What to Serve With Lentil Soup (20 Best Side Dishes)

Lentil soup is a popular dish in kitchens around the world, known for its comforting warmth and versatility. It’s a perfect fit for any meal, whether on a chilly evening or during a light summer dinner.

This one-pot main dish seamlessly blends into various dining scenarios. But what truly turns this humble soup into a satisfying main course are the tasty side dishes that accompany it.

Whether you need your side dish to be gluten-free or plant-based, this curated list of my favorite side dishes to serve with lentil soup has the perfect side dish for every guest.

Some side dishes enhance the taste of your favorite lentil soup, while others provide a delightful contrast. From the crispness of simple green salads to the comfort of crusty bread, I choose easy sides to suit a variety of tastes and occasions.

Whether you’re hosting a soup party or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, these side dishes are guaranteed to elevate your lentil soup from a mere meal to a culinary adventure.

So, without further ado, let’s explore 20 delicious side dishes to serve with lentil soup.

1. Simple green salad

A simple green salad is a popular lentil soup accompaniment, and for good reason. The beauty of pairing a green salad with lentil soup lies in the balance of flavors and textures that these two dishes bring to the table.

Lentil soup is packed with earthy flavors and tender lentils that create a satisfying depth.

In contrast, a simple side salad offers a crisp, refreshing counterpoint. The lightness of the greens, perhaps with a mix of lettuce, spinach, and arugula, adds a bright and slightly peppery note.

Dress your salad lightly with a simple vinaigrette—try a blend of olive oil, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, and a hint of garlic. Or amp things up with a simple Caesar salad dressing.

Tailor the salad to include seasonal vegetables or a sprinkle of your favorite seeds or nuts and make it a delightful addition to the meal.

We love: Liz’s Bistro Salad (by Pinch of Yum)

2. Pull-apart garlic bread

Pull-apart bread and crispy garlic bread are both fine side dishes for any soup. But, combining the two into a cheesy pull-apart garlic bread, instantly levels up your bread game.

The soft, fluffy layers of pull-apart bread, often infused with flavors like garlic, herbs, and cheese, complement the deep, savory notes of lentil soup. The bread’s light and airy texture contrasts with the soup’s richness, making for a satisfying mouthfeel.

Pulling apart the bread and dipping it into the soup brings a playful and communal aspect to dining. Its shared nature encourages interaction, making it an excellent choice for family meals or casual gatherings.

We seriously love: Pull-Apart Garlic Bread (by Ahead of Thyme)

3. Grilled cheese sandwich

Pairing a grilled cheese sandwich with lentil soup creates a comfort food duo that is hard to resist.

The crispy, golden exterior of the sandwich complements the robust, earthy flavors of the soup. Its gooey, melted cheese and buttery bread add a rich and comforting layer to the meal.

Dipping the sandwich into the soup enhances flavors and adds a playful, interactive element to dining.

The versatility of the humble grilled cheese sandwich allows for customization. Try it with different cheeses, like classic cheddar or a more piquant pepper jack. And, for an extra dimension, add sweet caramelized onions, slices of tomato, or even a sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes.

My favourite: The BEST Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich (by Walder Wellness)

4. Baked sweet potato

Baked sweet potato is another great option to serve with lentil soup, offering a sweet and savory balance.

While lentil soup typically offers a complex blend of spices and lentils, the sweet potato brings a mellow sweetness that pairs well with the rich, earthy flavors of the soup. It pairs especially well with spicy lentil curry soup made with red lentils!

Baked sweet potato side dishes also provide versatility. Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground cumin to align more closely with the soup’s flavors. And a dollop of sour cream adds lusciousness and a slightly acidic counterpart.

Learn more: How to Bake Sweet Potatoes (by Eating on a Dime)

5. Roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables make a great side dish to any soup, offering a burst of flavor and rustic charm.

The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables, making them a perfect match for the hearty soup.

Try a colorful medley of carrots, red pepper, zucchini, butternut squash, and yellow onion. The caramelized texture of the roasted vegetables contrasts nicely with the soft lentils, creating an inviting and appetizing combination.

We love: Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables (by The Roasted Root)

6. Jalapeño cornbread muffins

Jalapeño cornbread muffins offer a spicy and savory side that pairs wonderfully with lentil soup. This combination brings a playful kick to the table, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of heat with their meals.

The mild heat and bright flavor of jalapeños in the cornbread muffins cut through the richness of the lentil soup. And, the soft, moist texture of the muffins contrasts well with the soup’s consistency, making every bite interesting and flavorful.

Customize the muffins to suit your heat preference—add more or fewer jalapeños, or even include cheese for an added layer of flavor.

We love: Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins (by Southern Discourse)

7. Greek salad

Classic Greek salad, with its fresh and tangy flavors, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm and hearty lentil soup.

The crispness of cucumbers, the juiciness of diced tomatoes, the sharpness of red onion, and the tang of feta cheese in the Greek salad offer a cool and crisp contrast to the warm soup. And, the salad’s acidity and freshness lighten the meal.

Greek salad also adds a colorful and visually appealing aspect to the meal, making it perfect for gatherings where you want to impress with both taste and presentation.

We love: Best Greek Salad (by Downshiftology)

8. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another perfect side dish that pairs beautifully with lentil soup, offering a creamy and comforting texture. This combination is perfect for those seeking a hearty and fulfilling meal.

The smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are a delightful contrast to the textured lentil soup. Serve the mashed potatoes on the side. Or use them as a base for the lentil soup, creating a rich and indulgent combination.

For added flavor, consider incorporating roasted garlic or herbs into the mashed potatoes. This not only enhances their taste but also complements the flavors in the lentil soup.

We love: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (by Fox and Briar)

9. Cilantro lime brown rice

Cilantro lime rice is a vibrant and tasty side that pairs exceptionally well with lentil soup.

The bright, citrusy lime and fresh cilantro in the rice offer a refreshing contrast to the soup’s earthy, savory tones. And, its fluffy and light texture provides a pleasing contrast to the denser soup, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Additionally, the colorful appearance of the cilantro rice, with specks of fresh green herbs, enhances the visual appeal of the meal.

We love: Cilantro Lime Brown Rice (by Stress Baking)

10. Dinner rolls

Dinner rolls are a classic and comforting choice to serve with lentil soup. They provide a soft, fluffy texture that is perfect for soaking up the soup’s flavors.

The mild taste of dinner rolls complements the robustness of the lentil soup without competing with it.

Opt for store-bought dinner rolls for a quick and easy side dish and serve it with garlic butter for a homemade touch.

We love the buttery goodness of: Brioche Dinner Rolls (by Broma Bakery)

11. Turmeric lemon rice

Golden turmeric lemon rice is a fragrant and tangy side that beautifully complements lentil soup.

The aromatic turmeric and refreshing lemon zest add a vibrant flavor, elevating the humble soup. And, its fluffy, light texture contrasts pleasingly with the heartiness of the soup, creating a delightful eating experience.

Lemon rice isn’t just a side dish; it’s a flavor enhancer that brings a citrusy zest to the meal.

We love: Indian Lemon Rice (by Feasting At Home)

12. Pita bread

Pita bread, with its soft yet slightly chewy texture, is a wonderful addition to lentil soup, especially if you have a Middle Eastern-style lentil soup recipe.

The mild flavor of pita bread ensures that it does not overpower the soup but rather complements its rich and hearty character.

For an added dimension of flavor, you could lightly toast the pita bread and rub it with a garlic clove or brush it with olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar for a subtle enhancement that pairs beautifully with the lentil soup.

We love: Pita Bread Recipe (Oven or Stovetop) (by NatashasKitchen.com)

13. Sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are a great side dish choice for lentil soup, offering a balance of sweet and savory. As with baked sweet potato, the natural sweetness of the fries pairs perfectly with the earthy flavors of the soup.

When baked or fried to a crispy texture, these fries add a pleasant crunch, contrasting with the soup’s softer consistency.

And, the vibrant orange color of the sweet potato fries adds a visually appealing element to the meal, complementing the more subdued hues of lentil soup.

We love: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (by The Hearty Life)

14. Spaghetti squash

Spaghetti squash can be a light, nutritious side that pairs well with lentil soup, offering a gluten-free option.

Its tender, spaghetti-like strands provide a fun texture and subtle sweetness, contrasting nicely with the rich soup. And, the squash’s mildly sweet and nutty flavor complements the soup’s robust taste.

Season the versatile side dish simply or enhance it with garlic, herbs, or cheese. You can even go all out and add your choice of protein for a more substantial side dish.

We love: Garlic Butter Chicken Meatball Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. (by Half Baked Harvest)

15. Sautéed green beans

Sautéed green beans are a fresh and vibrant side dish that pairs well with lentil soup.

Their crisp texture and slightly caramelized flavor when sautéed offer a delightful contrast to the soft, rich lentils. The green beans’ freshness lightens the meal, cutting through the soup’s density.

Flavor them simply with garlic and olive oil or enhance the vegetable side dish with herbs, spices, lemon juice, or toasted almond slivers to complement the soup.

We love: Sautéed Green Beans with French Onions (by Eatwell101)

16. Mushroom pilaf

Mushroom pilaf is a rich and earthy side dish that pairs really well with lentil soup.

Succulent mushrooms add an umami dimension, complementing the earthy lentils. The grains, whether rice or barley, absorb the mushroom flavors, making the pilaf both flavorful and satisfying. Its tender texture contrasts well with the heartier soup, offering a pleasing mouthfeel variation.

Tailor your mushroom pilaf recipe to the soup’s seasonings with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Further enhance the delicious side dish with white wine or Parmesan cheese for added depth.

We love: Easy Mushroom Rice Pilaf (by Erren’s Kitchen)

17. Baked potatoes

Baked potatoes are a classic, hearty side that pairs well with lentil soup to create a comforting meal.

Their fluffy interior and crispy skin offer a pleasing textural contrast to a chunky soup. Simple yet comforting, baked potatoes act as a neutral base, allowing the soup’s flavors to stand out.

In terms of flavor, baked potatoes are a blank canvas. Toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, or shredded cheese not only enhance the taste of the potato but also meld well with the soup’s flavor profile.

For a more adventurous twist, experiment with toppings like caramelized onions, bacon bits, or a sprinkle of paprika.

We love: Best Baked Potato Recipe (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

18. Green lentil salad

Green lentil salad is an excellent choice for pairing with lentil soup, offering a refreshing texture and flavor.

This crunchy salad, with cooked green lentils, crisp vegetables, and a light dressing, contrasts nicely with the soup’s creamy consistency. Earthy lentils harmonize with the soup, while fresh ingredients like cucumbers, diced tomatoes, or fresh herbs add a new dimension. For a French twist, consider using Puy lentils.

This tasty side salad also brings vibrant visual appeal to the table, perfect for a light yet satisfying accompaniment to lentil soup.

We love: The BEST Lentil Salad Recipe! (by Gimme Some Oven)

19. Naan bread

Naan bread is a great addition to a lentil soup meal, offering a soft, slightly chewy texture that pairs well with the soup’s rich flavors.

This traditional Indian bread, with its slight char and buttery softness, is perfect for scooping up the soup. Its mild flavor complements without competing, allowing the soup’s hearty qualities to shine.

Serving naan bread introduces a touch of Indian cuisine, making it an excellent choice for curried or spiced lentil soup.

Tried and tested: Naan Bread (The Best Recipe!) (by Rasa Malaysia)

20. Potato salad

Potato salad is a comforting side dish that goes well with lentil soup to create a balanced meal.

The cool, creamy texture of the salad mixed with tangy mayonnaise, mustard, and fresh herbs, contrasts nicely with the warm, savory soup. Tanginess and crunch from ingredients like onions or celery in the salad add extra flavor and texture.

This combination is ideal for a fulfilling meal, perfect for family gatherings or casual dining, with contrasting temperatures and textures enhancing the eating experience.

We love: Ina Garten’s Potato Salad (by Insanely Good Recipes)

Each of the best sides brings flavor and texture to the table, making your lentil soup meal not just a dish, but a well-rounded dining experience.

Whether you’re looking for something rustic, spicy, refreshing, or comforting, these tasty side dishes are sure to enhance your lentil soup in the most delightful ways.