what goes well with lobster ravioli

Tantalizing Side Dishes to Perfectly Pair with Lobster Ravioli

Lobster ravioli is a luxurious, decadent pasta dish that deserves equally delicious accompaniments. The sweet lobster filling wrapped in tender pasta is incredibly rich, so it’s ideal to enjoy it with lighter, brighter sides to create balance. In this article, I’ll share my favorite side dish ideas to serve with lobster ravioli.

Lobster ravioli makes a fantastic special occasion meal By choosing complementary sides, you can turn it into a restaurant-worthy dinner at home. I’ll provide tips on flavors, textures, colors, and cooking methods that work harmoniously with lobster ravioli Keep reading for tantalizing recipe suggestions!

Crisp Fresh Vegetables

Since lobster ravioli is such a rich, heavy dish, I love to serve it with fresh, crisp vegetables. Their brightness balances the decadence perfectly. Some of my favorite options include:

• Grilled zucchini – Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/4 inch planks, brush with olive oil, and grill 2-3 minutes per side.

• Sautéed spinach – Sauté garlic in olive oil, then wilt fresh spinach leaves just until they turn vibrant green.

• Asparagus Almondine – Blanch or grill asparagus spears, then toss with toasted almonds and lemon.

• Roasted cherry tomatoes – Roast halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs.

• Oven-roasted broccolini – Toss broccolini florets with olive oil and roast at 400°F until caramelized and crispy.

These easy vegetable dishes provide flavor and nutrition, while contrasting nicely with the rich pasta. Grilling, roasting, and sautéing techniques add even more depth.

Savory Sauces and Herb Drizzles

For more flavor, I suggest serving lobster ravioli with a savory sauce or herb-infused oil. Options like chimichurri, pesto, brown butter, or lemon-caper sauce complement the seafood beautifully.

Or simply finish the dish with a drizzle of good olive oil and sprinkle of fresh herbs. Chives, basil, parsley, tarragon, and dill are all suitable herbs to use. This lets the lobster flavor shine.

Earthy Mushroom Dishes

Mushrooms pair impeccably with seafood, including in lobster ravioli side dishes. Their earthiness grounds the sweet lobster meat. Try serving your ravioli with:

• Sautéed mushrooms – Cook sliced mushrooms in butter or olive oil with garlic and herbs.

• Mushroom ragù – Sauté an assortment of mushrooms with tomato, white wine and herbs for a hearty sauce.

• Stuffed mushrooms – Fill large mushroom caps with cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs and bake until tender.

Mushrooms offer great texture and savory-sweet flavors that complement lobster flawlessly.

Green Salads with Lemon Dressing

A refreshing green salad balanced with lemon is another excellent option alongside lobster ravioli. The lemon brightness cuts through the pasta’s richness nicely. Make a simple vinaigrette with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Some salad ideas:

• Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan
• Butter lettuce with avocado and grape tomatoes
• Spinach with red onion, bacon and hard-boiled egg
• Mixed greens with cucumber, radish and lemon-herb dressing

The possibilities are endless for easy, appetizing salads!

Roasting Brings Out Deep Flavor

Roasting vegetables is one of my favorite ways to add deep, caramelized flavor. Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, squash and broccoli all shine when tossed in olive oil and roasted. Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts offer a sweet tanginess that pairs perfectly with lobster ravioli’s richness.

Other Tantalizing Sides to Consider

• Garlic bread or focaccia – great for dipping in any sauce
• Polenta fries or cakes – crisp exterior with creamy interior
• Honey-glazed carrots or parsnips
• Scalloped or au gratin potatoes – luscious cheese and cream
• Pesto roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Crusty bread for dipping in sauce

With so many options, you can serve lobster ravioli multiple times without repeating sides! I recommend choosing one vegetarian dish and one salad or bread when planning your menu. Play with textures, colors and flavors to make the lobster ravioli shine as the star of your meal.

Lobster Ravioli Recipe Ideas

Here are a few of my favorite recipes for indulgent, homemade lobster ravioli:

• Lobster Ravioli with Browned Butter and Tarragon – Rich, nutty browned butter is drizzled over large ravioli pillows filled with creamy lobster. Fresh tarragon adds lovely anise undertones.

• Fire-Roasted Lobster Ravioli – Smoky fire-roasted tomatoes and peppers flavor the chunky lobster filling. Fried capers and Calabrian chili oil provide a spicy, briny kick.

• Lobster Ravioli in Vodka Sauce – Plump ravioli swim in a silky tomato vodka cream sauce infused with cinnamon, bay leaf and red pepper flakes.

• Black Truffle Lobster Ravioli – Shavings of decadent black truffle take these ravioli over the top. Sauce with brown butter or champagne cream.