Caesar salad is ideally one of the most popular salads around the world. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Whether you’re having a family dinner or hosting a party, Caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
However, choosing the right side dishes to serve with your Caesar salad can be quite tricky. You don’t want to overrule the delicious taste of the salad. But you also want to make sure you have a well-rounded meal.
So, what to serve with Caesar salad? As a seasoned cook, I have tried and tested numerous side dishes that complement this classic salad.
In this post, I will walk you through some of the best side dishes to serve with Caesar salad to make your meal more flavorful and satisfying.
What is caesar salad? What does caesar salad taste like?
Caesar salad is a classic Italian dish that consists of romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing made with olive oil, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and eggs.
The traditional way to prepare the dish is to chop the lettuce into small pieces and mix it with the other ingredients.
The dressing has a salty flavor from the anchovies and Parmesan cheese, but when combined with the other ingredients creates a creamy texture.
The taste of Caesar salad can vary depending on how it’s prepared, but the main ingredient will always be romaine lettuce which gives it a crunchy texture.
After that, you can choose whether you want to add croutons for extra crunch or even bacon bits for some extra flavor.
The dressing also adds quite a lot of flavor as it contains anchovies which have a strong and salty taste, but when mixed with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and mustard, it creates a balanced flavor that tops off this delicious salad.
13 Best Sides to Serve with Caesar Salad
1. Garlic Bread
There is nothing like warm, freshly-baked garlic bread to pair with a Caesar salad.
The buttery, garlicky goodness of the bread complements the tanginess of the dressing perfectly. Plus, it is quick and easy to make.
Simply slice a French baguette, slather it with garlic butter, and bake it in the cookstove until golden brown. Your guests will be begging for seconds!
2. Grilled Chicken
If you want to add some protein to your meal, grilled chicken is the way to go.
The smoky flavor of the chicken pairs well with the zesty dressing, and the added protein will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Marinate the chicken in an ideal mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, and grill it to perfection. Serve it sliced on top of the salad or on the side.
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3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal, and they pair particularly well with Caesar salad.
The sweetness of the vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets, adds a nice contrast to the sourness of the dressing.
Fry the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the cookstove until golden and tender. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
4. Quinoa Salad
If you want a lighter side dish, consider serving a quinoa salad alongside your Caesar salad.
Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture to the meal.
Mix together cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette. Garnish with perfect herbs, such as parsley or basil, and serve chilled.
5. Grilled Corn
Grilled corn on the cob is an ideal summer side dish to serve with Caesar salad. The sweetness of the corn complements the dressing, and the charred, smoky flavor adds depth to the meal.
Simply brush the corn with butter and pinch it with salt and pepper, and grill it until it is tender and slightly charred.
6. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is another versatile side dish that can be served with Caesar salad. You can create your favorite pasta salad recipe or buy a ready-made one from the store.
It’s best to choose a pasta salad that has light dressing and complementary flavors such as tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
7. Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp is an excellent choice for seafood lovers. The succulent shrimp complements the crunchy lettuce and tangy dressing, adding some extra protein and flavor to your meal.
You can marinate the shrimp in garlic, lemon, and olive oil before grilling to enhance the taste.
Explore More: Best Sides to Serve with Shrimp Salad
8. Grilled Artichoke Hearts
Grilled artichoke hearts are a delicious and healthy side dish for Caesar salad. With their tender, smoky flavor, they are the perfect addition to any meal.
Simply brush artichoke hearts with olive oil and seasonings before grilling them over medium-high heat until lightly charred and crispy around the edges. Serve alongside your favorite Caesar salad for a delicious combination.
9. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a simple & easy side dish that pairs perfectly with Caesar salad.
Start by preheating your cookstove to 400 degrees Fahrenheit; after that, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Toss trimmed asparagus spears in olive oil, salt and pepper before collecting them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast in the preheated cookstove for 8-10 minutes or until tender but still crisp when spiked with a fork. Serve warm alongside your favorite Caesar salad for an unforgettable combination of flavors.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries make for a great accompaniment to Caesar salad due to their sweet yet savory taste that pairs perfectly with creamy dressings and crunchy lettuce leaves.
Start by cutting peeled sweet potatoes into thick slices before tossing them in oil and seasoning generously with salt and pepper (and other spices of choice).
Arrange on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil before roasting in preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown and crisp – about 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fries – then serve warm!
11. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are another classic side dish that goes well with salads like this one thanks to its subtle yet comforting flavor profile, which complements many ingredients found in these recipes, like croutons, Parmesan cheese and egg yolks, just to name a few!
To bake potatoes at home, start by preheating your cookstove to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; then lightly grease each potato’s skin before pricking it over several times using a fork (this helps release moisture during baking).
Bake in preheated cookstove until tender when pierced through the center – approximately 40 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes – then let cool slightly before serving alongside your favorite Caesar Salad recipe!
Discover More: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Twice-Baked Potatoes
12. Baked Chickpeas
If you’re looking for a crunchy, savory side dish to go with Caesar salad, then look no further than baked chickpeas!
Simply rinse and drain canned chickpeas before tossing them in olive oil and your favorite spices.
Spread in an even layer on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil before roasting in preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown and crisp – approximately 30-35 minutes, depending on desired texture.
Serve warm alongside your favorite Caesar salad recipe for a delicious combination of flavors!
13. Sautéed Mushrooms
For an earthy touch of flavor that pairs so well with creamy dressings like those found in Caesar salads, try sautéing mushrooms.
Start by heating a bit of tablespoon of olive oil & butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; then add sliced mushrooms and season with salt, pepper and other spices of choice before cooking until golden brown – about 5 minutes, depending on desired texture.
Serve warm alongside your favorite Caesar salad recipe for an unforgettable combination!
20 Ideas for Toppings to Make Your Caesar Salad Extra Special
1. Crispy Bacon Bits
2. Roasted Garlic
3. Toasted Sunflower Seeds
4. Crunchy Fried Onions
5. Chopped Hard Boiled Eggs
6. Shredded Parmesan Cheese
7. Croutons with Herbs and Spices
8. Caramelized Onions or Shallots
9. Freshly Grated Nutmeg
10. Halved Cherry Tomatoes
11. Toasted Pine Nuts
12. Chunks of Avocado or Guacamole
13. Sliced Olives with Garlic and Oregano
14. Artichoke Hearts in Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
15. Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
16. Roasted Red Peppers
17. Diced Feta Cheese
18. Sliced Apples and Celery
19. Dill Pickle Spears
20. Capers with Garlic and Parsley
What are the best flavors to go with caesar salad?
When it comes to Caesar salads, one of the best flavors to go with it is a combination of garlic and anchovies.
Garlic adds an earthy flavor that brings out the richness of the salad, while anchovies provide a salty kick and help to round out the flavors.
Additionally, adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can help to give your Caesar salad an extra burst of flavor.
For a little sweetness, consider adding some shaved parmesan cheese or croutons. Fresh lemon juice is also a great addition as it helps to brighten up all the flavors in the dish.
Finally, don’t forget to drizzle on some high-quality olive oil for maximum deliciousness!
Find Out More: What to Serve with Crab Salad
How do you jazz up Caesar salad?
There are many ways to jazz up a classic Caesar salad!
You can start by using a high-quality dressing made from olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and anchovies. Then, add crunchy croutons or toasted nuts for texture.
For extra flavor, try adding diced avocado, roasted bell peppers, grilled onions or garlic chips.
To make it truly gourmet, top with Parmesan shavings and freshly cracked black pepper.
Finally, you can also choose salmon or chicken as the main protein instead of traditional romaine lettuce. Enjoy!
How do you display Caesar salad on a platter?
To properly display a Caesar salad on a platter, begin by arranging the ingredients artfully.
Start by grating parmesan cheese over the top of the salad, followed by sliced anchovies, croutons, and garlic. The base of the salad should be made up of romaine lettuce that has been chopped into large pieces.
Mizzle with olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice before topping with the other ingredients.
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over it to give it a bit of spice. When presented this way, it creates an eye-catching dish that is sure to impress guests.
Learn More: Delicious Pairings to Serve with Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Wrap Up on what to serve with Caesar salad
Finding the perfect side dishes to serve with Caesar salad can be challenging, but with these options, you’ll have a well-rounded, filling, and flavorful meal.
Garlic bread, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pasta salad, and grilled shrimp are all excellent choices that will satisfy your taste buds while complementing the flavors of the salad.
With these side dishes, you’ll impress your guests and make your Caesar salad more enjoyable.
FAQs
How much caesar salad per person?
On average, it is recommended to serve around 2-3 ounces of caesar salad per person.
This amount is based on the typical serving size of a side dish and allows guests to enjoy the classic flavor of the Caesar salad without feeling overstuffed.
For a heartier portion or if you are including other items in the meal, it may be wise to increase the amount of Caesar, salad per person to 3-4 ounces.
If you would like to be even more generous with servings, 4-6 ounces may be an appropriate amount.
Regardless of how much Caesar salad you choose to serve your guests, combining fresh ingredients and top-quality dressings will ensure everyone enjoys their meal.
What protein goes well with Caesar salad?
Grilled chicken is generally considered to be the best option for a protein to pair with caesar salad.
Not only does it add some great texture to the dish, but its mild flavor helps balance out the sharpness of the Caesar dressing.
Grilled chicken also has plenty of nutritional benefits, providing a good source of lean protein that can help fill you up and keep you feeling satisfied.
If you want to make your Caesar salad even more exciting, consider adding other proteins like shrimp, bacon bits, or even black beans.
What meat goes well with caesar salad?
A classic choice for caesar salad is grilled chicken. This protein adds a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing and crunchy croutons.
Additionally, grilled salmon can be a great addition to Caesar salad as it pairs nicely with the acidic flavor of the dressing.
For a vegetarian option, you can add grilled tofu or tempeh strips for an added layer of texture and flavor.
Lastly, adding hard-boiled eggs is another popular option when it comes to topping off your salad.
Eggs provide a subtle flavor that balances out the sharpness of the dressing while also providing essential nutrients like protein and iron.
Notwithstanding which protein you choose, adding it to Caesar salad will make your dish more flavorful and complete!
