The Perfect Accompaniments for Veal Scallopini

Veal scallopini is a classic Italian dish that features tender, thinly-pounded veal cutlets cooked quickly in a skillet and bathed in a flavorful sauce. With its delicate yet rich flavors, veal scallopini deserves a worthy sidekick on the plate. The good news is that this versatile dish pairs well with an array of sides.

Complementing Flavors

When considering what goes good with veal scallopini, it helps to think about complementing the flavors in the dish Veal itself has a subtle, mild taste The lemon caper sauce provides a bright, tangy note. So sides that either echo the gentle flavor of the veal or provide contrast through acidity or richness make natural partners.

Starch: Soaking up the Sauce

One of the best parts of veal scallopini is the luscious sauce. You’ll want a side that can soak up every last drop. Pasta and potatoes are ideal choices. Cook pasta like linguini, spaghetti or fettuccine al dente. The noodles provide the perfect texture contrast to the tender veal. For extra richness, potatoes – mashed, roasted, or even fried – are an excellent match. The potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully. Rice or soft polenta also make fine accompaniments. And don’t forget crusty bread for dipping in that sauce!

Fresh Veggies

Though veal scallopini is rich fresh vegetables help balance the dish. Options like sautéed broccolini asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms all work well. They provide texture and bright flavors that offset the veal. A simple green salad is also a nice, light counterpoint. For heartier choices, oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or root vegetables like carrots and parsnips complement the veal.

Going Green

Vibrant green vegetables pair nicely with the pale veal and sauce. Choices like broccoli, green beans, asparagus, zucchini or spinach provide color contrast and freshness. Broccolini charred in the skillet or quickly blanched green beans and asparagus spears keep things bright. A fresh spinach salad with citrus dressing also livens up the plate.

Satisfying Beans and Grains

For a more filling, protein-packed meal, bean- or grain-based sides are ideal with veal scallopini. A three-bean salad with kidney, garbanzo and green beans provides texture and tangy flavors. Farro salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and basil makes a refreshing pairing. Or serve the veal over creamy polenta for pure comfort food. Hearty mushroom-farro risotto is wonderfully earthy alongside the veal.

Gratins and Casseroles

If you want to go all out with rich comfort food, cheesy gratins or casseroles complement veal scallopini wonderfully. Potatoes au gratin, a broccoli and cauliflower gratin, or a rich macaroni and cheese instantly say “indulgence”. For a lighter option, tomato orzo “risotto” has oven-roasted tomato flavor that matches the veal well. Or try laseragna-stuffed portobello mushrooms for a gluten-free twist.

Elegant Touches

Veal scallopini originated as an elegant Italian dish, so why not add fancy sides to impress dinner guests? Fondant potatoes have a refined aura but are easy to make. Pair them with glazed carrots for a gourmet feel. Asparagus with lemon parsley gremolata provides a bright, sophisticated note. Crab-stuffed mushrooms or shrimp scampi elevate the meal to restaurant quality.

Easy Additions

For speed and ease, quick-cooking vegetables require minimal prep. Broccoli florets, sliced zucchini or halved Brussels sprouts need just a quick roast in the oven. Sauteed spinach or kale cooks in minutes right in the skillet. Cherry tomatoes baked with a little olive oil and herbs provide a simple pop of flavor.

Salads for Balance

Fresh, light salads complement the richness of veal scallopini. An arugula salad with shaved Parmesan provides a peppery kick. A spinach salad with sweet oranges and slivered almonds makes a fruity-crunchy match. Kale salad with lemon dressing gives a tangy contrast. Greek salad with olives, tomatoes and creamy feta cheese marries well with the veal.

Seasonal Flavor

Take advantage of seasonal produce to highlight what’s fresh. In spring, choose asparagus, peas, and radishes. Summer screams tomatoes, corn and zucchini. Fall brings heartier choices like Brussels sprouts, squash and roasted root vegetables. During winter, lean on potatoes, spinach, kale and broccoli.

Simple is Best

At the end of the day, the veal scallopini stars on the plate. For many, the best accompaniments are simple ones like buttered spaghetti, a crisp green salad or a steaming baked potato. These no-fuss sides allow the delicious veal and sauce to take center stage.

With so many options, from starchy to bright, rich to light, the possibilities for pairing with veal scallopini are endless. Use seasonal ingredients and choose a side suited to the meal – casual family dinner, date night, or special occasion. With a well-matched side, this Italian classic becomes an effortless yet impressive dinner.