Salad for a side dish, Try some salad greens and toss in some pignoli (pine) nuts and raisins, I prefer white. Use a good extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegars as the dressing.
If there is an italian bakery near you, pick up some cannolis for dessert or serve ice cream with biscotti.
If you think you need an appetizer, try cream of carrot or butternut squash soup. You can find it ready made in carton in the soup aisle of your market. Pacific is a good brand. Trader Joe's also has their own brand of these soups, if your near one.
Or pick up an 8 oz. package of Barilla Three cheese tortellini in the pasta aisle. Prepare following package directions. Heat 6-8 cups of low salt chicken broth, put tortellini in individual bowls and add the hot broth, serve. You can also add raw shredded spinach or arugula to the soup bowl before adding the hot soup.