It’s easy to think salads should step aside when the table starts filling up with big main dishes, but these 13 recipes prove that greens can stand their ground. Each one is ready to take on juicy roasts, robust stews, and whatever else comes out of the oven. If you’re tired of just pushing salad around your plate until the potatoes disappear, these options will change your routine.
Chef Jenn’s Warm German Potato Salad
Many gatherings could benefit from Chef Jenn’s Warm German Potato Salad, which uses tender potatoes mixed with crispy bacon and a tangy vinegar-based dressing. This dish often combines fresh herbs and red onions for added texture and flavor, creating a blend that pairs well with both classic and modern main dishes. Served warm, it brings a combination of heartiness and acidity that enhances various roasts or robust entrees on your table. You can rely on it to complement favorites without overwhelming other items on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Warm German Potato Salad
Italian Broccoli Salad
People searching for a vegetable-focused side might enjoy Italian Broccoli Salad, which features blanched broccoli tossed with ripe tomatoes, olives, and a simple vinaigrette. Bits of mozzarella and toasted pine nuts add more depth, allowing this salad to stand up well to grilled meats and saucy mains. Each ingredient brings its own natural taste without crowding out other dishes. This salad offers an accessible way to serve vegetables with confidence next to familiar favorites.
Get the Recipe: Italian Broccoli Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
An easy way to include protein is by serving Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad, combining shredded chicken with cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. The mix of flavors and textures ensures that it holds its presence next to hearty dishes, acting as a substantial side or light main course. You’ll find ingredients like celery, red onions, and herbs giving the dish freshness. This salad’s versatility appeals to a broad range of preferences, making it a dependable choice for mixed company.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Many people appreciate Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes for its combination of nutty grains and chunks of tuna, along with juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers. A light lemon or mustard-based dressing ties everything together without overpowering other items nearby. This salad provides a welcome contrast to rich main courses thanks to its freshness and firm bite. Its balanced flavors make it a frequent favorite when you need something substantial and bright on your table.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Classic Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing
Offering familiar yet distinctive notes, Classic Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing features cold noodles, colorful vegetables, and a bold, aromatic dressing. The slight sweetness and earthiness from sesame oil and soy sauce make it a standout, even among robust entrees. Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage contribute crunch and color. You’ll find its layers of taste make it a reliable dish to serve alongside richer or heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Classic Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing
White Bean Salad
Highlighting plant-based protein, White Bean Salad brings together tender beans, diced vegetables, fresh herbs, and a lemony dressing in each serving. It works well on a buffet table, able to pair easily with a variety of main courses. This salad is filling and substantial without being heavy, making it a smart companion to any roast or stew. The mix of flavors keeps the salad interesting enough to avoid being overlooked next to heartier plates.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Adapted from a popular street food, Mexican Street Corn Salad blends roasted corn, creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and a touch of spice for a bold side option. It combines sweetness, heat, and tanginess which allows it to hold its place even when presented beside richer, saucier main courses. Red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime add freshness and brightness. This salad proves you can have a dish that feels festive while still complementing a hearty spread.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Combining familiar flavors in a new format, Easy BLT Pasta Salad uses bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and pasta, all tossed in a creamy dressing for extra flavor. It manages to be both filling and refreshing, making it a reliable addition to many types of meals. The pairing of crisp vegetables and smoky bacon contrasts nicely with comforting main dishes. By echoing beloved sandwich elements, this salad easily holds its ground next to traditional entrees.
Get the Recipe: Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Classic Caprese Salad
For those who love simplicity, Classic Caprese Salad features thick slices of ripe tomatoes and mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil and topped with fresh basil. Its ingredients shine on their own while also acting as a cooling balance to heavier dishes. A sprinkle of sea salt and a touch of balsamic can enhance the flavor without making the salad feel fussy or over-complicated. This dish stands out thanks to both its straightforward approach and its ability to pair with nearly any main meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Bringing together seafood and grains, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp unites tender shrimp, orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta in each serving. A light olive oil and lemon dressing keeps the flavors bright and allows this salad to match up well to richer dishes. Crisp vegetables and briny olives lend crunch and saltiness without dominating the palate. This option is frequently chosen when a fresh yet substantial side is desired for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl
Combining savory and subtly sweet elements, Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl features seasoned salmon, roasted vegetables, and grains like quinoa or rice, all tied together with a mild dressing. Roasted pumpkin or squash adds depth without competing with more robust entrees. The gentle use of spice complements the salmon, making this bowl-style salad a worthy companion for other main dishes. This recipe offers a balanced plate that feels both comforting and complete for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl
Pesto Orzo Salad
Showcasing herbs and pasta, Pesto Orzo Salad brings together orzo, fresh basil pesto, tomatoes, and cheese such as feta or mozzarella. The fragrant, mild pesto provides a pleasing backdrop without overtaking the main flavors at your table. Tender pasta and crisp vegetables create a texture contrast that makes the dish stand out. This salad’s easy-to-enjoy profile allows it to act as a successful side for a variety of roasted or braised entrees.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Rich in plant-based protein, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad blends fluffy quinoa with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta, finished with a lemony olive oil dressing. This combination is filling enough to stand up to robust mains, making it a practical and appealing addition to any spread. With each bite, the mixture of textures and flavors keeps the salad from becoming boring. The ingredients harmonize well, ensuring it can be served confidently next to rich or saucy entrees.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad