The Best Side Dishes to Serve with a Salad

ByJennifer Lucks

What Goes Well With a Salad?

Salads are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and proteins. But what do you put on a salad to make it really sing? The right combination of ingredients can take a basic salad to the next level, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to put on a salad, from classic combinations to more unexpected pairings. We’ll also provide tips on how to make your salads more interesting and nutritious. So whether you’re a salad novice or a seasoned pro, read on for some inspiration!

The Basics of a Great Salad

The foundation of any great salad is a variety of fresh, crisp vegetables. Greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula are a good place to start, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and peppers. If you’re looking for a heartier salad, add some protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or fish. And don’t forget the dressing! A good dressing can really make a salad sing, so take some time to find one that you love.

What Goes Well With A Salad?

| Ingredient | Description | Pairing |
|—|—|—|
| Protein | Provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. | Chicken, fish, tofu, beans, nuts, seeds |
| Fats | Help absorb vitamins and minerals, and keep you feeling full. | Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds |
| Vegetables | Provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. | Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peppers |
| Fruits | Add sweetness and nutrients. | Berries, apples, oranges, grapefruit |
| Dressing | Adds flavor and moisture. | Vinaigrette, ranch, balsamic, tahini |
| Croutons | Add crunch and texture. | Bread, crackers, nuts, seeds |

Main Ingredients of a Salad

A salad is a dish consisting of a mixture of raw or cooked vegetables, fruits, and sometimes meat, fish, or cheese. Salads are often served with a dressing, which can be made from a variety of ingredients, such as oil, vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt.

The main ingredients of a salad vary depending on the type of salad. However, most salads include some combination of the following ingredients:

  • Greens: Greens are the foundation of most salads. They provide a base for the other ingredients and add nutrients, flavor, and texture. Common greens for salads include lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale.
  • Vegetables: Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients to salads. They can be raw or cooked, and can include a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, and onions.
  • Fruits: Fruits add sweetness and flavor to salads. They can be fresh or dried, and can include a variety of fruits, such as apples, oranges, berries, and grapes.
  • Protein: Protein is an important part of a healthy diet, and can be added to salads in a variety of ways. Common sources of protein in salads include chicken, fish, tofu, and beans.
  • Dressing: Dressing is a flavorful addition to salads that helps to bring all of the ingredients together. Dressings can be made from a variety of ingredients, such as oil, vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt.

Types of Salads

There are many different types of salads, each with its own unique flavor and appeal. Some of the most popular types of salads include:

  • Green salads: Green salads are made with a variety of greens, such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale. They are often served with a light dressing, such as a vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing.
  • Fruit salads: Fruit salads are made with a variety of fruits, such as apples, oranges, berries, and grapes. They are often served with a sweet dressing, such as a honey-lime dressing or a yogurt-based dressing.
  • Pasta salads: Pasta salads are made with cooked pasta, vegetables, and protein. They are often served with a creamy dressing, such as a pesto dressing or a ranch dressing.
  • Protein salads: Protein salads are made with a variety of protein sources, such as chicken, fish, tofu, and beans. They are often served with a light dressing, such as a vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing.
  • Other types of salads: There are many other types of salads, such as grain salads, taco salads, and Caesar salads. These salads can be made with a variety of ingredients and dressings, and they offer a variety of flavors and textures.

Salads are a healthy and delicious way to add variety to your diet. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing salad or a hearty and satisfying salad, there is a type of salad that is perfect for you.

3. Pairing Salads with Other Dishes

Salads can be paired with a variety of other dishes, depending on your taste and preferences. Here are a few common pairings:

  • Salads as appetizers: Salads are a great way to start a meal, as they can be light and refreshing. Some popular salad appetizers include Caesar salad, Greek salad, and chopped salad.
  • Salads as side dishes: Salads can also be served as a side dish to a main course. This is a great way to add some healthy greens and vegetables to your meal. Some popular salad side dishes include garden salad, spinach salad, and mixed greens salad.
  • Salads as main dishes: Salads can also be served as the main course of a meal. This is a great option for a light and healthy meal. Some popular salad main dishes include grilled chicken salad, salmon salad, and tofu salad.

When pairing a salad with other dishes, it is important to consider the flavors and textures of the ingredients. For example, a light and refreshing salad would pair well with a grilled or roasted protein, while a more hearty salad would pair well with a warm and flavorful soup.

Here are a few tips for pairing salads with other dishes:

  • Consider the flavors of the ingredients. Make sure that the flavors of the salad and the other dish complement each other. For example, a sweet and tangy salad would pair well with a grilled chicken breast, while a more savory salad would pair well with a roasted salmon fillet.
  • Consider the textures of the ingredients. Make sure that the textures of the salad and the other dish are balanced. For example, a crunchy salad would pair well with a creamy soup, while a more tender salad would pair well with a grilled or roasted protein.
  • Consider the size of the salad. Make sure that the salad is the right size for the other dish. For example, a small salad would pair well with an appetizer, while a large salad would pair well with a main course.

By following these tips, you can create delicious and satisfying salads that pair perfectly with other dishes.

4. Tips for Making a Great Salad

Making a great salad doesn’t have to be difficult. Just follow these simple tips:

  • Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. The best salads are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. When choosing your ingredients, look for produce that is bright, crisp, and free of blemishes.
  • Balance the flavors and textures of your ingredients. A good salad should have a variety of flavors and textures, such as crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and protein. When choosing your ingredients, try to create a balance between sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.
  • Dress your salad lightly. The dressing is an important part of a salad, but it should be used sparingly. Too much dressing can overpower the other flavors of the salad.
  • Serve your salad immediately. A salad is best when it is fresh and crisp. If you are not going to eat your salad right away, store it in the refrigerator and dress it just before serving.

By following these tips, you can make a great salad that will be enjoyed by everyone.

Salads are a delicious and healthy way to add variety to your diet. They can be paired with a variety of other dishes, and they can be made to suit any taste. By following these tips, you can make a great salad that will be enjoyed by everyone.

What Goes Well With A Salad?

A: There are many different things that can go well with a salad, depending on your personal preferences and the type of salad you are making. Some common ingredients that pair well with salads include:

  • Proteins: Chicken, fish, tofu, beans, nuts, and seeds are all good sources of protein and can help to make a salad more filling.
  • Vegetables: Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, and onions are all classic salad ingredients. You can also add more unique vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or beets.
  • Fruits: Berries, apples, pears, and mangoes are all delicious additions to a salad. They add sweetness and flavor, and can help to balance out the more savory ingredients.
  • Dressings: The type of dressing you choose can make a big difference in the overall flavor of your salad. There are many different dressings to choose from, so you can find one that you enjoy and that complements the other ingredients in your salad.

Here are some specific examples of salads and the ingredients that go well with them:

  • A simple green salad: This type of salad typically includes leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. You can add protein with grilled chicken or tofu, and flavor with a vinaigrette dressing.
  • A fruit salad: This type of salad is made with fresh fruits, such as berries, apples, and pears. You can add nuts or seeds for protein, and flavor with a honey-lemon dressing.
  • A taco salad: This type of salad is made with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. You can add beans or corn for extra vegetables, and flavor with a taco seasoning dressing.
  • A Mediterranean salad: This type of salad is made with grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. You can add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein, and flavor with a lemon-herb dressing.

Ultimately, the best way to find out what goes well with a salad is to experiment! Try different combinations of ingredients and see what you like. You’re sure to find a few new favorites that you’ll enjoy adding to your salads.

there are many different things that can go well with a salad. Some of the most popular options include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and cheese. When choosing ingredients for your salad, it is important to consider your personal preferences and the overall flavor profile you are trying to achieve. With a little creativity, you can easily create a delicious and nutritious salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • Salads can be a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients.
  • When choosing ingredients for your salad, consider your personal preferences and the overall flavor profile you are trying to achieve.
  • There are many different ways to dress a salad, so experiment until you find a combination that you enjoy.
  • Salads can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.

Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.

In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.

Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.