity from the tomato.
Need some inspiration on what to serve with stuffed tomatoes? Here’s my list of go-to side dishes that are guaranteed to impress.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with stuffed tomatoes are tossed green salad, crispy focaccia bread, mashed potatoes, or a fancy steak. You can also go with Spanish-style fried eggs, grilled lamb chops, honey balsamic pork chops, cod piccata, or chicken tenders.
Jazzed-up classics
Classic dishes never go out of style, but it’s always fun to switch things up.
I love serving stuffed tomatoes with breadstick-style focaccia bread for a delicious Italian twist.
Or you can ago with lighter options like cod piccata or parsnip mash for a healthier meal.
Crispy focaccia bread
Unlike the usual fluffy focaccia bread, this recipe involves stretching the dough thinly to achieve extra crispy focaccia sticks.
But it still requires an overnight rest to give the focaccia sticks a richer, more robust flavor.
These sticks are tasty on their own, but a garlic herb oil (recipe included) topping makes them even more addictive.
Why we love this recipe: these won’t last long on the table.
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Crispy focaccia bread
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Garlic butter breadsticks
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Homemade garlic bread
Cod piccata
Cod piccata is an excellent low-carb protein to serve with your rice-stuffed tomatoes.
Like the traditional Italian dish, this version boasts a bright, zesty butter sauce that works superbly with mildly sweet cod.
Just remember to use thinly-sliced filets to ensure they cook through quickly enough.
Psst… you can also swap cod for your favorite mild white fish like tilapia or halibut.
Related: what to eat with tilapia
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Cod piccata
Preheat the oven
Garlic parmesan baked halibut
Fire up the grill
Grilled salmon with garlic and herbs
Sour cream and chive mashed potatoes
Bored of the typical mashed potato recipe? Give this version a try!
The addition of sour cream makes the mash creamier and adds a delectable tangy twist.
And the green onions aren’t just for a pop of color – they also bring a grassy twist that works nicely with the sour cream.
Pair this decadent mash with your sausage and rice-stuffed tomatoes for a hearty dinner.
Why we love this recipe: these are ideal for both regular and special holiday dinners.
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Sour cream and chive mashed potatoes
Make it low-carb
Garlic butter mashed cauliflower
Another alternative
Parsnip puree
Spanish-style fried eggs
Frying eggs the Spanish way is a true game-changer.
The only difference with this method is you’ll be using a lot more oil than usual.
This simple change yields crisp, lacy edges and allows you to baste the eggs, meaning you can cook the top of the egg while keeping the yolk runny.
Enjoy these upgraded eggs alongside cheesy herb-stuffed tomatoes for an elegant brunch treat.
Why we love this recipe: it’s the perfect addition to jazz up your breakfast plate.
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Spanish-style fried eggs
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Scrambled eggs
Make it Tex-Mex inspired
Huevo en chili verde
Garlic parmesan roasted asparagus
When I’m in the mood for a side dish that brings both elegance and simplicity to the table, roasted asparagus is my top choice.
Lightly coated with olive oil, sprinkled with minced garlic and a generous amount of parmesan, then roasted to bring out the greens natural flavors, this recipe will persuade even asparagus haters.
Pairing this with stuffed tomatoes creates a veggie-rich meal that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying (and of course delicious).
Why we love this recipe: it brings a touch of sophistication to any meal.
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Garlic parmesan roasted asparagus
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Steamed asparagus with lemon butter
Add a twist
Balsamic glazed asparagus
Greek favorites
Planning to make Greek-style stuffed tomatoes? Pair them with lamb chops to keep the Greek theme going or fire up the grill to make chicken souvlaki.
You can also keep it simple and drizzle your stuffed tomatoes with tzatziki for a creamy bite.
Grilled lamb chops
Lamb shoulder chops are great for grilling, but they’re naturally a tough cut of meat.
Still, it’s nothing a good marinade can’t fix.
This recipe uses a garlic and Greek yogurt marinade to tenderize and flavor the chops.
I like to enjoy these garlicky chops alongside cheesy rice-stuffed tomatoes and a drizzle of chimichurri sauce (recipe included) for a bright, zesty twist.
Why we love this recipe: these are restaurant-quality minus the hefty price tag.
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Grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri
Skip the grill
Pan-seared lamb chops
Fire up the oven
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Tzatziki sauce
This isn’t techincally a side dish, but it’s an excellent addition to Greek-style stuffed tomatoes.
It’s simple, but the combination of tangy Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and grated cucumbers perfectly contrasts your stuffed tomatoes’ bold flavors.
Just make sure to squeeze the excess liquid from the grated cucumber to prevent it from watering down this luscious sauce.
Why we love this recipe: it’s impossible to mess up.
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Tzatziki sauce
Make a salad
Cucumber salad with sour cream
Make it different
Avocado tzatziki
Spinach and feta phyllo triangles
For an appetizer or side that never fails to impress, I always turn to spinach and feta phyllo triangles. Encased in the flaky, buttery layers of phyllo pastry is a savory mixture of spinach, feta, onions, and herbs, offering a delightful contrast in textures.
These triangles are a perfect complement to the freshness of stuffed tomatoes, and they still taste amazing the next day (just maybe not as crispy).
Why we love this recipe: it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both refined and easy to enjoy.
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Spinach and feta phyllo triangles
Simplify it
Spinach and feta puff pastry pinwheels
Elevate it
Spanakopita casserole
Protein
Stuffed tomatoes sorely need a protein-loaded dish to complete the meal.
Pair them with a juicy steak for the perfect dinner date meal or go with buttermilk fried chicken for a more casual affair.
Air fryer chicken tenders
Enjoy the crispy goodness of chicken tenders minus the grease with the help of an air fryer!
Always keep the coated tenders in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate properly and crisp them up evenly.
Pair these golden tenders with mozzarella-stuffed tomatoes for a fun spin on everyone’s favorite chicken parm.
Why we love this recipe: these are kid-friendly.
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Air fryer chicken tenders
Ditch the air fryer
Maple rosemary grilled chicken
Go Greek
Chicken souvlaki
Honey balsamic pork chops
These honey balsamic pork chops deserve a spot on your weekly menu.
They’re juicy and tender, plus the simple honey balsamic glaze will have you licking your plate clean.
Aside from the classic combination of honey and balsamic vinegar, a mixture of fresh herbs and garlic makes the sauce extra tasty.
Why we love this recipe: you only need one skillet to make this.
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Honey balsamic pork chops
Ditch the stovetop
Pork tenderloin roast
Make it crispy
Pork schnitzel
Bacon-wrapped filet mignon
Feeling fancy? Try serving your stuffed tomatoes alongside bacon-wrapped filet mignon.
Not only will the bacon wrapping make the steak more appetizing, but it also adds a satisfying crunch and a dose of savory, smoky goodness.
This recipe involves pan-searing the wrapped steaks and finishing them in the oven to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.
Why we love this recipe: these are show-stopping.
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Bacon-wrapped filet mignon
Make it simple
Garlic butter steak bites
Make it budget-friendly
Marinated flank steak
Lemon herb grilled shrimp skewers
There’s something about grilled shrimp skewers that screams summer, but I say why wait for warmer weather? These lemon herb grilled shrimp skewers can bring the taste of summer to your table any time of year.
Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, each shrimp is fill of flavor and you don’t have to stop at shrimp. I also like to add cubes of zucchini to my skewers. Pineapple is also a fantastic addition.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a quick and flavorful way to add protein to your plate.
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Lemon herb grilled shrimp skewers
Go Vegan
Tofu skewers
For a gourmet twist
Shrimp salad with mango salsa
Salads
Salads are an excellent side dish for your stuffed tomatoes if you want to keep them light and healthy.
A bowl of leafy greens is the obvious choice, but why not think of the box with a hearty three-bean salad?
Tossed green salad
There are so many salad recipes nowadays, but this tossed salad remains in my top 3.
The best thing about this is how customizable it is.
You can choose any leafy greens you want or add more veggies – whatever you go for is guaranteed to taste amazing with this salad’s honey dijon vinaigrette.
Serve alongside your stuffed tomatoes for a complete and nourishing meal.
Why we love this recipe: it has a 4.9 rating from 391 votes.
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Tossed green salad
Add a fruity note
Peach and avocado green salad
Add heat
Parsley salad with fennel and horseradish
Easy bean salad
This bean salad is an excellent alternative if you’re not in the mood for leafy greens.
Aside from three different kinds of beans, this salad features crunchy cucumbers and chopped parsley.
And a simple red wine vinaigrette ties everything together, giving you a tangy, refreshing bite.
This bean salad is great, but it’s even better alongside stuffed tomatoes for a satisfying summer meal.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish.
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Easy bean salad
Make it simple
Green bean salad with lemon and dill
Go Tex-Mex
Black bean and corn salad
Mediterranean quinoa salad
When I’m crave a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing, Mediterranean quinoa salad is on my list. This salad is a vibrant mix of fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that can stands on its own but also pairs beautifully with the rich taste of stuffed tomatoes. Pop the tomatoes on top of the salad for a nice presentation.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a nutritious, flavorful bowl that satisfies.
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Mediterranean quinoa salad
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Classic quinoa tabbouleh
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What To Serve With Stuffed Tomatoes [15 Ideas]
Ingredients
- 1 portion crispy focaccia bread
- 1 portion grilled lamb chops
- 1 portion bacon-wrapped filet mignon
- 1 portion tossed green salad
- 1 portion air fryer chicken tenders
- 1 portion chicken piccata … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your stuffed tomatoes according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: crispy focaccia bread, cod piccata, sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, grilled lamb chops, tzatziki sauce, spanish-style fried eggs, air fryer chicken tenders, honey balsamic pork chops, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, tossed green salad, easy bean salad, thai peanut quinoa salad, brussels sprouts casserole, italian green beans, and miso-glazed roasted root vegetables.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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