Salads can be a great option for a healthy and delicious dinner. It is full of nutrition and versatile.
However, salads alone may not suffice for a hearty meal. Serving a salad as a side dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. So, what to serve with salad for dinner?
The right-side dish can turn your salad from a light meal to a more substantial, satisfying one. This perfect side dish help in adding flavor and texture and filling out your meal.
Here are amazing side dishes that will take your salad to the next level and make your dinner complete!
These sides are easy as well as delicious in taste and will definitely blow your mind. So, let’s dig in.
15 Best Sides to serve with salad for dinner
1. Grilled Chicken or Shrimp Skewers
Adding some grilled protein to your salad is a great way to make it more filling and satisfying.
You can use chicken, shrimp, or any other favorite protein on a skewer and grill them up for a delicious addition to your salad.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting veggies is an easy way to incorporate some additional flavor and nutrients into your salad.
Some great options include roasted sweet potato, beets, brussels sprouts, or broccoli. Simply toss with some olive oil and seasonings and roast in the oven until tender.
3. Garlic Bread
A classic side dish for any Italian-style salad, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
You can make your own homemade garlic bread or pick up a loaf from your favorite bakery.
4. Soup
A little warm bowl of soup can be a decent complement to a cold salad, especially during chilly weather.
Try a veggie-packed soup like minestrone or tomato soup to get in some extra nutrients.
Discover More: 29 Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Vegetable Soup
5. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast isn’t just for breakfast! You can serve this delicious and filling side with your salad to add some healthy fats and flavor.
Try mashing up your avocado with some lemon juice, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
6. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a great option for a healthy and filling side dish that complements any salad.
You can make a big batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge to have on hand all week.
7. Hummus and Pita
Hummus and pita are tasty and filling side dish that adds some protein and fiber to your meal.
You can make your own hummus or pick up a container from the store.
8. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are an ideal classic side dish that complements any salad.
You can make them extra flavorful by tossing them with some rosemary, garlic, and olive oil before roasting.
9. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish, but they also pair well with salads. They’re a great source of fiber and protein and can add some sweetness to your meal.
Explore More: 39 Side Dishes to serve with Potato Salad and Baked Beans
10. Tuna or Egg Salad
Tuna or egg salad can be a filling and delicious side dish that complements a green salad.
You can make your own homemade version of these classic salads or pick up a container from the store.
11. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an absolute source of vitamins and minerals, and they go well with any type of salad. They can be baked ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut sweet potatoes into thin wedges, and sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a perfectly classic side dish that can also be a meal on its own. Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and grated parmesan.
You include grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
13. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is an Italian salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s a refreshing side dish that pairs well with any salad.
Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and arrange them on a plate. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.
Learn More: 29 Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
14. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an ideal classic side dish that can be served with any salad. They’re creamy and buttery, and they pair well with grilled meat or fish.
Boil potatoes until tender, mash them with a potato masher, and add butter, milk, salt, and minced garlic. Whip until smooth.
15. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that can be served with any salad.
Chop broccoli into small pieces and mix with chopped bacon, raisins, chopped onions, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
What are the best flavors to go with a salad for dinner?
When it comes to choosing the best flavors for a salad for dinner, there are numerous options to consider.
For starters, some of the most popular flavor combinations include adding fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil, as well as citrus elements like orange or lemon juice.
Additionally, incorporating sweet and savory elements such as honey-roasted nuts or dried fruit can provide added dimensions of flavor.
Furthermore, adding a variety of vegetables can also add texture and flavor to a salad; raw vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives and carrots all make excellent additions.
In terms of dressings, vinaigrettes made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey are always popular choices that can be varied with different herbs or spices for an extra flavorful kick.
For those looking for something creamier in texture, a creamy Caesar dressing with garlic, Parmesan cheese and anchovies is sure to please.
Finally, topping your salad off with a sprinkle of feta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese is sure to give it an extra zing.
Overall, when it comes to assembling the perfect salad for dinner, there is plenty of room for creativity and experimenting with different flavors.
By combining various ingredients together, you can create an endless array of tasty salads that will satisfy your appetite no matter what the occasion!
Find Out More: Creative and Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Your Chicken Salad for Lunch
How do you jazz up a salad for dinner?
Jazzing up a salad for dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by selecting colorful, fresh ingredients, like tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers.
For additional flavor and texture, try adding some nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
If you want a bit of crunch, consider adding croutons or crispy bacon bits.
You could also sprinkle on cheese for an extra boost of flavor.
For added nutrition and complexity of taste, consider adding fruit to your salad as well.
Apples, pears or oranges can add a hint of sweetness while mixing in more colors to your dish.
If you like a bit of heat and spice, try sprinkling on red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce.
Finally, the dressing is key for jazzing up your salad! Experiment with different flavors, such as classic vinaigrette or tangy balsamic vinegar, for a touch of sweetness.
Or, if you would rather make something from scratch, mix together olive oil and lemon juice with herbs like thyme or oregano for an easy homemade dressing!
How do you display salad for dinner on a platter?
Serving salad for dinner on a platter is quite simple. Begin by arranging romaine lettuce, spinach, or other leafy greens in an artful circle at the center of the platter.
Then, add colorful vegetables such as chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and roasted beets.
To give the salad some crunch, sprinkle some toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds around the perimeter of the greens.
For extra flavor and visual impact, scatter slivered almonds or pine nuts over the top. For protein and texture, top off with marinated tofu cubes or crumbled feta cheese.
Finally, drizzle your favorite homemade vinaigrette or salad dressing over all ingredients for a delicious finishing touch.
Learn More: 37 Best salad to serve with beef tenderloin with Salad Dressings
Wrap Up on what to serve with salad for dinner
There you have it, quick and amazing dishes to serve with your salad for dinner.
Whether you’re looking for something warm, cold, or grilled, these side dishes will complement your salad perfectly. They’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
So next time you’re wondering what to serve with your salad for dinner, try one of these delicious side dishes.
FAQs
How much salad for dinner per person?
For dinner, each person should have at least a half cup of salad.
Eating a larger portion of salad is beneficial because it is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals.
Salads contain nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, and folate that help support bone health and a healthy immune system.
Additionally, salads are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep you fuller for longer and can aid with digestion.
Eating a salad is also a great way to get your daily intake of fruits and vegetables without having to consume more calories than necessary.
What meat goes with salad for dinner?
Salads are a popular and versatile dinner choice, as they can be customized to suit virtually any dietary preference.
For an added protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, tuna, or salmon to your salad. These proteins provide essential nutrients and add a delicious flavor complement to the greens.
If you’re looking for a lighter option that still packs a punch of flavor, try topping your salad with nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Cheese is also a great way to add extra protein and flavor to your salad – feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella all work well.
For those looking for plant-based proteins, adding legumes such as chickpeas or lentils can help fill you up without weighing you down.
Finally, notwithstanding what other ingredients you choose to add to your salad, don’t forget the dressing!
A flavorful vinaigrette or creamy yogurt-based dressing will bring the entire dish together.
How do you serve salad at a formal dinner?
When it comes to serving salad at a formal dinner, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, presentation is everything! You want your salad to look just as beautiful as it tastes.
Start by choosing the perfect salad bowl – something elegant and understated that won’t detract from the dish itself.
Next comes pairing with salad: consider what flavors will complement each other best, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
A classic Caesar salad pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine, while an arugula and beetroot salad might call for something more robust like a Cabernet Sauvignon.
And, of course, when it’s time to serve the dish itself, remember that timing is crucial!
Wait until all guests have been seated before bringing out the salads – this ensures everyone can enjoy their meal together without feeling rushed or left behind.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to impress even the most discerning dinner guests with your impeccable taste and style!
What meal should you eat with salad?
When it comes to choosing the right meal for a salad, one thing is certain – you can never go wrong with a fresh and crispy Caesar salad!
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner option, this classic dish packs in all the essential nutrients your body needs to stay energized throughout the day.
With crunchy romaine lettuce, savory croutons, tangy Parmesan cheese shavings, and protein-packed chicken strips as its key ingredients, this flavorful salad will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Plus, if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake or maintain a healthy diet plan, opting for a Caesar salad is always an excellent choice.
So, go ahead and indulge in this deliciously satisfying meal today – your body will thank you later!
