This article was updated on the 22nd of August 2023 for clarity and to improve text readability.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your veal chops, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for veal chops.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with veal chops are mashed potatoes, risotto milanese, arugula salad, creamed spinach, and creamy mushrooms. Try braised red cabbage, corn salad, or grilled eggplant for healthier options. For a really indulgent side dish, go for grilled lobster tails.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Starches
Starchy sides are the perfect way to round out your veal chops. A creamy mash pairs well with the veal’s mildly sweet flavor, but if you’re craving something even more decadent, why not whip up a risotto?
Risotto Milanese
5.0 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 20 mins
Pair your veal chops with this Italian classic for a restaurant-quality meal. Risotto Milanese is traditionally made with beef stock, which gives it a deeper flavor. But another highlight ingredient in this is the saffron.
It’s the spice responsible for this risotto’s vibrant yellow color. Plus, it adds a sweet, floral flavor to the dish that goes well with the mild veal.
Prop your veal chops over a bed of gorgeous risotto Milanese for an Instagram-worthy plate.
What readers are saying…
“This is really tasty and super easy to make! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!”
“This was my first time making risotto and it turned out so creamy and delicious. I really love the touch that saffron gave this recipe.”
“We love risotto, and this recipe is delicious and really simple to make.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⌚ Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto
🌷 Spring Pea Risotto
🍂 Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 35 mins
We couldn’t make a list of side dishes for veal and not include mashed potatoes. It would be madness!
But this recipe isn’t your run-of-the-mill mashed spuds. They’re still oh-so-creamy and buttery, but the addition of horseradish brings a lightly fiery kick that prevents things from becoming too rich.
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of prepared horseradish to achieve this balance, but if you prefer a more prominent kick, feel free to add more to taste.
What readers are saying…
“Best mashed potatoes with a bite…”
“They were delicious. My husband loves horseradish!”
“Well, Hello! This potato recipe is magnificent! We loved it, and will be making it over and over again.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Mashed Cauliflower
🏃♀️ Air fryer Roast Potatoes
💃 Fondant Potatoes
Brown Butter Lemon Pasta
5.0 ⭐️ (15 ratings) | 25 mins
Want something more filling to go with your veal chops?
Try making this brown butter lemon pasta. It’s made with simple ingredients, but the combination of brown butter and lemon juice creates a vibrant, nutty sauce that tastes amazing with your veal chops’ mildly sweet flavor.
And if you find this too plain, no worries. You can add veggies like asparagus or mushrooms to add more substance and make it healthier.
What readers are saying…
“Made this tonight and very delicious. Used sage and parsley from the garden in sauce and doubled the cheese.”
“As always, a fabulous recipe. Easy to follow and so tasty!”
“This is fabulous. I brown butter often, but I don’t think I’ve done it for a simple pasta, but it makes perfect sense. Not sure I’d even need the lemon!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇮🇹 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
👌 Rosemary Browned Butter Spaghetti Squash
😇 Zoodles with Browned Butter
Tomato Couscous
5.0 ⭐️ ( 16 ratings) | 25 mins
If you’re searching for a light yet satisfying dish to serve with your veal chops, check out this tomato couscous.
Couscous is filling, but won’t weigh you down the same way pasta or rice does. And the tomato sauce turns this from a (dare I say it) boring side into something worthy of its place next to your veal.
Psst… This dish is tasty as is, but I like finishing it off with freshly chopped parsley and a dash of parmesan cheese to tie everything together.
What readers are saying…
“Made this for dinner last night and it has easily become a new family favorite! Even my picky eaters gobbled this up!”
“This is my all-time favorite couscous recipe! The jammy tomatoes just send my tastebuds soaring.”
“Couscous never tasted so good! Perfectly savory and delicious!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍋 Lemon Parmesan Couscous
⏲ Lemon Tahini Roasted Vegetable Couscous
🌞 Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Vegetables
Not in the mood for heavy, carb-loaded sides? Enjoy your veal chops with a side of vegetables. Not only do they add a pop of color to your plate, but they’re also packed with all the nutrients and vitamins you need for a complete meal.
Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
Total Time: 30 mins
Add fresh pops of red and green colors to your plate with these roasted asparagus and tomatoes.
This dish is super simple but packs a flavorful punch. The jammy tomatoes bring a sweet-acidic twist to the earthy asparagus spears. And if that’s not enough, the balsamic drizzle and parmesan cheese add a layer of salty and tangy goodness.
Enjoy these roasted asparagus and tomatoes with your veal chops for a light and nourishing meal.
What readers are saying…
“I love roasted asparagus and tomatoes and that balsamic glaze takes this dish to a whole new level!”
“Total summer deliciousness right here! Love the simplicity.”
“I have made this multiple times and it’s delish!!!! My 16-year-old daughter even loves it. I actually make more balsamic drizzle, because we love it so much.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥓 Garlic Parmesan Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
💨 Microwave Steamed Asparagus
🧀 Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Grilled Eggplant
4.6 ⭐️ (69 ratings) | 27 mins
Grilling your veal chops? Make some room and toss a couple of eggplant slices on the grill too.
Eggplants are a classic accompaniment to veal chops, and grilling gives them a delectable smokey flavor that will keep your guests coming back for more.
But that’s not all! This recipe soaks the eggplant slices in a garlic & herb marinade first before grilling, which adds a delightful savory kick.
Psst… You can drizzle leftovers of this herby marinade over your veal chops too.
What readers are saying…
“Made it, loved it, plan to make it again and again!”
“We had this last night-made lots for the week but everyone devoured it! delicious-will use this recipe often during grilling season.”
“This was outstanding!! It’s both flavorful and easy to make. It is now my new go-to recipe for eggplant.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
☀ Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant
🇮🇹 Eggplant Caponata
🤩 Baked Eggplant Fries
Creamed Spinach
4.4 ⭐️ (739 ratings) | 20 mins
Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish, but it also pairs nicely with veal chops.
The rich, creamy goodness from the sauce complements your veal’s mildly sweet flavor.
And have we talked about how easy it is to make? Most of the ingredients needed are pantry staples and everything comes together in one pot. But the best part is this recipe is keto-friendly, making it a good option if you’re on a low-carb diet.
What readers are saying…
“This was so quick to throw together. I used a lot of garlic and onion as recommended. The cheeses came together nicely… This is definitely a keeper.”
“I made it with just a little leftover bag of fresh spinach but cooked it like you said and WOW! I think it tastes better than I have had at fancy restaurants.”
“Great recipe, very easy to follow. I used less cream cheese just because that’s all I had. Turned out fine. It also warms up nicely as a leftover.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Dairy-free Creamed Spinach
🍄 Balsamic Spinach and Mushrooms
🥗 Pear and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Parsnip Puree
5.0 ⭐️ (38 ratings) | 50 mins
Take your veal chops to the next level by serving them over a bed of parsnip puree.
This dish is like your regular mashed spuds. It’s creamy and oh-so-decadent but with fewer calories and zero dairy. Instead, the recipe achieves its silky consistency with the help of boiled cauliflower, making this puree more nourishing.
Now that’s what I call win-win!
What readers are saying…
“Very tasty! I don’t like rosemary so subbed thyme, followed exactly otherwise.”
“I love mashed potatoes but this is more flavorful, not to mention, far more nutritious. I was amazed at the smooth texture.”
“This tastes like something you would eat at a fine dining restaurant. I am literally so impressed. We will be making this again!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😎 Honey-Roasted Parsnips and Carrots
🤩 Parsnip, Mushroom, and Leek Gratin
🍲 Roasted Parsnip Soup
Braised Red Cabbage
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
Take some inspiration from German cuisine and make braised red cabbage to go with your veal chops.
This classic dish involves slowly cooking down the cabbage and Granny Smith apples in vinegar and various aromatics. This results in a tender veggie side with a tart, lightly sweet flavor that’ll brighten your veal chops.
The only downside is this dish requires about an hour to cook, but the wait is worth it!
What readers are saying…
“I do not have any German relatives but have enjoyed it when I can find a nice German restaurant.”
“This is the easiest red cabbage recipe ever, I loved it, and brought back so many good memories of my Mom…“
Deliciously different alternatives…
😎 Sauteed cabbage
⏲ Roasted Balsamic Red Cabbage
🌞 Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw
Creamy Tuscan Mushrooms
5.0 ⭐️ (11 ratings) | 25 mins
Jazz up your veal chops by serving them alongside these rich and creamy Tuscan mushrooms.
Imagine scooping a heaping spoonful of the sauce over your veal chops – it’s heaven on a plate.
The sun-dried tomatoes and white wine are game-changers for this side dish, so I highly suggest picking them up if you don’t have them. They add a lovely acidity that ties this dish together.
What readers are saying…
“I just made this. It’s freaking phenomenal! I didn’t add the white wine so for acidity I did a splash of half a lemon, amazing. I also sliced the mushrooms just bc I like them like that.
“I don’t usually come back to rate recipes but this was AMAZING! I’ve never seen my husband eat so fast! The creaminess, the mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes are all my favs!”
“I did change the cream to coconut cream and used a mushroom broth instead of wine. Also adding in some shredded Asiago for extra flavor… “I will 100% make this again! “
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧅 Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
😇 Green Beans Mushroom Stir-fry
🧀 Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
Salads
Salads are another excellent accompaniment for veal chops. You can keep it light and simple with a bowl of leafy greens and your favorite vinaigrette. But if you find this too dull I’ve got lots of fun and tasty options for you.
Arugula Salad
4.5 ⭐️ (43 ratings) | 10 mins
This arugula salad is a fresh, no-frills side dish that will ensure your veal chops are the star of the show.
The combination of the peppery arugula, zesty lemon dressing, and nutty parmesan cheese is a great complement to the mild flavor of veal chops without overpowering them. It’s the perfect pair for a light, summer dinner.
Psst… serve the salad immediately to prevent the arugula from wilting.
What readers are saying…
“Loved this! It was light, easy, and flavorful.”
“I made this salad for the first time on July 4th and it was enjoyed by all. My husband liked it so much, he asked for it again with tonight’s dinner.”
“I made this and it is delicious. I am making again tomorrow for company.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍐 Rocket and Pear Salad
😋 Quinoa and Arugula Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Black Bean and Corn Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 20 mins
Planning to serve grilled veal chops at your next barbecue party? Don’t forget to include this black bean and corn salad in your spread.
It’s a vibrant and colorful Mexican-inspired salad that’ll take your veal chops from drab to fab! And it’s not just about looks either. The salad features a vibrant cilantro lime dressing that makes it addictive.
Psst… You can use frozen corn for this salad, but I like going the extra mile and grilling an ear or two of fresh corn. The grilled kernels add a smokiness that makes this salad even tastier.
What readers are saying…
“Great combination of veggies and easy to make.“
“Wonderful dressing, I cut the lime by a Tbs and added a bit of rice vinegar.”
“This was awesome as a side dish that I made but I had some left overs and used the left overs as a dip with the tortilla chips. I would use this as a dip as well.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇲🇽 Esquites
🥬 Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad
☀ Succotash
Warm Potato Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (10 ratings) | 35 mins
Think mashed potatoes are a bit predictable for a veal chop? Go for this warm potato salad.
Instead of a mayo-based dressing, this version uses a tangy vinaigrette to season the spuds. Plus, it also has crispy bacon bits, which add a tasty layer of savory goodness. Yum!
The key to this salad is to toss the potatoes in the dressing as soon as they’re cooked and let them sit for about 10 minutes to ensure they soak up all the flavors.
What readers are saying…
“Made the recipe according to directions. Simple and fast.”
“I love a good potato salad, especially with a summer BBQ! Love your recipe with the maple syrup and mustard.”
“This is so good! Makes you keep coming back for more! Love the touch of maple syrup in this and all of the other flavors!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Roasted Potato Salad
🥔 Baked Potato
😇 Cauliflower Salad
Surf-and-turf
Surf-and-turf usually pairs steak and shellfish, but veal chops work fabulously as well. Their mildly sweet flavor complements seafood like shrimp, scallops, and lobsters.
Lobster Tails
5.0 ⭐️ (99 ratings) | 30 mins
Hosting a surf and turf party? Lobster is an excellent “surf” for your grilled veal chops’ “turf.” Together they make for a very fancy meal, but it doesn’t hurt to splurge once in a while.
The great thing about lobster tails is they’re naturally delicious, so you don’t need to do much with them. In this recipe, you simply brush them with a lemon butter mixture, broil them for about 10 minutes, and you’re done. Easy as pie.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this recipe a few times and absolutely love it. Made it for my grown kids tonight and they were blown away!”
“I have made lobster tails many times but this recipe is the best. And not too high calorie because you don’t have to be swimming in butter like the other recipes.”
“I’ve made this recipe twice for special occasions and it has surpassed any other lobster recipes I’ve tried. The instructions are clear and it is easy and delicious.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Grilled Lobster Tails
💃 Lobster Thermidor
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
5.0 ⭐️ (45 ratings) | 26 mins
Are lobster tails too much for you? Shrimp kabobs are another surf and turf option.
The juicy shrimp and fresh vegetables are flavored with a yummy herby marinade. But you can use any marinade you want — a spicy one works well too.
And if you don’t eat shrimp – just make vegetable skewers!
These grilled shrimp kabobs only take six minutes to cook on the grill, making them ideal for a last-minute party side.
What readers are saying…
“I made this for my family and they just went crazy. It was soooooo good.”
“Perfectly seasoned summer meal! I added another bell pepper and more onion to keep my skewer pattern going.”
“This was a huge hit. So yummy I didn’t include any salt just increased the Italian seasoning.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇪🇸 Spanish Garlic Shrimp
🍅 Tuscan Shrimp
🍽 Seared Scallops
Read next: What To Eat With Veal Piccata
What To Serve With Veal Chops – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion roasted asparagus and tomatoes
- 1 portion risotto milanese
- 1 portion tomato-basil couscous
- 1 portion creamed spinach
- 1 portion warm potato salad
- 1 portion braised red cabbage … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your veal chops according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: roasted asparagus and tomatoes, risotto milanese, horseradish mashed potatoes, arugula salad, brown butter pappardelle, grilled lobster tails, tomato-basil couscous, grilled eggplant, creamed spinach, parsnip puree, braised red cabbage, black bean and corn salad, warm potato salad, creamy Tuscan mushrooms, and grilled shrimps kabobs.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!